Fact Check: "Russia has already annexed four Ukrainian regions!"
What We Know
On September 30, 2022, Russia unilaterally declared the annexation of four Ukrainian regions: Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia. This declaration occurred amid an ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and it followed internationally unrecognized referendums held in these territories, which were organized by Russian occupation authorities (source-2). The annexation was ratified by the upper house of Russia's parliament shortly thereafter (source-1).
At the time of the declaration, none of these oblasts were fully under Russian control, and the areas claimed were not clearly defined. The annexed regions constituted approximately 15% of Ukraine's territory, an area roughly the size of Portugal (source-2). The international community, including the United Nations, condemned the annexation as illegal under international law, with only a few countries, such as North Korea and Syria, recognizing it (source-5).
Analysis
The claim that "Russia has already annexed four Ukrainian regions" is supported by multiple credible sources. The New York Times reported that President Vladimir Putin announced the annexation of approximately 40,000 square miles of Ukrainian territory, which aligns with the areas identified as Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia (source-4). Furthermore, NPR highlighted the implications of this annexation, noting that Ukraine responded by applying for expedited NATO membership, indicating the seriousness of the situation (source-5).
However, it is crucial to note that the annexation is not recognized by Ukraine or the majority of the international community, which has labeled the referendums and subsequent annexation as lacking legal validity (source-6). The situation remains complex, as ongoing military operations have led to fluctuating control over these regions, with significant portions still contested (source-8).
The sources used in this analysis are generally reliable, including established news organizations and academic references. However, the potential for bias exists, particularly in the framing of the annexation as a legitimate action by Russia, which is contested by many nations and organizations.
Conclusion
The claim that "Russia has already annexed four Ukrainian regions" is True. The evidence clearly indicates that Russia has declared the annexation of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia, despite the lack of international recognition and ongoing conflict in these areas. The legal and political ramifications of this annexation continue to unfold, but the act itself has been formally executed by the Russian government.
Sources
- Russia's Federation Council ratifies annexation of four Ukrainian regions - Reuters
- Russian annexation of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia - Wikipedia
- Russian annexation of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and - Wikipedia
- What to Know About Russia's Annexation of Four Ukrainian Provinces - New York Times
- The real world impact of Russia's annexation of Ukrainian regions - NPR
- What Russian annexation means for Ukraine's regions - BBC
- Russia to formally annex four more areas of Ukraine - BBC
- Putin announces Russian annexation of four Ukrainian regions | Russia - Al Jazeera
