Russia’s Fake Elections in the Temporarily Occupied Territories Are Another Kremlin’s Attempt to Legitimize Its Occupation Presence in Ukraine

On March 17, the pseudo-election farce for the “re-election” of Putin ended in the Russian Federation and in the Ukrainian territories controlled by Putin’s regime. About 60 UN countries condemned the fake elections of the Russian Federation in the temporarily occupied territories (TOT) of Ukraine as a gross violation of the norms and principles of international law.

The results of Russia’s fake elections in Ukraine legally mean nothing, as it were held in an atmosphere of terror and violence. A number of Western leaders and diplomats condemned these pseudo-elections in Russia and the TOT of Ukraine and did not recognize their results.

In particular, on March 18, the European Union announced its non-recognition of Russia’s election in the TOT. “Russia’s political leadership and those involved in their organization are feeling the consequences of these illegal actions. The European Union reiterates its unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. Russia must cease its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw its military forces and equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine,” said the statement.

Following the results of the electoral process in Russia and at the TOT of Ukraine, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland stated that the “so-called elections” of the Russian President took place “amid harsh repressions against society, preventing it from making a free, democratic choice.” “ Such “election” may not be considered legal, free and fair.”

Japanese Cabinet Secretary General Yoshimasa Hayashi said that Tokyo did not recognize the results of the pseudo-elections at the TOT in Ukraine. The German Foreign Ministry stated that illegal elections in the occupied territories of Ukraine had no legal force. British Foreign Minister D. Cameron called Putin’s illegal elections unfair.

The pseudo-elections of the Russian Federation at the TOT of Ukraine are a strong argument for additional sanctions against the Russian Federation and strengthening its international isolation. Putin is wanted by the International Criminal Court on suspicion of committing serious war crimes. The arrest warrant was issued one year before the so-called elections.

Putin’s Russia has turned into an enemy of the entire civilized world, which must consolidate in the face of a new threat and comprehensively weaken the Russian Federation economically, industrially, and militarily.