DHAKA: The US has warned Russia to tone down its aggressive rhetoric on Ukraine, or face further sanctions.

US Secretary of State John Kerry told his Russian counterpart over the phone that Moscow must call for pro-Russian gunmen to lay down their weapons.

Kiev and the West say Moscow commands the gunmen - claims denied by Russia.

The Ukrainian authorities have re-launched an anti-terror operation to take back several towns in the east overrun by pro-Russian militants.

Acting President Olexander Turchynov said he had ordered the operation to restart after two men - including local politician Vladimir Rybak - were found dead after being "brutally tortured".

"The terrorists who effectively took the whole Donetsk region hostage have now gone too far," Mr Turchynov said.

Kiev`s military operation to push gunmen out of public buildings began on 16 April but was suspended over the Easter period.

Politician Vladimir Rybak disappeared after being filmed trying to access a building seized by pro-Russian activists, as Daniel Sandford reports

In other developments:

Some 150 American troops arrive in Poland, the first part of a 600-strong deployment that Washington says is a show of force for its Nato allies in the region

Pro-Russian militants in Sloviansk are reportedly holding American journalist Simon Ostrovsky, who works for Vice News.

Source: BBC

BDST: 1452 HRS, APR 23, 2014