Ukraine rebels hold elections as violence continues
- 10 years ago
It was election day in eastern Ukraine Sunday... but this was a different kind of election.
These voters were from the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic, which has broken from the central government in Kiev and seeks closer ties with Russia.
Many voted from across the Russian border, where refugees have fled during the fighting.
(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) REFUGEE FROM LUHANSK, NATALYA, SAYING:
"We really hope that order will be installed and the situation will be better, and of course for peace. God willing let there be peace."
That does not seem likely, as Ukraine's government in Kiev, the European Union, and the United States have all condemned the 'rebel' election as a sham intended to further destabilize Ukraine.
Still, rebel leader Alexander Zakharchenko had the overwhelming lead according to exit polls.
Meanwhile, two Ukrainian soldiers were killed when a car exploded at a checkpoint near Mariupol... a stark reminder that peace in Ukra
These voters were from the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic, which has broken from the central government in Kiev and seeks closer ties with Russia.
Many voted from across the Russian border, where refugees have fled during the fighting.
(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) REFUGEE FROM LUHANSK, NATALYA, SAYING:
"We really hope that order will be installed and the situation will be better, and of course for peace. God willing let there be peace."
That does not seem likely, as Ukraine's government in Kiev, the European Union, and the United States have all condemned the 'rebel' election as a sham intended to further destabilize Ukraine.
Still, rebel leader Alexander Zakharchenko had the overwhelming lead according to exit polls.
Meanwhile, two Ukrainian soldiers were killed when a car exploded at a checkpoint near Mariupol... a stark reminder that peace in Ukra