The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) arrested two
residents of Donetsk Oblast, at a checkpoint near Mariupol, who were transporting 10 000 ballots for the
so-called ‘referendum’ by car. All the ballots had a checkmark next to ‘Yes’
for the support federalization of the so-called ‘People’s Republic of Donetsk.’
Turchynov
admitted today that Sunday's referendums were ‘a step towards the abyss’—where
the regions separatism would move towards total self-destruction: ‘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."
The
referendum will be held in cities and towns of Donetsk and Luhansk that are
held by separatists. The ballet papers ask:
"Do you support the act of state self-reliance of the Donetsk People's
Republic?”
Separatists
aim to hold second round on 18 May, on joining the Russian Federation. The referendum
has been deemed illegal and illegitimate by Ukraine's government and the
international community. French President Hollande and German Chancellor Merkel said in a statement that they feared
further destabilisation of Ukraine. About 40,000 Russian troops are currently
near the Ukrainian border.
In
Mariupol, pro-Russian groups in the city set up more barricades with burning
tires and vehicles tipped over on their sides, sealing off the roads around the
town hall and the police station.
In
Donetsk, nine Red Cross workers, present to evaluate the needs of the local
population, were briefly detained by separatists who suspected them of being
spies.
According to Valentyn
Krasnoperov (‘eyewitness’ from Slovyansk):
The situation in
Slovyansk is quite unusual. Both Ukrainian and separatist sides encourage
people to leave town since everyone expects an assault on the town in the near
future. Most people are very tired. Even the hardcore separatists understand that
Russia will not come to the rescue openly. Most people are opposed to the
presence of a paramilitary ‘republic’ element. However, the situation is
aggravated by a rumour that Strelok [one of the leaders
of the ‘People’s Republic of Donetsk’’],
has escaped to Horlivka. This information was not confirmed, but it demoralized
many. Strelok has been see to create chaos but then
run away when things get tough.
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