Defying Kiev

Ukraine Separatists Hold Elections

That West calls “illegitimate.”

Pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine have held elections denounced by the West as “illegitimate” but suppported by Moscow. The elections were held in the self-proclaimed people’s republics in Donestsk and Luhansk. The rebels say that early results suggest the two current separatist leaders are set to win their regions, which collectively are known as Donbas. Ukraine, the United States, and the European Union have said they will not recognize the election results, but Russia has indicated it will do so. The BBC reported Sunday that a convoy of as many as 90 military trucks were seen passing through rebel-held areas in the east. It came as Ukraine’s military reported an “intensive deployment” of troops and equipment across the border from Russia into the east of the country.