Russia to hold presidential election in regions captured from Ukraine

When Russia holds presidential elections next March, voters in four regions of Ukraine that were captured by the Russian military last year will also head to the polling booths.

According to the central election commission, Ukraine has already declared that any Russian vote cast in the areas of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson will be void, and that it will prosecute any observers who are dispatched to witness voting.

The ability of Moscow to conduct the election in its “new territories” is crucial for the Kremlin’s political calculations. But because Russian troops only have partial control over the four districts, it presents logistical and security issues.

Martial law has been imposed in Moscow-controlled territories. At the UN General Assembly last year, the majority of nations and Ukraine rejected Russia’s claim of annexation, which came seven months after its invasion of Ukraine.

In remarks to Russian servicemen who have fought in Ukraine on Friday, President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed his intention to run for president in the March election, which he expects to go unopposed.

(With agency inputs)