Russian President has announced the merger of four regions of Ukraine with Russia. In these areas, Russia held a referendum. Western countries are accusing him of defying international law. During the program, President Vladimir Putin said that Russia will take all possible steps to protect these new areas that become part of it.
In which areas did Russia hold a referendum?
Russia held a referendum to include four regions of Ukraine in Russia. The regions include Donetsk, Luhansk (Eastern Ukraine) and Kherson, Zaporizhzhya (South Ukraine) and constitute about 15 percent of Ukraine’s land. And this referendum was held from 23 to 27 September. After this Russia announced its results. And according to Russia, 99.23 percent of Donetsk, 98.42 percent of Luhansk, 87.05 percent of Kherson and 93.11 percent of Zaporizhzhya voted in favor of joining Russia, according to Russia.
After this, Putin on Friday signed an order to annex Ukraine’s Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhya regions with Russia. For this an event was organized in the Kremlin. Putin also appointed chiefs in these states. During this, Putin also urged Ukraine to sit together for talks. However, he cautioned that Moscow would not give up its parts that had been incorporated into Russia.
After Russia’s referendum, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that after this action of Russia, they are going to intensify efforts for fast track NATO membership. He also said that there would be no talks with Russia under Putin. US President Biden said that we will continue to support Ukraine. We do not accept this decision of Russia. It is interesting to know that America announces sanctions on more than 1000 Russian companies. The US Embassy has issued a security alert asking its citizens to leave Russia immediately. Britain also banned the export of new services and goods to Russia. The EU has also talked about imposing sanctions on Russia.
The leaders of pro-Ukrainian Western countries have described Russia’s move as illegal and an occupation mentality. These countries described the referendum as platform-managed at gunpoint to grab land on the basis of lies. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made it a violation of the United Nations Charter. She said it has no legal value. And she termed the move as dangerous and said it should not be accepted. She further said that this would jeopardize the prospects of peace.
What is India’s stand on this move of Russia?
After this decision of Russia, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) voted on a resolution condemning Russia. India did not participate in this voting. Albania supported this proposal brought by America. Of the 15-nation Security Council, 10 countries voted for the resolution and four countries did not participate: China, India, Brazil, and Gabon. This proposal could not be accepted due to the veto of Russia.
On behalf of India, the Permanent Representative of the United Nations to the UNSC, Ruchira Kamboj said that it is not in anyone’s interest to increase tension with any kind of rhetoric. The important thing is to sit together and negotiate a solution. Keeping the current situation in mind, India has decided to stay away from this proposal. She said, “India is deeply disturbed by the recent developments in Ukraine. We have always said that a solution should be found through dialogue.”