DONETSK People’s Republic Deputy Premier Andrei Purgin accused the Kiev government yesterday of hampering a political solution to the conflict that has claimed more than 6,000 lives.

He said that the Minsk deal, brokered by Western leaders in February, had been blocked by Kiev’s decision not to grant the area autonomy.

The anti-fascist forces in eastern Ukraine have insisted on their goal of independence, but they have also pushed for the Ukrainian government to pass legislation granting wide autonomy to the region.

“The Minsk agreement isn’t working because the Ukrainian side has blocked it by the actions of the Rada,” said Mr Purgin.

The Rada, the Ukrainian parliament, passed a Bill granting autonomy to an area in the east earlier this month but put the implementation of the law on hold until a local election is held there under Ukrainian laws.

They argued that the law cannot be implemented while the area is controlled by separatist rebels.