Vladimir Putin annexes regions of Ukraine | USA TODAY

After months of fighting between Russia and Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin has signed a treaty annexing multiple regions of Ukraine.

Putin claimed the illegal annexations were "the will of millions of people" to huge applause during a signing ceremony in the Kremlin's St. George's Hall despite widespread reports of voter coercion and people being pressured at gunpoint.

The illegal occupation could potentially raise the stakes of Russia's seven-month-old war in Ukraine because Putin vowed to defend the annexed territories with "all available means," a veiled reference to his insistence he would be prepared to use nuclear weapons if Russia's territory is threatened.

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#Russia #Ukraine #Putin

[juanvargas]

Everyone please remember this day, and remember to live life at its fullest. Propaganda has taken over the feeble minded all over the world. We can only pray for what comes next. Hold your loved ones close because we as humans tend to repeat history and never learn from it

[marklowe]

I don't want American Tax payer's money to ever support any one other than American Tax payer's.

[alexpace]

Kiev should announce the annexation of Moscow.

[АндрейГринго]

Biden signed $12.35 billion in aid to Kyiv))) How are you, a citizen of America, how do you feel when your money is given to others 😆😆🤣🤣🤣

[erkyderky]

Remember all year when the media said the Ukraine was winning?

[nobillclinton]

USA TODAY: Why not tell the American people the TRUTH? Over the past weekend referendums were held in 2 provinces & 2 regions. The voting stations were transparent and INTERNATIONAL OBSERVERS were present. The results were as follows: Donetsk 99% Lugansk 98% Kherson Region 93% Zaporozhye Region 87%. These are ethnic Russian areas that have historically been RUSSIAN LANDS. They have suffered enormously during the past 8 years as they have been under constant attack by Ukraine. Thousands have been slaughtered. God Bless Russia for responding to the pleas of the people of these provinces. May these affected people experience the peace and security that they desire inside of the Russian Federation.

[immortalideas-fikj]

Who's zelensky, a punk. God bless president Vladimir Putin and Russia.

[caymanchristopher]

I just annexed all of Russia. Now pay me tribute. Does he sound more like Saddam Hussein every day or is it just me?

[clairwaucaush]

It's too bad for Ukraine, but I think the USA has given them more than enough money and weapons. The whole thing has gone on way too long. Ukraine should take the loss and end the war.

[BasicHumansim]

This reporting is very misleading and false. Some of these regions have elected to be part of Russia even before this war started after the coup in 2014. Putin only recognized them now which in itself is weird but it is what these reporters are saying.

[paulshivers]

In Putin's mind, might makes right. But Zelensky has made Putin's might a mite.

[idetoxi]

some alien is up in space like, " pfft, I just snagged 3 planets".

[julie]

People voted to be independent of Ukraine. Why do you cast spells & delusions with lies?

[HumanBeingsRThinkingBeings]

Mind Begs the Question:
To support & aid an Apartheid State
Righteous, Evil?

[OliverNorth]

When Mexico wanted a secure border. Keeping U.S. mercenaries out they didn't listen. How is this any

[jjoddo]

Lol... Putin better have eyes in the back of his head.. And keep having his workers taste his food first.

[nomad]

Referendum is valid…… 🎉❤ God Speed Russia 😊

[thestifmyster]

Can we annex parts of Russia? I mean as long as the people of that region vote on it, it’s ok right?

[mj-rgkp]

This ominous background music is doing nothing to convince me that Putin is an evil dictator, but I’m sure it’ll work for many sheeples.

[Danielx]

0:21 like the girl who neatly dressed up and tied her hair beautifully 😍