Cleaner than a US presidential "election" no doubt... 
Because we all know that vote will be free and fair, with not even a smidgeon of corruption or coercion from the Russian invaders.
Cleaner than a US presidential "election" no doubt...
Amazing that anyone thinks these people want to remain under Ukraine.
They asked Russia to come help them.
Two of these areas had a leap easy declared themselves as separaists.
Two of them have been shelled by the UKronazis for the last 8-9 years.
Ukraine told them to only speak, read, and watch tv in Ukrainian language.
Ukraine leader told them they lost their pensions - Russia restored them.
Ukraine leader told them to enjoy living in their basements ( prior to Zelensky).
In some places Ukraine took their water (Crimea) and denied them all infrastructure repair.
Name one reason they would not choose Russia as their country, but prefer Ukraine.
Really. Absurd to say their votes will be shams.
What will it do—Not much in the world—but its designed for Russians not people in other lands. IF accepted it means a whole new definition of the war. Frankly, he should have done this a year ago. It will be as fair as they wish it to be. As for Corruption—Ukraine has a known dose of that (like Russia) and to a degree—The USA. Once Donbas becomes a state of the Federation of Russia—any attack will be seen as an attack on all of Russia. (A bit like NATO—an attack on one is an attack on all). Then Ukraine has a choice-Let them go and make peace with Putin, or Declare war on Russia herself.