Lugansk self-defense activists have entered the regional administration building, causing police officers to vacate it. A group of some 1,000 supporters are gathered in front of the building.

“The building is ours. That’s it,” local protest leader Oleg Dereko told RIA Novosti.

“A regional administration building has been taken by storm,” an activist who asked not to be named has told RT. “A coordination committee and militia are now inside and are getting ready for an emergency meeting.”