Russia. Moscow. President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin (center), head of the military-civilian administration (MCA) of Kherson region Vladimir Saldo, head of the military-civilian administration (MCA) of Zaporozhye region Evgeny Balitsky, head of the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) Denis Pushilin, and head of the Luhansk People's Republic (LPR) Leonid Pasechnik (left to right) in the Grand Kremlin Palace during the ceremony of signing treaties on the accession to the Russian Federation of the DPR, LPR, Kherson and Zaporozhye regions. Referendums on joining Russia were held from September 23 to 27, 2022, in the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics, and in Kherson and Zaporozhye regions. According to the referendum results, the majority of residents in the regions voted for joining the Russian Federation. Voting was recognized as valid in all four regions. Mikhail Metzel/TASS