Vladimir Putin has signed laws formalizing the annexation of four regions in Ukraine into Russia despite its military’s struggle in controlling the illegally absorbed regions. Here’s more on the current happenings.
Russia formalizes the annexation of four Ukrainian regions
The Russian president signed documents formalizing the annexation carried out against international laws. The documents were published on Wednesday morning on a Russian government website. Earlier this week, both houses of the Russian parliament approved treaties. Hence making the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia a part of Russia. Following this, the Kremlin held ‘referendums’ which were rejected as a sham by Ukraine and its western allies.
However, on the ground, Russia has entered a dangerous phase as it is facing setbacks. Additionally, Ukrainian forces are taking control and more land from the regions absorbed by Russia. While the borders of the territories claimed by Russia are unclear, the Kremlin is vowing to defend Russia’s ‘whole’ territory with all means at its disposal. Hence bringing the possibility of Russia using its nuclear forces.
More on the happenings
On Tuesday, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian President responded to the move by announcing a fast-track application for the nation to join NATO. “The worthless decisions of the terrorist country (Russia) are not worth the paper they are signed on. A collective insane asylum can continue to live in a fictional world,” stated Andriy Yermak on his personal Telegram channel. Yermak is the head of Zelenskyy’s office.
On Wednesday, both nations gave conflicting assessments on Ukraine’s offensive moves in southern Kherson. “As of this morning … there are no movements,” stated Kirill Stremousov commenting to RIA Novosti, a state-run agency. Stremousov is an official installed in the region by Russia. Additionally, he vowed that “they (the Ukrainian forces) won’t enter (the city of) Kherson, it is impossible”. However, the Ukrainian military revealed the news of recapturing more villages in the region. The Operational Command South revealed the raising of Ukrainian flags in seven villages previously occupied by Russia. Additionally, Russia is also increasing its use of suicide drones, creating a new challenge for Ukraine’s defense.