Pro-Russian activists in eastern Ukraine are due to consider a proposal by Russian President Vladimir Putin to delay referendums on autonomy. Mr Putin said putting off the vote could help create the conditions necessary for dialogue. Separatist leaders in Donetsk and Luhansk say they will put the matter before “people’s councils”. But Ukrainian authorities said “anti-terror” operations would continue regardless of the rebels’ decision. The referendums are due to take place on Sunday and millions of ballot papers have been prepared. And in what appeared to be a further shift in Russian policy, Mr Putin also said on Wednesday that this month’s presidential elections in Ukraine were a move “in the right direction”. His remarks came days after his spokesman said holding such an election would be absurd. Military operation continues Moscow has vowed to protect the rights of the largely Russian-speaking people in the south and east against […]