DHAKA: Ukraine vowed on Sunday to broaden its ‘anti-terrorist’ operation against pro-Russian rebels, as the crisis-hit country marked its second day of mourning after violence that left more than 50 dead.

National Security and Defence Council chief Andriy Parubiy said the armed forces would expand the ‘active stage of the operation in other towns where extremists and terrorists are carrying out illegal activities’.

AFP reporters near the eastern town of Kostyantynivka, where rebels seized the town hall on April 28, saw a pro-Russian checkpoint abandoned and smouldering and barricades being hastily erected in the centre, reports The Straits Times.

Rebels defending the town hall behind makeshift barriers told media there had been fighting overnight near the town’s television tower.

BDST: 1710 HRS, MAY 04, 2014