Sunday's Referendum In Eastern Ukraine To Go On As Scheduled

A pro-Russia insurgency in Eastern Ukraine has rejected an appeal from Russian President Vladimir Putin, and has decided to go ahead with a referendum on autonomy.

The coordinating committee of the so-called Donetsk People's Republic announced after a meeting today that it would hold the vote on Sunday as planned.

Yesterday, Putin urged them to delay the referendum, which many fear could be a flash point for further violence between Ukrainian troops and the pro-Russia militants who have seized government buildings in about a dozen cities in Eastern Ukraine.

Note: This interview can be heard in the Here & Now podcast or with the WBUR app.