CRI听力:Separatists in Eastern Ukraine Hold Controversial Elections

Ukrainian Separatists in Donetsk have concluded a controversial vote, electing a new leadership which is threatening to deepen the conflict in the region.

The self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic has elected rebel leader Alexander Zakharchenko with over 80-percent of the vote.
 
Zakhachenko is promising to restore economic ties with the rest of Ukraine if the results of the vote are recognized by the authorities in Kiev.

"If they recognize us and return our lost land without a fight, then we will restore normal economic ties and will live like equal economic partners."

A similar vote has also been held in the rebel-held region of Luhansk.

The Russian government is on-record saying it will recognize the results of the vote, which Kiev has already deemed illegal.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has already told Russian President Vladimir Putin the election will not be recognized by Europe.

The vote has taken place amid a tense truce between the Ukrainian government and the rebels, even though fighting is still taking place on a sporadic basis.