2014 Donbas status referendums

Referendums on the status of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, parts of Ukraine that together make up the Donbas region, were claimed to have taken place on 11 May 2014 in many towns under the control of the Russian-controlled Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics.[1][2] These referendums intended to legitimise the establishment of the so-called "republics", in the context of the Russian invasion of Crimea and rising pro-Russian unrest in the aftermath of the 2014 Ukrainian Revolution.[2] In addition, a counter-referendum on accession to Dnipropetrovsk Oblast was held in some Ukrainian-controlled parts of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts.[3][4][5]

Independent observers reported many irregularities and the results of the separatist referendums were not officially recognised by any government, including those of Ukraine, the United States, and the countries of the European Union.[6] The Ukrainian government said that the referendum was illegal, and a number of nations—such as Germany, the United States, France, and Britain—said that the referendum was unconstitutional and lacked legitimacy. The Russian government expressed "respect" for the results and urged a "civilised" implementation, and later announced recognition of the republics on 21 February 2022, becoming the first UN member state to do so.[7][8][9]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference BBC126 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ a b "Pro-Russian activists in Donetsk prepare referendum for May 11". Kyiv Post. 16 April 2014. Retrieved 10 May 2014.
  3. ^ "The Other Referendum in Eastern Ukraine". atlanticcouncil.org. Atlantic Council. 12 May 2014. Retrieved 26 January 2016.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference dje2 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference dej3 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ "Russia Keeps Its Distance After Ukraine Secession Referendums". The New York Times. 12 May 2014. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
  7. ^ "Russia Calls for "Civilized Implementation" of East Ukraine Referendum Results". The Wall Street Journal. 12 May 2014. Retrieved 12 May 2014.
  8. ^ "Russia recognises Ukraine separatist regions as independent states". BBC News. 21 February 2022. Archived from the original on 21 February 2022. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
  9. ^ Wamsley, Laurel (21 February 2022). "Putin recognizes breakaway regions' independence from Ukraine, raising attack fears". NPR. Archived from the original on 21 February 2022. Retrieved 21 February 2022.