Russia expected to annex Ukraine territory within days

As Russia moves closer to annexing parts of Ukraine, Ukrainians are fleeing those Russian-occupied territories, dismissing the results of a five-day vote that showed strong support for joining Russia. So-called referendums - that Kyiv and the West have widely discredited as illegal shams. Ukrainians here, at a reception center for evacuees, said people were forced to tick ballots in the street by roving officials at gunpoint. “No one was interested in your opinion. You simply have to tick the box (in the ballot)." But here in Moscow, preparations for the impending annexation moved swiftly. This stage has been set up in the Red Square with giant video screens, and billboards reading "Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson - Russia!" Those four provinces that stand to be annexed make up about 15% of Ukrainian territory altogether. On Wednesday the Russia-installed administrations of those four provinces formally asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to incorporate them into Russia. Putin could proclaim the annexation in a speech within days, and has warned he would use nuclear weapons to protect any Russian territory from attack. And in a series of calls to rally international support against annexation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy spoke to the leaders of countries, including Britain, Canada, Germany and Turkey, to press for more military aid and tougher sanctions on Moscow. The Sun newspaper brings you the latest breaking news videos and explainers from the UK and around the world The Sun brings you breaking news and in-depth analysis on the stories that matter most. From the ongoing war in Ukraine to conflicts in the Middle East and US and UK politics, we post updates as they happen. Expect the latest on major global events, pressing political debates, celebrity updates and exclusive royal family content, along with in-depth investigations and expert commentary. Get comprehensive coverage of Donald Trump's Presidency, Vladimir Putin's actions, and the unfolding drama of the British Royal Family. Subscribe now for daily updates and exclusive content from The Sun. https://www.youtube.com/c/thesun?sub_... Read The Sun: https://bit.ly/3Tay1OY Like The Sun on Facebook:   / thesun   Follow The Sun on TikTok:   / ucizxayrp7-p0anpq-nd-h5g   Subscribe to The Sun on Snapchat:   / 1633225139   #Russia #Ukraine #annexation #ukrainenews