Sep 02, 2023 at 11:44 Update: 2 hours ago
Russia is holding elections again in the four Ukrainian regions it illegally occupies. Governors can be voted on this time, with the Russians putting forward their own candidates. Ukraine speaks of “illegal mock elections”.
The elections are in the regions of Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Luhansk. Those four areas were illegally annexed by Russia last year. The pro-Russian candidates have no significant opposition, according to Ukraine.
Last year, Russia already held referenda in occupied territories. The residents who were left after months of bombing were asked if they wanted their province to join Russia. According to Moscow, an overwhelming majority voted in favor of that annexation.
At that time, the West and Ukraine also spoke of mock elections. Three quarters of United Nations member states condemned this “illegal attempt at annexation”.
Elections in the four areas are already underway. The polls close on September 10. The Russians may be rushing to the polls. Ukraine reported modest successes in counterattacks in recent days.
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Image: ANP
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UkraineForeign War in Ukraine
2023-09-02 09:44:47
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