From September 2, elections will be organized in certain Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia. It is a question of appointing regional deputies and elected municipal officials.
Russia launched early voting in Ukrainian territories it occupies on Thursday, as part of elections in many Russian regions scheduled for September 10, according to the state news agency Tass.
Moscow occupies a little less than 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.
Votes in the next few days
The polls in these areas, denounced by Ukraine, are taking place on September 10, but the occupation authorities are organizing “early voting” from 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.
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.
Nearly a year later, Russia still only partially controls these regions where fighting is raging.
Ukraine is leading a vast counter-offensive along a front of nearly 1000 km, and is particularly hoping for a breakthrough in the Robotyne area, in the Zaporizhia region.
Many regions of Russia will also vote on September 10 to appoint governors, regional parliaments and even municipal councils.
No real opposition is represented, while the Russian regime has strived to eradicate any critical voice, particularly of its offensive against Ukraine. The country’s most famous opponents are either in prison or in exile.
Source: BFM TV
