Ukrainian interim President Oleksandr Turchynov has admitted serious problems encountered in the "anti-terrorism operation" in eastern Ukraine.

"Unfortunately, the rampage and awful terror are being supported by large numbers of local residents. This is a complex problem: people deceived by Russian propaganda are supporting terrorists," the presidential press service quoted Turchynov as saying on Saturday.

He said Ukraine celebrated the Victory Day "in a commendable manner, with the exception of eastern parts of the country, among them the city of Mariupol."

"The main reason for the slow progress of the anti-terrorism operation is that the authorities do not wish to harm the civilian population," Turchynov stressed.