This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-27360146
The article has changed 20 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 15 | Version 16 |
|---|---|
| Ukraine rebels hold referendums in Donetsk and Luhansk | Ukraine rebels hold referendums in Donetsk and Luhansk |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| "Self-rule" referendums have been taking place in Ukraine's easternmost regions, with pro-Russian separatists claiming a big turnout. | "Self-rule" referendums have been taking place in Ukraine's easternmost regions, with pro-Russian separatists claiming a big turnout. |
| BBC reporters at polling stations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions spoke of chaotic scenes, no voting booths in places and no electoral register. | BBC reporters at polling stations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions spoke of chaotic scenes, no voting booths in places and no electoral register. |
| At least one person is reported to have been killed by armed men loyal to Ukraine's government. | At least one person is reported to have been killed by armed men loyal to Ukraine's government. |
| Ukraine called the vote a "criminal farce" organised by Russia. | Ukraine called the vote a "criminal farce" organised by Russia. |
| Western countries have also condemned the vote. Separatist leaders ignored a call by the Russian president to delay it. | Western countries have also condemned the vote. Separatist leaders ignored a call by the Russian president to delay it. |
| A Donetsk separatist leader, Denis Pushilin, told one Russian news agency that once the results are announced, all Ukrainian military troops in the region would be considered "occupying forces". | |
| 'Abyss' | 'Abyss' |
| The shooting incident, in which separatist officials said at least one person had been killed, took place in Krasnoarmiisk, west of Donetsk city, after armed men supporting the Kiev government closed down a polling station. | |
| A photographer with AP news agency reported seeing two people lying motionless on the ground. | A photographer with AP news agency reported seeing two people lying motionless on the ground. |
| A few hours before polling was due to close, separatist officials claimed turnout in Donetsk region had been close to 70% - but there was no independent confirmation. In other developments: | A few hours before polling was due to close, separatist officials claimed turnout in Donetsk region had been close to 70% - but there was no independent confirmation. In other developments: |
| The ballot papers in Ukrainian and Russian ask one question: "Do you support the Act of State Self-rule of the Donetsk People's Republic/Luhansk People's Republic?" | |
| A second round of voting is planned in a week's time, on joining Russia. Organisers also say they will boycott Ukraine's presidential elections on 25 May. | A second round of voting is planned in a week's time, on joining Russia. Organisers also say they will boycott Ukraine's presidential elections on 25 May. |
| Ukraine's interim President Olexandr Turchynov has admitted many in the east supported pro-Russian militants, but warned the referendums were "a step towards the abyss". | Ukraine's interim President Olexandr Turchynov has admitted many in the east supported pro-Russian militants, but warned the referendums were "a step towards the abyss". |
| The EU and US have also condemned the referendums, amid fears Ukraine could be sliding to civil war. | The EU and US have also condemned the referendums, amid fears Ukraine could be sliding to civil war. |
| A Pew Research Centre survey suggested a majority even in eastern Ukraine - 70% - wanted to remain in a united country, despite concerns about governance. | A Pew Research Centre survey suggested a majority even in eastern Ukraine - 70% - wanted to remain in a united country, despite concerns about governance. |
| Russia annexed Ukraine's southern autonomous republic of Crimea after a March referendum. | Russia annexed Ukraine's southern autonomous republic of Crimea after a March referendum. |
| Bill Taylor, a former US ambassador to Ukraine, said results from Sunday's vote should be treated with caution after what happened in Crimea. | Bill Taylor, a former US ambassador to Ukraine, said results from Sunday's vote should be treated with caution after what happened in Crimea. |
| Russia is estimated to have some 40,000 troops near the border and says they have been pulled back, but Nato says it has seen no sign of this. | Russia is estimated to have some 40,000 troops near the border and says they have been pulled back, but Nato says it has seen no sign of this. |
| EU leaders have warned Russia it faces further sanctions if Ukraine's presidential election fails to go ahead. | EU leaders have warned Russia it faces further sanctions if Ukraine's presidential election fails to go ahead. |
| Are you in Donetsk or Luhansk region, or elsewhere in Ukraine? What do you think of the "self-rule" referendums? Send us your thoughts by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk using the subject line "Ukraine". | Are you in Donetsk or Luhansk region, or elsewhere in Ukraine? What do you think of the "self-rule" referendums? Send us your thoughts by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk using the subject line "Ukraine". |