Four Ukrainian regions are in the process of being annexed by Russia. The organization of annexation referendums in four territories, totally or partly under the control of Moscow, ends on Tuesday, September 27. Held since Friday in the separatist regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, as well as those under Russian occupation of Kherson and Zaporijjia, these polls have been denounced as “simulacra” by Ukraine and its allies. Follow our live.
Results “never” recognized. The G7 countries have promised not to “never recognize” the results of these annexation referendums, while Washington promised a retort “fast and severe” through additional economic sanctions. The attachment of these territories to Russia could be proclaimed at the end of the week.
A Ukrainian counter-offensive in the Kharkiv region. These polls were announced after a Ukrainian counter-offensive which enabled kyiv to regain control of most of the Kharkiv region in the north-east of the country. After the withdrawal of Russian forces from these areas, the Ukrainian authorities say they are multiplying the gruesome discoveries, including a mass burial site of more than 400 graves in a forest near the town of Izium.
A partial mobilization continues in Russia. At the same time, Moscow continues to carry out a partial mobilization of its reservists in order to recruit nearly 300,000 combatants. Russia is looking for a parade in the counter-offensive of Ukrainian troops who, with strong deliveries of Western weapons, have taken over thousands of square kilometers of territory in recent weeks.