Separatists in Donetsk have seized control of the regional television and radio headquarters, demanding that broadcasts by Russian state channels be switched back on, in place of Ukrainian-language services.
It comes as efforts continue to secure the release of Western and Ukrainian military observers, who were seized by pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine.
At least seven of the inspectors from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe were paraded in front of the media, at a news conference staged by the self-declared mayor of Sloviansk, who referred to them as "prisoners of war."
It's reported this evening that one of the observers - from Sweden - has been set free on medical grounds.
The US and EU are preparing new sanctions against Russia, accusing it of destabilising Ukraine.
President Obama says Russia must realise there will be consequences for their actions:
