Pro-Russian militants in eastern Ukraine stand on guard.<br/> <br />Here in Luhansk they've been occupying government buildings for weeks...<br/> <br />Behind these walls people have been busy setting up what they call an election commission.<br/> <br />Printers both here and in Donetsk have been churning out millions of ballots... for referendums on Sunday on whether to separate from Ukraine.<br/> <br />Moscow has vowed to protect the rights of the mostly Russian-speaking majority in the south and east against the government in Kiev.<br/> <br />But now Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to be making a shift in policy.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN, SAYING:<br/> <br />"We call on the representatives of southeastern Ukraine, the supporters of the federalisation of the country, to postpone the referendum planned for May 11 this year."<br/> <br />Separatist leaders say they will put the matter before "people's councils".<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE) (Russian) PRESS OFFICER OF THE 'ARMY OF THE SOUTH
