Russia Holds 'Annexation Votes' Across Occupied Territories... West Strongly Rejects Recognition (Comprehensive)

Purpose of Blocking Western Military Support

(Photo by Reuters)

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] Russia has initiated a referendum to formally annex the Ukrainian territories it occupies. As Ukraine's offensive intensifies and the tide of the war turns unfavorable, the voting date was moved up from the original schedule. Russia appears to aim to declare annexation through the referendum and subsequently block military aid to Ukraine. Western countries strongly condemned the move, warning that Russia is likely to conduct a 'sham vote' similar to the forced annexation of Crimea in 2014.

According to major foreign media on the 20th (local time), Russia will hold a five-day referendum from the 23rd to the 27th in eastern Ukraine's Donbas region (Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts) and the southern Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts for annexation to Russia. All the regions targeted for annexation are either occupied by Russian forces or controlled by pro-Russian separatist groups.

Originally, Russia was expected to hold the vote on November 4, the 'Day of National Unity,' but as Ukraine recaptured most of northeastern Kharkiv Oblast and threatened Luhansk and Kherson oblasts, the vote was abruptly scheduled earlier. Russia had previously formalized the forced annexation of Crimea through a referendum in 2014.

The war, ongoing for seven months since Russia's invasion on February 24, has entered a new phase due to Ukraine's counteroffensive. Ukrainian forces have completely taken control of Kharkiv Oblast and reclaimed most of the northern parts of Luhansk Oblast, including the village of Bilohorivka, dealing a severe blow to Russia's occupation of Donbas.

The Donbas region, encompassing Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts, is the area Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, cited as the justification for the war. If Ukraine gains the upper hand here, the entire war situation could be reversed. It is reported that the territory Ukraine has reclaimed this month alone exceeds 2,000 square kilometers, more than four times the size of Seoul.

Although Russia has seized some areas near the Sea of Azov in Donetsk Oblast, most of the region remains under Ukrainian control. Moreover, as Russian forces have suffered severe casualties?estimated at 70,000 to 80,000 or more?Russia is reportedly considering deploying prisoners convicted of heinous crimes to the front lines.

Foreign media analyzed that this annexation would allow Russia to block Western military aid to Ukraine. If Russia annexes additional territories, Western arms supplies to Ukraine could be deemed attacks against Russia itself.

The $40 billion worth of military aid to Ukraine under the U.S. Ukraine Support Act is set to expire at the end of this month, and new legislation would be required for further assistance.

Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council and a close ally of President Putin, stated, "Violating Russian territory is a crime, and all rights to self-defense will be exercised." He added that the referendum is a "restoration of historical justice" and will "completely change the direction of Russia's development for decades."

Jake Sullivan, U.S. National Security Advisor, said at a White House briefing on the 20th (local time) regarding reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin is preparing a mobilization order, "It means Russia is struggling in Ukraine," adding, "As more world leaders publicly distance themselves from Russia, Russia is desperately trying to gather personnel to deploy in the war." (Photo by Reuters)

Western countries vehemently condemned the referendum as a 'fraud.' Jake Sullivan, U.S. National Security Advisor, said at a White House briefing, "This is a sham referendum that directly violates Ukraine's sovereignty," and declared, "The United States will never recognize Russia's claims (to the territories)."

He added, "We will work with allies and partners to impose costs on Russia and provide support to Ukraine."

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also criticized it as a "fake vote," and French President Emmanuel Macron called the idea of organizing a referendum in a war-torn region "the height of cynicism."

NATO, led by the United States, stated that the referendum "has no legitimacy" and that "Putin's war is escalating again," delivering a direct blow.

Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary-General, said, "This referendum is escalating the threat of the war in Ukraine," and criticized, "The 'sham' referendum has no legitimacy and will not change the nature of Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.