Ukraine crisis: Russia must not back separatist vote – US

Following Russia's statement that it would recognise the results from an election planned by the separatist rebels in Eastern Ukraine on 2 November 2014, US Secretary of State John Kerry warned Moscow that such move would violate the commitments made by both Russia and the separatists in the Minsk agreements.

Ukraine held a parliamentary election on 26 October, which resulted in a victory for the pro-EU political parties. However, voting did not take place in rebel-held eastern districts, or in Crimea, which Russia annexed in March.

• Primary Source

ESO: Key source: Ukrainian parliamentary election, 2014 http://www.europeansources.info/record/ukrainian-parliamentary-election-2014/

ESO: Background information: Putin orders troop withdrawal / Putin-Poroshenko to discuss gas and ceasefire at Italy talks http://www.europeansources.info/record/putin-orders-troop-withdrawal-putin-poroshenko-to-discuss-gas-and-ceasefire-at-italy-talks/

Euronews, 28.10.14: Ukraine: Moscow will recognise rebel elections in east http://www.euronews.com/2014/10/28/ukraine-moscow-will-recognise-rebel-elections-in-east/

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