As the Russia-Ukraine war persists without an end in sight, the Kremlin, the name for Russia’s government, is holding elections in occupied regions in an attempt to bolster its influence in these areas. Voting takes place between Sept. 8 and 10 in Ukrainian cities Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, according to the Associated Press.
Last year, Russia illegally annexed these territories, but it has yet to maintain a firm grip on them. In turn, Moscow seeks to prop up favorable government officials that can exert pro-Russia sentiments, and they are likely to find success.
About half of Russia will also be holding elections. According to Time, over 4,000 contests are taking place to determine numerous government offices, such as governor, mayor and seats in parliament. Powerful Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin is also running for a third term and is expected to win.
However, Kyiv was quick to criticize these elections.
“These actions of the Russian Federation brutally violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, Ukrainian legislation as well as norms and principles of the international law, namely the United Nations Charter,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine said in a statement. “Russia’s sham elections in the temporarily occupied territories are null and void. They will have no legal consequences and will not bring any changes in the international status of Ukrainian territories seized by Russian military forces. By conducting fake elections in Ukrainian regions and in Crimea Moscow continues delegitimizing Russia’s legal system.”
Ukraine also called on the West and other allies to similarly condemn the elections by rejecting their legitimacy and increasing economic sanctions on Russia.
In a surprise visit to Ukraine on Sept. 6, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the addition of $1 billion in aid for the country, thus reaffirming U.S. support. The package will bring the total assistance given to Kyiv from the U.S. to advance war efforts up to over $43.2 billion.
“Russia’s actions demonstrate its blatant disregard for UN Charter principles like respect for state sovereignty and territorial integrity, which underpin global security and stability,” Blinken said in a 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.”
However, the increased aid will have little to no effect on the Russian elections. Experts predict that the Kremlin will tightly control these since it is determined to produce favorable outcomes and strengthen Russian authority over the occupied cities.
The dominating party is expected to be United Russia–the largest and heavily pro-Putin political group. As of the last election cycle, they hold an overwhelming majority in parliament.
Russia’s next presidential election is in March 2024, so these serve as a trial run to measure how much influence Putin has over the people. However, no matter the outcomes of the regional elections, he is seemingly guaranteed a fifth term.
