Moscow-Held Regions of Ukraine in ‘Sham’ Vote to Join Russia
SnopesMAR 27 2022
Day 213: Putin Toughens Punishment For Refusal to Fight; NATO Condemns Referenda
Image copyright: Reuters [via BBC News]
The Spin
Anti-Russia narrative
The referenda being held in the Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine are a brazen exercise in propaganda. Russia has no right to essentially annex any Ukrainian territory, and these referenda are completely illegitimate. Thankfully, the votes will have no impact on the ground or on Ukraine's resolve.
Pro-Russia narrative
The referenda are being held in an open and transparent way, and the people of eastern and southern Ukraine have the full right to secede from those in Kyiv who have oppressed them. The move is also highly strategic, as Moscow's opponents will suddenly find themselves engaged in a war on Russian territory, not only de facto but legally as well.