Violence and bloodshed continues in Ukraine, days before the Crimean region votes on a referendum to join Russia.

In an unusually emotional speech, German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned of "catastrophe" unless Moscow changes course.

(SOUNDBITE) (German) GERMAN CHANCELLOR, ANGELA MERKEL, SAYING:

"Ladies and gentlemen, if Russia continues on its course of the past weeks, it will not only be a catastrophe for Ukraine. We would not only see it, also as neighbours of Russia, as a threat. And it would not only change the European Union's relationship with Russia. No, this would also cause massive damage to Russia, economically and politically."

Here in the eastern city of Donetsk, a young man was stabbed to death in violence between pro-Russian and pro-European demonstrators.

. (SOUNDBITE)(Russian) UNIDENTIFIED MAN, SAYING:

"They simply kicked him to death, and I don't know with what exactly they beat him but I took one tool to show you how they resolve d