DHAKA: Russia has called for implementation of the result of the controversial referendums organised by pro-Russian groups in eastern Ukraine.
Ukraine says the Sunday votes on self-rule are ‘a farce’ with no legal basis.
Russia has called for dialogue between the militants and Kiev with the participation of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
In Brussels, EU foreign ministers have expanded sanctions imposed as a result of Russia's actions in Ukraine.
Two Crimean companies and 13 individuals have been added to the sanctions list - the names are likely to be announced officially within the next 24 hours, reports the BBC.
The sanctions impose travel bans and asset freezes. EU ministers are also discussing what might trigger a broader package of sanctions against the Russian economy.
In a brief statement, the Kremlin described the referendums as ‘the will of the people’ and noted the ‘high turnout’.
The Kremlin denounced what it claimed had been ‘attempts to disrupt the votes, with the use of force, including the use of heavy weapons, against civilians’, reports the BBC in Moscow.
The Russian authorities said they expected the results of the vote to be implemented in a civilised manner, without any repetition of violence and called for dialogue between Kiev, Donetsk and Luhansk.
Later Russia’s foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, said there were no plans to hold fresh international talks on the crisis, he accused the West of an ‘information blockade’ over events in Ukraine and of ‘shameless lies’.
BDST: 2023 HRS, MAY 12, 2014