Four Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine appeared to vote overwhelmingly in favor of joining the Russian Federation, according to early returns reported by Russian state media.
residents at a polling place filling out ballots with Russian officials monitoring across the table.
Local officials only opened polling stations to the public on the final day of voting. Russia and its proxies also organized voting for Ukrainians who had fled to Russia from the regions amid the conflict. Russia's own Central Election Commission was charged with monitoring the vote. On Tuesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said,"We've been very clear that we are prepared and we will impose additional severe and swift costs on Russia for proceeding with the annexation ... the Ukrainians will continue to do what they need to do to get back the land that has been taken from them. We will continue to support them in that effort."
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