Deadly clashes at Ukraine port base

Three people were killed in a raid on a base in eastern Ukraine overnight, the country’s interior minister says, as the US, Russia, the EU and Ukraine begin crisis talks in Geneva.The three pro-Russian separatists were killed in a clash with Ukrainian forces in Mariupol, Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said on Facebook.The Geneva meeting is the first such gathering since the crisis escalated.The West says Russia is aiding the pro-Russian activists occupying buildings.Tensions escalated last month when Russia annexed Crimea, causing international outrage. Unrest later spread to Donetsk region, another mainly Russian-speaking area. It is Europe’s worst crisis since the Cold War.About 300 separatists attacked a military unit in Mariupol near the Azov Sea, throwing petrol bombs. Troops opened fire, killing three, Avakov said.The operation is continuing – Ukraine has sent in reinforcements including helicopters. There was no independent confirmation of his statement.According to Avakov, 13 of the attackers were wounded and so far 63 have been detained. He said none of the interior ministry troops had been killed.It is the heaviest casualty toll in any single incidentso far in eastern Ukraine.