Eastern Ukraine Clashes Leave Dozens Dead

In Ukraine, fierce clashes between government forces and pro-Russian fighters have left at least 40 people dead.

The violence happened Monday, a day after Ukraine's presidential election.

Although the situation in the city of Donetsk calmed down Tuesday night, the tension remained.

The mayor of Donetsk is warning residents to stay away from balconies and windows in case of air strikes. Businesses have let employees go home from work.

After Monday's air strikes by government forces, the Ukrainian Interior Minister said its military took back the Donetsk airport. He also said Ukrainian forces destroyed a pro-Russian separatist military base and camp near the Russian border.

The violent clashes happened a day after billionaire candy tycoon Petro Poroshenko claimed victory in Ukraine's presidential election.

In his victory speech, Poroshenko vowed Ukrainians would beat back the pro-Russian separatists causing an uproar in the East, even saying it would take just hours, not months.

The mayor of Donetsk says among the 40 people killed were two civilians.

Eight Russian citizens also were among the dead, and more than 30 people were wounded.

Rebel leaders say the death toll could rise to 100.

Russia is demanding Ukraine stop its military operations in the East.

Russia promised Tuesday to help Ukraine's president-elect if he tries to negotiate a peaceful end to the unrest, but the Russian Foreign Minister strongly warned him not to work toward a quick military victory against the rebels.

Ukraine's newly elected president, Poroshenko, pledged to negotiate with the East but also vowed to root out the pro-Russia separatists.