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Ukraine crisis: Pro-Russian separatists to debate Putin referendum U-turn Ukraine crisis: Pro-Russian separatists defy Putin as Ukraine 'sends 15,000 troops' to the border
(about 4 hours later)
The Russian president Vladimir Putin has softened his tone in the confrontation with the West by asking for pro-Russian activists to postpone a referendum on autonomy in Ukraine's troubled east ahead of a presidential vote on 25 May. Attempts to diffuse the growing crisis in Ukraine have floundered as Russia accused the government of sending 15,000 troops to the border and separatists from the troubled east defied President Vladimir Putin's request to postpone a referendum on independence.
The presidential elections were "a step in the right direction", Mr Putin added, a remark that comes heavily in contrast to comments made by his spokesperson describing them as "absurd" the day before. "The referendum will be on May 11," Miroslav Rudenko, co-chairman of the self-declared government of the "Donetsk People's Republic" (DPR), was quoted as saying.
However, the apparent U-turn came as the Russian Foreign Ministry warned it would would not talk to "terrorists" and there were no immediate signs it would cool the Ukrainian crisis. The decision to hold the vote as planned was unanimous, said Denis Pushilin, co-chairman of the DPR added.
"The absolute priority for the government of Ukraine is a full-scale national dialogue with the participation of political forces, regional representatives and the public," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. "But dialogue is impossible and unthinkable with terrorists." Despite Putin urging separatists to delay a vote, Ukraine said its anti-terror operation would continue. At least 34 people, including many rebels, have died in that offensive which was launched last week, the government said.
The referendum is due to take place on Sunday and asks: “Do you support the act of proclamation of independent sovereignty for the Donetsk People's Republic?” Meanwhile, Russia's Defence Ministry claimed Ukraine had assembled 15,000 troops on its border with Russia and demanded the West to stop "cynically misinforming" the international community about events on the frontier between the two countries.
Earlier, Mr Putin had appeared to be softening his tone in the confrontation with the West by asking for pro-Russian activists to postpone a referendum on autonomy in Ukraine's troubled east ahead of a presidential vote on 25 May.
The presidential elections were "a step in the right direction", Mr Putin added, a remark that came heavily in contrast to comments made by his spokesperson describing them as "absurd" the day before.
The European Union has warned the referendum in eastern Ukraine "would have no democratic legitimacy and could only further worsen the situation."
The ballot is due to take place on Sunday and asks: “Do you support the act of proclamation of independent sovereignty for the Donetsk People's Republic?”
Separatist leaders in Donetsk and Luhansk say they will consider Mr Putin's request to postpone the vote and say they will put the matter "before people's councils".Separatist leaders in Donetsk and Luhansk say they will consider Mr Putin's request to postpone the vote and say they will put the matter "before people's councils".
The White House has responded by dismissing the vote as “illegal” and called for it to be cancelled instead of delayed.The White House has responded by dismissing the vote as “illegal” and called for it to be cancelled instead of delayed.
 
In an unexpected move, Mr Putin said Russian troops have been pulled back to their training grounds and locations for “regular exercises”, but he did not specify whether those locations were in areas near its border with Ukraine.In an unexpected move, Mr Putin said Russian troops have been pulled back to their training grounds and locations for “regular exercises”, but he did not specify whether those locations were in areas near its border with Ukraine.
But Nato and the US said they saw no indication of a Russian pullback, and the pro-Russia insurgents behind the referendum have not agreed to go along with Mr Putin's proposal.But Nato and the US said they saw no indication of a Russian pullback, and the pro-Russia insurgents behind the referendum have not agreed to go along with Mr Putin's proposal.
On Wednesday, Russian president also reiterated Russia's demand that Ukraine's military halt all operations against the pro-Russia activists who have seized government buildings and police stations in at least a dozen towns in eastern Ukraine.
Ukraine launched an offensive late last week to take back the buildings and towns under insurgent control. At least 34 people, including many rebels, have died in that offensive, the government said.
Many had feared that Sunday's vote would be a flashpoint for further violence between the rebels and Ukrainian troops.Many had feared that Sunday's vote would be a flashpoint for further violence between the rebels and Ukrainian troops.
A man prepares ballots and flyers for a planned referendum seeking greater autonomy from the central government in Kiev, scheduled for May 11 Mr Putin said: “We believe that the most important thing is to create direct, full-fledged dialogue between the Kiev authorities and representatives of south-east Ukraine.A man prepares ballots and flyers for a planned referendum seeking greater autonomy from the central government in Kiev, scheduled for May 11 Mr Putin said: “We believe that the most important thing is to create direct, full-fledged dialogue between the Kiev authorities and representatives of south-east Ukraine.
”Because of this, we ask that representatives of south-east Ukraine, supporters of federalisation in the country, postpone the May 11 referendum in order to create the necessary conditions for such a dialogue””Because of this, we ask that representatives of south-east Ukraine, supporters of federalisation in the country, postpone the May 11 referendum in order to create the necessary conditions for such a dialogue”
But it is unclear how much influence Moscow has with the insurgents, and many Donetsk residents appear eager to go ahead with the vote.But it is unclear how much influence Moscow has with the insurgents, and many Donetsk residents appear eager to go ahead with the vote.
If the insurgents go ahead with the referendum, it could bolster Moscow's insistence that it is not directing the unrest. But it could also anger Western countries and increase the pressure for additional sanctions against Russia.
Additional reporting by agenciesAdditional reporting by agencies