DONETSK, May 2 (Itar-Tass) - The date for a referendum on sovereignty of the Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine, was not changed. It would be held as planned on May 11, the proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic's co-chairman Denis Pushilin told a press conference on Friday.

He announced the question for the referendum "Do you support the act on the proclamation of independence of the State Donetsk Republic? Yes or No."

A referendum would take place also in Lugansk on May 11, he said.

"A referendum is the only way to settle the problem and make the entire world know what is happening on the land," Pushilin noted.

Speaking about the Kiev leadership's punitive operation in Slavyansk, he said about 20 helicopters were used in the operation, and three of them were shot down by militiamen. A wounded pilot was left by the Kiev forces at the site. "Unfortunately, there is bloodshed. It is a big mistake," he noted.

"The junta (those who have seized power in Kiev) is doing everything to unleash a civil war." "We wait for an assault every day. The Right Sector is present. All (Donetsk region residents) are determined. Nobody intends to retreat," Pushilin said.