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| Separatists claim victory in eastern Ukraine; Kremlin calls for talks with Kiev government | Separatists claim victory in eastern Ukraine; Kremlin calls for talks with Kiev government |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| DONETSK, Ukraine — Pro-Russian militants Monday claimed a runaway victory in eastern Ukraine’s controversial self-rule referendum, and the Kremlin bolstered the rebels’ credibility by calling for dialogue with the Kiev government. | DONETSK, Ukraine — Pro-Russian militants Monday claimed a runaway victory in eastern Ukraine’s controversial self-rule referendum, and the Kremlin bolstered the rebels’ credibility by calling for dialogue with the Kiev government. |
| With positions hardening and fears mounting of a spiral into civil war, the Kremlin said the results of Sunday’s referendum, declared a farce by Kiev and illegal by the West, should be carried out “in a civilized way,” without violence. The Kremlin statement was aimed at lending legitimacy to the ad hoc vote in two regions of eastern Ukraine. | With positions hardening and fears mounting of a spiral into civil war, the Kremlin said the results of Sunday’s referendum, declared a farce by Kiev and illegal by the West, should be carried out “in a civilized way,” without violence. The Kremlin statement was aimed at lending legitimacy to the ad hoc vote in two regions of eastern Ukraine. |
| “Moscow respects the will of the population of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions and hopes that the practical implementation of the referendums’ results will proceed in a civilized way, without repeated outbreaks of violence and through a dialogue between representatives of Kiev, Donetsk and Luhansk,” the government of Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a statement. | “Moscow respects the will of the population of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions and hopes that the practical implementation of the referendums’ results will proceed in a civilized way, without repeated outbreaks of violence and through a dialogue between representatives of Kiev, Donetsk and Luhansk,” the government of Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a statement. |
| It said that “all mediation efforts will be welcome,” including by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the group that has sought to foster negotiations to quell rising violence in Ukraine. | It said that “all mediation efforts will be welcome,” including by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the group that has sought to foster negotiations to quell rising violence in Ukraine. |
| But although the Kremlin noted “high voter turnout despite attempts to disrupt the voting,” it did not make clear its interpretation of what the referendum was calling for — independence from Ukraine, more autonomy for the region or simply empowerment for the pro-Russian separatists who have seized buildings in the east to speak on behalf of the population there. | But although the Kremlin noted “high voter turnout despite attempts to disrupt the voting,” it did not make clear its interpretation of what the referendum was calling for — independence from Ukraine, more autonomy for the region or simply empowerment for the pro-Russian separatists who have seized buildings in the east to speak on behalf of the population there. |
| Roman Lyagin, who heads the Central Elections Commission of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic, told Russia’s Interfax news agency that he was not sure when final tallies would be ready but that preliminary results suggest that 89 percent of the voters supported some sort of self-rule. He said a final referendum report would be issued later Monday. | Roman Lyagin, who heads the Central Elections Commission of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic, told Russia’s Interfax news agency that he was not sure when final tallies would be ready but that preliminary results suggest that 89 percent of the voters supported some sort of self-rule. He said a final referendum report would be issued later Monday. |
| Russia’s state-run RIA Novosti news agency reported Monday morning that final results showed 96.2 percent support for the region’s self-rule. | Russia’s state-run RIA Novosti news agency reported Monday morning that final results showed 96.2 percent support for the region’s self-rule. |
| Crimea, an autonomous Ukrainian region with a majority ethnic Russian population, voted in a hastily called referendum in March to join the Russian Federation. That vote was followed by a declaration of independence, then Russia’s swift annexation of the region. But if Russia attempted to take over eastern Ukraine as well, war would likely erupt, since the region is not as solidly pro-Russian and Ukrainian military forces have shown signs of being more determined to fight back. | |
| The wording of the referendum was vague, asking whether voters favored self-determination rather than outright independence or joining Russia. That meant some of those voting yes wanted more autonomy but not necessarily to split from Ukraine. | The wording of the referendum was vague, asking whether voters favored self-determination rather than outright independence or joining Russia. That meant some of those voting yes wanted more autonomy but not necessarily to split from Ukraine. |
| But the vote infuriated the Ukrainian government. The Foreign Ministry called it a “criminal farce” arranged by a “gang of Russian terrorists,” reflecting the government’s view that Russian agents are behind the breakaway movement. Many residents who oppose the separatist movement boycotted the vote. | But the vote infuriated the Ukrainian government. The Foreign Ministry called it a “criminal farce” arranged by a “gang of Russian terrorists,” reflecting the government’s view that Russian agents are behind the breakaway movement. Many residents who oppose the separatist movement boycotted the vote. |
| Both the European Union and the Obama administration said they would not recognize the results of the balloting in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, which they called illegal. | Both the European Union and the Obama administration said they would not recognize the results of the balloting in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, which they called illegal. |
| European Union foreign ministers expanded sanctions Monday over Russia’s actions in Ukraine, adding two Crimean companies and 13 people to the bloc’s sanctions list, Reuters news agency reported ahead of a meeting in Brussels. | |
| The sanctions are in addition to measures affecting 48 Russians and Ukrainians, who have already been targeted with E.U. asset freezes and visa bans since Russia annexed Crimea in March. | |
| British Foreign Secretary William Hague said before the meeting that it was essential to show Moscow the E.U. is ready to step up measures “depending on Russia’s attitude” toward Ukraine’s May 25 presidential and mayoral elections. | |
| Late Sunday night, Lyagin, the separatist election commission chief in Donetsk, said that nearly three-quarters of the 3.32 million eligible voters in the region had cast ballots, a figure that could not be confirmed independently. | Late Sunday night, Lyagin, the separatist election commission chief in Donetsk, said that nearly three-quarters of the 3.32 million eligible voters in the region had cast ballots, a figure that could not be confirmed independently. |
| The vote will complicate Ukraine’s efforts to reestablish order in the wake of a revolt that ousted the country’s pro-Russian president in February and prompted a backlash in the east. Ukraine is vowing to go ahead with the elections in two weeks. But given Sunday’s result, Lyagin said, “it is not logical to have the presidential election here on the territory of the Donetsk People’s Republic.” The U.S. and European governments have threatened Russia with further sanctions if the national vote is disrupted. | |
| Ukrainian troops have been trying to wrest back control of eastern cities where separatists have seized government buildings and set up checkpoints manned by militias. Despite the government’s condemnation of the vote, its armed forces generally allowed balloting to proceed Sunday. But Ukrainian national guardsmen shut down the voting in the eastern city of Krasnoarmeysk and later fired into a crowd outside the town hall, news services reported. The Associated Press said one of its photographers saw two people lying motionless on the ground after the clash. Denis Pushilin, a leader of the rebellion, told the Itar-Tass news agency that there were an unspecified number of deaths. | Ukrainian troops have been trying to wrest back control of eastern cities where separatists have seized government buildings and set up checkpoints manned by militias. Despite the government’s condemnation of the vote, its armed forces generally allowed balloting to proceed Sunday. But Ukrainian national guardsmen shut down the voting in the eastern city of Krasnoarmeysk and later fired into a crowd outside the town hall, news services reported. The Associated Press said one of its photographers saw two people lying motionless on the ground after the clash. Denis Pushilin, a leader of the rebellion, told the Itar-Tass news agency that there were an unspecified number of deaths. |
| Separatist leaders have in the past come out clearly in favor of independence or of union with Russia, and they have suggested that another referendum to decide that question could take place at a later date. Lyagin said there was no plan for a quick second referendum, but he did not deny that one might eventually occur. | Separatist leaders have in the past come out clearly in favor of independence or of union with Russia, and they have suggested that another referendum to decide that question could take place at a later date. Lyagin said there was no plan for a quick second referendum, but he did not deny that one might eventually occur. |
| Russia is almost certain to embrace the vote as legitimate. In a pre-recorded speech that blared over loudspeakers in a rebel military camp in Luhansk, Russian nationalist politician Vladimir Zhirinovsky congratulated people for their “absolute victory.” | Russia is almost certain to embrace the vote as legitimate. In a pre-recorded speech that blared over loudspeakers in a rebel military camp in Luhansk, Russian nationalist politician Vladimir Zhirinovsky congratulated people for their “absolute victory.” |
| “We’ll live a peaceful life in Russia together, and Kiev will always lose,” Zhirinovsky said. Russia has massed roughly 40,000 troops on its border with Ukraine and has threatened to intervene if the rights of ethnic Russians are violated. | “We’ll live a peaceful life in Russia together, and Kiev will always lose,” Zhirinovsky said. Russia has massed roughly 40,000 troops on its border with Ukraine and has threatened to intervene if the rights of ethnic Russians are violated. |
| Many observers say the referendum lacks any credibility. Names were checked against a 2012 voters’ list, but anyone who turned up with a passport was allowed to vote, even if they weren’t on the list. | Many observers say the referendum lacks any credibility. Names were checked against a 2012 voters’ list, but anyone who turned up with a passport was allowed to vote, even if they weren’t on the list. |
| Indeed, in one polling station in the city of Mariupol, many people brought multiple passports on behalf of relatives and openly filled out two, three or even four ballot slips themselves. | Indeed, in one polling station in the city of Mariupol, many people brought multiple passports on behalf of relatives and openly filled out two, three or even four ballot slips themselves. |
| The ballots lacked markings that could prevent them from being widely copied. The people staffing the polling stations and counting the ballots were activists who supported a yes vote. There were no international oversight missions. | The ballots lacked markings that could prevent them from being widely copied. The people staffing the polling stations and counting the ballots were activists who supported a yes vote. There were no international oversight missions. |
| Nonetheless, many people here — at least those who voted — will see it as a powerful expression of popular will. | Nonetheless, many people here — at least those who voted — will see it as a powerful expression of popular will. |
| At the very least, the lines of voters appeared to reflect a significant protest vote against the central government in Kiev. | At the very least, the lines of voters appeared to reflect a significant protest vote against the central government in Kiev. |
| But whether residents were seeking to join Russia was unclear. The ballots asked voters whether they supported what could be translated variously as “independence,” “sovereignty” or “self-determination” for the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. | But whether residents were seeking to join Russia was unclear. The ballots asked voters whether they supported what could be translated variously as “independence,” “sovereignty” or “self-determination” for the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. |
| “My problem is not Ukraine, it is the authorities in Kiev,” said Anton Karpov, a 31-year-old employee of a coal mine. | “My problem is not Ukraine, it is the authorities in Kiev,” said Anton Karpov, a 31-year-old employee of a coal mine. |
| Polls have indicated that most residents of eastern Ukraine would prefer to stay part of that country. That’s a far different attitude than in Crimea. | Polls have indicated that most residents of eastern Ukraine would prefer to stay part of that country. That’s a far different attitude than in Crimea. |
| Still, many residents of eastern Ukraine are deeply unhappy with the Western-leaning national government that came to power in February after President Viktor Yanukovych was forced from office; many consider the new government to be illegal and in league with ultra-nationalist groups. Some worry that the large population of Russian-speakers living in the east will be treated as second-class citizens by the new government. Their fears have been magnified by aggressive Russian propaganda. | Still, many residents of eastern Ukraine are deeply unhappy with the Western-leaning national government that came to power in February after President Viktor Yanukovych was forced from office; many consider the new government to be illegal and in league with ultra-nationalist groups. Some worry that the large population of Russian-speakers living in the east will be treated as second-class citizens by the new government. Their fears have been magnified by aggressive Russian propaganda. |
| Opponents of the separatist movement largely stayed away from polling stations Sunday. The referendum “is not legal,” said a 35-year-old businessman who gave his name only as Dmitry and was walking in a Donetsk park with his wife. He said he would not vote. “It’s just people with guns,” he said. “It is not a democratic referendum.” | Opponents of the separatist movement largely stayed away from polling stations Sunday. The referendum “is not legal,” said a 35-year-old businessman who gave his name only as Dmitry and was walking in a Donetsk park with his wife. He said he would not vote. “It’s just people with guns,” he said. “It is not a democratic referendum.” |
| There were no independent exit polls Sunday. But it did appear that turnout was relatively high. Journalists from several Western news organizations interviewed 186 residents in the Donetsk region, away from polling stations, and found that 116 had cast ballots or intended to. A total of 122 favored self-determination. The results were not scientific but reflected the level of interest in the referendum. | There were no independent exit polls Sunday. But it did appear that turnout was relatively high. Journalists from several Western news organizations interviewed 186 residents in the Donetsk region, away from polling stations, and found that 116 had cast ballots or intended to. A total of 122 favored self-determination. The results were not scientific but reflected the level of interest in the referendum. |
| Residents’ attitudes appear to have hardened considerably with the deaths of dozens of pro-Russian activists in the city of Odessa this month and with reports that troops fired at a crowd in Mariupol last week. | Residents’ attitudes appear to have hardened considerably with the deaths of dozens of pro-Russian activists in the city of Odessa this month and with reports that troops fired at a crowd in Mariupol last week. |
| “I am not against Ukraine. My children go to a Ukrainian school,” said Elena Voronkova, a 39-year-old businesswoman who voted yes. “But I want peace, stability and not to be afraid.” | “I am not against Ukraine. My children go to a Ukrainian school,” said Elena Voronkova, a 39-year-old businesswoman who voted yes. “But I want peace, stability and not to be afraid.” |
| Some residents said they wanted more autonomy for their region in a unified Ukraine. Others were openly in favor of joining Russia. | Some residents said they wanted more autonomy for their region in a unified Ukraine. Others were openly in favor of joining Russia. |
| “My soul is asking, my motherland is asking” for a union with Russia, said Vyachesla, 73, a retired lawyer who did not want to give his last name. “I am voting no to fascism and no to the Kiev junta.” | “My soul is asking, my motherland is asking” for a union with Russia, said Vyachesla, 73, a retired lawyer who did not want to give his last name. “I am voting no to fascism and no to the Kiev junta.” |
| Voting in Donetsk appeared orderly at many polling stations. People lined up to record their names and then stepped into curtained booths to mark their ballots before dropping them into containers decorated with the black, blue and red flag of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic. | Voting in Donetsk appeared orderly at many polling stations. People lined up to record their names and then stepped into curtained booths to mark their ballots before dropping them into containers decorated with the black, blue and red flag of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic. |
| In Horlivka, a tiny suburb about 15 miles from the city of Donetsk, turnout was heavy. | In Horlivka, a tiny suburb about 15 miles from the city of Donetsk, turnout was heavy. |
| Sergei Vasilyev, 28, who backs the separatist cause, said he was surprised by the size of the crowd, noting that it appeared to top any turnout he had seen in previous presidential elections. “I thought we would be much fewer,” Vasilyev said. | Sergei Vasilyev, 28, who backs the separatist cause, said he was surprised by the size of the crowd, noting that it appeared to top any turnout he had seen in previous presidential elections. “I thought we would be much fewer,” Vasilyev said. |
| But those in Horlivka who support a united Ukraine said they had no plans to vote or felt intimidated about voicing their views. Some mentioned cultural and generational divides that have fueled separatist tensions and are likely to be reflected in the vote. | But those in Horlivka who support a united Ukraine said they had no plans to vote or felt intimidated about voicing their views. Some mentioned cultural and generational divides that have fueled separatist tensions and are likely to be reflected in the vote. |
| “Only old people are happy about it,” said Vika, a student in a technical college who was discussing the referendum with friends in a cafe and declined to give more than her first name. The elderly had grown up in a Ukraine that was part of the Soviet Union, which collapsed in 1991. “Young people go to vote because we are afraid of being killed in Horlivka,” she said. | “Only old people are happy about it,” said Vika, a student in a technical college who was discussing the referendum with friends in a cafe and declined to give more than her first name. The elderly had grown up in a Ukraine that was part of the Soviet Union, which collapsed in 1991. “Young people go to vote because we are afraid of being killed in Horlivka,” she said. |
| The rebels rejected Putin’s surprise call last week for the referendum to be postponed, arguing that they would lose popular trust if they did so. | The rebels rejected Putin’s surprise call last week for the referendum to be postponed, arguing that they would lose popular trust if they did so. |
| Birnbaum reported from Moscow. Kunkle reported from Kiev. Anna Nemstova in Luhansk and Horlivka, Daniela Deane in London and Alex Ryabchyn in Donetsk contributed to this report. |