Ukraine Government Requests the Dispatch of Peacekeeping Troops

The President of Ukraine, Oleksandr Turchynov, called for the deployment of peacekeeping troops in the east of the country, where Russian activists continue occupying government buildings.

Turchynov issued his statement after pro-Russian groups attacked another government official in the city of Horlivka on Monday.

Video scenes show more than a hundred activists attacking the building at Horlivkay and hitting a police officer.

Activists maintain outlets in other buildings in several cities in the east of the country, after ignoring the ultimatum by the authorities of Ukraine so that they leave the Government offices.

A spokesman for the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, on the other hand, said that the President is following what happens in Ukraine «with great concern».

Russian media have said Moscow has received several requests for help from pro-Russian forces in the east of Ukraine, but the Kremlin has not confirmed these versions.