Moscow, Russia. President Vladimir Putin has declared the annexation of the four Ukrainian regions of Kherson, Zaporizhia, Donetsk, and Luhansk, following a sham referendum held in the preceding days, without international observers, with transparent ballot boxes, pre-filled ballots, and soldiers forcing and escorting voters. Putin’s proclamation of Russian control over 15% of Ukraine—the largest annexation in Europe since World War II (and the second, Crimea, is also Russian)—has been firmly rejected by Western countries and even many of Russia’s close allies. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called it an illegal violation of the UN Charter. The annexation comes as parts of the territories are firmly in Ukrainian hands, and the Russians are in retreat in several places. Additionally, on the same day, 23 civilians were killed when a rocket attack hit a convoy of vehicles outside the city of Zaporizhia that were planning to enter the occupied territory to deliver aid and evacuate those authorized to leave. This act of brutality marked the beginning of the area’s first day under what Russia considers its protective umbrella.
