Ukraine crisis: Rebel elections obstacle to peace – EU

The European Union has condemned as illegal, elections held by pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine. 

EU Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini said the polls were "a new obstacle on the path towards peace".

The central government in Kiev also described as a "farce" the polls in the two self-proclaimed people's republics in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

Russia says it respects the will of the people in the polls, where the two current rebel leaders are set to win.

Self-proclaimed election officials say early results suggest Alexander Zakharchenko will become the regional head in Donetsk, while Igor Plotnisky will secure a victory in Luhansk.

The rebels also staged what they called parliamentary elections in the two regions - collectively known as Donbas.

BBC