Despite all the criticism of the legality of the sham votes over a possible annexation of the occupied Ukrainian territories, things should move quickly now. The separatists in the east and south of the country plan to apply to Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin on Wednesday to join the Russian Federation.
“The citizens of the Luhansk People’s Republic have chosen a bright and prosperous future,” separatist leader Leonid Pasechnik said on Telegram on Wednesday. The Zaporizhzhya region also wants to contact Putin on Wednesday with a request for admission.
Referenda without minimum standards
On Tuesday, Moscow’s occupation administrations also expressed strong approval for joining Russia in the areas of Donetsk and Kherson after the ballots, which were criticized as a violation of international law. The fake referendums, which have been held for a total of five days since last Friday amid widespread international protest, are not recognized worldwide because they were held in violation of Ukrainian and international laws and without minimum democratic standards.
Residents forced to vote
In recent days, observers have pointed to numerous cases where residents of the occupied territories have been forced to vote. After counting all votes, 99.2 percent of voters in Donetsk agreed, the occupation administration there said. According to Russian information, it was more than 98 percent in Luhansk, more than 93 percent in Zaporizhzhya and more than 87 percent in Kherson.
Putin pledges protection for nuclear energy
An unprecedented wave of annexations is now expected to begin. Before the mock referendum, Putin had emphasized that the areas would be fully protected by nuclear energy after incorporation. It’s about protecting millions of people, Putin said.
He threatened Ukraine to use “all available means” to repel attacks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the fake referendums as a “farce”. He announced that he would liberate the occupied territories. In doing so, he relies on the heavy weapons of the West.
Connection can be fast
The process can be quite fast. After the regions’ request, Putin and the Russian parliament should quickly give the green light. British military intelligence does not rule out the possibility that Putin can formally announce his admission to the Russian Federation next Friday, as a speech to both houses of parliament is scheduled that day.
In the case of Crimea, the process lasted only a few weeks: on February 27, 2014, Russian troops took control of the peninsula. The referendum on accession to Russia took place on March 16. Crimea was formally admitted to the Russian Federation on March 21.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
