Putin signs law on annexing four Ukrainian regions

Donjek, Luhansk, Herson and Zaporizija are regions controlled in part by Russian forces, from Russia's war outbreak in Ukraine late February.

Days ago, the annexation documents have approved both Russian Parliament chambers.

Putin has announced the decision on annexation after holding so-called referenda in these four regions.

The West and Kiev have seen these processes as misleading and contrary to international law.

Under the agreements signed last week, between Putin and Moscow-backed officials in these four regions, the transition period in annexed territories so that they can be completely informationated in Russia ʹ will last until January 1st, 2026.

Local elections in these territories are set before they are held in September 2023.

Since Russia does not fully control these regions, the Kremlin has not yet set new boundaries.

The documents signed by Putin are said to be part of Russia as the Donjeck People's Republic and the Luhansk People's Republic.

Borders will be determined according to the 2014 situation, when these two Ukrainian regions were strongly taken by Russian-backed separatists.

Ukrainians living in annexed territories will be considered Russian citizens, unless local authorities inform them they do not want anything like it.

They have a month, according to documents, to make decisions.

Putin's decision to annex territories is considered a violation of international law.

US President Joe Biden has said Washington “will never recognise Ukraine's territories as something other than Ukraine”.

The war in Ukraine has begun on February 24th.

Putin himself calls the war <x0 special military operation” to demilitarise Ukraine.

The West has responded to Russia, striking the economy of this state with severe sanctions.

As a result of the war, thousands have died, and millions of others have been displaced from their homes.