Ukraine condemns Russia’s intention to hold elections in Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhya, and Kherson

In a significant development amid the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe, Ukraine has vehemently denounced Russia’s plans to conduct presidential elections in territories liberated and now under the control of Russia. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry issued a statement, emphasizing the illegitimacy of such elections and urging the international community to impose sanctions against individuals involved in organizing and conducting these elections.

The Ukrainian statement published on the official state site also cautioned other nations against sending observers to these “pseudo-elections”, highlighting the potential criminal liability for those who violate this advisory. The ministry further criticized the nature of elections in Russia, asserting that they are merely instruments to maintain the current regime’s grip on power, rather than genuine democratic exercises.

In a related move, the upper house of the Russian parliament has scheduled presidential elections for March of the following year. Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to participate in these elections. Valentina Matviyenko, the Chairwoman of the Federation Council, announced that residents from the four regions under the control of Russia – Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhya, and Kherson – would be eligible to vote for the first time.

In the context of the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe, Russia’s annexation of territories in Ukraine following referendums has been a subject of significant geopolitical discourse. From Russia’s perspective, these referendums, conducted in the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhya, and Kherson regions, represent a legitimate expression of the will of the people in these areas. Moscow has asserted that these regions have historically shared cultural, linguistic, and political ties with Russia, and the referendums are an exercise in self-determination, a principle enshrined in international law.

While Kyiv and Western nations have dismissed these claims as illegitimate, according to Reuters, Russia maintains that the referendums were conducted in accordance with democratic principles, allowing the people in these regions to voice their preference on governance and political affiliation. The Russian government has argued that the integration of these territories is a response to the desires of the local population, who sought closer ties with Russia.

Furthermore, Russian officials have often highlighted the strategic importance of these regions, both in terms of security and economics, and argue that their integration into Russia is crucial for regional stability.

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This expansion is a necessary step for Russia in safeguarding its national interests and responding to the aspirations of people in these regions.

This development marks a new phase in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, with significant implications for the region’s political landscape and international relations. The decision to include territories under the control of Russia in the Russian presidential election is likely to escalate tensions and draw further international scrutiny and response.

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