Moscow-Held Regions Of Ukraine In 'Sham' Vote To Join Russia

The transcript discusses referendums held by separatist groups in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine, asking if they want to join Russia. Ukraine's president and Western leaders have denounced the vote as a farce. President Biden stated that annexation would violate Ukraine's sovereignty and the UN Charter, escalating the war. If annexed, Russia could claim attacks on these areas as attacks on itself, potentially justifying the use of nuclear weapons.

What are the separatist groups in Russian-occupied areas asking in the referendums?

• If they want to remain part of Ukraine

• If they want to become independent

• If they want to join Russia

• If they want to join the European Union

How have Ukraine's president and Western leaders described the referendums?

• As a necessary step for peace

• As a legitimate democratic process

• As a minor political event

• As a farce

According to President Biden, what would the annexation of these territories violate?

• The Geneva Convention

• Ukraine's sovereignty and the UN Charter

• The European Union's regulations

• The NATO agreement

What could Russia claim if the territories are annexed?

• That they are independent states

• That any attack on these areas is an attack on Russia

• That they are open for international trade

• That they are part of the European Union

What justification might Russia use to defend the annexed territories?

• Economic sanctions

• Nuclear weapons

• Cyber attacks

• Diplomatic negotiations