Russia begins annexation vote, illegal under international law, in occupied Ukraine

https://www.npr.org/2022/09/23/ [login to see] /russia-annexation-ukraine-referendum
A long line of cars pulls into the parking lot of a home goods store set up as a makeshift welcome center. People pile out of the cars, looking exhausted but relieved, some are crying, many are smiling. Officials stop at each car, checking documents.

This convoy is coming from the south, from places like Melitopol and Kherson, areas that have been occupied by Russia for months now.

"We were waiting, hoping that the Ukrainian army would come, and the battle for our city would begin," said 55-year-old Viktoria Yermoleny, who left Melitopol with her husband and their dog. "But then we heard about the referendum, and we just couldn't risk it anymore."