The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, signed a declaration formalizing the incorporation of four Ukrainian territories into Russia—Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhia. Earlier in the day, the leaders in these areas asserted their independence, and the announcement followed a national process conducted in the southern regions. The recognition of Donbas’s independence preceded Moscow’s decision to launch what Moscow describes as a special operation in Ukraine, a move denounced by Kyiv and a broad bloc of Western governments.
The Kremlin ceremony took place in Saint George Hall at the Kremlin, with attendance by members of the Russian parliament and leaders from the pro-Russian administrations of the four territories. The surrounding political environment framed the event as a culmination of referendums conducted under occupation and pressure. Official figures released by Russia’s electoral authorities claimed extraordinary turnout and overwhelming support for accession, with reported yes votes appearing to exceed 96 percent in most counting districts.
Putin addressed the nation, presenting the action as an expression of the will and rights of millions of residents. He asserted that the voice of these communities would be safeguarded by Moscow and warned that the West and Ukraine would be cautioned not to threaten the newly joined territories. The statement conveyed a readiness to defend the gains using any means deemed necessary to protect the residents who identify as Russian citizens.
convictions
The move drew sharp criticism from international bodies, including the United Nations, where the secretary-general described the step as a dangerous escalation that could imperil prospects for peace. In his recent address to global audiences, Ukraine’s president urged restraint while urging Russian leadership to reconsider its approach to war and emphasize the protection of ordinary people caught in the conflict. The Ukrainian leader suggested that the situation could still be halted if the leadership in Moscow paused its drive toward further confrontation.
Speaking on behalf of Moscow, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov insisted that any strikes against territories annexed by Russia would be treated as aggression against the Russian state itself. He also indicated that Moscow would continue to press its efforts in the broader Donbas region, noting that Russian forces were already in control of substantial portions of Lugansk and Donetsk.
Public remarks by Putin in the days ahead indicated a willingness to use Russia’s strategic defenses to uphold territorial integrity, underscoring a stance that links national sovereignty with military readiness. The ongoing rhetoric stressed the priority of protecting residents who identify as part of the Russian federation and suggested a long-term commitment to the security framework surrounding these territories.
Analysts and observers highlighted the broader implications for regional stability, international law, and the diplomatic landscape. While governments in Kyiv and in many Western capitals characterized the steps as illegal annexations, the new reality on the ground has prompted a rethinking of regional security calculations and potential responses from international institutions and allied nations. The rhetoric from Moscow continues to emphasize the protection of citizens and the intentional framing of the actions as a defense of national interests.