Russia strengthens its military presence in the region and the Ukrainian authorities conduct large- scale anti-terrorist operation to suppress Pro-Russian activists, who have occupied government buildings, immediately upon the expiration of the ultimatum

Meanwhile, Turchynov, the interim president of Ukraine, did not rule out the possibility of conducting a referendum regarding the federalism of the country.

According to international media, Turchynov, who also serves as chairman of the Ukrainian interim parliament, said that the Ukrainian leadership does not rule out the possibility of holding of a referendum regarding the territorial integrity of the country.

It is said that the right-hand man of the former Prime Minister of Ukraine, Yulia Tymoshenko, stated that discussions on holding of a referendum take place and that if a referendum conducted, Ukrainians citizens would vote in favor of an independent, autonomous Ukraine.

It should be also mentioned that Turchynov had described the referendum conducted on Crimea as a “joke” saying Ukraine does not accept its legitimacy.

According to Ukrainian media, outbreaks have also spread to Lugansk and Kramatorsk, whereas clashes continue to Slaviansk and Donetsk. The pro-Russian protesters remain at the occupied government buildings, whereas the leader of the far-right nationalist organization “Right Division”, Dmitro Yarosh, calls his fighters to take action.

Also, in Mariupol, where 150,000 Greeks live, pro-Russian protesters have occupied the governorate building of the city and set up barricades.

The Interior Minister of the interim government of Ukraine, Arsen Avakov, depicted the war atmosphere on his Facebook account.

“An anti-terrorist operation begun in Slaviansk. It is being directed by the anti-terrorist centre of the state security service. Forces from all the security units of the country have been brought in. Let God be with us”, he said.

Yesterday, the President of Ukraine Turchynov called the Security Council of the country to an urgent meeting.

According to the “Kievpost”, OSCE observers are due to visit Slaviansk in order to assess the situation while the White House announced that U.S. Vice President, Joe Biden, will travel to Kiev on April 22 to meet with government officials and groups of civil society before the upcoming presidential election in May.  This visit is a clear demonstration of US support towards Ukraine, said the White House, expressing concerns on the escalation of clashes in the eastern part of the country .

Meanwhile, the residents of Slaviansk remain at their homes, as according to the Interfax agency, Mr Avakov warned them to stay indoors and keep away from windows.