KIEV (REUTERS) - Ukraine's defence minister said on Monday that a Ukrainian AN-26 military transport plane, taking part in the military campaign against separatist rebels, had been shot down by a rocket which was "probably" fired from Russian territory, the presidential website said.

Some members of the crew had been in contact with the army's general staff, the minister, Colonel General Valery Heletey, was quoted as saying.

There was no word on casualties.