Putin Signs Independence Decrees For Zaporizhia, Kherson

Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared the independence of the Ukrainian regions of Zaporizhia and Kherson as Russia prepares to formally proclaim the annexation of Ukrainian territory in a major escalation of its seven-month invasion. <br />The two regions are set to be incorporated into Russia along with the self-proclaimed republics of Donetsk and Luhansk at a lavish ceremony in the Kremlin on Friday after hastily-organized referendums in the Russian-occupied regions, which claimed majorities of up to 99 percent in favor of joining Russia. <br />Putin recognized the independence of Donetsk and Luhansk in February. <br />UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told reporters in New York City that Russia’s annexation would violate the United Nations Charter and had no legal value.