Putin signed a decree on the independence of the Kherson and Zaporizhzhya regions

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed decrees on the recognition of independence and sovereignty of Ukrainian Kherson and Zaporizhzhya regions. Most of these regions of Ukraine are occupied by Russian troops. Today, as expected, Putin will sign documents on their annexation - inclusion in Russia. Their recognition as independent states under Russian legislation is a necessary step towards this, the annexation of Crimea was formed in the same way.

Ukraine, Western countries and many other countries of the world have already stated that they do not recognize the annexation and will still be considered the Kherson and Zaporizhzhya regions, like the Donetsk and Lugansk, sovereign territory of Ukraine.

In decrees on the recognition of independence, Putin refers to the "principles of international law", as well as to the results of the so-called referenda held in the occupied territories of Ukraine on September 23-27. According to the occupation authorities, the vast majority of those who participated in the referendum voted for the entry of regions to Russia. Ukraine and many other countries call the past event a pseudo -referendum, indicating that it took place in the conditions of occupation and hostilities, contrary to national legislation and international standards.

Most of the Kherson and Zaporizhzhya regions passed under the control of Russian troops shortly after the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in February-March 2022. Some of the regions recognized by Putin are still under the control of Ukraine, in particular, it controls the regional center of the Zaporizhzhya region, the city of Zaporozhye. On the contrary, the occupation authorities included in the Kherson region a small section of the territory of the Nikolaev region with the city of Snigirevka occupied by Russian troops.

The occupying authorities of the Kherson and Zaporizhzhya regions formally - unlike, for example, from the Krimea authorities in 2014 - they did not even proclaim their independence, only turning after referenda to Putin with an appeal to accept them in Russia.

On Friday September 30, the Kremlin Putin will speak to the deputies and members of the Federation Council. After that, the signing of agreements on the annexation of four regions of Ukraine should take place - except for the Kherson and Zaporizhzhya, these are Lugansk and Donetsk region. Putin recognized their independence earlier - in the form of the so -called "DPR" and "LPR", proclaimed by the separatists supported by Russia back in 2014.

Formally, the process of annexation is expected to end next week. Ukraine states that it will fight for the liberation of these territories, and the fact that the Russian authorities will consider them part of Russia will not change anything.