Voting begins on referendums in Russian-controlled regions of Ukraine

A military vehicle drives along a street with a billboard that reads: "With Russia forever, September 27", in Luhansk, controlled by Russia-backed separatists, eastern Ukraine, Sept. 22, 2022. (AP)

KYIV, Ukraine — Voting began Friday in Moscow-held regions of Ukraine on referendums to become part of Russia, Russian-backed officials there said.

The Kremlin-orchestrated referendums, which have been widely denounced by Ukraine and the West as shams without any legal force, are seen as a step toward annexing the territories by Russia.