People holding Russian flags gather at Red Square after the referendums in four Ukrainian regions, Moscow, Russia, September 30, 2022. /CFP
The United Nations Security Council on Friday failed to adopt a draft resolution, which "condemns" the referendums held in four Ukrainian regions "under Russian control" from September 23 to 27.
Titled "Illegal So-Called Referenda in Ukraine," the draft resolution was prepared by Albania and the U.S. and was vetoed by Russia, one of the five permanent members of the council.
Of the 15-nation council, 10 nations, including the U.S., France and Britain, voted in favor of the draft, while China, Gabon, India and Brazil abstained from voting.
A ceremony was held on Friday for the signing of treaties to incorporate Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson into the Russian Federation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin participated in the event, which took place in the Kremlin.
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4 Ukrainian regions release results of referendums on joining Russia