From Seattletimes · · 1m 30s
Russia Holds Parliamentary Vote in Annexed Ukrainian Regions
Russia conducts first parliamentary election in territories it seized from Ukraine, sparking international condemnation.
In brief
Russia conducts first parliamentary election in territories it seized from Ukraine, sparking international condemnation. Russia held its first parliamentary election in regions it illegally annexed from Ukraine, which Ukraine and international bodies denounced as illegal and coercive. Originally reported by…
Russia's First Parliamentary Election in Annexed Territories
Russia’s parliamentary election for the first time includes residents of regions Moscow illegally annexed from Ukraine after its full-scale invasion began over 4 1/2 years ago.
Kyiv Denounces Vote as Illegal
Kyiv officials vigorously denounced the action as illegal, urging foreign governments not to recognize the election results.
Voting in Annexed Regions Begins
Balloting started Friday in Russia and continues until Sunday, with voting in annexed Ukrainian territories and border areas underway since last month.
Kremlin Claims 3.5 Million Voters
Russian authorities say Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia territories have over 3.5 million voters, annexed in September 2022 despite not being fully under Moscow’s control.
Putin Emphasizes Voting Importance
Putin stressed voting in the regions is critical for the State Duma, noting residents will vote for the first time since their reunification with Russia.
Human Rights Groups Warn of Coercion
Human rights activists described residents as coerced into voting, with local election commissions pressured by Russian troops to force participation.
International Condemnation of Vote
The European Commission called the voting in Russian-held regions a blatant violation of international law and refused to recognize the election results.
The takeaway
Russia held its first parliamentary election in regions it illegally annexed from Ukraine, which Ukraine and international bodies denounced as illegal and coercive.
