Ukraine says its military has succeeded in ending a rebel blockade of Luhansk airport in the east.<br /><br />Kyiv says Ukrainian forces, backed by warplanes, broke through rebel lines surrounding the strategically important airport, where its troops have been blockaded for weeks.<br /><br />A separatist leader was quoted as saying government columns had been repelled.<br /><br />As the army intensified its offensive against separatist-held cities over the weekend, the Ukrainian artillery were accused of launching massive strikes on Donetsk suburbs.<br /><br />Kyiv denied it, blaming the separatists.<br /><br />Reports suggest a dozen civilians were killed in eastern regions.<br /><br />For some the fighting has become too much. Five coaches left eastern Ukrainian towns including Donetsk on Monday morning, heading for Russia.<br /><br />Around 200 civilians are being taken to the Rostov region and are seeking refugee status. They include women and children from the families of pro-Russian separatists.
