War in Ukraine: Moscow claims victory for Putin’s party in elections in annexed territories

On Sunday evening, Moscow announced the victory of Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party in the elections in the territories annexed to Ukraine, gaining more than 70% of the vote.

The Russian election commission said the United Russia party won local elections in four regions – Zaporozhye, Kherson, Donetsk and Luhansk – after a much-criticized vote. The chairman of the election commission, Ella Pamfilova, welcomed the elections, which were held “dynamically, with a small number of violations.”

Kyiv and its allies condemn “illegal” elections

With these elections set to last three days, from Friday to Sunday, Moscow is trying to legitimize its annexations in Ukraine by forcing the vote in occupied territories in the east and south.

Despite strong condemnation from the West, Russia announced in September 2022 the annexation of four Ukrainian territories it only partially controls – Zaporozhye, Kherson, Donetsk and Luhansk – following “referendums” not recognized by the international community. Kyiv and its allies have already condemned the “illegal” elections.

These elections were organized to appoint governors, regional deputies and municipal elected officials. The vote comes months ahead of presidential elections scheduled for early 2024 that could consolidate Vladimir Putin in power until 2030.