2023-08-31 11:29:51
War in Ukraine
Moscow launches polls in the occupied territories
September 10 is the date of regional elections in Russia. The Kremlin includes the occupied regions (Crimea, Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporijjia and Kherson), provoking the anger of Ukraine.
PostedAugust 31, 2023, 1:29 PM
In Mariupol, Donetsk Oblast, a woman casts her ballot under the supervision of a Russian guard.
REUTERS
Russia on Thursday launched early voting in Ukrainian territories it occupies, as part of elections held in many Russian regions, according to the state news agency Tass. Moscow occupies just under 20% of Ukrainian territory: Crimea, annexed in 2014, as well as most of the Lugansk region and part of those of Donetsk, Zaporizhia and Kherson.
The polls in these areas, denounced by Ukraine, take place on September 10 per se, but the occupation authorities are organizing an “early vote” starting on Thursday in the Donetsk and Zaporizhia regions, and from September 2 in those of Kherson and Lugansk. It is a question of appointing regional deputies and elected municipal officials.
Russia only partially controls these regions
Despite strong condemnations from the West, Russia proclaimed the annexation of these territories in September 2022, following what Moscow presented as “referendums”. The international community does not recognize the results. Almost a year later, Russia still only partially controls these regions, where fighting is raging.
Ukraine is carrying out a vast counter-offensive along a front of almost 1,000 kilometers and is hoping in particular for a breakthrough in the Robotyne area, in the Zaporijjia region.
No opposition
Many regions of Russia will also vote on September 10, to appoint governors, regional parliaments or even municipal councils. No real opposition is represented, while the Russian regime has tried to eradicate any voice of criticism, in particular of its offensive once morest Ukraine. The country’s most famous opponents are either in prison or in exile.
(AFP)Show comments
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