DHAKA: Pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine have shot down a military helicopter near the flashpoint city of Sloviansk, reports say.

The aircraft was reportedly hit after dropping off troops at a military base.

Sloviansk has seen fierce fighting between separatists and government forces in recent weeks, reports the BBC.

President-elect Petro Poroshen’o has vowed to tackle the uprising in eastern Ukraine, saying he would deal firmly with ‘bandits’ and ‘murderers’.

The helicopter is reported to have come down during heavy fighting between Sloviansk and Kramatorsk on Thursday.

Earlier this month the separatists shot down two army helicopters, also near Sloviansk, killing a pilot and serviceman.

The conflict has intensified since Poroshenko was elected on Sunday.

The rebels say they lost up to 100 fighters when they tried to seize Donetsk airport, some 130km from Sloviansk on Monday.

Further clashes have been reported in several areas in recent days, including Sloviansk where pro-Russia militiamen are holding four international monitors.

BDST: 1636 HRS, MAY 29, 2014