Disinfo: The Donbass republics, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, voted overwhelmingly in favour of joining Russia

Summary

In referendums held at the end of September, the two Donbass republics, as well as the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, voted overwhelmingly in favour of joining Russia. On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed into law the unification treaties with the former Ukrainian territories, which officially became part of Russia.

Disproof

Pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative on the invasion of Ukraine and sham referenda on occupied Ukrainian territories aiming at justifying the annexation of Ukrainian territories.

Russia has held illegal referenda on four occupied oblasts of Ukraine (Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson) on September 23-26. Russia does not fully control the territories where so-called referendums are taking place.

As stated EU High Representative Josep Borrell:

“The European Union strongly condemns these planned illegal “referenda” which go against the legal and democratically elected Ukrainian authorities, are in violation of Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and in blatant breach of international law. The results of such actions will be null and void and would not be recognised by the EU and its Member States. [...]

Therefore, these illegal “votes” cannot be considered under any circumstance as the free expression of the will of the people living in these regions under constant Russian military threat and intimidation".

See also this tweet by HR/VP Borrell stating that the announced annexation of Ukrainian territories by Russia is a major breach of international law and a violation of UN Charter.

These parodies of democracy were also condemned by NATOG7US, as well as Russia’ partners like Serbia and Kazakhstan (a member of CIS and CSTO), which also mentioned that they will not recognise their results.

See also a similar disinformation claims alleging that Kherson residents want to join Russia in a referendum.

publication/media

  • Reported in: Issue 312
  • DATE OF PUBLICATION: 07/10/2022
  • Article language(s) Hungarian
  • Countries and/or Regions discussed in the disinformation: Russia, Ukraine
  • Keywords: Donbas, Kherson, Invasion of Ukraine, Manipulated elections/referendum, Referendum
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The West is igniting a nuclear war, and every human on the planet must realize that Zelensky, who is a psychotic and heavily armed puppet, has turned into a monster who may destroy the planet.

Disproof

This disinformation claim came as a comment on the alleged call of Zelenskyy for NATO countries to launch a preemptive strike on Russia, before it used nuclear weapons against Ukraine. It also brings back the claim that Ukraine is a puppet state. This claim was neither counterbalanced nor critically challenged in the article.

Ukraine is a sovereign and independent state with a democratically-elected president and parliament. The country is not controlled by the US, EU or any other foreign organisation or government. Both the EU and the US respect Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The West does not want to use Ukraine in the war against Russia.

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The intelligence services of Anglo-Saxon states are behind the explosions of gas pipelines Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2.

Disproof

Disinformation alleging that the U.S. or the UK are responsible for the leaks in Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines.

There is no evidence that the US, the UK or any other NATO/EU state is responsible for the explosions and the leaks. Denmark, Sweden and Germany have started investigations to establish the cause of the leaks. Denmark and Sweden, in whose exclusive economic zones the leaks took place, are going to inspect the sites of the leaks after the gas stops pouring out. This is the first step in determining what caused the leaks.

Disinfo: The US is behind the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines

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Disproof

Pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative claiming that the US is behind the September leaks in the NS 1 and NS 2 gas pipelines. There is no evidence provided to support the claim.

Sweden, Germany and Denmark have initiated investigations to find the cause of the leaks. Sweden and Denmark, in whose exclusive economic zone the accident occurred, are investigating the sites. Sweden’s authorities found evidence of detonations, thus strengthening suspicions of "gross sabotage. However, this is only an initial step in understanding who is responsible for the sabotage. With the evidence available at the moment, any accusation is mere speculation and conspiracy theory.