UKRAINE’S coup government in Kiev vowed today to broaden its so-called “anti-terrorist” operation against pro-Russian activists in the east.

National Security and Defence Council chief Andriy Parubiy said the armed forces would expand the “active stage of the operation in other towns where extremists and terrorists are carrying out illegal activities.”

Gunfire was reported across the east at a checkpoint in Kostyantynivka and in Mariupol as Ukrainian forces tried to reclaim government offices.

There was heavy fighting in Kramatorsk on Saturday as the army retook a television tower. At least two people were killed.

And the country marked its second day of mourning following violence that left more than 50 dead in Odessa.

Clashes broke out on Friday between pro-Russian activists and far-right militias masquerading as local football supporters.

The pro-Russians retreated to the city’s trade union building, which was set on fire by petrol bombs.

Local health officials said 42 died, four from gunshot wounds and 38 in the blaze.

There were 99 injuries, 10 from shrapnel wounds sustained by gunfire or grenades.

The Kiev government responded by sacking the Odessa police chief for failing to prevent the violence.

But that did nothing to calm the anger of the public.

Pro-Russian groups in Donetsk, Luhansk and Odessa reacted furiously to the deaths, once again trying to take over government buildings.

In Odessa itself an angry crowd attacked and occupied the police station, freeing scores of their detained comrades while police stood by without responding.

Outside the country the European Left Party issued a statement damning the role of the EU and the US in the crisis.

From Brussels it said: “We are witnessing the emergence of a nazi state fostered by the US and the EU in Ukraine. 

Events in Odessa and other east Ukraine cities “shows the protagonist behaviour of nazi groups under the guidance of Kiev,” it said. 

German newspaper Bild am Sonntag reported that dozens of US Central Intelligence Agency and Federal Bureau of Investigation agents were now advising the Ukrainian government.

Citing unnamed German security sources it said that US agents were helping Kiev to end the rebellion and help set up a functioning security structure.