LPR leader votes in referendum at voting station in Lugansk Russian Drama Theatre

Lugansk People’s Republic Head Leonid Pasechnik has voted in the referendum at polling station No 404 set up in the Pavel Luspekayev Lugansk Academic Russian Drama Theatre.

“My emotions are most positive. We’ve been waiting for this day to come for eight years,” Pasechnik said adding that he was voting for the future of the Republic.

“I vote for joining the Russian Federation. I’m giving my vote for our bright happy future as a part of Russia, for the bright and happy future of our children, grandchildren and our descendants,” he said before casting his ballot.

On September 23-27, the LPR is holding the referendum on joining the Russian Federation as a constituent entity. Polling stations are open to voters only on September 27; on other dates, voting took place at special venues including public space in residential areas. The LPR Central Election Commission set up 461 polling places in the LPR and 201 in Russian regions.

On May 11, 2014, the Lugansk and Donetsk People’s Republics held a referendum on their self-determination as Kiev launched a military operation against Donbass. LPR and DPR independence was supported by 96.2 percent and 89.7 percent of voters, respectively. The Republics proclaimed their state sovereignty on May 12, 2014.

On February 21, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized the sovereignty of the Lugansk and Donetsk People’s Republics. He asked the Federal Assembly to support this decision and then ratify a friendship and mutual assistance treaty with the Donbass Republics. On the same day, Putin and LPR Head Leonid Pasechnik signed a friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance treaty between Russia and the Lugansk People’s Republic. *i*t