Fact Check: Russia has already annexed four Ukrainian regions amid ongoing conflict.

Fact Check: "Russia has already annexed four Ukrainian regions amid ongoing conflict."

What We Know

On September 30, 2022, Russia unilaterally declared the annexation of four Ukrainian regions: Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia. This declaration was made during a ceremony in the Grand Kremlin Palace, attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin and leaders of the self-proclaimed republics in these regions (source-1). The annexation followed internationally unrecognized referendums held in these territories, which were marked by significant military presence and a lack of independent oversight (source-1, source-3).

The regions in question had varying degrees of control by Russian forces at the time of the annexation. While parts of Luhansk and Donetsk had been under the control of pro-Russian separatists since 2014, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia were invaded by Russian troops in 2022 (source-1). The annexation was condemned by the international community, including the United Nations, which declared it illegal under international law (source-1, source-4).

Analysis

The claim that Russia has annexed four Ukrainian regions is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The formal declaration by Putin and the subsequent ratification by the Russian Federation Council (source-2) provide clear evidence of the annexation process. However, it is crucial to note that the annexation is widely regarded as illegal and has not been recognized by the majority of the international community (source-3, source-4).

The sources used in this analysis are reputable, including major news outlets and international organizations. They provide a comprehensive view of the events surrounding the annexation, including the geopolitical implications and the responses from Ukraine and its allies. The reliability of these sources is bolstered by their established reputations for journalistic integrity and adherence to factual reporting.

However, it is important to recognize the potential bias in Russian state media, which may portray the annexation in a more favorable light. The overwhelming condemnation from Western nations and organizations indicates a significant divergence in perspectives on the legitimacy of Russia's actions (source-5).

Conclusion

The claim that "Russia has already annexed four Ukrainian regions amid ongoing conflict" is True. The evidence clearly shows that Russia has declared the annexation of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia, despite widespread international condemnation and the lack of recognition of this annexation by most countries and organizations. The ongoing conflict and the contested nature of these regions further complicate the situation, but the formal act of annexation has indeed occurred.

Fact Check: Russia has already annexed four Ukrainian regions amid ongoing conflict.