Russia's foreign ministry said on Wednesday that action would be taken soon to meet the aspirations of four occupied Ukrainian regions to become part of Russia, a day after the completion of what Ukraine and the West said were illegal sham referendums.
"In the nearest future, a crucial stage lies ahead in our joint actions to fulfil the aspirations of the residents (of the four regions) to be together with Russia," the ministry said.
Ukraine and the West have said the hastily arranged exercise, with ballot boxes carried door-to-door in areas occupied by Russian troops, was coercive and illegitimate.
The Russian statement said the votes in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia had been held in compliance with international law.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
US Urges PM Modi To Raise Ukraine "Sovereignty" With Putin During Meet Putin Hosts PM Modi At His Official Residence For "Private Engagement" As PM Modi Visits Russia, Europe's Tallest Tower Lit Up In Indian Flag Colours Could Kamala Harris Beat Trump In US Presidential Race? Polls Suggest... "Real Luxury": Woman's Post On Quality Of Life In India Vs US Sparks Debate Mumbai BMW Case Chilling Details: Woman Dragged For 1.5 Km, Ran Over Twice US Urges PM Modi To Raise Ukraine "Sovereignty" With Putin During Meet Red Alert In Mumbai, Schools To Remain Shut Today Due To Heavy Rainfall Study Abroad: How Education Loans Unlock Global Opportunities For Students Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.