The Russian Federation is increasing pressure on civilians through early "elections" for president in the temporarily occupied territories.
This was reported by the British Ministry of Defense.
"The efforts of Russian officials to compel the population to vote are intensifying. In Luhansk, 2,600 officials were deployed to visit homes and persuade residents to 'vote'," intelligence writes.
Educational institutions and other government agencies have been instructed to ensure the turnout of their subordinates for the "elections." However, due to the war and significant population displacement, only about a third of the pre-war population remains in the cities.
Despite Russia having no legal basis for holding "elections" on Ukrainian territory, trust in them is further undermined due to:
- Lack of proper representation;
- Low security levels and coercive measures aimed at forcing the population to participate in voting.
"It is highly likely the occupation authorities in these territories will claim a high turnout with overwhelming support for Putin irrespective of what actually happens, to give the impression that a democratic choise has been made," intelligence adds.
