Russia continues its attempts to legitimize the occupation by exerting pressure on the United Nations
The “governor” of the temporarily occupied part of Kherson region, volodymyr saldo, has stated that he is ready to hand over documents to the UN concerning russia’s sham “referendum” held in September 2022, allegedly to prove the “legitimacy” of the occupation.
▫️According to this kremlin puppet, the so-called “complete package” includes voter lists, video surveillance footage, and statements by alleged international observers claiming the referendum was “open.” saldo claims “the ball is now in the UN’s court.”
These “documents” are legally worthless. However, saldo’s statements are no coincidence — they are part of a new wave of russian information and psychological pressure aimed at forcing the world to accept its so-called “realities.” It is also a reaction to the creation of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression and an attempt to reinforce support for the occupation by fabricating an illusion of “recognition” of the fake referendum results.
▫️But no manipulation can alter the truth: occupation is a crime, and international law is not on the side of the aggressor. In October 2022, the UN General Assembly condemned the sham referendums and refused to recognize any changes in the status of Ukrainian territories. Dozens of countries have likewise stated unequivocally that the results of these “referendums” carry no legal force.
