The West accuses the rebels of downing the passenger plane by mistake with a Russian-made missile. The United Nations says the conflict has killed more than 1,100 people.

The crisis in Ukraine, which started with pro-Western street protests in Kiev followed by pro-Russian unrest in the east, has exacerbated tensions between Moscow and the West.

Moscow banned Western food imports on Thursday in retaliation for U.S. and EU sanctions.

Unlike Borodai and two other Russians at the helm of the DNR, Zakharchenko has not been put on the European Union sanctions lists over Ukraine.

A political analyst said his appointment as leader would not greatly influence events, which were being steered in Moscow.

"It is not a matter of principle who Zakharchenko is since the decision-making is not done by those people who give their faces (to the DNR) in public anyway," said Taras Berezovets of Berta Communications group in Kiev.
Moscow denies playing any role in east Ukraine. (rt/ez)