More reports of fighting in Donetsk:
Report that Ukrainian forces attacking Donetsk, from our news desk:
A pro-Russian separatist leader says Ukrainian military forces are attacking rebel forces in the eastern city of Donetsk.
Sergei Kavtaradze, a self-styled official in the self-proclaimed "Donetsk People's Republic," said at least four Ukrainian tanks and armored vehicles were attempting to fight their way into the city.
Fighting is also centered around the city's train station, where explosions and plumes of black smoke are reported.
People were seen fleeing the city center, near the train station, where two rebel tanks were reportedly driving toward.
The Donetsk city council issued a statement warning people to remain in their homes and to stay away from several roads and the Krasnoarmeiskoye highway because of fighting.
A Ukrainian military official in Kyiv said the operation is in an "active phase" and he could not comment on it. (Reuters, AP)
It seems fighting has broken out in Donetsk. Is Kyiv making the push into the separatists' capital?
Fighting continuing in Donetsk:
Good morning. Here is our latest news wrap on MH17. Comments made by Putin on the crash have been posted on his website. He says that "Russia will do all that we can" to end the conflict in Ukraine. The "Kyiv Post" has a transcript in English.
We are now closing our live blog for today. Don't forget that you can keep abreast of all our Ukraine coverage here.
PHOTO GALLERY: The Aftermath Of The Downing Of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17
The Aftermath Of The Downing Of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17
Member of Dutch army writes open letter to Government asking it to "Send us to Ukraine!" #MH17 #Russia #Ukraine http://t.co/PAILaaA0wi
— David Patrikarakos (@dpatrikarakos) July 20, 2014
My guess is that US/NATO satellites footage will soon show the full movements of Buks in Torez, Snezhnoye before, during and after attack.
— Michael Weiss (@michaeldweiss) July 19, 2014