KIEV, October 21 (RIA Novosti) – Ukrainian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday called on Russia to prevent the elections in the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics (DPR, LPR).
"Real steps toward the prevention of the November 2 pseudo-elections would be a touchstone of Russia's adherence to the Minsk agreements and its readiness to facilitate de-escalation of the situation," Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yevhen Perebyinis said at a press briefing.
The official added that Russia is to be held responsible for the peace process breakdown in case the elections are held.
The law on special status of parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, which came into force last week, stipulates that local elections are to take place on December 7. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said Kiev could change the date of the Donetsk and Luhansk elections if necessary.
However, the leaders of the DPR and LPR have laid claim to the whole territory within the borders of the respective administrative entities in Ukraine and want full independence. Both self-proclaimed republics have set elections of regional leaders and legislative bodies for November 2.
On September 5, the trilateral Contact Group consisting of representatives from Russia, Ukraine, the DPR and the LPR and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe met in Minsk to discuss the peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian conflict. The meeting resulted in a ceasefire deal between the Ukrainian government and independence supporters. In addition, Ukraine agreed to adopt a law on granting special status to the Donetsk and Luhansk regions and ensuring early elections of the heads of the self-proclaimed republics.
