DW: Ukraine separatists vote in elections denounced by West
Residents of parts of eastern Ukraine controlled by Russia-backed separatists are voting in polls the EU calls illegal. Critics say the elections aim to tighten Russia's grip and are an impediment to peace in the region.
Polling stations opened on Sunday in eastern Ukrainian regions governed by Kremlin-backed rebels in defiance of calls on Moscow by the West to halt elections seen as hampering efforts to end a more than four-year-long conflict.
Voters are choosing heads of government and members of the legislature in the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics, set up by separatists amid a war in which more than 10,000 people have died since 2014.
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WNU Editor: Russian media is reporting an 80% turnout in the vote .... Final Turnout in Donbass DPR's Elections Reaches 80.1 Percent - Authorities (Sputnik).
More News On Today's Elections In The Self-Proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics In Ukraine
Separatist-held regions hold elections in eastern Ukraine -- Reuters
Ukraine rebel regions vote in ballot that West calls bogus -- FOX News/AP
Ukraine separatists elect leaders in defiance of West -- AFP
Elections of heads of republics and MPs begin in Donbass -- TASS
Macron, Merkel, Join International Chorus Condemning Separatist Vote In Eastern Ukraine -- RFE
