<Anchor>
Russia's state news agency reported that 93% of Zaporiza residents were in favor of the annexation of the four occupied territories in Ukraine while Russia had put it to a referendum.
Ukrainian President Zelensky strongly opposed the referendum, saying that "diplomatic negotiations would become impossible".
Correspondent Hak-Hwi Kim.
[ Reporter
] 93% of Zaporiza residents were in favor of the annexation of Russian territory, Russian state-run TAS news agency reported.
In an exit poll conducted on 500 people who came out after voting on the 23rd, the first day of voting, 93% supported the merger.
The referendum, which is being held in the Russian-controlled Donbas region and in four states including Zaporiza and Kherson, will be held for five days from the 23rd.
There are testimonies from various places that the ballot box is clearly visible, and the basic rules of procedure are being violated, such as those who vote while showing their consent and being photographed on camera.
In a referendum held before Russia annexed the Krum Peninsula in 2014, the approval rate was 97%, and a similar result is highly likely this time.
[Sergei Lavrov/Russian Foreign Minister: The territory added to Russia this time will be under the full protection of Russia.]
Ukraine strongly protested against Russia's referendum for annexation, saying that "diplomatic negotiations would become impossible" there is.
"The referendum is a dangerous signal that Putin will not end the war," Zelensky said.
In the midst of this, White House national security adviser Sullivan said that he had conveyed this position to Russia, saying that he would respond decisively if Russia uses nuclear weapons.