Deadline for Ukraine surrender passes as pro-Russians attack more official buildings

Pro-Russian activists have ignored a deadline to leave east Ukraine and have taken over a police station.

By Dave Lancaster |

16:27 14 April 2014

With the deadline for surrender passed, pro-Russian forces remain in Ukraine and have besieged more official buildings including a police station in the town of Horlivka, near Donetsk, 

 

One of the main demands from the protesters is a national referendum to decide the nation's fate amid the aftermath of Russia's recent annexation of Crimea. 

 

Ukraine's interim president Olexander Turchynov claimed to be "not against" the idea of a vote to decide the country's future while also confirming that Ukraine was preparing to launch an "anti-terrorist operation" against the armed men occupying government building across the area. 

 

"We are not against holding a national referendum," Mr Turchynov said. "I am certain that a majority of Ukrainians will support an indivisible, independent, democratic and united Ukraine."

 

Describing the actions of pro-Russian forces, he stated: "It's not a confrontation between Ukrainians, but covert and now no longer covert aggression by the Russian Federation against our country."

 

As yet, the army hasn't retaliated against the pro-Russian groups. 

 

Interim president Turchynov suggested through a televised parliament address that Kiev would "be open" to moving from a republic to a federation while also granting more rights to the Russian speaking population of Ukraine.