Ukrainian authorities appear to have lost control of law and order in Donetsk, the capital city of the province at the heart of separatist unrest, as violent pro-Russia militants roam the streets unchallenged.
On Monday evening men carrying sticks and bats set upon a pro-unity demonstration of men, women and children waving Ukrainian flags in a central square. The demonstrators were ostensibly protected by 450 police and interior ministry forces, riot shields at the ready and positioned at the front and side of the square.
However, the force did little to intervene when men lunged from behind, armed with clubs and Molotov cocktails. They bludgeoned several people, mostly old men unable to outrun them. As blood was spilt and people cried for help, most of the police stood by.