Ukraine war: sham referendums started in eastern Ukraine

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The polling stations are open, pro-Russian symbolism dominates the streetscape.

Just like here in Donetsk, Putin wants to have the other Russian-occupied regions of Luhansk, Zaporizhia and Cherson vote on joining Russia by September 27.

However, the outcome of these pseudo-referendums should already be certain.

Even if election leader Vladimir Vysotsky assures that the voting process will be as transparent as the ballot boxes.

Vysotsky was deployed from Moscow.

In Kherson, supporters of the referendum distribute propaganda.

People in Zaporizhia show their clear rejection.

Tatiana, who fled Nova Chakova: »I am against the referendum.

My city and region are completely part of Ukraine.

It's all very hard.

There is no place for Russians in our country.«

Vladislav, escaped from Marinka: »This is a violation of international law.

This referendum is absolutely illegal and is being held in violation of every possible rule.

People's opinions are not taken into account.

It is just a sham event to show that the occupied territories want to join the Russian Federation.

That's a blatant lie."

In the capital Kyiv, too, people are critical of the sham voting in the east of the country.

Anna Drozdovska, resident of Kyiv: »The Russians are provoking an even greater escalation of the conflict.

They create a situation where a person in the occupied territories has no choice and currently has to submit to the administration of the occupation.«

Some residents of Lysychansk in the Luhansk region hope the referendum will bring about peace.

Antonina, resident of Lysychansk: »We stay here to live.

We have waited and decided that this referendum should take place - the sooner the better.

The sooner they give us heat, water and gas, the sooner everything will be fine.«

The regions of Donetsk and Luhansk have declared their independence, and the Russian occupiers have called pseudo-referendums in Cherson and Zaporizhia.

In the Donetsk region, for example, pro-Russian separatists and the Russian army hold only 60 percent of the territory.

Regional politicians report that there have been threats: Anyone who does not take part in the sham vote would lose their job.

There is also talk of compulsory voting under the threat of armed force.

The Ukrainian government and the West have announced that they will not recognize the result of the vote.

It is taking place without the consent of the sovereign state of Ukraine, under martial law and without independent international observers.