Postpone your referendum.<br/> <br />That was the message from Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday to pro-Moscow separatists in neighboring Ukraine.<br/> <br />They want to hold a vote on independence May 11th, potentially undermining national elections set for later in the month.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN, SAYING:<br/> <br />"We call on the representatives of southeastern Ukraine, the supporters of the federalization of the country, to postpone the referendum planned for May 11 this year."<br/> <br />The U.S. and European Union had threatened Russia with tighter sanctions if it interfered with Ukraine's general election.<br/> <br />Sunday's planned referendum was seen as a potential trigger for those sanctions.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN, SAYING:<br/> <br />"I want to underline that the planned presidential elections in Kiev are a move in the right direction but they won't solve anything if all of the citizens of Ukraine don't understan
