DHAKA: A pilot was killed, and several other people injured in a government "anti-terror" operation in the eastern city of Sloviansk of Ukraine, reports BBC.

Interior Minister Arsen Avakov confirmed the death saying nine rebel checkpoints had been seized during the operation.

However, separatists at three Sloviansk checkpoints told they were still in control there, according to BBC.

Pro-Russian gunmen shot down two helicopters, reportedly capturing one pilot. The fighting appears to be concentrating on the periphery of the city.

Sloviansk is a stronghold for pro-Russian separatists who are exerting increasing control in the region.

On Thursday, Russia's foreign ministry warned that any assaults by Ukraine's troops in the region would have "catastrophic consequences", triggering fears of an invasion by Moscow.

BDST: 1413 HRS MAY 02, 2014