posted ago by Retaining_H2O ago by Retaining_H2O +8 / -0

The votes to join Russia are due to take place in the Russian-held parts of Ukraine’s Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhia provinces, as well as part of Mykolaiv province beginning Friday. The votes are expected to produce results overwhelmingly endorsing joining Russia. (note: If the votes don't overwhelmingly endorse joining Russia... then the vote totals will be revised until they do.)

Keep in mind that the referendum votes will take place under military occupation without any outside oversight. Also, armed Russian troops will be present at every voting place. Anyone in those Ukrainian provinces who doesn't feel comfortable approaching Russian troops and showing their ID cards... won't be voting.

Russian troops do not fully control any of the four regions it is trying to annex. Only about 60 percent of Donetsk and 66 percent of Zaporizhia are currently held by the Russian army. Referendum votes will obviously NOT be taken in any areas held by the Ukrainian forces, or in areas where fighting is currently taking place... so roughly 40% to 50% of the people in those regions will have NO vote.

Even though the referendum votes won't begin until Friday, I'm surprised that Fox News hasn't already stepped in and declared the winner. :>)