A gunfight erupts at a border post near Ukraine's eastern city of Luhansk.

Officials said a pro-Russian militia attacked the post with automatic weapons and grenade launchers early Monday.

By daytime, the fierce battle remained ongoing.

As gunfire echoed, various men could be seen across the area.

A Ukrainian border service statement said separatists were sniping from private apartments.

It also said the separatists stopped residents from leaving, making it difficult for Ukrainian forces to return fire.

It's unknown how many soldiers or separatists were killed or injured.

The attack coincides with an air strike in Luhansk, where separatists claim five people were killed in the administration building they have been occupying.

Video there showed a trail of blood in and around the smoldering office.

The region has been embroiled in two months of unrest, as the Ukrainian army tries to crush the rebellions in the east.

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