Russia's says 'respects' will of Ukraine's rebel regions

DONETSK Ukraine (Reuters) - Russia said it "respects the will of the people of southeast" Ukraine following elections on Sunday for rebel leadership in the separatist regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, Interfax reported the foreign ministry as saying.

"The elected representatives received a mandate to solve the practical tasks regarding the restoration of normal life in the regions," Interfax quoted the ministry as saying.