Title: Ukraine Condemns Russia's Plans to Conduct Elections in "Occupied Territories"

Ukraine strongly condemned today, Saturday, Russia's plans to hold presidential elections next spring in territories occupied by Moscow, describing them as "null and void" and pledging to prosecute any observers sent to monitor them. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stated in a statement: "We call on the international community to firmly condemn Russia's intention to hold presidential elections in occupied Ukrainian territories and impose sanctions on those participating in their organization and conduct." It also warned countries against sending observers to the "fake elections," stating that violators "will face criminal liability." The ministry added, "Any elections held in Russia have nothing to do with democracy. They are merely a tool to keep the Russian regime in power."