Occupied regions of Ukraine vote to join Russia in staged referendums
The so-called referendums — which Ukraine, the U.S. and others have denounced as shams — are widely viewed as an initial Kremlin move toward formal Russian annexation of the territories.
KHARKIV AND ZAPORIZHZHIA, Ukraine, and MOSCOW — Four Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine appeared to vote overwhelmingly in favor of joining the Russian Federation, according to early returns reported by Russian state media. Ukraine and its international partners have dismissed the highly controversial referendums as shams and a violation of international law.
The Russian-run referendum votes took place over five days, from Sept. 23 through Sept. 27, despite international outrage.
The referendums are widely viewed as an initial Kremlin move
