Ukraine in Arabic | In Ukraine, Mariupol to wait a decisive battle
KYIV/Ukraine in Arabic/ The industrial center of Mariupol, widely assumed to be next on the rebels' list. Kyiv has accused Moscow of sending in troops to assist separatist rebels as they attempt to gain control of the city from the north and east.
It was a relatively quieter day on the ground in eastern Ukraine as diplomacy was pursued elsewhere.
However in Mariupol residents know there is a powerful force hunkered down just over the hills with the city of half a million in its sights. Defenses are being dug, and peaceful demonstrations being organized in support of Kyiv, but many are also leaving.
Fighting continued some distance away, with black columns of smoke rising to remind people what may be in store if the pro-Russians attack. The Ukrainian coastguard is attempting to provide coastal support, but it is vulnerable to artillery fire.
The second front opened up on the coast may be, according to some Western analysts, the launch pad for the establishment of a land bridge with Crimea, seized earlier in the conflict. Pro-Russian forces could then sweep on to Odessa.
Many in Donetsk want to see that. No lovers of Kyiv in the best of times many people here are outraged at the shelling they have had to endure in their homes. There was more on Thursday, and more civilian casualties. OSCE observers had to scurry for cover as they attempted to monitor the fighting. Their role will be crucial in any ceasefire.
Mariupol is of huge economic importance to Ukraine, it is a key import/export hub and the city contains two of the largest steelworks in Europe.
In Kramatorsk Ukrainian troops mobilized amid fears rebels will launch an attack on the city from its stronghold of Donetsk 100 kilometers to the south.
In Donetsk itself fighting continued overnight as government forces and rebels exchanged mortar fire.
Civilians caught in the crossfire are sheltering in basements.
In the village of Spartak a school where local people sort sanctuary came under attack.
As many as 3,000 people have been killed since the unrest began in April.
