- More than 90% of the voters voted on sovereignty of the State in the referendum held in eastern Ukrainian provinces of Donetsk and Luhansk. While Donetsk declared itself as Donetsk People’s Republic and asked Russia to consider it as a part of it, Luhansk People’s Republic will appeal for international recognition, and seek military intervention from Russia if needed.
- Both said they would allow not Ukrainian Presidential elections to be held in their provinces, and denied any prospect of unity with Ukraine. It agreed to talks for exchange of captured prisoners.
- Ukraine hailed the referendum as information propaganda with no legal consequence except for incrimination of the organizers.
- Ukraine’s ousted President Viktor Yanukovych said that the referendum was the people’s reaction to Kiev’s fascism, and called for immediate withdrawals of armed troops.
- Russia welcomed the verdict and said that the implementation should proceed in a peaceful manner through dialogues between the two parties.
- The Organisation of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) is set to moderate talks between Kiev and Ukraine’s rebellious eastern regions.
- European Union is set to impose sanctions upon two Crimean companies and 13 more individuals from Russia and Ukraine.
- Read at: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-international/east-ukraine-massive-mandate-for-sovereignty/article6003036.ece
Exams Perspective:
- Ukraine crisis
- Organisation of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)