On May 11, 2014, a referendum was held in the Luhansk and Donetsk regions of Ukraine to decide the status of these two Ukrainian regions. It was organized by supporters of federalization.
What question was put to the referendum
Only one question was proposed in the voting ballots: "Do you support the proclamation of state independence of the Luhansk (or Donetsk) People's Republic?"
Results of the referendum in Ukraine
The results of the referendum on the status of the Luhansk and Donetsk regions were announced the next day, May 12, at popular rallies. A little more than 96% of voters supported the independence of the Luhansk region, about 89% of the Donetsk region.
Voter turnout was high, according to the Central Election Commission. Thus, over 70% of voters came to the polling stations in Donbass, and in the Luhansk region - about 80%. The organizers recognized the referendum as valid.
What will the referendum give to Ukrainians
According to its results, two new subjects should appear in Ukraine, in which military and civilian authorities, independent from Kiev, will be formed.
Will the referendum in the east of Ukraine be recognized by other countries?
Kiev and Western countries have already announced that they will not recognize the results of the referendum. The new Ukrainian authorities complained that virtually no referendum had been held in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
According to them, in several districts of the Luhansk region, not a single polling station was opened at all, since local residents unanimously opposed the illegal referendum: they believe that Ukraine should remain united and unitary.
The European Union also did not recognize the results of the referendum, considering it illegal. Europe has long made no secret of its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. According to Western politicians, the referendum can lead to further intensification of the conflict.
The British authorities even called the holding of the referendum in the east of Ukraine "a regrettable event." The United States and Japan also did not recognize the outcome of the referendum. The Japanese believed that he had no democratic legitimacy.
What Russia thinks about the referendum in Ukraine
Russia did not send its observers to the referendum in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The Russian leader is in no hurry to assess this event. Vladimir Putin decided to express his attitude to the referendum after the results are known.
However, earlier he recommended the supporters of federalization to postpone the referendum to a later date. However, his opinion was not heeded.
