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.
Already, not leap easy.
It is amazing how anyone thinks such a hurried vote could have any value or be fair since thousands of Russian speakers from the Donbas are fighting with the Ukrainian army against the Russians. I have friends and family there that can tell you the real story of Russian crimes preceding and including 2014.