Russia said Monday the latest developments in eastern Ukraine proved the necessity of a constitutional reform in that country and transforming it into a federation.

"Russia follows with attention the developments in Ukraine's eastern and southern regions, in Donetsk, Lugansk and Kharkov in particular," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

On Monday, a group of activists seized government buildings in Ukraine's eastern city of Donetsk and proclaimed the region " people's republic." They set a referendum no later than May 11 to validate the decision and called on Russia to send a "peacekeeping mission" to Donetsk if Kiev blocked the vote.

Moscow said the long-term stability of Ukrainian state was impossible without federalization which would guarantee interests of all the country's regions. The reform also must secure Ukraine's non-alliance status and special role of the Russian language, the ministry said.

Russia also reiterated its earlier proposals on international facilitation for an inclusive dialogue of all political and regional force in Ukraine.

Moscow was ready to participate in the efforts of its foreign partners, including the top diplomats of Poland, France and Germany, who have acted as guarantors of the agreement signed between the ousted Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and the then-opposition on Feb. 21, it said.

Yanukovych was ousted by the parliament, Supreme Rada, the next day after the deal was signed and left the country for Russia soon afterwards. Meanwhile, Moscow still recognizes him as the legitimate president of Ukraine.

Russia demanded the West stop shifting blame to it for the events in eastern Ukraine, saying the authorities in Kiev was to blame for the unrest.

"Do stop pointing at Russia and blaming it for all of Ukraine's current misfortunes. The Ukrainian people want Kiev to provide a coherent answer to all questions. It is high time to heed these legitimate demands," the ministry said.