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AFP Ukraine rebels snub Putin, vow to hold independence votes

Donetsk (Ukraine) (AFP) - Pro-Moscow rebels fighting in east Ukraine vowed Thursday to press on with disputed independence referendums, defying a call from President Vladimir Putin to postpone the vote in a bid to ease tensions.

"The vote will happen on May 11," the leader of the self-proclaimed People's Republic of Donetsk, Denis Pushilin, declared to reporters.

There were fears that Ukraine could still erupt in fresh violence on Friday when both it and Russia celebrate the Soviet victory in World War II.

There were some reports that Putin could make a triumphant entry into Crimea, which was annexed by Russia from Ukraine in March.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel voiced her concern to Putin about this possibility, her Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said Thursday. "He left the answer open about whether he would personally attend".

The Cold War-style tension was ratcheted up another notch on Thursday as Russia conducted military drills, including test-firing ballistic missiles, and said Ukraine would now have to prepay for its crucial gas imports.

A display of tanks, missile systems and fighter jets on Red Square Friday will help mark the WWII victory over the Nazis.

Pushilin said Thursday, to applause from members of the "republic's" ruling council, that "the people's desire to hold the referendum is becoming even greater."

- 'The Donetsk People's Republic' -

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Ukraine rebels snub Putin, vow to hold independence votes