Given the escalation of the situation in Ukraine, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration recommends the Moldovans to avoid travelling to Ukraine, mainly to the eastern and southern regions and Crimea, IPN reports.

According to a communiqué from the Ministry, if necessary the Moldovans can find out more details by contacting Moldova’s Embassy in Kiev on (+38044) 521-22-28, fax (+38044) 521-22-72; the Embassy’s Consular Section on (+38044) 521-22-79, fax (+38044) 521-22-72; Moldova’s Consulate in Odessa on +380 487 856 715, 487 856 716, fax +380 482 333 896, or the Moldovan Foreign Ministry’s Call Center on 080090990  (free call) and +373 22 690 990 from abroad.

The pro-Russian protesters occupied governmental buildings in about ten towns in eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Yarema said that among those who besieged the administrative buildings in Donetsk region were servicemen of the Russian elite troops. In Slavyansk town, the Security Service of Ukraine performed an anti-terror operation. Legal action was taken against the mayor over separatism.