Russia starts 'referendums' to join Russian Federation in occupied areas of Ukraine

Russia launched referendums in four occupied areas of Ukraine on Friday (September 23) aimed at annexing the areas, which cover about 15% of Ukrainian territory.

The West says the move is a gross violation of international law that significantly escalates the war.

After nearly seven months of war, and a critical battlefield defeat in northeastern Ukraine earlier this month, President Vladimir Putin signalled he will annexe the regions if the people in the Russian-controlled areas vote to join Russia.

By incorporating the areas into Russia, Moscow could portray attacks to retake them as an attack on Russia itself.

Denis Pushilin, the leader of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic, uploaded this video on messaging app Telegram after casting his ballot:

"The thrill and the assurance that what we have been fighting for, for so long, is coming true. We're returning home, we're returning to mighty Russia."

The votes in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia began on Friday and will end on Tuesday, with results expected soon afterwards.

Outcomes that support joining Russia are almost certain.

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[jasper]

Russia: "Hey lets start the clip with Russian soldiers voting. This is legit my friend, no bs votes here."

[bigdada]

Blessings, peace and luck from California to Ukraine 🙏🙏✌🍀💙💛

[RichardLionheart]

We should hold referendums for Moldova to join Romania and Kaliningrad to join NATO.

[C.CUMMNGS]

Oh look occupying troops are allowed to vote 😂😂🤣🤣😂😂

[stamfordmeetup]

it's multi choice and putin has created the form. The choices are Putin, Putin, Putin or Putin.

[TheJamesOutlaw]

Stop referring to it as a referendum, its not

[genekrasilowez]

What is next for Russia, online "referendum " for Alaska or Germany to reunite Germany to Russian Koenigsberg?

[Baryogenese]

I had my referendum today, I ask 2 random people in Russia if I should become president of the World, and they voted yes, that's it, I own the world now, irreversible.

[grannyappleseed]

Can we just take Russia by force and hold referendums please! Turn Russia into the west :)

[TVCHLORD]

200% of votes in favor of joining russia

[mobiuswan]

NATO has already stated that any sham referendum will not be taken seriously and it won't change anything about them taking the land back for Ukraine. This is a huge waste of money and effort for the already hurting orcs.

[alphajalloh]

I thought Russia invaded Ukraine because of NATO but I think is because of Land

[waltdisnenycopyright]

Yes votes and only 20000 people still there other than troops, seen it all before, slava ukraini 🇬🇧 🇺🇦 🇺🇸

[bingo]

How free are people to vote when you have brutal Russian forces in charge? Ruksy soldier to resident: Here is your ballot. (Cocks gun) Ok vote your choice. Putin must really think the world is stupid.

[indrahaseo]

Someone please stop this crazy person at all cost!
Stand with Ukraine!

[darrellkelly]

How are you going to have a vote for Territory under active war zone over land? Hopefully this war will end soon and with a Ukrainian total victory

[Timetraveler]

I don’t see any civilian voting ….what a sham

[C.CUMMNGS]

You know why USSR was so strong and why Russia is so weak ?
The USSR had Ukrainian troops in it, the Russian army doesn't 😜

[tayspiderx]

Please send tomahawks to these voting centers

[michaelalexanderpoddig]

Im worried about manipulation but hope for the best. Democracy in action.