While NATO continues to supply Ukraine with heavy weapons, our correspondent in Donetsk reports that some of these weapons may be being used to target and kill civilians.

Johnny Miller made the remarks in a Monday interview with Press TV from the center of Donetsk.

Press TV’s Johnny Miller says the conflict in Ukraine is a proxy war between Russia and NATO on one hand, and an ethnic war on the other.

The Ukrainian army has been shelling civilians in the areas surrounding the Donetsk region, while accusing the Russian army of atrocities, according to PressTV’s correspondent in Donetsk.

The West is the true beginner of the unfolding conflict between Russia and Ukraine, an international relations expert says.

The European Union (EU) says it is planning to put forward "massive" sanctions against Russia, shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine.

The Russian ambassador to the United States has condemned new Western sanctions against Russia over recent developments in Ukraine, warning that they will be to the detriment of the United States and the West but will not force Moscow to change its foreign policy.

Iran blames the interference and provocative measures of US-led NATO for the complication of the Ukraine crisis and the sharp escalation of tensions.

Fireworks are seen as people in Donetsk wave Russian flags to celebrate the region's recognition by Moscow.

Russian envoy to the United Nations reaffirms Moscow’s “openness to diplomacy”, noting that President Vladimir Putin’s move to declare two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine independent was aimed at foiling the new "Ukrainian military adventure".