Putin declares annexation of Ukrainian lands in Kremlin ceremony
21:33 JST, September 30, 2022
LONDON, Sept 30 (Reuters) – Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday presided over a ceremony to annex four Ukrainian regions partly occupied by his forces, escalating his seven-month war and taking it into an unpredictable new phase.
“This is the will of millions of people,” he said in a speech before hundreds of dignitaries in the St George’s Hall of the Kremlin.
The ceremony took place three days after the completion of hastily staged referendums in which Moscow’s proxies in the occupied regions claimed majorities of up to 99% in favor of joining Russia.
Ukraine and Western governments described those votes as bogus, illegitimate and conducted at gunpoint.
In a speech repeatedly interrupted by applause, Putin declared that Russia had four new regions.
He urged Ukraine to cease military action and return to the negotiating table. Kyiv has vowed to recapture all the lands seized by Russia and said that Russia’s decision to annex the territories had destroyed any prospect of talks.
"World" POPULAR ARTICLE
-
Japan-S. Korea Exchange Festival Held in Seoul
-
Historic Change as Britain Closes Last Coal-Fired Power Plant; Transition to Clean Energy Vital for Economy, Human Health
-
G7 Leaders Condemn Iran’s Attack against Israel
-
Ex-DPRK Diplomat Criticizes Pyongyang Over Nuclear Program; Defector Says North Koreans Resent Leader’s Luxurious Life
-
China Indicates Opposition Toward Ishiba’s Recent Visit to Taiwan, Expresses Relief at Takaichi’s Loss
JN ACCESS RANKING
- Harris Widens Lead over Trump to 47%-40%, Reuters/Ipsos Poll Finds
- Japan-S. Korea Exchange Festival Held in Seoul
- Japan Trying to Draw Digital Nomads, Who Are Seen as Beneficial to Economy, Society
- JICA Employee Suspected of Leaking Info on ODA Project in Manila; Bidding for Railway Renovation May Have Been Impacted
- Asukayama Monorail in Tokyo: Free to Ride!