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September 21, 2022

Russian-Occupied Areas of Ukraine to Hold Referendum on Annexation
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Putin's speech came a day after Russia's lower house voted to approve a
new law imposing harsher penalties for soldiers who desert or surrender
during wartime. Meanwhile, authorities in four Russian-occupied areas of
eastern Ukraine have announced plans to hold referendums beginning on
Friday to decide if the areas should formally become part of Russia.
Ukrainian officials have dismissed the planned votes as a sham. The
referendums could lead to Russia annexing about 15% of Ukraine's
territory.


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