DHAKA: Ukraine’s military has pounded the main pro-Russian rebel stronghold of Donetsk with artillery fire, causing massive damage throughout the city.

A military spokesman said the rebels were in ‘panic and chaos’ and had begun to desert en masse, reports the BBC.

Ukraine is mulling the possibility of allowing a humanitarian mission into the area, as residents struggle without power or reliable sources of food.

Some 1,500 people are estimated to have died since the conflict began in April.

Rebels sparked the four-month battle when they overran large swathes of the east and declared independence from Ukraine.

The rebels have sent out mixed signals in recent days, calling for a ceasefire but also insisting they would carry on fighting until the army laid down its weapons.

Russia, which is widely accused of providing military support to the rebels, has repeatedly offered to send a humanitarian mission.

But the West fears Russia would use the mission as a pretext to send in troops.

Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko said he would consider an aid mission, but only if it was international and unarmed.

BDST: 2121 HRS, AUG 10, 2014