The Kremlin announced that Russia it would recognize separatist elections held in two regions of eastern Ukraine held by Moscow-backed rebels.  The United States is warning that any such move would break international agreements to end the fighting in Ukraine.

“This would be a clear violation of the commitments made by both Russia and the separatists that it backs in the Minsk agreements,” said US Secretary of State John Kerry, referring to the protocol approved Ukraine, Russia, and Ukrainian rebels at a meeting in Minsk.  A truce followed, but it has been shaky at best and there’ve been several violations.  More than 3,700 people have died in the fighting between government troops and the rebels.

Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the rebel elections in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions “will be important to legitimize the authorities there”.  The rebels have declared separate “people’s republics” in Donetsk and Luhansk, each loyal to Moscow and not Kiev.

“The United States along with the rest of international community will not recognize so called separatist elections unless they happen within the framework of the special status law passed by Ukraine's parliament and signed by President Poroshenko,” said Kerry.

Meanwhile, Poland plans to increase its troop strength in the east, according to Defense Minister Tomasz Siemoniak. 

“The first effects will be seen in 2017.  There will be a whole series of initiatives connected to units in the east.  There will also be investments in infrastructure,” Siemoniak said, acknowledging that Poland is doing this in response to the Ukraine crisis.  Poland joined NATO in 1999 – Ukraine remains outside the alliance.