Russia To Formally Annex , 4 Additional Areas of Ukraine.
On September 30, Vladimir Putin will hold a signing ceremony to annex four areas of Ukraine.
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On September 30, Vladimir Putin will hold a signing ceremony to annex four areas of Ukraine.
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BBC reports that the ceremony follows a self-styled referendum widely condemned by the West as a "sham.".
According to Russian-backed officials, the five-day referendum secured almost total popular support.
BBC reports that a stage has already been erected in Moscow's Red Square, and a concert has been planned for the evening.
The event mirrors Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea, which was also the culmination of a widely-discredited referendum.
A vast majority of the international community has never recognized Russia's annexation of Crimea.
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BBC reports that no independent monitoring of the Russian referendum took place.
Next week, Russia's two houses of parliament are expected to formally ratify the annexation treaties.
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On October 4, Putin is expected to address the upper house of parliament three days prior to his 70th birthday.
The United States has threatened to impose further sanctions on Russia as a result of the staged referendums. The European Union is reportedly considering their own 8th round of measures which include sanctions on anyone who took part in the vote.
The European Union is reportedly considering their own 8th round of measures which include sanctions on anyone who took part in the vote.
Last week, Russia threatened to use all means at its disposal to defend its territory
