A total of 49 people have died after pro-Russian separatists shot down a Ukrainian military transport plane, officials said.

Nine crew and 40 service members were aboard the Il-76 plane when it went down early today as it approached the airport in the city of Lugansk, the Ukrainian prosecutor general's office said.

Another official, counter-terrorism spokesman Vladislav Seleznyov, was quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying the figure was preliminary.

The prosecutor's office said a criminal investigation had been opened under anti-terrorism laws.

The defence ministry said the rebels "cynically and treacherously" downed the plane using anti-aircraft guns and heavy calibre machine guns. It expressed sympathy to the families of those killed "for their tragic and irreparable loss".

An Il-76 is a four-engine jet that can be used to transport heavy gear and people.

Lugansk is in Ukraine's east near its border with Russia, an area that has seen separatists seize government buildings and declare independence after holding disputed referendums.

The Ukrainian health ministry says at least 270 people have died in clashes between government forces and armed separatists, who Ukraine says are supported by Russia. Moscow denies that.

Tensions between Ukraine and Russia escalated in February after pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych was driven from office by a protest movement made up of people who want closer ties with the European Union.

copied from [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]