Separatist rebels in Donetsk have taken over the headquarters of regional television and ordered it to start broadcasting in Russian. <br /><br />It is the latest move by armed militants who have proclaimed an independent “people’s republic” within the city in east Ukraine.<br /><br />Around 400 demonstrators chanted “Russia! Russia!” and “ Referendum!” They want a vote like the one in Crimea that preceded Moscow’s annexation last month.<br /><br />Meanwhile in Slovyansk one of eight European observers being detained by separatists has been released for health reasons. The man is said to be a Swedish national.<br /><br />The other seven are still being held. They are in Ukraine to try to encourage compliance with the Geneva peace deal but the separatists seized them three days ago.<br /><br />Elsewhere in Kharkiv pro and anti-Russian protesters including Ukrainian football fans have clashed. ..<br /><br /> Police tried to keep the sides apart but several individuals wielding bats and flares attacked opponents leaving some badly injured.
