The head of the self-proclaimed Donetsk Republic today vowed to go ahead with a referendum on independence for the separatist region in eastern Ukraine next month.
Denis Pushilin told reporters that a popular vote on a "declaration of independence" would be held on May 11, despite major doubts over the logistics and legitimacy of such a referendum.
The question asked would be "Do you approve of the declaration of independence of the People's Republic of Donetsk?" said Pushilin.
After the referendum, there would be elections to decide who would lead the region, he said.
"Then, our People's Republic of Donetsk can start to function again. We will see what the best deal is for our relations with the rest of Ukraine, whether we have a federation, a confederation or independence," he said.
He described the referendum as "inevitable" and said there was "all the money needed to organise it".
Political analysts have voiced doubts over whether the self-proclaimed leaders of the separatist region have the resources, especially financial to mount such a referendum.
Unlike March's disputed referendum in Crimea, in which nearly 97 per cent of voters opted for Kremlin rule, pro-Russian protesters in Ukraine's east are not seen as well enough equipped to organise a large popular vote.
