Moscow Landmarks
Source: BBC
Russia has called for implementation of the result of the controversial referendums organised by pro-Russian groups in eastern Ukraine.
Ukraine says the Sunday votes on self-rule are “a farce” with no legal basis.
Russia has called for dialogue between the militants and Kiev with the participation of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
In Brussels, EU foreign ministers have expanded sanctions imposed as a result of Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
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At the scene
I saw many people turn out to take part in this poll, and heard a lot of anger with the government in Kiev. I only saw one paper ticked “no” in the see-through ballot box. But it was no ordinary vote – organised, run and then counted by the activists behind it. Those I met who oppose what is happening simply ignored the vote.
What the result means is unclear yet. Even people at the polling stations had very different opinions. Some thought they were casting their ballot to join Russia; some people believed they were voting for more power in eastern Ukraine. The organisers give different answers, too, when you ask them.
But they now claim a great victory. They will be emboldened and are already talking about forming a parallel government, even a parallel military structure.
It is an important moment in this crisis. There are now deep divisions, even at family level and between neighbours. Stepping back, and mending what has been broken is becoming increasingly difficult.
Two Crimean companies and 13 individuals have been added to the sanctions list – the names are likely to be announced officially within the next 24 hours, reports the BBC’s Chris Morris in Brussels.
The sanctions impose travel bans and asset freezes. EU ministers are also discussing what might trigger a broader package of sanctions against the Russian economy.
In a brief statement, the Kremlin described the referendums as “the will of the people” and noted the “high turnout”.
The Kremlin denounced what it claimed had been “attempts to disrupt the votes, with the use of force, including the use of heavy weapons, against civilians”, reports the BBC’s Steve Rosenberg in Moscow.
The Russian authorities said they expected the results of the vote to be implemented in a civilised manner, without any repetition of violence and called for dialogue between Kiev, Donetsk and Luhansk.
Later Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, said there were no plans to hold fresh international talks on the crisis – he accused the West of an “information blockade” over events in Ukraine and of “shameless lies”.
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier is to travel to Kiev on Tuesday to promote “dialogue” between the different parties.
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