Russia holds parliamentary vote in areas it seized from Ukraine in the war

Russian lawmakers are set to vote on September 30, 2023, for the first time in regions that Moscow illegally annexed from Ukraine since the invasion began over four and a half years ago. Kyiv vehemently opposes this move, describing it as illegal, and warns residents that participating could result in criminal charges. The vote, which is ongoing, started on Friday and will continue until Sunday, with security reasons given for the extended period.

Russian authorities claim that the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia territories, often called the "new regions," have over 3.5 million eligible voters, despite these territories not being fully under Russian control. This election move is seen by the Kremlin as crucial for solidifying its gains and demonstrating public support for the war.

In a recent speech, Putin highlighted the significance of voting in these regions, stating that those who vote will prove that millions stand behind the fighting forces and that the nation is united. Ukraine, however, urges other nations not to acknowledge the legitimacy of the election, warning that it could be used to legitimize the occupation and annexation of Ukrainian land.

A coalition of Ukrainian human rights groups has called on residents of the Russian-held territories to abstain from voting, citing coercion, threats, and conditional payments by Russian authorities as reasons. Critics argue that these elections are a mockery of democracy and lack any genuine democratic process.