Pro-Russian activists rally in Donetsk as separatists seize TV station
- 10 years ago
As a raspy voice bellows over the loudspeaker, hundreds clap and sing along in Donetsk.
They're gathered there to rally for an independence referendum, saying they want to leave Ukraine.
(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) PRO-RUSSIAN ACTIVIST, YURI, SAYING:
"I am here to support the referendum on May 11. All these people came here to show support."
(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) PRO-RUSSIAN ACTIVIST, LUDMILA, SAYING:
"We live through a historic moment with historic events. We will have a referendum on May 11. We want to have an independent republic of Donetsk. We want to be independent from Ukraine, from the fascists' junta that is just unacceptable."
Blocks away, pro-Russian separatists seized control of the regional state television headquarters.
Brandishing shields, bats and guns, the masked men stood not far from some police officers who did not try to resist them.
Separatists in Donetsk already control the regional governor's office and city hall.
They're gathered there to rally for an independence referendum, saying they want to leave Ukraine.
(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) PRO-RUSSIAN ACTIVIST, YURI, SAYING:
"I am here to support the referendum on May 11. All these people came here to show support."
(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) PRO-RUSSIAN ACTIVIST, LUDMILA, SAYING:
"We live through a historic moment with historic events. We will have a referendum on May 11. We want to have an independent republic of Donetsk. We want to be independent from Ukraine, from the fascists' junta that is just unacceptable."
Blocks away, pro-Russian separatists seized control of the regional state television headquarters.
Brandishing shields, bats and guns, the masked men stood not far from some police officers who did not try to resist them.
Separatists in Donetsk already control the regional governor's office and city hall.