Ukraine condemned the Russian parliamentary elections in occupied territories, conducted under military pressure. The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the residents of these areas are "under arms" and forced to vote in elections that bear "no resemblance to democracy."
Russian Parliamentary Elections and Occupied Areas
In the next three days, 111 million people will go to the polls to participate in the first Russian parliamentary elections since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. These elections include the regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhia, and Kherson, along with the Crimean Peninsula, which has been annexed by Russia.
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The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized in a statement: "This is a spectacle organized by the occupying government that bears no resemblance to democratic elections and creates no legal basis for expanding Russia's jurisdiction over any part of Ukraine's territory." The ministry also stated that no voting conducted under military pressure will change the internationally recognized status of these regions.
Reactions to the Elections
Ukraine officially considers not only the holding of these "illegal elections" but also their results to be "invalid." In these elections, the United Russia party led by Vladimir Putin expects to strengthen its control over the parliament, which it has held for 23 years. These results will be seen as evidence of widespread support for Putin's war policies.
In a message to the nation before the elections, Putin said: "Your choice and will will once again show that millions stand behind our fighters and we are a united nation bound by common values, historical memory, and love for our homeland."
Promotional material aired on state television invites people to vote and showcases images of Russian military commanders holding the national flag after victories in battles in Ukraine, accompanied by the slogan "Their voice is the voice of victory. Your vote is the power of Russia!"
The State Duma elections, held in the lower house of the Russian parliament, take place while Ukraine continues drone attacks on refineries and warehouses far from the front lines. This occurs as Russia's war economy approaches its limits and concerns about a general mobilization have increased following the elections.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, accused Russia of launching hybrid attacks in recent weeks after a meeting with political party leaders in Paris. He told reporters: "The threat - especially the hybrid threat from Russia - which threatens Europeans and France, has intensified."
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez also announced on the social media platform X that all relevant services will be mobilized to counter Russian interference.
Poland, as the latest NATO member, has also accused Russia of planning hybrid attacks using drones or missiles against NATO countries that support Ukraine. Donald Tusk, the Prime Minister of Poland, stated in parliament that these potential attacks would be conducted "randomly" and their aim is to undermine the resolve of NATO countries against aggression.
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Source: independent.co.uk
