The Ukrainian government has launched a military operation... after pro-Russian rebels seized control of a major airport in the east of the country.
With more on that, we now turn to Paul Yi at the New Center.
Paul, these rebel groups have been taking even bolder steps to gain independence.
But it appears the government isn't letting them take another inch.
That's right. Kiev's response was swift and direct.
The Ukrainian army sent in troops and issued an ultimatum to the separatist forces... to lay down their arms following reports that the international airport... in the city of Donetsk had been taken over.
Clashes between soldiers and the pro-Russian militia broke out on Monday, with the sounds of heavy machine guns and rockets coming from inside the airport compound.
Ukrainian helicopter gunships were also seen firing rockets and cannons at the concrete terminals and runways,... sending up black smoke into the air.
After several hours, government forces finally managed to overwhelm some of the outer positions... and forced the local fighters to evacuate some of their wounded.
At least 30 bodies of insurgents were reportedly brought to a hospital a day after the heavy fighting.
Meanwhile, president-elect... Petro Poroshenko... said he would not negotiate with the rebels, underlining the need for an effective anti-terrorist operation.
However, he said he wanted to begin talks with Moscow to end the insurgency and bring peace to the country.
