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© RIA Novosti
Police in the eastern Ukrainian city of Lugansk has sided with activists who rally in support of federalization of the country, Interfax reports with reference to Russia-24 TV channel. Thousands of people in Lugansk, Donets, Kharkov are calling for a referendum to decide on the status of the Donbass regions.

Lugansk police joined the ranks of protesters supporting the federalization of Ukraine. According to it, Lugansk is being patrolled by reinforced police squads.

The local Ukraine's security service HQ is still being controlled by the pro-federalization activists, with hundreds of them barricaded inside the building.

Thousands of people come to the square in front of the building to show their support.

After the self-defense activists returned to the building, a man wearing police uniform, who turned out to be the deputy head of Lugansk police, has arrived.

"The colonel was immediately decorated with a St. George's ribbon, which means that police joined forces with the people. According to commander, the majority of the police officers support the federalization proponents," TV channel reports.

According to "Rossiya 24", about 1,5 - 2 thousand people who demand the referendum on the region's status to be held still occupy the square.