Analysis: Ukraine peace plan lies in tatters after rebel election Under point nine of that protocol, after all, the Donbass was supposed to hold elections under Kiev's supervision before receiving autonomy within Ukraine. Instead, the rebels have used their own poll to install their latest leader, Alexander Zakharchenko, as "prime minister" of the self-styled "Donetsk People's Republic." There is one more inescapable truth: rebel-held Donbass, having slipped out of Kiev's control, is one move away from joining Russia. While the Western powers denounced the territory's "illegal" election, the Kremlin swiftly recognised the outcome and praised the "mandate" of the region's new leaders. The Russian foreign ministry also urged talks between the insurgents and the "central government" in Kiev, suggesting that Moscow still regards the Donbass as part of Ukraine. But no-one is fooled. Union with Russia is the stated goal of the rebel leadership. If the newly elected "prime minister" of the "People's Republic" submits a formal request to join Russia, how could the Kremlin refuse? That leaves Mr Poroshenko on the horns of a cruel dilemma. Should he tolerate a situation whereby the industrial heartland of his country is on the verge of merging with Russia, or should he try to recapture the Donbass by force? In reality, Mr Poroshenko has no viable military option. When he attempted to crush the rebellion last summer, Russia sent troops and tanks into Ukraine and rescued its client insurgents from defeat. On Tuesday, Mr Poroshenko was reduced to saying that he remained "committed" to a peace plan that has been shredded. President Vladimir Putin, by contrast, has the luxury of being able to choose whether to annex the industrial heartland of his neighbour, or leave the map unchanged but still become de facto master of the Donbass. Once again, Mr Putin is firmly in control of events.