A separatist leader from Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region said it would form its own state bodies and consider government soldiers there as "occupiers" once results were announced from Sunday's self-rule referendum, Interfax news agency said.
"All military troops on our territory after the official announcement of referendum results will be considered illegal and declared occupiers," Denis Pushilin, a leader of the self-styled Donetsk republic said, according to the agency.
"It is necessary to form state bodies and military authorities as soon as possible," Interfax said he added.
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