NATO Warns Russia Over Recognizing East Ukraine Polls

NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg has warned Russia that recognizing elections organized by pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine would "undermine efforts" aimed at solving the conflict.



Stoltenberg said in a press release on Friday that "planned" elections violate Ukrainian laws and "counter the Minsk agreements co-signed among others by the two self-proclaimed 'republics' and by the Russian Federation".



Earlier this week, Russian Foreign Minister told Russian media that the results of the elections on Sunday would be recognized.



"Statements by Russian officials that Russia would recognise these so-called 'elections' show that Russia continues its efforts to destabilise Ukraine," Stoltenberg said.



The elections in eastern Ukraine on November 2 come a week after the national Ukrainian elections held last Sunday, during which the new pro-EU parliament was elected.



www.aa.com.tr/en - Brüksel