According to a report, people in Russia occupied areas of Ukraine were being asked to vote in what the authorities are describing as local elections. Reportedly, Ukraine’s foreign minister called the polls a sham, candidates are either Russian or pro Russian. According to the report, many taking part in early polling have been asked to cast their votes in the presence of armed russian soldiers.
Reportedly, the elections which conclude on Sunday are taking part in four regions that Russia does not fully control, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Donetsk and Luhansk, 15% of Ukraine’s territory. According to the report, these areas were formally claimed by Russia in September last year after holding so called referendums on the future of the lands. Reportedly, the referendums were condemned as a sham with reports of over 99% support for switching to russian control, and at times involved armed soldiers going door to door to collect votes.
According to the report, Ukraine’s generals claimed they have breached Russia’s first line of defence in the Zaporizhzhia region suggesting the country’s counter offensive is gaining momentum. Reportedly, the focus of Ukraine’s efforts there is around the village of Robotyne, 35 miles south east of Zaporizhzhia, the region’s capital.