Russia is preparing to annex 4 Ukrainian regions after 'sham' referendums

Four Russian-controlled areas in eastern and southern Ukraine announced Tuesday that they will hold "referendums" this week on joining Russia, paving the way for annexation. The votes in Russian-occupied parts of Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson provinces will start Friday and last for three days.

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Peter Weber, The Week US

Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.