Referendum moves ahead in eastern Ukraine

Polls are open in eastern Ukraine.

Hundreds are lined up across the region to cast their vote in a controversial referendum.

Will the region stay with Ukraine? Or will it take on self-rule as the Donetsk People's Republic?

In Slaviansk, where armed pro-Russian rebels keep a heavy presence, one voter says she cannot support the government in Kiev.

(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) SLAVIANSK RESIDENT SVETLANA SAYING:

"Of course I'm going to vote so that we have a federal structure. I don't recognize these authorities. They are a junta and took power using bandit ways."

Kiev considers the referendum illegal.

But it hasn't stopped voters from participating.

In Donetsk, some voters ultimately see their future like that of Crimea, which Russia annexed in March.

(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) DONETSK RESIDENT TATIANA SAYING:

"It will be a two-stage referendum. First we voted to be a federal republic. Further, we'll see. (REPORTER ASKING OFF CAMERA, WHAT