Buildings in Donetsk were broken into and occupied after crowds broke through police lines.
Luhansk and Kharkiv each also saw protests, though they weren't as violent there.
Dozens were injured among the protesters and police.
The demonstrators are demanding referendums to allow their areas to leave Ukraine and join Russia.
President Vladimir Putin reiterated that Russia has the right to defend people of Russian heritage.
Putin used the same excuse to invade and take over Crimea, in March.
Russian troops have maintained a presence, along the border, despite Putin's promises to withdraw them.
The international community has placed sanctions against Russian leaders and called the takeover of Crimea illegal, but has not committed to any further actions.
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