Ukraine separatist leader vows closer Russia ties after polls The newly elected leader of a self-proclaimed republic in eastern Ukraine promises closer ties to Moscow following polls denounced by Kiev and the West as a sham. The so-called republics were declared in 2014, after Russia annexed Crimea and supported the outbreak of an anti-Kiev insurgency in eastern Ukraine. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES*REFILING TO ADD MENTION OF HANDLES IN SOUNDBITES*