Revenge for the referendum: Valeriy Bolotov's assassination attempt

Valeriy Bolotov, leader of the Luhansk People’s Republic (LPR), was shot by a sniper today at 11 am. Bolotov was in a car, headed for unification negotiations with representatives of Donetsk Republic. He suffered wounds in the left upper part of the body which resulted in a serious blood loss. LPR chief was admitted to a private clinic, his life declared out of danger.

Since the sniper was shooting from a distance, he could not be detected. Till the recovery of Bolotov, vice chief Gennadiy Tsepkalov will take over the responsibilities.

The LPR press-secretary Vasiliy Nikitin says the assassination comes as an act of revenge for the referendum held just two days back in the region, adding that information about possible assaults appeared before. «Kiev will not achieve anything with their violent acts. They just tell us that we are moving in the right direction»- added Nikitin. According to LPR, there is a few million hryvnas price set on Bolotov’s head by those who seek to destroy People’s movement, so the next step is to tighten up security within the region and on the borders.

The referendum held on Sunday resulted in separation from Ukraine and independence declaration.

«We have chosen our own way, beyond lawless bloody tyranny of Kiev junta and its fascist nature. We have chosen freedom from oppressors and rule of law.«- were the words of Valeriy Bolotov at the meeting.