But after capturing the airfield the Ukrainian forces found themselves surrounded by an increasingly belligerent crowd. General Vasily Krutov, in charge of Ukrainian mission, attempted to negotiate with the crowd but had to re- treat inside the base after he was manhandled and had his hat knocked off.
In Kramatorsk centre nearby at least three unmarked armoured personnel carriers bearing Russian flags drove through the streets.
Reports said dozens of armed men in camouflage were seated on top of the vehicles which were accompanied by a military truck.
Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Vitaliy Yarema for the first time named a Russian regiment he claimed was directing unrest in his country.
He said several hundred Russian paratroopers and intelligence officers linked to the 45th - who’s motto is “the strongest will win” - were now operating in Kramatorsk, Slovyansk and other towns.
He said: “It has been established that these are servicemen of the 45th Guards Regiment of the Airborne Troops of the Russian Federation, who are quartered outside Moscow.
“So when Putin says that there are no Russian Federation troops in Ukraine, he’s lying.”
Russia dismissed the claims as “absurd”. But Mr Putin warned that the military push by Kiev constituted a “sharp escalation” which left Ukraine “on the verge of civil war”.
In a phone call to German Chancellor Angela Merkel he accused Kiev of embarking on an “anti-constitutional course using force against peaceful protest action”.
Russia has 40,000 troops stationed across the border and has said it reserves the right to support the Russian speaking population in Ukraine.
The US and EU, due to hold talks with Russia tomorrow, have warned Mr Putin he risks “long term consequences” if he continues to destabilise his neighbour.
