Sputnik goes live as Russian President Vladimir Putin holds a treaty ceremony following the LPR, DPR, Kherson, and Zaporozhye referenda on joining Russia.
Earlier in the day, Putin signed decrees recognizing the independence and sovereignty of the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions.
The republics of Donetsk and Lugansk, and the Russian-controlled parts of the Ukrainian regions of Zaporozhye and Kherson held referendums on joining Russia from September 23-27. The results of the referendums showed major support for joining Russia: 99.23% in the Donetsk People's Republic, 98.42% in the Lugansk People's Republic, 87.05% in Kherson region and 93.11% in Zaporozhye region.
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