Self-proclaimed Donetsk Republic calls for joining Russia

Reuters reported on May 12 that Ukraine's separatist Donetsk region has filed a petition asking Moscow to consider annexing the region to the Russian Federation in order to "restore historical justice."

Speaking at a press conference in Donetsk, the self-proclaimed governor of Donetsk Denis Pushilin stated: "Based on the will of the people and the restoration of historical justice, we call on the Russian Federation to consider annexing the Donetsk People's Republic to the Russian Federation. The people of Donetsk have always been a part of the Russian Federation... The history of Russia is our history."

Donetsk residents participate in the referendum vote. (Source: AFP/VNA)

Meanwhile, the Office of the Interim Prime Minister of Ukraine said it had no immediate reaction to Mr. Pushilin's statement.

On the same day, Russia called on the Ukrainian interim government to conduct a nationwide discussion on the country's future structure./.

According to VNA