Ukraine says gunmen seized security service HQ in eastern city

KIEV, Ukraine – Authorities in Ukraine say armed gunmen have occupied the local headquarters of the security services in an eastern city where secessionist sentiment has sparked frequent protests since the country's Russia-friendly president was ousted in February.

The Interior Ministry said Monday that groups of unidentified people erected barriers overnight on a main thoroughfare in Luhansk, which lies around 25 kilometers east of Russia.

Police in Luhansk said they have been put on alert and have blocked all entrances to the city.

A crowd of pro-Russian activists stormed the security services building on Sunday. Local media reported that demonstrators pelted the building with eggs, and then stones, a smoke grenade and finally a firebomb. The flames were reportedly quickly extinguished.

Ukraine's authorities have accused Russia of fomenting the unrest.