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Ukraine rebels hold referendums in Donetsk and Luhansk Ukraine rebels hold referendums in Donetsk and Luhansk
(about 3 hours later)
Pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine's two eastern regions are holding "self-rule" referendums - a move condemned by Ukraine's government and the West. "Self-rule" referendums have been taking place in Ukraine's easternmost regions, with pro-Russian separatists claiming a big turnout.
BBC correspondents at polling stations report 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.
Self-proclaimed leaders in Donetsk and Luhansk regions are going ahead with the vote despite Russian President Vladimir Putin's call to postpone it. Ukraine called the vote a "criminal farce" organised by Russia. Western leaders have also criticised it.
Ukraine condemned the vote as a "criminal farce" organised by Russia. Separatist leaders ignored a call by the Russian president to delay it.
An official in Kiev, national security chief Andriy Parubiy, said: "We do not consider there to have been a referendum." A Donetsk separatist leader told one Russian news agency that once the results are announced, all Ukrainian military troops in the region would be considered "occupying forces".
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?" Denis Pushilin was also quoted as saying Ukrainian national troops had seized polling stations in the town of Krasnoarmiisk, west of Donetsk.
Outbreaks of violence have continued; fighting was reported overnight around rebel-held Sloviansk. 'Abyss'
'Total collapse' 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?"
Across eastern Ukraine: 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 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".