On Saturday, December 9th, Ukraine strongly condemned Russia’s announcement of presidential elections in occupied territories, deeming them “null and void” and threatening legal action against any observers. The elections were scheduled for March, with Russia claiming residents in four occupied Ukrainian regions could vote. These regions, Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhya, and Kherson, were annexed by Russia in referenda dismissed by Kyiv and the West as fraudulent. Despite Russia’s assertions, it does not fully control these territories. Crimea, seized by Russia in 2014, is also not under its full control.
Ukraine urged the international community to condemn Russia’s plan and impose sanctions on those organizing the elections. Furthermore, the Ukraine government warned against sending observers, asserting that participation in these “pseudo-elections” would lead to criminal consequences. The foreign ministry stated that any Russian election lacks democratic legitimacy and merely serves to perpetuate the Russian regime’s power. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement of his candidacy for the upcoming elections is seen as a move to extend his rule until at least 2030.
