Militants seize buildings in Ukraine filled with weapons

Militants have seized at least 400 handguns and 20 automatic weapons from a police station they are occupying in the east Ukrainian city of Slaviansk, police said on Saturday.

“The aim of the takover was the guns,” a police statement issued from the capital Kiev said. “They are giving these guns to participants in the protest in Slaviansk.”

However, a Reuters photographer at the building said he had not seen the attackers handing out weapons.

Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said in a Facebook post: “Armed men in camouflage uniforms seized the police department in Slaviansk.

He then warned: “The response will be very tough because there is a difference between protesters and terrorists.”

Mr Avakov also said: “Those who want dialogue… will have dialogue and the search for solutions. Those who are up in arms, set fire to buildings, shoot at people, police, terrorize with bats and masks, these people will face an appropriate response.”

No demands

A local police spokesman has said the men have not made any demands and did not give any details on their identity.

The city of Slaviansk is in Ukraine‘s Donetsk region, about 90miles from the border with Russia.

Government buildings in the eastern Ukrainian cities of Donetsk and Luhansk have been occupied by pro-Russian protesters who want to break with Kiev.

A deadline set for Friday by the Kiev authorities – calling on them to end their occupation has expired – but there is no sign of action from the police.