Kiev, May 13 (RHC)-- Pro-Russian groups in eastern Ukraine have asked to join Russia following this weekend’s referendum for self-rule. On Monday, rebel leaders declared an autonomous "People’s Republic of Donetsk," and called for Russian annexation like that in Crimea earlier this year.
The Ukrainian government in Kiev has refused to recognize the separatists’ bid. Russia has also stopped short of an endorsement and is unlikely to carry out another annexation.
