Donetsk, Aug 20 – DAN. The criminal case launched by Kiev authorities against DPR politicians and activists collecting data on Ukrainian war crimes in Donbass is at odds with democratic principles and the rule of law, said DPR Foreign Minister Natalia Nikonorova.

"The criminal case launched by Kiev authorities against DPR politicians and activists collecting data on Ukrainian war crimes in Donbass reveals the essence of the Ukrainian regime. Kiev authorities try by any means to cover-up their illegal actions and silence the people. This is an absurd initiative for a country declaring commitment to democracy and the rule of law," she said.

Nikonorova said that such moves distance the restoration of peace in the region.

Besides, she said, the reaction of the Head of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, Matilda Bogner is perplexing.

"We hope that the reason why she called this a good job … is explained by the fact she is new to the position."

Earlier in the day Ukrainian military prosecutor-general of Ukraine Anatoliy Matios said that Ukraine had brought up charges against a number of DPR politicians and activists on the suspicion of illegal activities, including Natalia Nikonorova and Ombudswoman Daria Morozova. *ot