Russia Claims Victory in Sham Elections in Occupied Ukraine, But Results Questioned as Ukraine Makes Military Gains

Russia claims victory for Putin's party in sham elections held in 4 illegally annexed Ukrainian regions, but detailed results not released.
Ukraine & West reject elections as illegitimate attempt to legitimize Russia's control.
Despite election results, Ukraine continues to make military gains in annexed regions.
Voting occurred amid attempts to disrupt polling sites & questions about legitimacy of results.
Hardline supporters like jailed Strelkov conducted polls showing lack of support for Putin's party, signaling growing instability.

newsweek.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/10/2023

Ukraine Aims to Retake Crimea, Russia's Strategic Stronghold in the Black Sea

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his forces in occupied southern Ukraine are determined to retain control of Crimea, as it is key to Russia's regional power projection and allows them to dominate the Black Sea region, project force into the Mediterranean, and supply their units in neighboring oblasts.

9/10/2023

Putin's Party Leads Sham Votes in Occupied Ukraine Before 2023 Russian Election

Russia's Central Elections Commission reported that the United Russia party, which supports President Vladimir Putin, was leading in local elections in four Ukrainian regions occupied by Russian forces, despite the elections being dismissed as a sham by Ukraine and its allies.

9/10/2023

Putin Secures Strong Election Wins in Annexed Ukraine Regions Amid Criticism of Rigged Votes

Russia's regional and municipal elections, including in annexed regions from Ukraine, have bolstered support for President Vladimir Putin, despite accusations of vote rigging and Ukraine's condemnation of Moscow's control over the regions.

9/11/2023

EU, UN Denounce Russia's Actions in Ukraine; Fighting Continues in the East

The European Union condemns the "illegitimate" elections held in Russian-annexed parts of Ukraine, while a UN official says that Russia's aggression in Ukraine is synonymous with torture and inhuman cruelty; meanwhile, the Kremlin spokesperson claims that no one will be able to compete with Putin if he runs for president in 2024, and the UN Human Rights Commissioner states that Russia's withdrawal from a grain deal is fueling global food insecurity. Ukrainian forces regain control of drilling platforms near the Crimean coast and Putin arrives in Vladivostok for the Eastern Economic Forum, while South Korean media reports that Kim Jong Un is en route to Russia, and Ukraine reports advances in Bakhmut and Donetsk city. Finally, Brazil's President Lula says it's up to the judiciary whether to arrest Putin if he visits the country.

10/2/2023

Russia's Confused Celebration of Contested Ukrainian Annexation

Russian President Vladimir Putin created a new holiday to celebrate the annexation of four Ukrainian territories, but signs indicate that his control over these regions is becoming more tenuous.

10/6/2023

Canada Apologizes After Parliament Ovation for Ukrainian Veteran with Nazi Ties Lets Russia Claim Vindication on 'Denazification'

Canadian parliament inadvertently gives Russian president Vladimir Putin a 'justification' for his invasion of Ukraine after applauding a Ukrainian veteran who fought alongside the Nazis, playing into Putin's narrative of "denazifying" Ukraine.

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Posted 9/11/2023, 5:21:45 PM

Russia Claims Victory in Sham Elections in Occupied Ukraine, But Results Questioned as Ukraine Makes Military Gains

Russia claims victory for Putin's party in sham elections held in 4 illegally annexed Ukrainian regions, but detailed results not released.
Ukraine & West reject elections as illegitimate attempt to legitimize Russia's control.
Despite election results, Ukraine continues to make military gains in annexed regions.
Voting occurred amid attempts to disrupt polling sites & questions about legitimacy of results.
Hardline supporters like jailed Strelkov conducted polls showing lack of support for Putin's party, signaling growing instability.

newsweek.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/10/2023

Ukraine Aims to Retake Crimea, Russia's Strategic Stronghold in the Black Sea

9/10/2023

Putin's Party Leads Sham Votes in Occupied Ukraine Before 2023 Russian Election

9/10/2023

Putin Secures Strong Election Wins in Annexed Ukraine Regions Amid Criticism of Rigged Votes

9/11/2023

EU, UN Denounce Russia's Actions in Ukraine; Fighting Continues in the East

10/2/2023

Russia's Confused Celebration of Contested Ukrainian Annexation

Russian President Vladimir Putin created a new holiday to celebrate the annexation of four Ukrainian territories, but signs indicate that his control over these regions is becoming more tenuous.

10/6/2023

Canada Apologizes After Parliament Ovation for Ukrainian Veteran with Nazi Ties Lets Russia Claim Vindication on 'Denazification'