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Ukraine crisis: Germany launches fresh diplomatic bid Ukraine crisis: May election will play 'crucial role'
(about 2 hours later)
Germany's Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier has arrived in Kiev amid fresh attempts to find a diplomatic solution to the Ukraine crisis. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier has said Ukraine's 25 May presidential vote will be "crucial" in bringing the country out of its crisis.
Mr Steinmeier is in the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, amid fresh attempts to find a diplomatic solution.
On Monday, pro-Russia activists in the east declared a separate state which wanted to join Russia after holding votes on self-rule on Sunday.On Monday, pro-Russia activists in the east declared a separate state which wanted to join Russia after holding votes on self-rule on Sunday.
Earlier, a separatist leader called on Russia to "absorb" the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk.
Kiev, the US and EU say the referendums in Donetsk and Luhansk were illegal.Kiev, the US and EU say the referendums in Donetsk and Luhansk were illegal.
Mr Steinmeier added he hoped steps in Ukraine would "bring back occupied territory, disarm armed groups step-by-step and reinstall the authority of the state".
Earlier, a separatist leader called on Russia to "absorb" the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk.
Moscow annexed Ukraine's southern autonomous republic of Crimea in March following a controversial referendum.Moscow annexed Ukraine's southern autonomous republic of Crimea in March following a controversial referendum.
The Ukrainian government in Kiev fears a similar outcome in Donetsk, Luhansk and parts of southern Ukraine.The Ukrainian government in Kiev fears a similar outcome in Donetsk, Luhansk and parts of southern Ukraine.
Russia has called for the results of Sunday's vote to be "implemented".Russia has called for the results of Sunday's vote to be "implemented".
Meanwhile, armed separatists remain in control of many official buildings across eastern Ukraine.Meanwhile, armed separatists remain in control of many official buildings across eastern Ukraine.
Mr Steinmeier, who attended a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday, reiterated that he considers the referendums illegal, adding: "We cannot, and must not, take it seriously."Mr Steinmeier, who attended a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday, reiterated that he considers the referendums illegal, adding: "We cannot, and must not, take it seriously."
His spokesman, Martin Schaefer, said Tuesday's trip was to support a national "round table" under the auspices of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).His spokesman, Martin Schaefer, said Tuesday's trip was to support a national "round table" under the auspices of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
The OSCE later issued a statement saying Russian President Vladimir Putin was "supportive" of its roadmap to defuse the crisis in Ukraine.The OSCE later issued a statement saying Russian President Vladimir Putin was "supportive" of its roadmap to defuse the crisis in Ukraine.
Mr Steinmeier has engaged in months of diplomacy over the crisis while German Chancellor Angela Merkel has held repeated phone calls with President Putin.Mr Steinmeier has engaged in months of diplomacy over the crisis while German Chancellor Angela Merkel has held repeated phone calls with President Putin.
The EU foreign ministers added 13 people and two businesses to its sanctions list for "undermining or threatening" Ukraine's sovereignty.The EU foreign ministers added 13 people and two businesses to its sanctions list for "undermining or threatening" Ukraine's sovereignty.
Those singled out include President Putin's first deputy chief of staff, Vyacheslav Volodin; the self-declared mayor of Sloviansk, Vyacheslav Ponomaryov; and two Crimean companies.Those singled out include President Putin's first deputy chief of staff, Vyacheslav Volodin; the self-declared mayor of Sloviansk, Vyacheslav Ponomaryov; and two Crimean companies.
More than 60 individuals now face EU travel bans and asset freezes.More than 60 individuals now face EU travel bans and asset freezes.
Election pledgeElection pledge
Germany, France and the UK also suggested that Russia would be further punished if it undermined Ukraine's planned presidential elections on 25 May.Germany, France and the UK also suggested that Russia would be further punished if it undermined Ukraine's planned presidential elections on 25 May.
A joint statement said the EU would "pay particular attention to all parties' attitude and behaviour towards the holding of free and fair presidential elections when deciding about possible future measures".A joint statement said the EU would "pay particular attention to all parties' attitude and behaviour towards the holding of free and fair presidential elections when deciding about possible future measures".
Separatists in Donetsk and Luhansk say 89% and 96% respectively voted in favour of "self-rule" in the referendums.Separatists in Donetsk and Luhansk say 89% and 96% respectively voted in favour of "self-rule" in the referendums.
Pro-Russia activists in Luhansk declared independence after the referendum there.Pro-Russia activists in Luhansk declared independence after the referendum there.
Self-declared Donetsk People's Republic leader Denis Pushilin urged Moscow to listen to the "will of the people".Self-declared Donetsk People's Republic leader Denis Pushilin urged Moscow to listen to the "will of the people".
He said he was not calling for Russian military intervention, but that "peacekeepers" may be needed. Moscow has not responded to his comments.He said he was not calling for Russian military intervention, but that "peacekeepers" may be needed. Moscow has not responded to his comments.
Nato believes some 40,000 Russian troops are deployed near Ukraine's border, although Moscow says they have been pulled back.Nato believes some 40,000 Russian troops are deployed near Ukraine's border, although Moscow says they have been pulled back.
Are you in the Donetsk or Luhansk region, or elsewhere in Ukraine? Will you be voting in the presidential election on 25 May? What do you think of the "self-rule" referendums? You can send us your thoughts by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk using the subject line "Ukraine".
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