KIEV (AFP) - Ukraine's acting president said Tuesday he would treat Russian separatists who have seized buildings in the east of the country as "terrorists" who will be prosecuted with the full force of the law.

"The authorities will treat separatists and terrorists who have picked up automatic weapons, who are seizing buildings, in accordance with the constitution and the law - as terrorists and criminals," acting President Oleksandr Turchynov told a parliament meeting.