Russian-Backed Separatists Enter Southeast Ukraine Town: Pro-Government Fighter

A crater made by a shell which is seen in eastern Ukraine (Reuters)

Kiev:  Separatists, backed by Russian soldiers, have entered the town of Novoazovsk in south-eastern Ukraine, a pro-government militia fighter said on Thursday.

"There is military equipment in Novoazovsk which came across the border two days ago from Russia," the fighter, from the so-called Azov battalion which supports the Ukrainian army, told Reuters by telephone.

"The equipment is carrying the flags of the DNR (Donetsk People's Republic) rebels but they are regular Russian forces," the fighter who did not wish to be identified by name, said.

Separately, a resident of the town on the Sea of Azov, who would only give his first name of Mykola, said: "The authorities in the town are DNR ones. Tanks are moving here and there out on the highway, but there is no fighting going on for the town."