After the conclusion of mock referendums in several Ukrainian regions, the Russian occupiers presented an alleged overwhelming approval of the local population for annexation to Russia. After counting all the votes, more than 98% of voters approved in Luhansk, eastern Ukraine, more than 93% in Zaporizhia, in the south, and more than 87% in Kherson, also in the south, occupation administrations in Tuesday night.
In Donetsk, the evaluation of the vote, which violated international law, has not yet been completed, but according to preliminary information, the approval rating was already almost 95%. Thus, an unprecedented annexation of the territories is likely to begin in the next few days.
Referendums are not recognized
Mock referendums are not recognized worldwide because they are held in violation of Ukrainian and international law and without minimum democratic standards. In recent days, observers have pointed to several cases in which Ukrainian residents of the Occupied Territories were forced to vote.
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In a next step, occupation administrations sent by Moscow are expected to officially apply to Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin for admission to Russian territory. Before the fake referendums began, Putin had emphasized that the areas would be completely under the protection of nuclear power Russia.
Zelenskyy: Annexation pits Putin against all humanity
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on the international community to take decisive action against a possible imminent annexation of parts of his country by Russia.
Referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin, he said in a video address to the UN Security Council on Tuesday: “Annexation is the kind of act that sets you alone against all humanity. every country in the world.” Any illegal annexation is a crime against all states.
US prepares UN resolution against “referendums”.
Meanwhile, the US prepares a UN resolution against fake Russian referendums. Ukraine’s struggle is also a struggle for the values of democracy, US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said Tuesday at a meeting of the most powerful body of the United Nations in New York. “Therefore, we will introduce a resolution condemning these fake referendums, urging member states not to recognize a change in Ukraine’s status, and compelling Russia to withdraw its troops from Ukraine.”
A Security Council vote will almost certainly fail because of Russia’s veto, but it could allow conclusions to be drawn about how isolated Russia is. After that, the resolution must go to the UN General Assembly with 193 member countries for a vote.