Russia Responds To Rebel Held Elections In Eastern Ukraine

Russia Says It Respects Results of Eastern Ukraine Separatist Vote -- Wall Street Journal

EU Denounces the Vote as Illegal and a Threat to Cease-Fire

KIEV, Ukraine—Russia said it “respected” the results of elections in the pro-Moscow separatist regions of Ukraine, restoking tensions with Kiev and the West, which denounced the votes as illegal and a threat to a fragile cease-fire.

Russia had signaled last week it would recognize the vote, which took place Sunday in the presence of tanks and with results cementing the status quo all but predetermined. Kiev and Western officials had said Russia’s recognition would hinder the resolution of the monthslong conflict.

Read more ....

More News On Russian Reaction To Yesterday's Elections In Rebel Held Ukraine

Moscow considers elections in eastern Ukraine valid — Russian Foreign Ministry -- ITAR-TASS

Russia Says It Respects Ukraine Separatist Vote -- Nasdaq
Russia backs Ukrainians separatists' election -- AP
Russia supports, EU condemns east Ukraine rebel polls -- Deutsche Welle
Russia calls on Kiev to talk with separatists -- Al Jazeera
Russia backs Ukraine rebel win in controversial elections -- AFP
Moscow urges Kiev to stop military actions in E. Ukraine -- Global Post/Xinhua News Agency
European Union Should Recognize Donetsk, Luhansk Elections: Russian Ambassador to EU -- RIA Novosti

The West Responds To Russian Support Of Ukraine's Rebel Election

EU reiterates objection to separatist elections in Ukraine; will not recognize results -- UPI
Europe warns Russia over Ukraine rebel poll -- AFP
Russia Threatened With More Sanctions After Backing Vote -- Bloomberg
EU Ambassadors to Discuss Elections in DPR, LPR on Tuesday: Official -- RIA Novosti