Vladimir Putin's ‘sham’ annexation vote is a sign of weakness as Russia still does not fully control the four occupied regions of Ukraine, according to Western Officials.
Russia hopes to annex at least 15% of Ukraine in order to claim its own territory is under attack by President Volodymr Zelensky’s forces.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly warned: “The Kremlin wants the semblance of a decisive electoral mandate to try and justify the eventual Russian annexation of parts of Ukraine.
