Washington: We will not recognize Russia's annexation of Ukrainian regions

White House spokeswoman Karen Jean-Pierre said on Wednesday that the United States will not recognize the regions annexed by Russia in Ukraine, after referendums the White House called "illegal and illegal" used by Moscow to circumvent and will be challenged internationally.

"According to our information, all aspects of these referendums were pre-arranged, orchestrated by the Kremlin," the spokeswoman told reporters in a briefing, noting that Washington would mobilize the opposition to recognize the annexed areas "including at the United Nations."

"Regardless of Russian claims, these areas will remain Ukrainian territory," she said.

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