There are conflicting reports over the number of deaths in what Kyiv has called its “anti-terrorist” operation around the city of Slovyansk.<br /><br />A senior official in Kyiv said the operation has been suspended, at least partially, to re-organise, but also because of a heightened risk of Russia sending in troops.<br /><br />The self-styled Mayor of Slovyansk raged at an illegal checkpoint over the one death that could be confirmed, although there were earlier reports that up to seven pro-Russian gunmen had died as the Ukrainian army dismantled several illegal roadblocks around the city of 130,000 people.<br /><br />The early morning attack outside Slovyansk came as Ukrainian police said they had regained control of a government building in the port city of Mariupol and that the military had repulsed an attack on a military base in Artemovsk.<br /><br />A Ukrainian helicopter gunship was seen hovering over one checkpoint for some time, and the Ukrainian army units appeared well-armed and organised in what has been their most serious show of strength since the crisis began.
