Ukrainian special forces have launched air strikes in a bid to retake control of Donetsk airport, hours after it was seized by pro-Russian separatists.<br /><br />Monday’s rapid military response came as Ukraine’s newly elected president Petro Poroshenko rejected talks with the rebels, branding them bandits.<br /><br />Fierce fighting ensued and gunfire and explosions could be heard as thick black smoke rose near to the hub. <br /><br />The battle brought flights to a complete halt and there is speculation the rebels seized the airport intent on preventing Poroshenko from making a trip to the region, something he has promised to do. <br /><br />The launch of the anti-terrorist operation appears a defiant reply to Moscow which says it is ready for dialogue with <br />Poroshenko but called on Kyiv to scale back its armed forces in the east. <br /><br />Reporting from the fighting in Donetsk, euronews’ Sergio Cantone says: We ran to the railway bridge from the fighting to a relatively calmer area. The Republic of Donetsk forces are trying to re-enforce this area in order to repel Ukrainian troops.
