Kremlin-backed candidate elected leader of breakaway Donetsk republic

A Kremlin-backed candidate has been elected head of the Donetsk breakaway republic as Moscow cements its control over eastern Ukraine.

Denis Pushilin, acting head of the self-declared Donetsk people's republic, won 61 per cent of the vote in an uncompetitive election on Sunday condemned by the UK and other Western countries.

Leonid Pasechnik, acting head of the neighbouring Luhansk people's republic, which is also backed by Russia, won 68 per cent of a vote there.

The elections were called after the previous leader of the Donetsk separatists was assassinated in August. Mr Pasechnik's predecessor fled to Russia when unmarked troops seized his headquarters in November 2017.

Predominantly Russian-speaking separatists in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions rose up against the new pro-Western government in Ukraine in 2014, sparking a conflict that has killed more than 10,300 people.

Moscow's troops helped stop a Ukrainian offensive to take back the breakaway statelets, and military advisers, arms and funding from across the Russian border have continued to bolster the separatist forces. The Kremlin denies any military role.

The Foreign and Commonwealth office said on Monday the elections were illegal and violated the Minsk peace accord signed by Russia, Ukraine and the separatists in 2015.

That agreement foresaw “local elections” held under Ukrainian law with observers from the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe.

“We call on Russia to fully implement its commitments under the Minsk Agreements, to stop providing financial and military support to the separatists, and to withdraw its armed forces and military equipment from Ukrainian territory,” the Foreign and Commonwealth office said.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Mr Pushilin claimed the vote did not count as “local elections” and noted Ukraine's failure to pass constitutional reforms stipulated by the Minsk agreement.

He admitted that he had “consulted” with Vladislav Surkov, a top aide to Vladimir Putin who is known as the “grey cardinal” of the Kremlin, before running.

Mr Surkov sent congratulatory messages to the two separatist leaders on Monday.

Rivals to Mr Pushilin were prevented from participating. But after four years of war and shelling that continues despite a nominal ceasefire, many locals are firmly against reintegration into Ukraine.

Turnout reportedly surpassed 80 per cent in the Donetsk republic, encouraged by free phone cards and vegetables at discount prices that were on offer at polling places.

Moscow has, by all indications, been strengthening its control since Zakharchenko was killed. Fighting units that previously answered to him have been transferred to the people's militia and other state structures, which separatist fighters told The Telegraph are overseen by Russian military advisers.

A company believed to be linked to the Kremlin has been taking over major energy and metallurgical enterprises that form the lifeblood of the region.