DONETSK, Ukraine – The leader of separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine was sworn in Tuesday as head of a self-declared secessionist territory following an election that was condemned by the West as illegal and destabilizing.
Alexander Zakharchenko, 38, was inaugurated in a heavily guarded theatre in the main stronghold of a rebel-controlled territory that separatists call the Donetsk People’s Republic.
Zakharchenko’s election was largely a formality as no strong candidates opposed him, but the rebels say the vote gives them a mandate to pursue their secessionist goals.
Ukraine and Western governments say Sunday’s poll gravely endangered a much-violated cease-fire agreed upon in September …read more
Source: Global TV
