Stand Off Amid Fight For Donetsk Airport

A standoff between government forces and Pro Russian gunmen is continuing after Ukraine's military sought to retake control of Donetsk Airport

Kiev depolyed helicopters and fighter jets to launch air attacks after armed separatists occupied it , the fighting came as Petro Poroshenko , Ukraine's new President said he wanted to talk to Russia to end the crisis

Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow was "open to dialogue" with Mr. Poroshenko , but insisted that military action against separatists must end

But Mr.Poroshenko vowed to continue Kiev's "anti terrorist operation" against Pro Russia gunmen in the East of the country , he said he hoped to meet Russian leaders early next month , after a trip to Poland , where he will meet the U.S. President and E.U. leaders

Election observers said Sunday's vote was a genuine one , that largely met international standards , the mission from the OSCE , also said it gave the new President "legitimacy" to open a dialogue with separatists in the East

Monday's clashes started after separatists militants stormed the Sergei Prokofiev Donetsk airport , in the early hours of the morning , Ukrainian military responded quickly with air strikes and an assult by heavily armed troops

The fighting appeared to stop late on Monday evening , with Ukrainian government forces apperently in control of at least some of the areas inside the airport

The Mayor of Donetsk said there had been 'civilian casualties" in the battles and told local residents to stay indoors , but there was no confirmation of any deaths

Ukraine's interim government is engaged in an offensive in the East to quash the uprising that has left scores dead , Pro Russian separatists severely disrupted voting there

Sunday's elections came three months after Pro Moscow President Viktor Yanukovych fled Kiev amid bloody street protests and calls for closer ties with the E.U.