Pro-Russian separatists vow to proceed with referendum despite Putin’s plea

By Fredrick Kunkle, Michael Birnbaum and Simon Denyer, Updated: Thursday, May 8, 9:59 AME-mail the writers

KIEV, Ukraine — Pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine vowed Thursday to go ahead with a referendum on independence, defying Russian President Vladimir Putin’s surprise call for Sunday’s vote to be postponed.

Pro-Russian Separatists Vow to Proceed With Referendum Despite Putin’s Plea by Thavam Ratna