Ukraine Crisis: Russian Roulette


Referendums for "autonomy" were held in most Russian dominated regions of eastern Ukraine, with the pro-Russian separatists claiming nearly 90% voted in favor of an independent Donetsk state. 

Polling stations in Donetsk and Lugansk witnessed scenes of chaos and absence of polling booths in places where there were voters lists. 

At least one Russian-speaking person was killed by gunmen loyal to the Ukrainian government. Ukraine called the vote a "judicial farce" organized by Russia. 




United States and EU countries have also condemned the vote and imposed economic sanctions on Russia. Separatist leaders ignored a call from the Russian President to delay the referendum. 

The head of the election commission of the People's Republic of Donetsk claimed  89% voted in favor of independence, with 10% against. The voter turnout was nearly 75%.

If the insurgents push for incorporation into Russia, Moscow will face a dilemma. The sanctions by Western nations already seem to be having a negative impact on the economy.
To complicate matters further, there's the slated Presidential elections to be held on 25th May. Germany and France warned Russia of fresh sanctions if the presidential elections in Ukraine do not go ahead as scheduled.
Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President, Francois Hollande, said the country faced destabilization if the elections did not take place.
They have insisted on reduction of Russian forces on the border with Ukraine, estimated at about 40 000 soldiers and warned referendums staged by the pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine as illegal.

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