Pro-Russia politicians attacked as gunmen seize 10 govt buildings

Two pro-Russian politicians have been attacked by pro-Ukrainian activists in the capital Kiev as tensions grow over unrest in eastern parts of Ukraine, where pro-Russian gunmen have seized government buildings in nearly 10 cities.

Oleh Tsaryov, a pro-Russian politician and a candidate in the May 25 presidential elections, was beaten by dozens of enraged activists in the early hours as he was leaving a television studio. The activists pelted him with eggs, shouted insults and then assaulted him.

Mr Tsaryov’s press service said in a statement that he was “brutally beaten”.

Another Russian-leaning politician and presidential hopeful, Mikhaylo Dobkin, was sprayed with a green disinfectant and had flour thrown at him late last night.

Moscow accused the Kiev authorities of condoning such radicalism.