Occupied parts of Ukraine prepare to vote on joining Russia
GuardianSep 23, 2022
Voting in Russian-controlled regions of Ukraine was set to conclude on Tuesday, as Western governments continue to dismiss the referenda on annexation as a sham. Some reports have suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin may announce the annexation of the areas, which account for 15% of Ukraine's total territory, on Friday.
The UK announced 92 new sanctions on Tuesday in response to Russia’s plebiscites. The package of penalties targets those behind the voting - including some officials installed during Russian occupation - as well as businessmen and board members.
The referenda being held in the Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine are a brazen exercise in propaganda. Russia has no right to essentially annex any Ukrainian territory, and these votes are completely illegitimate. Thankfully, the results will have no impact on the ground or on Ukraine's resolve.
It has always been the key priority - for the whole of Russian society - to liberate the people in oppressed territories in Ukraine. These transparent and democratic referendums will likely soon result in the reunification of the DPR and other areas with Russia.
There's a 28% chance that Ukraine will have de facto control of at least 90% of the Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts by January 1, 2024, according to the Metaculus prediction community.