Russian troops closer to Ukraine border: NATO

The pro-Russian separatists staged swearing in ceremonies for their leaders in eastern Ukraine on Tuesday.

Moscow says the election of Alexander Zakharchenko and Igor Plotnitsky as leaders of the Donetsk and Luhansk "people's republics", which jointly call themselves "new Russia", means that Kiev should now negotiate with them directly.

EU to mull changes to sanctions

Kiev has rejected this, describing the rebels as Russian-backed "terrorists" or "bandits", with no legitimacy.

Mogherini said the EU would assess whether to strengthen or ease sanctions imposed on Russia over its role in Ukraine depending on the situation on the ground.

"This is a process that is going to go on in the coming weeks," she said, when asked if Russia's response to Sunday's rebel ballot could trigger stiffer sanctions against Moscow.

The situation in Ukraine will be addressed at the next EU foreign ministers' meeting on Nov. 17, she said.

"...I would say the main topic of discussion today should be ... how do we make sure that we find a solution to the conflict?" the former Italian foreign minister said.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin said on Monday that the newly elected leaders in eastern Ukrainian separatist regions have a "mandate" to negotiate with Kiev, Interfax news agency reported.

Mogherini said the "so-called elections" in eastern Ukraine were illegal and illegitimate and would not be recognised by the EU. There was a risk they could end chances for rebel dialogue with Kiev and dialogue between Kiev and Moscow, she said.

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Russian troops closer to Ukraine border: NATO