US condemns Ukaine breakaway election as a "sham" Jen Psaki, State Department spokeswoman, said: "The United States deplores and does not recognise yesterday's so-called separatist elections in eastern Ukraine, nor do we recognise any of the leaders chosen in this illegal vote." She also warned Moscow that "if Russia were to recognize the so-called elections, it would only serve to isolate it further." Russia, which denies Western accusations that its troops are actually taking part in the fighting, recognised the elections. European powers blasted Moscow's support for what they said were illegitimate polls. Ms Meehan expressed concern over the Russian foreign ministry's efforts to legitimise the vote. "More broadly, Moscow's continued failure to fulfill its obligations under the Minsk agreements calls into question its commitment to supporting a peaceful resolution to the conflict in parts of eastern Ukraine," she added, referring to ceasefire accords. Meehan was also concerned about reports that European monitoring drones operating east of the control line came under attack in recent days. As we have said repeatedly, Russia has a choice. If it supports the peace process and adheres to its Minsk commitments, the costs for Russia's destabilising actions against Ukraine will lessen," she said. Should Moscow continue to ignore the commitments that it made in Minsk and continue its destabilising and dangerous actions, the costs to Russia will rise.