Russian Constitutional Court Rules Constitutionality of Treaty on Annexation of Occupied Ukrainian Territories

Russian President Vladimir Putin

On the 2nd (local time), the Russian Constitutional Court ruled constitutional the territorial annexation treaties signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin with four occupied regions in Ukraine, AFP reported.

The Constitutional Court stated, "The incorporation of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk (Ukrainian name: Luhansk), and Zaporizhzhia into Russia is recognized as compliant with the Constitution of the Russian Federation."

President Putin signed the territorial annexation treaties with these four occupied regions in Ukraine at the Kremlin on the 30th of last month.

These four occupied regions had decided to join Russia with approval rates ranging from 87% to 99% through referendums held from the 23rd to the 27th of last month.

Following the signing of the annexation treaties and the Constitutional Court's ruling of constitutionality, only the ratification by the upper and lower houses and the president's final signature remain for the completion of the annexation's legal procedures.

Ukraine has not recognized this annexation and continues its offensive to reclaim the territory. The West also condemns the annexation as a violation of international law and is pushing for additional arms support to Ukraine and further sanctions against Russia.