Ukrainian Govt. forces claim recapture of two more cities from pro-Russian rebels

The Ukrainian Government has claimed that its forces have recaptured two more eastern cities from pro-Russian rebels.

According to the BBC, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko's web site is saying that the national flag has been raised in Artyomivsk and Druzhkivka. The recapture of these two cities comes a day after government forces regained control of the rebel stronghold of Sloviansk, the BBC said further.

Meanwhile, large crowds have attended a rally in the regional capital, Donetsk, in support of the rebels.

Rebel fighters have re-grouped in Donetsk and are reported to have attacked the state prison guard headquarters in an attempt to seize weapons.

The BBC said in its report that Artyomivsk and Druzhkivka are not considered as strategic as Sloviansk but re-taking them indicates momentum is currently with government forces.

Despite their recent losses, the rebels still hold the regional capitals of Donetsk and Luhansk and other key areas.