Referendum on occupied territory in Russia… Possible unification on the 29th at the earliest

As Russia holds a referendum on the annexation of the occupied territories in Ukraine, reports say it could approve the annexation as early as the 29th.

On the 24th (local time), the Russian state news agency TASS reported, citing an unnamed source, that the Russian House of Representatives could approve the annexation of the occupied territories in Ukraine on the 29th. The Interfax news agency reported on the 29th that the Russian Parliament may consider the bill, citing sources.

Earlier, on the 23rd, Russia has been holding a referendum on Russian annexation in four occupied territories in Ukraine (△Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporiza, and Kherson). Ukraine and Western countries condemn this as a “fake”, saying it is illegal under international law and is against democracy.

According to what is known so far, the turnout in Luhansk and Zaporiza is 45.9% and 35.5%, respectively. The referendum will be held for five days and will end on the 27th. The Washington Post reported on the news, saying, “Russian government officials and separatists are likely to support the absorption of the region as soon as the results of the vote are announced.” “There is no doubt about the results of the vote,” he added.

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in a press conference after a speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on the same day, “According to the results of the referendum, Russia will respect the will of those which has long been the victim of UN abuse. neo-Nazi regime.”