DONETSK, Ukraine, April 18 (RIA Novosti) – Several dozen supporters of federalization for Ukraine were peacefully assembled in front of the regional government administration building in the country’s eastern Donetsk Region, a RIA Novosti correspondent reported Friday.
The correspondent reported that demonstrators, who are living in government buildings and a nearby tent camp, were calmly eating, drinking coffee and playing Russian patriotic songs.
The correspondent said the atmosphere around the city council building, seized by protesters Wednesday, was also peaceful, with staff freely going to their jobs in the building and no large crowds outside.
Earlier this week, authorities in Kiev announced the start of a military crackdown on protesters in the country’s East, including in Donetsk Region. Moscow has repeatedly said the decision to use force against the protesters is an extremely worrying and dangerous development.
In February, Ukraine underwent a change of leadership resembling a coup. The country’s parliament ousted President Viktor Yanukovych, amended the constitution and scheduled an early presidential election for May 25. Moscow, along with several regions within Ukraine, has cast doubt on the legitimacy of the new government as representative of the people of Ukraine.
