Russia holds a parliamentary vote in Ukraine’s regions that Moscow seized after the start of its full-scale invasion more than four and a half years ago. Multiple outlets report this is the first time Russia holds a parliamentary election in those territories.
According to ABC News, the vote is taking place in areas Russia claims to have annexed, framing the election as part of Russia’s political process. The Hindu and other coverage also highlights strong opposition from Ukraine, including officials in Kyiv who denounce the vote as illegal. The Hindu further reports claims by a human rights activist that residents are pressured or coerced to participate.
Overall, the reports agree on the basic facts: the election is being held in the occupied or annexed Ukrainian regions, and Ukrainian authorities and human-rights observers dispute its legality and the conditions under which residents take part.
