What Russia's sham 'referendums' mean for Ukraine and the world | DW News

As Moscow looks for more troops to bolster its invasion of Ukraine, it's also making changes in top military leadership. Russia's Defense Ministry says it has removed the deputy defense minister from his post.
Meanwhile in four Russian-controlled regions of Ukraine, separatist leaders are holding 'referendums' on whether or not to join Russia. They're illegal under international and Ukrainian laws. No independent observers are present. Reports say teams are traveling door-to-door to force residents to take part.

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[mjbcswitzerland]

I don't understand why the Russians are making so much effort since the outcome is already known and the outcome will not be recognised by the majority of the countries of the world. Why don't they just announce that they have telephoned everyone and they all said yes - it would have the same credibility but save lots of wasted energy?

Typical Russian Referendum:
Election Official: "How did you vote?"
Citizen: "I voted NO, NO, NO...I do NOT want to be part of the Russian Federation!"
Election Official: "Thank you for your YES vote Madame, you will be very happy under the dictatorship of our Glorious leader!"

[gyanendrakumar]

we ( 2 people in a Room) run referendum last night and 100% voted for Russia to become Part of India. So, Now Russia is a part of India

[aloh]

The only thing Russia will achieve by doing this.
Is it will give Ukraine even more passion to keep fighting Russia 😉

[ilyabibik]

Putting is loosing this war it is act of desperation.

[kwame]

A state doesn’t care about international law when it’s not in its best interest.

[EECO]

Enjoy being drafted, Donbas. The LPR and DPR are already complaining about being used as cannon fodder by the Russian Army.

[itryen]

For some odd reason this reminds me of a certain austrian man and how he got elected.

[neo]

its so ridiculous and sad at the same time, unbelievable times we live in

[duncanstewart]

These two events are predictable in the Russian system perhaps. The recognition of annexed territory allows Putin to now send draftees into combat. Raising his current number of troops. The law prevents using conscript teens in combat outside of Russia. The mobilisation should have been done in May. The new 300, 000 may not be available to fight until 2023 practically. Here we are in October nearly. Winter in 3 months!

[Apokalypseplease]

Means nothing. Nobody cares what Russia wants.

[Benja]

If Russia pushes to defend that area as their own. They agree to commit war crimes on nations and partially annex them with illegal bureaucracy. This is imperialism and all united could take out the entire Russia nation on those game grounds. Russia should be careful to what game style they want to play. Brute force isn't their specialty anymore so they opt to be offended.

[solutionsit]

I missed the part when they say when the referendum about "partial mobilization" takes place... 😶

[ernestconnell]

International conflicts call for an independent international committee to oversee the referendums.

[MohammedAhmed-hybx]

Glory to Ukraine and the Ukrainian 🇺🇦
I can't wait to come back to visit soon and celebrate victory ✌️ 🇺🇦💕🕊️

[Nano]

Denis Pushilin said that 129 international observers were accredited for the referendum in the Republic.

[deadheadtruckin]

The allies should all heavily invest in the rebuilding of ukraine. Make it modern and free from these depressing slums left by the soviets. WE LOVE YOU UKRAINE!

[BlueEyedVibeChecker]

This is like when you got a letter in school that needed a signature so you forged your parents signature.
Putin is signing his parents signature on the votes.

[kk-kici]

If you join Russia you leave with Russia Ukraine will not stand for no Trader

[troyingram]

This referandum is going to last for about two weeks then Putin will try and claim he ment for this to happen If is a miscalculation.