Citizens should observe law and order and not participate in unlawful actions, Donetsk City Council said in a statement posted by the city public relations department on Monday.

"Due to the events related to the seizure of the building of Donetsk Regional Council and other administrative buildings in the city and statements to follow on gathering authorized representatives of cities, where decisions of the fate of Donetsk region were made, we declare that Donetsk City Council and nine district councils of the city have not authorized anyone to participate in such gatherings," the document said.

"The Donetsk city council and district councils continue working in the legal field. We see ensuring the vital functions of the city as our main task," the statement said.

The local authorities have informed leaders of protest rallies being held at the district council building of the necessity of laying down arms immediately in order to avoid bloodshed, the document said.

"All conflicts should be resolved legally. We supported and still support the constructive resolution of all disagreements at the negotiating table," the city council said.