Biden, G7 leaders condemn rUSsia's sham referendums

President Biden and the leaders of the Group of 7 nations condemned Russia's hastily called referendums in occupied parts of Ukraine, a possible prelude to the annexation of those territories, calling the votes a flagrant violation of international law.

These sham referenda initiated today by Russia and its proxies have no legal effect or legitimacy, as demonstrated by Russia's hasty methods of organization, which in no way respects democratic norms, and its blatant intimidation of local populations, the leaders of the group, including the United States, Britain and other Western powers, said in a statement released on Friday afternoon.

The leaders of Ukraine said these referenda in areas that have been put under Russian temporary control in no way represents the will of the Ukrainian people who have repeatedly resisted Russian efforts to change borders by force. We will never recognize these referenda that appear to be a step toward Russian annexation and we will never recognize a purported annexation if it occurs.