Separatists Set To Defy Putin On Ukraine Vote

Pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine plan to hold a vote on independence this weekend despite President Vladimir Putin's call to delay it.

The co-ordinating committee of the self-proclaimed 'Donetsk People's Republic' announced it would have a referendum as planned on Sunday, following a meeting.

But some people fear the vote in the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk could spark further violence between Ukrainian troops and the pro-Russian militants.

The separatists have already seized government buildings in about a dozen cities in the east of the country.

Russian leader Mr Putin wants the vote postponed so talks could take place with the Kiev government.

President Putin wants the independence vote postponed

However, many in the east said the referendum was the only way to prevent war against what the rebels and Moscow call the "fascist" politicians in the capital.

Head of the rebel elections commission Denis Pushilin said the suggestion to put off the vote "came from a person who indeed cares for the people of the southeast" of Ukraine.

"But we are the bullhorn of the people," he said.

There have been clashes between rebels and troops in the east

The Russian stock market fell on the news and Kiev officials promised to continue with their "anti-terrorist campaign" to retake control over Donetsk and Luhansk regardless of the poll decision.

The European Union said the rebel vote has "no democratic legitimacy" can "only further worsen the situation".

Mr Putin's comments appeared to be an attempt to try to defuse the row with the West over Ukraine.

The president also declared Russia has pulled its troops away from the Ukrainian border.

But Nato and the US said they saw no signs of this.

Mr Putin also spoke more positively about the Ukrainian interim government's plan to hold a presidential election on May 25.

He called it a "step in the right direction," but reiterated Russia's view there should be constitutional reforms beforehand.

Also, Russia's defence ministry said Ukraine had assembled 15,000 troops on its border with Russia.

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