Current head of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), Alexander Zakharchenko, speaks to journalists in Ilovaisk, some 50 kilometers from Donetsk, on October 14, 2014. DPR Prime Minister Zakharchenko is candidate to the November 2 "presidential election" that will designate the leader of the organization. Ukraine's new defence minister vowed on Tuesday to build an army capable of withstanding Russia as sparks flew in advance of talks between Moscow and Washington over their worst standoff since the Cold War. AFP PHOTO / DOMINIQUE FAGET