Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, is currently present in Moscow for the official celebration of the annexation of the four regions of Ukraine.
Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia, the four Russian-occupied territories, will formally join the Russian Federation today, according to Putin.
Putin, who declared war on Ukraine on February 24, claims that the four regions will be united following "referendums" planned by the Kremlin.
While the West has objected, Putin has decided to move forward with the choice.
“I order the recognition of the state sovereignty and independence,” Putin said on Thursday.
The official annexation was widely expected following the votes that closed on Tuesday in the areas.