Ukraine separatists to 'call up thousands' of men

Thousands of men are to be called-up alongside pro-Russian separatists battling government forces in eastern Ukraine, according to a rebel leader.

The head of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic said a “general mobilisation” would boost troop numbers to 100,000.

Pictures from Russian TV showed rebels after they had captured a village bordering the Luhansk and Donetsk regions.

At least one Ukrainian army tank was seized along with ammunition and other equipment.

The separatists have reportedly taken control of several settlements around Debaltseve as they try to capture the strategically important town.

Two hours to the north, a Soviet-era holiday resort at Svyatohirsk is accommodating hundreds of people fleeing the fighting.

“Our city has become empty. It’s a ghost town, there’s no power. There’s nothing left, it’s just a black hole. They destroyed everything, all the homes. Small children have been left without parents. What’s happening is terrible. The whole wo