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Ukraine crisis: Eastern rebels hold self-rule referendums Ukraine crisis: Eastern rebels hold self-rule referendums
(35 minutes later)
Pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine's two eastern regions are holding "self-rule" referendums - a move condemned by the Ukrainian government and the West.Pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine's two eastern regions are holding "self-rule" referendums - a move condemned by the Ukrainian government and the West.
Self-proclaimed leaders in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions are going ahead with the vote despite Russian President Vladimir Putin's call to postpone it.Self-proclaimed leaders in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions are going ahead with the vote despite Russian President Vladimir Putin's call to postpone it.
Ukraine says the vote could result in the "self-destruction" of the regions.Ukraine says the vote could result in the "self-destruction" of the regions.
Pro-Russian gunmen occupying offices in a number of towns have been involved in heavy clashes with Ukrainian troops.Pro-Russian gunmen occupying offices in a number of towns have been involved in heavy clashes with Ukrainian troops.
Reports say there was a fierce fighting overnight on the outskirts of the rebel-held city of Sloviansk, which remains sealed by government troops conducting what the government in Kiev describes as an "anti-terror" operation.Reports say there was a fierce fighting overnight on the outskirts of the rebel-held city of Sloviansk, which remains sealed by government troops conducting what the government in Kiev describes as an "anti-terror" operation.
At least seven people were killed in clashes in the port of Mariupol on Friday, officials said.At least seven people were killed in clashes in the port of Mariupol on Friday, officials said.
'Total collapse''Total collapse'
Referendum organisers said earlier this week that most of the polling stations were controlled by pro-Russian activists and would be ready for voting.Referendum organisers said earlier this week that most of the polling stations were controlled by pro-Russian activists and would be ready for voting.
One pro-Ukrainian head teacher told the BBC she had refused to let the rebels in and was getting death threats.One pro-Ukrainian head teacher told the BBC she had refused to let the rebels in and was getting death threats.
Millions of ballot papers have been prepared.Millions of ballot papers have been prepared.
They contain only one question in both Ukrainian and Russian: "Do you support the act of state self-rule of the Donetsk People's Republic/Luhansk People's Republic?"They contain only one question in both Ukrainian and Russian: "Do you support the act of state self-rule of the Donetsk People's Republic/Luhansk People's Republic?"
The organisers have suggested they intend to hold a second round later in the month - this time on joining Russia. They also say they will be boycotting Ukraine's presidential elections on 25 May. The organisers have suggested they intend to hold a second round of voting later this month, on joining Russia. They also say they will boycott Ukraine's presidential elections on 25 May.
There are no independent or international observers involved in Sunday's vote, and all is in the hands of the organisers, the BBC's Sarah Rainsford in Donetsk reports. There are no independent or international observers involved in Sunday's vote, the BBC's Sarah Rainsford in Donetsk reports.
On Saturday, Ukraine's interim President Olexandr Turchynov admitted many in eastern Ukraine supported the pro-Russian militants, but warned that the referendums were "a step towards the abyss".On Saturday, Ukraine's interim President Olexandr Turchynov admitted many in eastern Ukraine supported the pro-Russian militants, but warned that the referendums were "a step towards the abyss".
"Those who advocate self-determination do not understand that this will mean the total collapse of the economy, of social programmes, and of life in general for the majority of people in these regions," he said.
The EU and US have also condemned the referendums, amid fears that Ukraine could be sliding to civil war.The EU and US have also condemned the referendums, amid fears that Ukraine could be sliding to civil war.
A survey by the Pew Research Centre suggested a majority even in eastern Ukraine - 70% - wanted to remain in a united country, despite concerns about governance.
In Moscow, President Putin earlier called for a postponement of the vote to create the conditions necessary for dialogue.In Moscow, President Putin earlier called for a postponement of the vote to create the conditions necessary for dialogue.
Last month, Russia annexed Ukraine's southern autonomous republic of Crimea, and there are fears that Moscow could invade mainland Ukraine to support the separatists. Last month, Russia annexed Ukraine's southern autonomous republic of Crimea, after a referendum.
However, the Kremlin has said it has no plans to cross the border. Bill Taylor, a former US ambassador to Ukraine, said results from Sunday's referendum should be treated with caution after what happened in Crimea.
Russia is estimated to have some 40,000 troops near the border with Ukraine, though Moscow says they have been pulled back. "The first reports were... that 80% turned out and 97% agreed with the yes vote. And then we find out just a couple of days ago from an official Russian government website that the turnout was not 80%, it was only 30% in Crimea, and the yes vote was not 97%, it was only 50%."
Nato says it has seen no sign of any withdrawal. Russia is estimated to have some 40,000 troops near the border with Ukraine, but has said it has no plans to cross over.
Moscow says the troops have been pulled back, but Nato says it has seen no sign of any withdrawal.
On Saturday, French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned Russia of further sanctions if Ukraine's presidential election failed to go ahead.On Saturday, French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned Russia of further sanctions if Ukraine's presidential election failed to go ahead.
"If there is not an internationally recognised presidential election, that would lead unavoidably to a further destabilisation of the country," the two leaders said in a statement.
Correspondents take this to mean economic sanctions against Russia already authorised by European leaders in March.
Both the EU and US have already imposed sanctions targeting officials and companies linked to President Putin.Both the EU and US have already imposed sanctions targeting officials and companies linked to President Putin.
Are you in the Donetsk or Luhansk region, or elsewhere in Ukraine? What do you think of the "self-rule" referendums? You can send us your thoughts by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.ukusing the subject line "Ukraine".Are you in the Donetsk or Luhansk region, or elsewhere in Ukraine? What do you think of the "self-rule" referendums? You can send us your thoughts by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.ukusing the subject line "Ukraine".