Occupied regions of Ukraine vote to join Russia in staged referendums
2 years, 2 months ago

Occupied regions of Ukraine vote to join Russia in staged referendums

NPR  

Occupied regions of Ukraine vote to join Russia in staged referendums Enlarge this image toggle caption AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images KHARKIV AND ZAPORIZHZHIA, Ukraine, and MOSCOW — Four Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine appeared to vote overwhelmingly in favor of joining the Russian Federation, according to Russian state media. Enlarge this image toggle caption AP AP On Sept. 20, the day before Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a new military draft and a major new push in his war against Ukraine, officials in the Moscow-backed separatist regions of Donetsk and Luhansk announced they would hold the referendums on joining Russia. Enlarge this image toggle caption Smytro Smolienko/Ukrinform/Future Publishing via Getty Images Smytro Smolienko/Ukrinform/Future Publishing via Getty Images Local Ukrainian officials reported numerous incidents of voter coercion in the five days of voting, with photos and videos popping up on social media indicating a process that was neither free nor fair. Enlarge this image toggle caption Anadolu Agency via Getty Images Anadolu Agency via Getty Images Local officials only opened polling stations to the public on the final day of voting.

International Ukraine Regions State Vote Getty Moscow Ukrainian Sponsor Message Crimea Zaporizhzhia Russian Occupied Occupied Regions Referendums Join Russia  state  referendums  vote  getty  toggle  russian  occupied  international  voting  regions  staged  ukraine  join  russia

History of this topic

Is Russia plotting to divide Ukraine into 3 regions?
1 month ago

Is Russia plotting to divide Ukraine into 3 regions?

India Today  

The echoes of war grow louder in Eastern Europe, with chilling reports suggesting that Russia may be pursuing an audacious and deeply concerning strategy to reshape global power dynamics — and dismantle Ukraine in the process. The plan allegedly details an approach that could carve Ukraine into three distinct parts, fundamentally altering the nation’s sovereignty and its role on the …

AP PHOTOS: Russians vote in election dominated by Putin
9 months, 1 week ago

AP PHOTOS: Russians vote in election dominated by Putin

Associated Press  

From the hush of isolated Siberian villages to the clamor of big cities to war battered towns in occupied parts of Ukraine, Russians voted in a presidential election overwhelmingly dominated by Vladimir Putin. Voters in Russia headed to the polls for a presidential election that was all but certain to extend President Vladimir Putin’s rule after he clamped down on …

At gunpoint, Ukrainians in occupied regions vote in Russia’s election
9 months, 1 week ago

At gunpoint, Ukrainians in occupied regions vote in Russia’s election

Al Jazeera  

Ukrainians and a rights group say people are being coerced to vote by their occupiers in election dismissed as a sham. So the only way to safely say “no” is to keep the door closed to election officials and avoid the polling stations that opened on Friday, the first day of Russia’s three-day election. “For the first time, we are …

Russians head to polls in a vote set to extend Putin's rule
9 months, 1 week ago

Russians head to polls in a vote set to extend Putin's rule

The Hindu  

Voters headed to the polls in Russia on March 15 for a three-day presidential election that is all but certain to extend President Vladimir Putin’s rule by six more years after he stifled dissent. The election takes place against the backdrop of a ruthless crackdown that has crippled independent media and prominent rights groups and given Mr. Putin full control …

Ukrainians living under Russian occupation are coerced to vote for Putin
9 months, 1 week ago

Ukrainians living under Russian occupation are coerced to vote for Putin

Associated Press  

Ukrainians living in regions illegally annexed by Russia are being coerced to vote in the presidential election of their wartime occupier, Vladimir Putin — an exercise denounced by Ukraine as an illegitimate effort by Moscow to tighten control over its neighbor. The Kremlin views the voting in occupied regions of Ukraine as a “test of loyalty” for civilians and local …

Russia plans presidential vote in annexed Ukrainian regions
1 year ago

Russia plans presidential vote in annexed Ukrainian regions

Al Jazeera  

The decision raises logistical and security challenges for Moscow because of its limited control in the four regions. Russia plans to run next year’s presidential election in the four regions of Ukraine that it annexed in 2022. Moscow’s ability to hold the election in what it calls its “new territories” is politically important for the Kremlin, but it raises logistical …

'They made their choice..': Putin celebrates one-year anniversary of annexation of Ukrainian regions
1 year, 2 months ago

'They made their choice..': Putin celebrates one-year anniversary of annexation of Ukrainian regions

India TV News  

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday marked the one-year anniversary of the annexation of Ukrainian regions since the invasion of the latter country last year, saying that the resident of those areas "made their choice to be with their Fatherland". In an address to mark the occasion, Putin said that the annexation of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions was …

Local elections take place across Russia, but Ukraine is 'not on the agenda'
1 year, 3 months ago

Local elections take place across Russia, but Ukraine is 'not on the agenda'

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Local …

Russia holds elections in occupied Ukrainian regions in an effort to tighten its grip there
1 year, 3 months ago

Russia holds elections in occupied Ukrainian regions in an effort to tighten its grip there

Associated Press  

TALLINN, Estonia — Russian authorities are holding local elections this weekend in occupied parts of Ukraine in an effort to tighten their grip on territories Moscow illegally annexed a year ago and still does not fully control. U.N. Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca said the elections “have no legal grounds.” U.S. Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood called them ”nothing more than a …

Russia organizes elections in occupied Ukraine to tighten its grip
1 year, 3 months ago

Russia organizes elections in occupied Ukraine to tighten its grip

LA Times  

Russian authorities are holding local elections this weekend in occupied parts of Ukraine in an effort to tighten their grip on territories Moscow illegally annexed a year ago but still does not fully control. Ukrainian officials have urged other countries not to recognize the results of the vote, which the Foreign Ministry called “fake elections.” For Russia, it is important …

Russia holds elections denounced by Kyiv in occupied Ukrainian regions
1 year, 3 months ago

Russia holds elections denounced by Kyiv in occupied Ukrainian regions

Al Jazeera  

The voting begins in the regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhia and will be finished on Sunday. “For the last nine years, we’ve been striving to get closer with Russia, and Russian politicians are well-known to us,” Sergei, a 47-year-old resident of the occupied city of Luhansk, told The Associated Press news agency, asking that his last name be …

UN tells Russia to leave Ukraine: How did countries vote?
1 year, 10 months ago

UN tells Russia to leave Ukraine: How did countries vote?

Al Jazeera  

A country breakdown of the UN General Assembly vote that demanded Moscow withdraw its troops and end the fighting. The United Nations General Assembly has again condemned Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, calling for Moscow’s immediate withdrawal and an end to the fighting. A year since President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion, which he has called a “special military …

Putin declares martial law in annexed regions of Ukraine
2 years, 2 months ago

Putin declares martial law in annexed regions of Ukraine

Al Jazeera  

Russia’s president did not provide details of the extra powers the heads of annexed regions will have under his decree. Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared martial law in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhia, four regions of Ukraine that Russia proclaimed as annexed last month. Putin did not immediately spell out the steps that would be taken under martial law, …

Putin calls his actions in Ukraine ‘correct and timely’
2 years, 2 months ago

Putin calls his actions in Ukraine ‘correct and timely’

Associated Press  

KYIV, UKRAINE — Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday he expects his mobilization of army reservists for combat in Ukraine to be completed in about two weeks, allowing him to end an unpopular and chaotic call-up meant to counter Ukrainian battlefield gains and solidify his illegal annexation of occupied territory. So my actions are correct and timely.” Russia’s difficulties in …

Despite abstention at UNGA vote on Russia, German envoy lauds India’s stand on Ukraine conflict
2 years, 2 months ago

Despite abstention at UNGA vote on Russia, German envoy lauds India’s stand on Ukraine conflict

Firstpost  

The resolution moved at the United Nations General Assembly was supported by 143 countries, while 35 nations – including Asian giants China and India - abstained New Delhi: Barely a day after the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution condemning Russia’s annexation of certain eastern regions of Ukraine, German ambassador to India Philipp Ackermann on Thursday said though India …

UN condemns Russia’s annexation move: How did countries vote?
2 years, 2 months ago

UN condemns Russia’s annexation move: How did countries vote?

Al Jazeera  

A country breakdown of the UN General Assembly vote rejecting Russia’s annexations in Ukraine. The United Nations General Assembly condemned Moscow’s attempt to annex four regions of Ukraine last month in a global show of anger towards President Vladimir Putin’s Russia. In total, 143 countries backed Wednesday’s resolution reaffirming Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity. Here is a country breakdown of …

UN condemns Russia’s move to annex parts of Ukraine
2 years, 2 months ago

UN condemns Russia’s move to annex parts of Ukraine

Al Jazeera  

The United Nations General Assembly has voted to condemn Russia’s “attempted illegal annexation” of four partially occupied regions in Ukraine and urged countries not to recognise the move. In Wednesday’s vote, three-quarters of the 193-member General Assembly — 143 countries — backed a resolution that also reaffirmed the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised …

Ukraine condemns Russia as ‘terrorist state’ in UN meeting
2 years, 2 months ago

Ukraine condemns Russia as ‘terrorist state’ in UN meeting

Al Jazeera  

Meeting to discuss Russia’s annexations of four partly-occupied regions was overshadowed by Moscow’s bombardment of Ukrainian cities. Ukraine has condemned Russia as a “terrorist state” for launching missile attacks on major cities, including the capital Kyiv, at a United Nations General Assembly meeting initially called to discuss Moscow’s annexation of four partly-occupied regions of Ukraine. “Russia has proven once again …

Putin signs annexation of Ukrainian regions as losses mount
2 years, 2 months ago

Putin signs annexation of Ukrainian regions as losses mount

Associated Press  

KYIV, Ukraine — Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the final papers Wednesday to annex four regions of Ukraine while his military struggled to control the new territory that was added in violation of international laws. Speaking in a conference call with reporters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that “certain territories will be reclaimed, and we will keep consulting residents who …

Putin signs laws annexing 4 Ukrainian regions
2 years, 2 months ago

Putin signs laws annexing 4 Ukrainian regions

India Today  

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed laws absorbing four Ukrainian regions into Russia, a move that finalizes the annexation carried out in defiance of international law. Russia faces mounting setbacks on the battlefield, with Ukrainian forces retaking more and more land in the east and in the south — the very regions Moscow has pushed to annex. On the battlefield …

Russia’s Putin signs laws annexing occupied Ukrainian regions
2 years, 2 months ago

Russia’s Putin signs laws annexing occupied Ukrainian regions

Al Jazeera  

Vladimir Putin formalises a move that Ukraine and its Western allies have condemned as a meaningless ‘sham’. Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed laws to formally absorb four Ukrainian regions into Russia, following referendums in those areas that Kyiv and its Western allies called a meaningless “sham”. “Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed four federal constitutional laws on the entry …

Live Updates: Russia-Ukraine War
2 years, 2 months ago

Live Updates: Russia-Ukraine War

Associated Press  

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the U.N.’s nuclear watchdog, said the director general of Ukraine’s and Europe’s largest power plant, Ihor Murashov, has been released from Russian custody after his detention last week. KEY DEVELOPMENTS: — Ukrainian troops continue offensive, claim new gains — AP Investigation: Russia smuggling Ukrainian grain to help pay for Putin’s war — …

Ukraine war updates: Russia retreats from a key city it just claimed to annex (Oct. 3)
2 years, 2 months ago

Ukraine war updates: Russia retreats from a key city it just claimed to annex (Oct. 3)

NPR  

Ukraine war updates: Russia retreats from a key city it just claimed to annex Enlarge this image toggle caption Anatolii Stepanov/AFP via Getty Images Anatolii Stepanov/AFP via Getty Images As the week begins, here's a look ahead and a roundup of key developments from the past week. What happened last week Sept. 26: The first troops called up in Russia's …

Russia withdraws troops after Ukraine encircles key city
2 years, 2 months ago

Russia withdraws troops after Ukraine encircles key city

The Hindu  

Russia said on Saturday that it has withdrawn its troops from the once-occupied city of Lyman, as Ukraine’s eastern counteroffensive recaptures more territory. Ukraine's army said that it had "encircled" a Russian grouping near the eastern town, estimating it to be around 5,000 troops. Despite warnings from Putin prior to the annexation that he could use nuclear weapons to defend …

Putin illegally annexes Ukraine land; Kyiv seeks NATO entry
2 years, 2 months ago

Putin illegally annexes Ukraine land; Kyiv seeks NATO entry

Associated Press  

KYIV, Ukraine — Russian President Vladimir Putin signed treaties Friday to illegally annex more occupied Ukrainian territory in a sharp escalation of his war. Putin vowed to protect newly annexed regions of Ukraine by “all available means,” a renewed nuclear-backed threat he made at a Kremlin signing ceremony where he also railed furiously against the West, accusing the United States …

Putin signs treaties annexing Ukrainian regions
2 years, 2 months ago

Putin signs treaties annexing Ukrainian regions

Deccan Chronicle  

KYIV: Russian President Vladimir Putin signed treaties Friday to annex occupied areas of Ukraine and said he would use “all available means” to protect the territory that Ukrainian and Western officials said Russia was claiming illegitimately and in violation of international law. Putin and his lieutenants have bluntly warned Ukraine against pressing an offensive to reclaim the regions, saying Russia …

‘Our citizens’: Russia's Putin declares annexation of four parts of Ukraine
2 years, 2 months ago

‘Our citizens’: Russia's Putin declares annexation of four parts of Ukraine

Hindustan Times  

President Vladimir Putin on Friday announced there are “four new regions of Russia” as he announced the formal annexation of the Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine. Only moving forward.” The event in the Kremlin’s opulent white-and-gold St. George’s Hall was organised for Putin and the heads of the four regions of Ukraine to sign treaties for the …

Russian strike kills 25 as Kremlin looks to annex more Ukraine regions
2 years, 2 months ago

Russian strike kills 25 as Kremlin looks to annex more Ukraine regions

The Hindu  

Russia pounded Ukrainian cities with missiles, rockets, and suicide drones, with one strike, reported having killed 25 people, as it moved on Friday to fold more seized Ukrainian territory into Russia itself and under the protection of its nuclear umbrella, opening an internationally condemned dangerous new phase of the seven-month war. Russian and Western analysts reported the imminent Ukrainian encirclement …

Russia to annex 4 occupied Ukraine regions at major ceremony today| Top points
2 years, 2 months ago

Russia to annex 4 occupied Ukraine regions at major ceremony today| Top points

Hindustan Times  

In a major escalation of the ongoing war, Russian President Vladimir Putin has recognised the independence of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions. FILE PHOTO: Russian President Vladimir Putin, “I order the recognition of the state sovereignty and independence of the regions of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, located in southern Ukraine,” Putin was quoted as saying in the decrees. US President Joe …

Putin illegally annexes Ukraine land; Kyiv seeks NATO entry
2 years, 2 months ago

Putin illegally annexes Ukraine land; Kyiv seeks NATO entry

LA Times  

Russian President Vladimir Putin is flanked by the pro-Moscow leaders of four Ukrainian regions that Russia says it is annexing. Putin’s land grab and President Volodymyr Zelensky’s signing of what he said is an “accelerated” NATO membership application intensified their conflict, cranking up fears of a full-blown conflict between Russia and the West. President Biden said of Putin’s annexation of …

Ukrainians dismiss Russian attempt to annex more of their country
2 years, 2 months ago

Ukrainians dismiss Russian attempt to annex more of their country

Al Jazeera  

Everyday Ukrainians, officials, and many observers say Russia’s move is little more than a sham. Kyiv, Ukraine – “None of the people I know took part in the vote, and no one wants to find themselves in Russia.” That’s what Maksim, who has just fled the southern Ukrainian region of Zaporizhia, two-thirds of which have been occupied by Russia, told …

Putin announces Russian annexation of four Ukrainian regions
2 years, 2 months ago

Putin announces Russian annexation of four Ukrainian regions

Al Jazeera  

The move has been condemned by Ukraine and Western countries and represents a major escalation in the seven-month war. At the ceremony on Friday, Putin said Russia has “four new regions”, calling the residents of Ukraine’s occupied Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhia regions “our citizens forever”. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg accused Putin of provoking “the most serious escalation” of the …

Russia to annex more of Ukraine on Friday at the Kremlin
2 years, 2 months ago

Russia to annex more of Ukraine on Friday at the Kremlin

Associated Press  

KYIV, Ukraine — Russia planned to annex more of Ukraine on Friday in an escalation of the seven-month war that was expected to isolate the Kremlin further, draw more international punishment and bring Ukraine extra military, political and economic support. In unusually strong language, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told reporters Thursday in New York that Russia’s annexation would violate the …

Russia’s annexation gamble: Why is Putin raising the stakes?
2 years, 2 months ago

Russia’s annexation gamble: Why is Putin raising the stakes?

Al Jazeera  

Russian political insiders say the move to formally seize more Ukrainian territory underscores Moscow’s refusal to back down. “Such a move closes off some options for retreat, but we’re talking about Russia’s fight to secure its existence and place in the world against efforts to divide and inflict irreparable damage against us.” Regaining the initiative Pro-Russian authorities in Donetsk, Luhansk, …

Why is Russia about to annex Ukrainian territories?
2 years, 2 months ago

Why is Russia about to annex Ukrainian territories?

Al Jazeera  

Incorporating four occupied regions into Russia shows the Kremlin has no intention of backing down in Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin is poised to sign formal documents proclaiming Russia’s annexation of four occupied Ukrainian regions, as Moscow faces its worst setbacks of its war with Ukraine. A rock concert is scheduled to be held in Moscow’s Red Square, where a …

‘Wait and See’: Jaishankar on India’s position on Russian referendums in occupied Ukrainian territory
2 years, 2 months ago

‘Wait and See’: Jaishankar on India’s position on Russian referendums in occupied Ukrainian territory

The Hindu  

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar was non-committal on where India stood with regard to so-called ‘referendums’ Russia has organised in four occupied regions in Ukraine. When asked whether the so called referenda aid the cause of peace and conform to the U.N. Charter principles that India stood by as per his ddress to the United Nations General Assembly last week, …

Russia poised to annex occupied Ukraine after sham vote
2 years, 2 months ago

Russia poised to annex occupied Ukraine after sham vote

Associated Press  

KYIV, Ukraine — Russia positioned itself Wednesday to formally annex parts of Ukraine where occupied areas held a Kremlin-orchestrated “referendum” on living under Moscow’s rule that the Ukrainian government and the West denounced as illegal and rigged. “Regardless of Russia’s claims, this remains Ukrainian territory and Ukraine has every right to continue to fight for their full sovereignty,” said White …

Russia prepares to annex occupied Ukraine despite outcry
2 years, 2 months ago

Russia prepares to annex occupied Ukraine despite outcry

Deccan Chronicle  

KVIY: Russia is poised to formally annex areas of Ukraine where it has military control after referendums there reportedly endorsed Moscow's rule. The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said late Tuesday that Washington would propose a U.N. Security Council resolution to condemn Russia's “sham” vote. In Kyiv, Ukraine's foreign ministry blasted the ballots as “a propaganda show” …

Occupied Ukrainian regions to ask Putin to annex them
2 years, 2 months ago

Occupied Ukrainian regions to ask Putin to annex them

The Hindu  

Russian-installed officials in occupied regions of Ukraine said on September 28 that they would ask President Vladimir Putin to incorporate them into Russia, a day after claiming that their residents overwhelmingly supported such a move in Kremlin-orchestrated votes widely viewed as illegitimate. The referendums asking residents whether they wanted the four occupied southern and eastern Ukraine regions to be incorporated …

Ukraine’s president: No talks with Putin if its land annexed
2 years, 2 months ago

Ukraine’s president: No talks with Putin if its land annexed

Associated Press  

UNITED NATIONS — Ukraine’s president warned Tuesday that Russia’s just concluded “sham referendums” and attempts to annex Ukrainian territory rule out any talks with Moscow as long as Vladimir Putin remains president, and called for Russia’s “complete isolation” and tough new global sanctions. Speaking to the U.N. Security Council by video link over Russian objections, Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged additional military …

Russia prepares to annex parts of Ukraine after referendums reportedly endorse Moscow rule
2 years, 2 months ago

Russia prepares to annex parts of Ukraine after referendums reportedly endorse Moscow rule

ABC  

Russia is poised to formally annex areas of Ukraine where it has military control after referendums there reportedly endorsed Moscow's rule. 'Annexation in the modern world is a crime' Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia's attempts to annex Ukrainian territory will mean "there is nothing to talk about with this president of Russia". On Wednesday Ukraine said the Russian-staged votes …

EU slams Russia annexation ‘votes’ in four Ukraine regions
2 years, 2 months ago

EU slams Russia annexation ‘votes’ in four Ukraine regions

Al Jazeera  

Borrell, the bloc’s foreign policy chief, has denounced the ‘referendums’ and their falsified outcome. “ EU denounces holding of illegal ‘referenda’ and their falsified outcome,” the bloc’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Twitter. Kremlin-installed authorities in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhia, Russian-controlled regions that together make up about 15 percent of Ukraine’s landmass, claimed victory on Tuesday in …

Kremlin announces vote, paves way to annex part of Ukraine
2 years, 2 months ago

Kremlin announces vote, paves way to annex part of Ukraine

Associated Press  

KYIV, Ukraine — The Kremlin paved the way Tuesday to annex more of Ukraine and escalate the war by claiming that residents of a large swath overwhelmingly supported joining with Russia in stage-managed referendums the U.S. and its Western allies have dismissed as illegitimate. In a remark that appeared to rule out negotiations, Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy told the U.N. …

What Happens After Russia's 'Referendums' in Ukraine?
2 years, 2 months ago

What Happens After Russia's 'Referendums' in Ukraine?

News 18  

Referendums held by the Kremlin-installed authorities in four occupied regions of Ukraine entered their final day on Tuesday. Russian parliament’s role If the regions vote to be annexed by Russia — which is a foregone conclusion — the Russian parliament, the State Duma, will approve a treaty formally incorporating the four regions into Russian territory. Over the weekend, Russian state …

What happens after Russia’s ’referendums’ in Ukraine?
2 years, 2 months ago

What happens after Russia’s ’referendums’ in Ukraine?

Live Mint  

Referendums held by the Kremlin-installed authorities in four occupied regions of Ukraine entered their final day on Tuesday. Russian parliament's role If the regions vote to be annexed by Russia -- which is a foregone conclusion -- the Russian parliament, the State Duma, will approve a treaty formally incorporating the four regions into Russian territory. Over the weekend, Russian state …

Russian forces have staged illegal ‘referendums’ in Ukraine. What comes next?
2 years, 2 months ago

Russian forces have staged illegal ‘referendums’ in Ukraine. What comes next?

CNN  

CNN — Pro-Russian authorities have held so-called referendums in four regions of Ukraine over recent days and, while the votes are illegal and have been universally dismissed as “a sham” by Ukraine and Western nations, there are fears that they could create a pretext for a new, dangerous stage in the war. That means the “votes” – and the bogus …

Ukrainians involved in Russian-backed referendums face treason charges, prison terms
2 years, 2 months ago

Ukrainians involved in Russian-backed referendums face treason charges, prison terms

ABC  

Ukrainians who help Russian-backed referendums to annexe large swathes of the country will face treason charges and at least five years in jail, Ukraine's presidential adviser has said, as voting in four regions entered its last day. Key points: Collaborators could face five years in prison if they help Kremlin-backed referendums, Ukraine says Presidential adviser Mikhailo Podolyak says Ukrainians who …

Russian proxies in Ukraine claim victory in annexation votes
2 years, 2 months ago

Russian proxies in Ukraine claim victory in annexation votes

Al Jazeera  

Russian-installed officials in occupied regions of Ukraine have reported huge majorities in favour of becoming part of Russia after five days of voting in “referendums” that Kyiv and its allies have condemned as illegitimate and a sham. “People are forced to fill out some papers while being threatened by submachine guns.” People who had left the four regions for Russia …

Ukraine war enters new phase as annexation votes draw to close
2 years, 2 months ago

Ukraine war enters new phase as annexation votes draw to close

Al Jazeera  

Russian media report high turnout in occupied regions as Kyiv promises to crack down on ‘traitors’ who assist votes. “In no way, certainly according to the Ukrainians, are these votes legitimate or do they represent any real kind of guide on what the people living in those occupied territories want,” said Al Jazeera’s Charles Stratford, reporting from Kyiv. Nuclear weapons …

Discover Related