DISINFO: Elections in Donbas controlled by “armed Ukrainian punishers”
SUMMARY
The Ukrainian junta and punishers controlled the presidential elections in the unoccupied parts of Donbas. Armed Kyiv rebels were parked outside polling stations in armed personnel carriers. The Armed Forces of Ukraine fully controlled the voting process in Mariupol, which is occupied by the Kyiv rebels.
RESPONSE
One of the multiple pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives around the Ukrainian elections. Pro-Kremlin media and propagandists in occupied Donbas have distorted a Hromadske Radio report. According to the report, the Armed Forces of Ukraine were present at the two voting stations in Mariupol. Speaking to Hromadske, the soldiers explained that the two voting stations are considered to the be “particularly important.” Mariupol is a city close to the frontline and the army dispatched forces to provide security to the polling stations. Increased security in Donbas during the second round of presidential elections was provided by other Ukrainian law enforcement agencies. According to the National Police in Donetsk oblast, some 3,000 police officers were dispatched across the region since April 19. Round-the-clock security for all the voting stations was provided by 2,400 officers. The remaining officers are members of street patrols and quick-reaction groups. Another 30 members of special police and emergency services are members of bomb squads that are keeping close watch over the communities near the front lines. Ukraine’s law enforcement agencies have repeatedly stated that the patrols stationed outside voting stations do not have the right to interfere in the work of the voting station commissions. In other words, neither soldiers, nor police officers, nor other law enforcement representatives are allowed to influence the voting process. They are present exclusively for monitoring and security purposes. Moreover, police are required to maintain political neutrality, they are forbidden from “consulting” voters, and campaign for candidates or influence the voting process in any way. See here for more background about disinformation narratives surrounding presidential elections in Ukraine.