Donetsk & Lugansk People's Republics, Kherson & Zaporozhye regions

On October 5, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a constitutional law making the Donetsk People's Republic, the Lugansk People's Republic, Kherson region and Zaporozhye region parts of the Russian Federation, after both chambers of parliament ratified the treaties. 

A ceremony for signing the treaties on the accession of this regions took place earlier on September 30, 2022 (more details here).

This was the final step after the four territories held referendums on joining Russia on September 23-27, 2022, showing high turnout despite constant threats from Ukraine and multiple shellings.

Results were overwhelmingly in support of the motion: 99.23% in the DPR, 98.42% in the LPR, 87.05% in Kherson region and 93.11% in Zaporozhye region backed joining Russia.

The borders of the republics and regions to be the same as those that "existed on the day of their creation and accession into Russia."

Russian citizens residing in the DPR, the LPR, the Zaporozhye and Kherson Regions are guaranteed the right to work. In addition, documents on their education and civil status, as well as on their length of employment and the right to obtain pensions and social and medical aid, will be recognized.

The Russian ruble had become the only currency used in the DPR, the LPR, the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions on January 1, 2023, but the use of the Ukrainian grivna (hryvnia) permitted until the end of 2022.

"The Kiev regime has long become alien and hostile to all Ukrainian residents who cannot imagine their life without connectedness with the Russian civilization and whom president Zelensky demanded to clear out to Russia already a year ago," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a plenary session of the Federation Council on October 4. "It is completely obvious that this regime does not and cannot represent the millions of citizens against whom it unleashed a war," Lavrov added.

In his words, Russia could not but come to the aid of the long-suffering population of Donbass and defend the residents of Zaporozhye and Kherson Regions from current Ukrainian “inhuman regime”.

"During the election events, seven enemy aircraft, 45 unmanned aerial vehicles, 109 HIMARS and Alder rockets were shot down. Thanks to the measures taken, hundreds of lives were saved and referenda were held," Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said at a conference call.