Ukraine rebel leader sworn in as head of separatist 'republic'

AFP

04/11/2014

11:22 MYT

Ukraine rebel leader sworn in as head of separatist 'republic'

Alexander Zakharchenko, at a press conference in the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk on Nov 2, 2014. AFP PHOTO/ ALEXANDER KHUDOTEPLY

Ukraine rebel leader Alexander Zakharchenko was sworn in Tuesday as head of the self-declared Donetsk People's Republic after claiming a crushing victory at weekend separatist polls rejected by Kiev.

"I swear to serve the people of the Donetsk People's Republic," Zakharchenko said at a ceremony in the main theatre of the rebel stronghold.

(More to come)