The results of the referendum held two days ago in the Donetsk region seemingly proved that the majority of voters are interested in establishing a "Donetsk People's Republic," which is not subordinate to the government in Kiev.
According to the referendum organizers, approximately 75% of the district's residents participated in the elections, of whom 89% supported the existence of the "Donetsk Republic.".
Official Ukrainian sources denied the legitimacy of the elections, and claim that the data presented is also incorrect and biased. According to many, since the government in Kiev declared the elections illegal, many opponents avoided going to the elections, although it should be noted that the number of voters observed at the polling stations was higher than expected. In addition, there was no synchronization between the voters at the polling stations, so it was possible to vote twice, at different polling stations.
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""The Jewish community does not interfere""
The election results boosted the self-confidence of the leaders of the "Donetsk Republic," and during the day they declared independence and asked Moscow to annex the Donetsk region to Russia. The declaration could further destabilize the security situation in eastern Ukraine.
In recent weeks, bloody battles have been fought in several cities near Donetsk, and there is a real fear that battles between the Ukrainian army and supporters of the republic will reach their peak in the city of Donetsk.
The Jewish community in Donetsk, led by Chabad emissary Rabbi Pinchas Vishetzky, has increased security at community institutions, and community leaders hope that the events will end without riots. Rabbi Vishetzky: "The Jewish community does not interfere in politics, although there were those who tried to organize a provocation as if Jewish residents were obliged to appear at the republic's offices and declare their wealth and property." On the question of personal security, he said: "Even before May 9, there were warnings that there might be riots, and, thank God, everything went smoothly. We all hope that government officials will reach an understanding and that public life will return to stability, without any Jew being harmed, God willing.".
Russia: Respect the results
Russia criticized the European Union today (Monday) for expanding sanctions on it and urged it to respect the results of the referendum in eastern Ukraine, which determined that the Donetsk and Luhansk regions would secede from the central government in Kiev.
European Commission President Herman Van Rompuy condemned yesterday's referendum in eastern Ukraine by pro-Russian separatists, which declared that the Donetsk and Luhansk regions would secede from Ukraine and become independent. Van Rompuy said Europe was ready to take tougher measures against Russia if it failed to resolve the crisis in the region. "We do not recognize the referendum - it is illegal, illegitimate and not credible.".
The White House also said the United States does not recognize the referendum. "The referendum is designed to deepen division and chaos in the country," said White House spokesman Jay Carney. "We are disappointed that Russia did not use its influence to thwart the referendum.".
