Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia represent 15% of Ukrainian territory
the president of Russia, Vladimir Putinsigned this Wednesday (5.Oct.2022) laws that formalize the annexation of 4 Ukrainian regions: donetsk, luhansk, Kherson and zaporizhzhia. Together, they represent 15% of the territory of the Ukraine. The information is from the Russian state agency Tass.
According to the Russian agency, the regions will be governed by interim chiefs appointed by Putin until their representatives are elected in accordance with Russian law – which is due in September 2023.
At the end of September, Russia conducted referendums in the 4 regions to see if the population was in favor of annexation. The results of the popular poll showed a majority approval for membership. According to Russian officials, the percentages ranged from 87% to 99.2%.
However, Ukraine and Western countries do not recognize the results. They also accuse the Russian government of coercing residents to vote, under threat of punishment.
According to the laws signed this Wednesday (Oct 5) by Putin, the period of integration of the new regions to Russia will last until 2026. The armed forces of the new regions must become part of the Armed Forces of Russia.
People living in the annexed regions will receive Russian passports. The Russian ruble will be the official currency, but until the end of the year, payments in Ukrainian hryvnia will be accepted.
UKRAINE IN NATO
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskysaid on Friday (30.set) to have done formally apply for membership of the country The nato (North Atlantic Treaty Organization).
Ukraine seeks, according to him, a “accelerated entry”. The request must be approved by the 30 countries that form the military alliance.
On the same day, Zelensky commented on the result of the referendums and the annexation of the territories by Russia. He accused the Russia to rewrite “blatantly” history and redrawing borders “using murder, blackmail, mistreatment and lies”.
The Ukrainian leader also said that although the Ukraine is open to negotiations, it was “impossible” do them with Putin.
“Ukraine has been and continues to be a leader in negotiating efforts. It was our state that always offered Russia an agreement to coexist on equal, honest, decent and fair terms. It is obvious that this is impossible with this Russian president. He doesn’t know what dignity and honesty are. So we are ready for a dialogue with Russia, but with another president“, said.
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