Ukraine rejects Russian elections in occupied territories

The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on the international community to reject the results of elections organized by Russia in occupied Ukrainian territories. Kyiv described the voting process as a “farce” and asserted that any vote conducted “under the threat of weapons” does not alter the internationally recognized status of these regions.

Ukraine emphasized that the only legitimate expression of will regarding its temporarily occupied territories is reflected in United Nations General Assembly records, where 143 member states have confirmed the illegality of the occupation. The ministry warned that these actions are attempts to legitimize Russian rule through forced Russification and intimidation in areas including Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson.

While Russia claims record voter turnout in certain occupied areas, such as the Donetsk region, Ukrainian authorities maintain that free expression of will is impossible where pro-Ukrainian citizens face persecution, torture, and intimidation.