Pro-Russia protesters occupy regional government in Ukraine's Donetsk
(Reuters) - Pro-Russian demonstrators occupied the regional government building in east Ukraine's city of Donetsk on Monday, besieging lawmakers as they voted to support the protesters but stopped short of meeting their demands for a split from Kiev.
The protesters stormed the building and reached the second floor where the regional council sits, despite efforts to keep them out by switching off lifts and sealing stairwell doors.
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Hundreds of demonstrators, chanting "Putin, come!" entered the building through a side door after clashing with police guarding the front of the building, a Reuters photographer said. Windows were smashed, making it possible for some to reach the second floor.
The resolution called for a referendum in the region, but did not say what question would be asked or when it would be held. The protesters want a vote on March 30 that would declare the region sovereign. Kiev says any such vote would be illegal.
The resolution also called for "public formations for the maintenance of public order", and recognized "historical, spiritual and cultural" links between the region and Russia.
Regional police chief Roman Romanov said police had opened a criminal case over the occupation of the building, two floors of which were still occupied by protesters by nightfall. He did not identify any suspects.
Romanov said police had failed to defend the building because they sought "to avoid bloodshed". Asked who he accepted as the legitimate authorities, he said: "I have given an oath to the Ukrainian people."
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But he's a billionaire and can get out of there if it gets hot.
Poor oligarchs can't get a break! 