annexation referendums in Ukraine as seen by Russian media

On the Russian Channel One television news on Tuesday, September 27, a reporter describes the atmosphere after the announcement of the results of the annexation referendums organized in the occupied Ukrainian territories: “A festive atmosphere is felt not only in the polling stations, but also in the streets of Luhansk. The city is decorated with Russian flags. Some residents have hung the flags themselves on their balconies.”

In Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporijjia and Kherson, unsurprisingly, the local authorities are reporting a very large “yes” victory. Scores above 90%, for a vote which began last Friday and which the international community considers illegitimate.

On Channel One, a resident of Luhansk testifies: “Expectations are high. Life will change for the better when we finally get Russian passports, when we return to Russia and feel like real Russians, like we did before.”

Same pro-Kremlin line on the public channel Rossia 1. The presenter of the famous talk show 60 minutes even finds it difficult to hide his enthusiasm: “A historic choice has been made. We can say with certainty that the former regions of Ukraine have been handed over to Kyiv. A final farewell and at the same time the West is trying to prove that referendums mean nothing. They fear that after the announcement of the referendum results, all Russian laws, including nuclear doctrine, will be extended to all these territories. The West, on the verge of a nervous breakdown. And the United States is preparing to nuclear armageddon.”

According to Russian media, Vladimir Putin is expected to speak on Friday. Some evoke a speech in front of the parliamentarians gathered in the Kremlin as in 2014 during the annexation of Crimea.