Ukraine urges the world not to recognize Russia's 'elections' in occupied territories
Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Illegal Russian pseudo-elections on the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine will have no legal consequences and will not lead to a change in the status of Ukrainian lands seized by the Russian army, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Russia's announced so-called "elections" for local occupation administrations in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine grossly violate Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, Ukrainian legislation, and international law, including the UN Charter.
"Russia’s sham elections in the temporarily occupied territories are null and void. They will have no legal consequences and will not bring any changes in the international status of Ukrainian territories seized by Russian military forces," the ministry said.
They also added that by conducting fake elections in Ukrainian regions and in Crimea Moscow continues delegitimizing Russia’s legal system.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine called upon international partners to condemn worthless and self-willed actions of the Russian Federation and not to recognize the legitimacy of any “administration” created by these illegal elections, as well as any decisions that will be taken by them.
"All persons, involved in the conduct of pseudo-elections, including the leadership of the Russian Federation, representatives of occupation administrations and electoral bodies must be brought to account. We also initiate the imposition of new international sanctions against them," the ministry said.
"Elections" in the occupied Ukrainian territories
On September 10, Russia is set to hold elections at various levels, including by-elections for State Duma deputies, elections of regional leaders, and legislative body deputies. At the same time, they plan to conduct sham voting in the occupied territories of Ukraine.
In this way, Russia aims to portray the occupied territories as its "integral parts," as noted by British intelligence.
Previously, the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine mentioned that Russians are bringing "activists," political technologists, and observers from Russia for this purpose. Also, all "police" units in the regions have been called back from vacations for these dates.
