Russia to Hold Presidential Election in Annexed Ukrainian Regions

Ukraine Condemns Decision, Declares Any Balloting in Occupied Regions 'Null and Void'

Russia's Central Election Commission has declared that the 2024 presidential election will include voting in four regions of Ukraine that Russia claimed as its own territory last year: Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson.
Ukraine has condemned Russia’s intention to organize presidential election voting in occupied Ukrainian territory, stating any such balloting in the occupied regions would be “null and void” and that any international observers sent to monitor the Russian election would “face criminal responsibility.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election and is expected to win another six-year term.
Russian authorities held elections in the annexed regions in September for Moscow-installed legislatures, which were denounced as a sham by Ukraine and its Western allies.
Ukraine's foreign ministry has urged the international community to condemn Russia's intentions and to impose sanctions on those involved.