International observers arrived in the town of Alyoshki in the Kherson region on Tuesday to assess the organisation of the referendum on joining the Russian Federation. 

Representatives of Congo, Germany, Italy, the Republic of Serbia, and Mozambique were reportedly among the observers.

Daniel Simic, Chairman of the Serbian Journalists' Association, pointed out that the voting has been held in accordance with 'basic democratic standards'. 

Footage also features voters entering polling stations, registering, and casting their ballots.

The local governments of the Lugansk and Donetsk People's Republic (LPR and DPR), as well as those established in Kherson and Zaporozhye regions after they came under Russian control, announced last week that voting would take place on September 23-27. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday, September 21, that he was ready to support the decisions taken, with Kremlin prepared 'to provide the safe environment' and let the people 'express their will'. 

Ukraine and its Western allies have described the voting as a 'sham'. On Friday, Mykhailo Podolyak, adviser to the president of Ukraine, described the exercise as a 'propaganda show'. 

France and Germany vowed not to recognise the results, while EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell claimed those involved in organising them 'will be held accountable'. 

US President Joe Biden said that Russia had 'violated the basic principles of the UN Charter' and also made 'open nuclear threats against Europe'. 

Moscow launched the military offensive in Ukraine earlier this year, after recognising the independence of the LPR and DPR. 

Kiev condemned the action, while President Volodymyr Zelensky ordered martial law and full mobilisation in February.