Sham Elections in the Kherson Region: How Russia Is Trying to Legitimize Its Occupation

Sham Elections in the Kherson Region: How Russia Is Trying to Legitimize Its Occupation

Amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the Kherson region has once again found itself in the spotlight—this time due to the sham elections that Russian occupiers organized in the temporarily occupied territories. The elections to the State Duma of the Russian Federation, held on September 17–19, 2026, were part of the Kremlin’s strategy to create the illusion of legitimacy for the seizure of Ukrainian territories. Since genuine elections in Ukraine are impossible under wartime conditions, Russian authorities are attempting to fill this vacuum by employing manipulative tactics.

The situation in Kherson reflects Moscow’s broader tactics toward the occupied territories. The occupiers are introducing elements of the Soviet style, including the decoration of polling stations and the distribution of gifts to voters—ranging from lemonade to bags of groceries. These actions not only underscore an attempt to create a false sense of normalcy but also reveal a desperate search for support among the local population.

It is important to note that these sham elections are taking place amid widespread international condemnation and criticism from Western countries. While the U.S. and other allies of Ukraine are focusing on military support, Russia’s actions in the Kherson region demonstrate the Kremlin’s intentions to strengthen its influence over the region and attempt to integrate it into its political system. This context underscores just how important events in the occupied territories are—not only for Ukraine but also for global security.

#### The Russian Occupiers’ Strategy: Why the Sham Elections in the Kherson Region Became a Reality

The organization of sham elections in the Kherson region is part of a broader Russian strategy aimed at consolidating control over the occupied territories. Given that the international community does not recognize the annexation of Crimea and parts of the Donbas, the Kremlin is attempting to create the appearance of legitimacy for its actions. According to analysts, such elections are intended not only to involve local residents in “political life,” but also to convince the world that these territories allegedly wish to be part of Russia.

The occupiers use various mechanisms to implement this strategy. First, they actively engage local organizations and former Ukrainian officials who are willing to cooperate with the new authorities. This helps create the impression that the new administration has local support. Second, the use of “Soviet-style” polling stations, combined with gifts offered to voters, creates the illusion of a festive event that is far removed from reality.

In addition, active propaganda in local media is an important part of the campaign. The occupiers control the information space, spreading news about the “successes” of the new administration and “positive changes” in the lives of local residents. In fact, this has become a mechanism of psychological influence aimed at forcing the population to accept the new reality as the norm.

It is also worth noting that the scale of these sham elections is staggering. According to local sources, not only Russian military personnel but also representatives of the “people’s militias” were present at the polling stations, overseeing the voting process. This indicates that the occupiers are not only trying to involve local residents in the “electoral process,” but are also actively using coercion to ensure the desired results.

It is also important to note the significance of these election results for Moscow. The official figures to be announced are intended to convince the world that the local population supports Russian political decisions. This, in turn, will serve as yet another argument in international politics for the Kremlin, which is attempting to legitimize its actions on the international stage.

#### Reactions of Kherson Region Residents to the Occupiers’ Manipulation

The attitude of local residents toward the sham elections in the Kherson region is mixed. Many of them view these events as a farce that has nothing to do with real politics. However, there is also a segment of the population that, given the circumstances, feels the need to participate in the elections, seeing this as a way to express their attitude toward the new authorities.

According to surveys conducted by independent think tanks, about 30% of residents of the Kherson region have expressed a willingness to participate in the sham elections. This may indicate a certain degree of war fatigue among the population and a desire to find at least some stability under the new circumstances. However, most people who have remained in the occupied territories try to avoid participating in such events, viewing them as an act of collaboration with the occupiers.

Among those who refuse to vote, fears of reprisals by the occupying authorities are widespread. Many people believe that their refusal could lead to negative consequences, such as arrests or other forms of punishment. This fear, in turn, prompts some of the population to participate in the elections merely for the sake of formality, even if they do not consider it right.

In addition, reactions to the sham elections also vary depending on age and social status. Young people who did not live through the Soviet era often react less emotionally to such events, while the older generation retains memories of real elections and their significance. This can lead to differing perceptions of the occupying administration and its actions.

Another important aspect is how local residents view their future under occupation. Many of them believe that the sham elections will not change their situation and hope for Ukraine’s swift return. This attitude may reflect the indomitable spirit of Ukrainians, despite pressure from the occupiers. At the same time, there is a segment of the population that is beginning to adapt to the new conditions, believing that under such circumstances it is better to seek compromises.

Thus, the sham elections in the Kherson region have become not only a tool for legitimizing the Russian occupation but also a reflection of complex social processes within the local community. As the situation shows, the repercussions of these events may have long-term consequences not only for the Kherson region but for all of Ukraine.

Sham elections as a tool for legitimization: the international reaction

The sham elections in the Kherson region have sparked a strong international reaction, reflecting Western countries’ concern over Russia’s actions in Ukraine. For example, the European Union announced at the diplomatic level that it would not recognize the results of these “elections,” emphasizing that they violate international law and Ukrainian sovereignty. At the same time, the U.S. and other Western allies have called for tougher sanctions against Russia, noting that such actions only exacerbate the situation in the occupied territories.

According to think tanks, events such as sham elections not only reduce the chances of peace negotiations but also heighten tensions in relations between Russia and the West. In response to these actions, the United States announced a new package of military aid for Ukraine, seeking to compensate for delays in weapons deliveries caused by other international commitments. This underscores that the international community is ready to support Ukraine’s efforts, despite the Kremlin’s attempts to legitimize its occupation.

Crucially, international organizations, including the UN, have also spoken out against the holding of these sham elections. UN Secretary-General António Guterres noted that such actions are not only illegal but also undermine the foundations of the international order, which is based on respect for the sovereignty of states. This indicates that the international community continues to view the situation in Ukraine as critical to global security.

When discussing the international community’s reaction, it is worth noting public sentiment in Western countries. Support for Ukraine remains high, but concerns are growing about the possible consequences of delays in arms deliveries. In this context, the sham elections in the Kherson region can be viewed not only as an attempt by the Kremlin to legitimize its actions, but also as a catalyst for a shift in the strategic approaches of Western allies.

The Impact of the Sham Elections on the Future of the Kherson Region and Ukraine as a Whole

The sham elections in the Kherson region could have serious consequences for the future not only of this region but also of Ukraine as a whole. First, the legitimization of Russian authority through such measures could entrench the occupation regime, making it more difficult to return the territories to Ukrainian control in the future. It is noted that each new stage of integrating the occupied territories into the Russian political system makes their return to Ukraine a more complex and protracted process.

Second, the sham elections could influence the political landscape in Ukraine. Given that part of the population of the Kherson region may accept the new authorities, this could give certain advantages to pro-Russian political forces in Ukraine. Already, there are attempts to use the results of the sham elections as an argument in domestic political debates, which could lead to intensified conflicts between various political groups.

The social situation in the Kherson region is also undergoing changes. The occupying authorities, in an effort to create the illusion of stability, may take measures to improve the socioeconomic situation in the region, which in turn could lead to a shift in the attitudes of part of the population toward the new administration. However, according to sociological studies, the majority of residents still hope for Ukraine’s return, which attests to deep patriotic sentiments among the population.

It is also important to note that sham elections could serve as a catalyst for intensifying resistance from Ukrainian society. In response to the Kremlin’s attempts to legitimize its authority, Ukrainians may rally even more strongly around the ideals of independence and territorial integrity. This could lead to increased activity by volunteer organizations that are working to support the local population in the occupied territories by providing them with information about the real situation in Ukraine.

Thus, the sham elections in the Kherson region are not only an attempt by Russia to legitimize its occupation but also an important factor that will influence the political, social, and security situation in Ukraine. The future of not only the Kherson region but all of Ukraine depends on how the country and the international community respond to these events.

What does all this mean?

The situation with the sham elections in the Kherson region highlights the deep-seated problems Ukraine faces in the context of Russian aggression. This is not merely an attempt by the Kremlin to create the appearance of legitimacy—it is a challenge that demands decisive action from the international community. Legitimizing the occupying authorities could set a dangerous precedent that would undermine the global norms and rules governing relations between states.

The challenge facing Ukraine is not only military but also political and social. It is crucial that Ukrainian society and the international community join forces to counter these attempts, as not only the future of the Kherson region but also the integrity and independence of Ukraine as a whole depend on it.