Rebel Leader Says Donetsk Won't Take Part in Ukraine Presidential Poll

A leader of the self-declared Donetsk People's Republic said Wednesday the eastern Ukrainian region will not take part in presidential polls as he traveled to Russia on an apparent mission to seek support.

"Presidential polls have been called by the illegitimate authorities and therefore they are illegitimate," Denis Pushilin, one of the leaders of the self-declared Donetsk Republic, told reporters in Moscow.

"We are not planning to participate in the elections of our neighbors," the 32-year-old said, referring to a snap presidential election scheduled to take place in Ukraine on May 25. 

"They are unlikely to take place in the Donetsk region," said Pushilin.

He confirmed that the Donetsk Republic would like to vote on independence from Ukraine during a referendum on May 11, noting that the region could then conduct its own leadership elections.

He said Russia could provide support by covering the situation in the rebel-held region and providing consultations.

"Ukraine is on the verge of the toughest social and economic crisis," he said. "We are waiting for humanitarian aid," he added, noting he would like to meet Moscow officials on a later visit to Russia.

"Because after the referendum, after legalization there will be a different conversation."

Russia has not endorsed the self-declared authorities in the impoverished, coal-mining Donetsk region but has stressed that Kiev has to respect the legitimate aspirations of Ukraine's Russian speakers.

Pushilin told reporters that Russian officers were operating in the east of Ukraine but did not provide details.

"Of course they are there," he said. "This is a Russian land. And I don't see any possibility to stop them or work against them. This would not be right."