CrimeaSOS: what is the difference between pseudo-elections in the newly occupied territories of Ukraine and occupied Crimea

The pseudo-elections in the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions and in the occupied Crimea have certain differences, in particular, the connection of the so-called candidates with the communities and the territory. Oleksii Tilnenko, the Head of the Board of CrimeaSOS, told about this in a comment to “Krymske Pytannia”. 

“Most of the so-called candidates participating [in the pseudo-elections in the occupied Crimea] have nothing to do with the territories. Comparing with the newly occupied territories, the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, the absolute majority of candidates there are imported russians who have no relation either to the local communities or to life in these communities in general”, —Oleksii Tilnenko said.

During almost 10 years of occupation, russia continues introducing mechanisms to replace the local population with russians on the territory of Crimea. These people have been living in the occupied territory for more than one year, and in particular, they participate in pseudo-elections both as candidates and as direct organizers of the process.

Currently, the important task is to find and identify these people so that they suffer a just punishment.

“If we talk about any specific mechanisms, then of course there are currently not many available options for influencing these people. Until the moment of deoccupation, in fact, only sanctions are possible. These can be both general and non-personal [sanctions]. Therefore, it is possible to talk about liability, including criminal liability, based on the results of the investigation and proceedings of the International Criminal Court after the deoccupation, when the Armed Forces of Ukraine liberate Crimea”, —Oleksii Tilnenko added.

We shall remind you that on September 8-10, 2023, the so-called “Single Voting Day” was held in russia and in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. This year, the occupiers held pseudo-elections in the occupied territories of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhia regions, as well as in the temporarily occupied Crimea.

Ukraine and the whole world should react harshly to this crime by the russians.