Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma warned on Monday against any attempt to split Ukraine, Ukraine national news agency Ukrinform reported on Monday evening.

"It is not allowed to separate Ukraine under whatever circumstances," Kuchma told a meeting in the suburb of Kiev, whichwas attended by Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich and senior leaders from eastern Ukrainian Provinces.

He said some people have the intention to split the country.

On Sunday, a meeting of people's deputies held in eastern Ukrainian city of North Donetsk warned of seeking trans-regional autonomous alliance and even urged to consider the possibility of holding a referendum on setting up a "Southeastern Republic".

On the same day, the congress of the eastern Ukrainian provinceof Donetsk decided to hold a referendum on whether to upgrade the province into an autonomous republic on Dec. 5, signaling a move for separation.

Kuchma also said he was surprised at the accusations that thereare frauds in the presidential elections, adding that the actions of the opposition camp have gone beyond the reason.

He urged the two sides to come back to the negotiation table, exploring political and legal solutions to crack the standoff.

The president also warned that the economic situation in Ukraine is all the more serious.

He said what he was worrying about most is the financial stability, warning of possible dismantling of the whole financial system.

Whatever consequences, neither Prime Minister Yanukovich nor hehimself would hold the responsibility because the president and the government could not put the work on normal track, he said.

According to Kuchma, the volume of goods going through the Ukraine customs house has decreased by 75 percent.