Russia calls on Kiev to 'stop the bloodshed', enter talks - statement

Pro-Russia protesters burn a Ukranian flag outside the district council building in Donetsk, eastern Ukraine May 4, 2014. REUTERS/Marko Djurica

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia called on the Kiev government on Monday to stop using armed force against its people and enter talks aimed at resolving the Ukraine crisis.

The foreign ministry said in a statement that a humanitarian crisis was looming in blockaded towns in eastern Ukraine, where Ukrainian forces have been trying to dislodge pro-Russian separatists who have occupied official buildings.