Ukraine’s deadline for pro-Russian separatist rebels in eastern regions passed Monday. The Kyiv government had called an ultimatum for the groups occupying regional governmental and security buildings to disarm early Monday morning or they would face an “anti-terrorism” operation by police and armed forces. Instead, about 100 separatists took charge of the Horlivka police headquarters and groups stood their ground in Donetsk and Slaviansk.

Oleksandr Turchynov, the acting president of Ukraine, said on Monday “a military operation would soon begin and that the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine – commonly known as the Donbas – would shortly be ‘stabilised.'” He also shared he would not rule out a possible nationwide referendum to be held alongside the May presidential elections.

“It is the west that will determine the opportunity to avoid civil war in Ukraine,” Russia said in the emergency United Nations Security Council meeting held on Sunday night in New York.

Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad said the three year ongoing civil war is turning in his favor. The opposition claimed they have evidence of a chlorine attack.

At least 60 killed by suspected Boko Haram militants in Nigeria near the Cameroon border Sunday And then on Monday, 71 people were killed with 124 wounded in a Nigeria bus bombing.

Abdullah and Ghani, both ex-ministers, are on course for the runoff vote in Afghanistan polls just as votes are being counted.

Should know

Iraq; Eight police killed in Kirkuk suicide car bomb attack – Tanzania; Explosion at northern Arusha bar injures people – United States; Three dead, suspect caught in shootings at U.S. Jewish centers in Kansas – Yemen; Gunmen killed Saudi guard near Yemeni border, wound another.

Saudi Arabia; Government jails 13 for aiding overseas fighters – China; Government officials seek to block corruption protesters – Israel; Police fearing unrest limit Al-Aqsa worship, Israel appropriates land in West Bank – China Seas; Chinese vessels spotted in Japanese ocean zone

To watch

U.S./Iran; Iran lodges complaint against United States over UN envoy ban – Guinea-Bissau; Votes being counted after big turnout in crucial vote – Macedonia; Nation to hold presidential runoff vote April 27 – Libya; Prime minister quits after a month – Kuwait; Opposition calls for elected government and new reforms – Lebanon; Warily, Lebanon tackles violent spillover from Syria