The European Union has condemned as "illegal" elections held by pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine, reports GHN based on BBC.
EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said the polls were "a new obstacle on the path towards peace".
The central government in Kiev also described as a "farce" the polls in the two self-proclaimed people's republics in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
Russia said it "respects the will of the people" in the polls, where the two current rebel leaders are set to win.
Self-proclaimed election officials say early results suggest Alexander Zakharchenko will become the regional head in Donetsk, while Igor Plotnisky will secure a victory in Luhansk.
The rebels also staged what they called parliamentary elections in the two regions - collectively known as Donbas.