Kiev gives protesters 48-hour ultimatum

Ukrainian authorities have given a 48-hour ultimatum to pro-Russian activists occupying state buildings in eastern cities to evacuate the buildings or face force.

According to Reuters, on Wednesday, Ukraine’s Interior Minister Arsen Avakov issued the warning, saying the situation would “be resolved in 48 hours” either way.

Avakov told journalists on the margins of a government meeting “There are two options – political and negotiations, and force.”

Tensions have risen in the mainly Russian-speaking east since the ouster of Ukraine’s former president, Viktor Yanukovych, and the installation of a new pro-European government in February.

Over the past days, protesters have seized a number of government buildings in the cities of Lugansk, Donetsk and Kharkiv.

On Wednesday, pro-Russian separatists reinforced barricades around the state security building in Lugansk and called on Russian President Vladimir Putin for help.