Ukraine has declared any Russian parliamentary elections planned for next month in occupied Ukrainian territories as illegal and invalid. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry's statement comes as observers from former Soviet states begin monitoring the election process. Concurrently, Russia is reportedly moving to abolish its border zones with these occupied Ukrainian territories, following their declared annexation. This action, based on internal FSB documents, signals a further integration of these regions into Russia.
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has officially declared that any Russian parliamentary elections scheduled to take place next month in occupied Ukrainian territories will be considered illegal and their results will be deemed invalid. This strong stance was communicated as observers from former Soviet states commenced their monitoring of the election process within these contested regions. The declaration underscores Ukraine's continued rejection of Russia's claims and electoral activities in its sovereign territory.
In parallel developments, Russia is reportedly initiating the removal of border zones that currently separate its own territory from occupied areas within Ukraine. This measure, indicated by internal FSB documents, suggests a move towards further integration of these annexed regions. The decision to abolish these border zones follows Russia's prior declarations of annexation for the Luhansk, Donetsk, and Crimea regions. This action is seen as a step to solidify Russian control and administration over these territories, blurring the lines between Russian federal subjects and occupied Ukrainian lands.
The Ukrainian government's position is that these elections and administrative changes are a violation of international law and Ukraine's territorial integrity. The presence of observers from former Soviet states is viewed by Ukraine as an attempt by Russia to legitimize its electoral process in occupied territories. The abolition of border zones is another move by Russia to assert sovereignty over regions it has claimed, despite widespread international condemnation and non-recognition of these annexations.
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has officially declared that any Russian parliamentary elections scheduled to take place next month in occupied Ukrainian territories will be considered illegal and their results will be deemed invalid. This strong stance was communicated as observers from former Soviet states commenced their monitoring of the election process within these contested regions. The declaration underscores Ukraine's continued rejection of Russia's claims and electoral activities in its sovereign territory.