Ukraine condemns Russia's election activities in annexed Crimea

By Davit Kachkachishvili

KYIV (AA) - Ukraine condemned Russia's decision to set up polling stations in Crimea as part of its general and local elections, which began on Friday and will continue for three days.

In a statement posted on its official website, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry denounced the elections being held in Crimea, stressing that the votes cast in these occupied territories are part of an illegitimate process.

The move is seen as a provocative step in the region Russia annexed in 2014.

The ministry stated: "Once again, Russia is attempting to extend the scope of these elections to the temporarily occupied territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol."

The statement emphasized that the so-called elections in the occupied regions have no legal standing and are not recognized by Ukraine or the international community.

It also highlighted that representatives of the Russian occupation forces operating in these temporarily occupied territories, particularly those elected in these sham elections, are not authorized by the Ukrainian government.