The United States refused Monday to recognize “sham” elections held by pro-Russian separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine over the weekend, saying they were illegal and illegitimate.
“The United States condemns the illegitimate, so-called ‘elections’ held on Sunday by Russia-backed separatists in parts of Donetsk and Lugansk,” the White House said in a statement, also expressing concern about reports that Russia was moving troops and military equipment to the border.