Ukraine: Eastern Opposition Refuses to Delay Referendum

World Today

Ukraine’s anti-government activists say Sunday’s referendum on self-rule will go on as planned. The so-called Donetsk People’s Republic announced its decision despite calls from Russian President Vladimir Putin to delay it.

The head of the elections commission of the Donetsk People’s Republic, Denis Pushilin, said the decision was unanimous to go ahead with Sunday’s vote as planned. Putin on Wednesday had urged them to delay the referendum, which many fear could be a flash point for further violence between Ukrainian troops and the eastern opposition that has seized government buildings in about a dozen cities in eastern Ukraine. The organizers have said the referendum was on whether to give the eastern regions more autonomy within Ukraine, but they have left open the possibility of using it to seek independence or to join Russia. CCTV correspondent Roza Kazan reports from Donetsk.

Follow Roza Kazan on Twitter: @rozakazancctv

Activists to Procede with Referendum on Self-Rule

Ukraine's anti-government activists say Sunday's referendum on self-rule will go on as planned.The so-called Donetsk People's Republic announced its decision despite calls from Russian President Vladimir Putin to delay it.CCTV correspondent Roza Kazan reports from Donetsk .

CCTV correspondent Kate Parkinson reports from the anti-government stronghold of Slavyansk and finds out what the people there think of the decision not to delay the referendum.

Follow Kate Parkinson on Twitter:@katecctvnews

Ukranians React to Referendum Decision

CCTV correspondent Kate Parkinson reports from the anti-government stronghold of Slavyansk and finds out what the people there think of the decision not to delay the referendum.

The Unites States and EU have denounced the referendums planned by anti-government protesters in eastern Ukraine as illegal. CCTV’s Jim Spellman has this report on the international reaction to the activists’ decision to go ahead with the referendum.

U.S. and EU Oppose Referendum in Ukraine

CCTV's Jim Spellman has this report on the international reaction to the activists' decision not to delay the referendum.

CCTV’s Elaine Reyes interviews Steven Fish, Professor of Political Science at the University of California at Berkeley, on the referendum in eastern Ukraine and what it could mean for the region.

Ukraine to Lose Territory if Referendum Goes Through?

CCTV's Elaine Reyes interviews Steven Fish, Professor of political science at the University of California at Berkeley, on the referendum in Eastern Ukraine and what it could mean for the region.