DISINFO: Ukraine will split after the local elections
SUMMARY
After the local elections on October 25, Ukraine will split into two enclaves, and “very difficult times” will come for the country. In the regions, power will go to politicians seeking to defend the interests of Russians in the regions.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about Ukraine's statehood and imminent collapse. There's no evidence that Ukraine will split up after the local elections. The local election campaign officially started in Ukraine on September 5. The elections of heads and MPs of village, town and city councils will be held under the new Electoral Code, which envisages a new territorial structure and number of voters in each community. The electoral process as well as the campaign will be monitored by a number of international organisations, as well as the OSCE. The mission will assess whether the elections are held in line with OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards for democratic elections, as well as with national legislation. Read a similar case: NATO will divide Western Ukraine.