Russia calls for federalisation of Ukraine

Moscow called today for the federalisation of Ukraine after pro-Kremlin militants occupying the Donetsk government seat proclaimed independence from Kiev and vowed to hold a referendum on joining Russia.
Russia said authorities in Kiev needed to heed the "legitimate demands" of people in the Russian-speaking eastern regions of Ukraine, where there have been calls for independence from the central authorities.
Ukraine could not have long-term stability "without conducting genuine constitutional reform" whereby "the interests of all the country's regions.... Would be ensured through federalisation," said the Russian foreign ministry in a statement.
"Stop pointing the finger at Russia, blaming it for all the problems in today's Ukraine."

"The Ukrainian people want a clear answer from Kiev to all of their questions. It's time to heed these legitimate demands."
The Kremlin has been lobbying for Ukraine to become a federation to ensure greater autonomy for its Russian-speaking eastern regions.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, however, said Monday federalisation was a dangerous idea aimed at splitting Ukraine.
Moscow said it was watching carefully the latest events in the largely Russian-speaking east of Ukraine.
The call came after Russia annexed the Russian-speaking peninsula of Crimea in February after staging a referendum Western powers condemned as illegitimate.