Russia conducting 'sham elections' in occupied areas of Ukraine: Antony Blinken
Russia is holding «sham elections» in the occupied region of Ukraine, US State Secretary Antony Blinken said adding that this action shows its blatant disregard for UN Charter principles.
In a statement released by the State Department, Blinken said, «The Russian Federation is in the process of conducting sham elections in occupied areas of Ukraine.
These so-called elections are taking place nearly one year after the Kremlin staged sham referenda and purported to annex Ukraine's Kherson, Zaporizhzhya, Donetsk, and Luhansk oblasts, and over nine years after Russia purported to annexe Ukraine's Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol.»
«The Kremlin hopes these pre-determined, fabricated results will strengthen Russia's illegitimate claims to the parts of Ukraine it occupies, but this is nothing more than a propaganda exercise,» he added.
He further stated that such action by Russia shows its blatant disregard for UN Charter principles like respect for state sovereignty and territorial integrity, which underpin global security and stability, as per the statement.
«The United States will never recognize the Russian Federation's claims to any of Ukraine's sovereign territory, and we remind any individuals who may support Russia's sham elections in Ukraine, including by acting as so-called „international observers,“ that they may be subject to sanctions and visa restrictions,» Blinken said.
This statement came after the voting ends on Thursday and will run through the weekend in certain areas, according to US media, The Hill reported.
On August 31, Russia started holding regional elections in «occupied areas» of Ukraine, CNN reported citing Kyiv officials.
Ukraine has condemned the move and has urged citizens in «occupied
