Polish Consulate services in Ukraine's eastern city of Donetsk have been suspended following violence in the region, which has killed up to 270 people as the conflict between Ukrainian armed forces and pro-Russian separatists continues.

A young girl holds a flag of the self-proclaimed Donetsk Republic during a rally in support of the separatists of Ukrainian eastern regions, in Moscow, Russia, 11 June: photo - EPA/MAXIM SHIPENKOV

"The Foreign Ministry informs that activities of the Consulate General in Donetsk have been temporarily suspended,” a statement released on Thursday says, which adds that the services will now be taken up by staff in Kharkiv.

The statement also recommends that Polish citizens residing in the Donetsk region should leave immediately.

The Polish Consulate General, covering the cities of Donetsk, Luhansk, and Zaporizhia, opened in April this year.

The region is currently under the control of rebels part of the self-proclaimed People's Republic of Donetsk.

Ukraine's health ministry has said that 270 people have died with 576 injured during fighting between separatists in eastern Ukraine and Ukrainian troops, as the government in Kiev continues its “anti-terrorist” operation to try and regain control of the region. (pg)

source: PAP

