Ukraine Rebels claim 'self-rule' poll victory

 

Pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region have claimed a resounding victory in a "self-rule" referendum, saying 89% voted in favour.


In Luhansk, another eastern region, the results - also expected to show a strong backing - will be released soon.

BBC reporters at polling stations spoke of chaotic scenes, no voting booths in places and no electoral register.

Ukraine called the vote a "criminal farce" organised by Russia. The EU and US also said the polls were illegal.

Separatists claimed two people were killed by armed men loyal to Kiev in the city of Krasnoarmiisk.


The referendums were held despite an earlier call by Russian President Vladimir Putin to delay them in order to create the conditions necessary for dialogue.

The Kremlin has so far made no official comments after the voting ended.

The head of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic election commission, Roman Lyagin, told journalists several hours after the vote ended that 89.07% voted in favour of self-rule, with 10.19% against, with 0.74% of the ballots declared invalid.

Turnout was put at nearly 75%.

Results in the Luhansk region are expected later on Monday.

Donetsk separatist leader Denis Pushilin told one Russian news agency that once the results were confirmed, all Ukrainian military troops in the region would be considered "occupying forces".