As a raspy voice bellows over the loudspeaker, hundreds clap and sing along in Donetsk.<br/> <br />They're gathered there to rally for an independence referendum, saying they want to leave Ukraine.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) PRO-RUSSIAN ACTIVIST, YURI, SAYING:<br/> <br />"I am here to support the referendum on May 11. All these people came here to show support."<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) PRO-RUSSIAN ACTIVIST, LUDMILA, SAYING:<br/> <br />"We live through a historic moment with historic events. We will have a referendum on May 11. We want to have an independent republic of Donetsk. We want to be independent from Ukraine, from the fascists' junta that is just unacceptable."<br/> <br />Blocks away, pro-Russian separatists seized control of the regional state television headquarters.<br/> <br />Brandishing shields, bats and guns, the masked men stood not far from some police officers who did not try to resist them.<br/> <br />Separatists in Donetsk already control the regional governor's office and city hall.
