Pseudo-referendum

A pseudo-referendum is a so-called referendum that Russia organised in the occupied territories of Ukraine. In particular, in Crimea, as well as in the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions.

The Kremlin does this in order to supposedly "legalise" its rule in these territories. In reality, however, there is no expression of the people's will there – people were either intimidated or did not want to go and vote. Despite this, the results are always the ones that Vladimir Putin needs.