Russian referenda 'an affront to the principles of sovereignty' says US

Russian-installed leaders in Ukraine's south have put forward referenda to officially become part of Russia, as Ukraine's President calls for more weapons, sanctions and a war crimes tribunal. But Ukraine says Russia is holding the referenda because it's losing the war.

First meeting of the Donetsk region's Election Commission to discuss a referendum on joining Russia Source: AAP / TASS/Sipa USA