Lemonade, dominoes and Soviet uniforms: Russia holds "elections" in Kherson Oblast – photos, video

What Happened

Russian occupation authorities in the Kherson Oblast began the main stage of voting for the Russian State Duma on 18 September, following a ten-day early voting period that concludes on 20 September. According to the Kherson media outlet Most, authorities established polling stations in Henichesk, Kalanchak, Chaplynka, and Novotroitske decorated with themes ranging from the Russian Empire to the post-war Soviet era. Vladimir Saldo, the Russian-installed proxy governor, participated in the voting process at a station named after the deceased collaborator Kyrylo Stremousov.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The staging of these elections in Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine serves as a mechanism to project administrative authority and normalize the illegal annexation of Ukrainian territory. By integrating these regions into the Russian electoral system, the Kremlin seeks to solidify its de facto control and provide a veneer of domestic legitimacy to its occupation.

Watch For

Monitor international diplomatic responses and statements from the Ukrainian government regarding the non-recognition of these election results. Additionally, observe whether these staged events lead to increased security measures or further integration efforts by Russian administrative bodies in the occupied Kherson Oblast.