Oleksandr Turchynov: The elections at Donbas may take place only after the withdrawal of Russian occupation forces from there

Launching of the mechanism of holding of "fake" elections at the occupied territory is a demonstrative setback of Russia and marionettes under its control out of the peace process defined by the Minsk agreements. In this way NSDC Secretary Oleksandr Turchynov commented on today's statements of the militants concerning the beginning of "of electoral process" at the occupied territories.

The elections in specific areas of Donetsk and Lugansk regions may take place only after the withdrawal of Russian occupation troops from these territories, restoration of our control over the state border, liberation of captured government agencies and enterprises and creating conditions that meet the requirements of ODIHR mission of the OSCE", - he said.

NSDC Secretary reminded that according to Minsk agreements the elections are to be held "exclusively under Ukrainian law and under the control of Ukrainian authorities".

"The provocations of Russia named "another elections at the occupied territory" again lead the situation into a deadlock and clearly demonstrate Russia's desire to disrupt the peace plan of liberation and reintegration of the occupied part of Donbas", - Oleksandr Turchynov concluded.