DHAKA: Pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region claimed a resounding victory in a ‘self-rule’ referendum, saying 89% voted in favor.

In Luhansk, another eastern region, the results, also expected to show a strong backing, will be released soon.

Ukraine called the vote a ‘criminal farce’ organized by Russia. The US and EU also said the polls were illegal.

Separatists claimed two people were killed by armed men loyal to Kiev in the city of Krasnoarmiisk.

But otherwise the voting passed off peacefully, BBC reports.

A number of towns in the two regions refused to hold the poll.

The referendums were held despite an earlier call by Russian president Vladimir Putin to delay them in order to create the conditions necessary for dialogue.

The Kremlin has so far made no official comments after the voting ended.

BDST: 1420 HRS, MAY 12, 2014