Fierce fighting between Ukraine government troops and rebels is continuing. In the cities of Kramatorsk and Slovyansk up to a dozen militia are said to have been killed with several soldiers reportedly wounded since Tuesday.<br /><br />Meanwhile, the commander of pro-Russian forces in Donetsk has given Ukraine troops a 24-hour ultimatum to withdraw or face sustained attack.<br /><br />It comes after the Ukraine government held the first in a series of round-table discussions on decentralising power as part of a peace plan.<br /><br />Despite the absence of any of the separatist groups, who were not invited, the talks broke up with no sign of a breakthrough.<br /><br />But the government insists it will not put off plans to hold the presidential election on May 25.<br /><br />Some eastern regions have clearly stated they will not take part while others say the pro-Russian rebellion risks undermining the results.
