U.S. condemns plans to hold 'elections' in occupied Donbas

"Given the continued control of these territories by the Russian Federation, genuine elections are inconceivable, and grossly contravene Russia's commitments under the Minsk agreements," Nauert said.

She noted that by engineering phony procedures, Russia is once more demonstrating its disregard for international norms and is undermining efforts to achieve peace in eastern Ukraine.

"The so-called 'people's republics' that Russia created have no place within the Ukrainian constitutional order," the statement reads.

"The United States remains fully committed to diplomatic efforts to resolve the Russia-instigated conflict in eastern Ukraine. U.S. support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity remains unwavering," Nauert said.

As reported, on September 7, militants in the occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions scheduled "elections" for November 11. In connection with the decision of the so-called "parliaments" of the terrorist groups "LPR" and "DPR," both the leaders and "deputies" will be elected.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said the intentions of the Russian occupation administration to hold the so-called extraordinary elections in the temporarily occupied territories of the Donbas grossly violate Russia's obligations as a party to the Minsk agreements.

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