Ethnic Russians in Donetsk decide not to celebrate Crimea poll
- 10 years ago
Central Lenin Square in Donetsk in eastern Ukraine was deserted on Sunday night.
Although supporters of the Crimean call to join the Russian Federation, the majority ethnic Russian speakers had stayed at home.
Local police had been expecting trouble – earlier in the day pro-Kremlin protesters had occupied the security service headquarters.
Most of the ethnic Russians in the region feel closer historic ties to Moscow than Kyiv.
Our reporter Angelina Kariakina in Donetsk said: “While celebrations on the results of referendum are underway in Crimea, in the main square of Donetsk, where a brutal clash took place just a few days ago, it is practically empty. No slogans or music here tonight.”
Although supporters of the Crimean call to join the Russian Federation, the majority ethnic Russian speakers had stayed at home.
Local police had been expecting trouble – earlier in the day pro-Kremlin protesters had occupied the security service headquarters.
Most of the ethnic Russians in the region feel closer historic ties to Moscow than Kyiv.
Our reporter Angelina Kariakina in Donetsk said: “While celebrations on the results of referendum are underway in Crimea, in the main square of Donetsk, where a brutal clash took place just a few days ago, it is practically empty. No slogans or music here tonight.”