Donetsk Leader to Russia: ‘Absorb’ Us

The leader of the self-declared Donetsk People’s Republic of Ukraine called on Russia to “absorb” the region following Sunday’s referendum. Referencing the 89 percent of voters in Donetsk and 96 percent in Luhansk who reportedly favor “self-rule,” Denis Pushillin called on Moscow to listen to the “will of the people” Monday. Ukraine and its Western allies do not recognize the results of the referendum, while Russia has said the results should be “implemented” in a “civilized way.” Meanwhile, in Crimea, the European Union has sanctioned 13 people and two companies in response to Russia's annexation of the region.