Pseudoreferendums in occupied territories

In the fall of 2022, Russia attempted to legally formalize the seizure of Ukrainian lands through so-called 'referendums'. Over several days, 'voting' on joining Russia was announced in the partially occupied Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions. The international community regarded these actions as a simulation of will expression and a gross violation of international law.

How the 'referendums' were conducted

The 'voting' took place from September 23 to 27, 2022, in territories under Russian military control, amid active hostilities. The organization of the process had nothing to do with recognized democratic standards.

• The territories were not fully under the control of the occupiers, and the front line was nearby.
• There was no independent international observation and free media.
• There were cases of house visits with ballot boxes accompanied by armed individuals.
• There were no verified voter lists and transparent vote counting.

In such conditions, it is impossible to speak of free and voluntary expression of will: voting took place under pressure and in the absence of basic guarantees.

Why this is not a referendum

International law does not recognize changes in borders through the use of force. The annexation of territory from another state, especially under military occupation, contradicts the UN Charter and the principle of territorial integrity of states.

Key violations

• Voting is organized by the occupying power on foreign territory.
• Lack of freedom of choice and safety for residents.
• Conducted under military control in a conflict zone.

That is why the overwhelming majority of states refused to recognize the results and called the procedure 'pseudo-referendums.'

UN Reaction: October 2022 Resolution

On October 12, 2022, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution condemning the attempt to illegally annex Ukrainian territories. The document was supported by 143 countries — an overwhelming majority. The resolution confirmed that the attempt at annexation has no legal force, is invalid and null, and called on states not to recognize the change in the status of Ukrainian regions.

This was a clear signal: the international community views the seizure of territories as a violation of fundamental principles of the international order.

International Non-Recognition

No democratic country has recognized the 'referendums' and their results. The European Union, the 'G7', and dozens of other states have stated that they do not recognize the attempt at annexation and continue to consider these territories part of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.

• Sanction pressure on Russia has intensified following the announcement of the 'referendums'.
• International organizations have confirmed the illegality of the annexation.
• The recognized borders of Ukraine remain unchanged in the eyes of the international community.

Significance for war and justice

The pseudo-referendums have become a tool for legitimizing aggression, but have not changed the legal reality. On the contrary, they have further emphasized the nature of the war as an attempt to forcibly seize foreign territory. For future judicial and diplomatic processes, this is important evidence of the unlawful intentions and methods of the aggressor state.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the 'referendums' take place?
The so-called voting was held from September 23 to 27, 2022, in four partially occupied regions of Ukraine.

Why are they called pseudo-referendums?
Because the voting took place under military control, without independent observation, free media, and verifiable counting, which excludes free expression of will.

How did the UN react?
On October 12, 2022, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution with 143 votes in favor, declaring the attempt at annexation illegal, invalid, and null.

Did anyone recognize the results?
No democratic country recognized these 'referendums'; the territories are still considered part of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.

Sources: United Nations (un.org), UN General Assembly (un.org), European Union (europa.eu), OSCE (osce.org)

The material is informational and analytical in nature and is based on data from official international organizations. The figures are provided with references to sources. Updated: July 6, 2026. Edited by MegaInet.art.