Minister Arsen Avakov said the attempt by activists to storm the building in the key industrial and shipping center turned violent. He added some activists had fled and were seeking shelter in the town. But the Donetsk regional administration said in a statement that only three people had been killed and 25 wounded during the fighting. 

 

Mariupol is situated in the "People’s Republic" declared by local anti-Kiev activists. For days, it has been the focus of skirmishes between Ukrainian police and gunmen. The area is due to hold a referendum on independence on Sunday.