Ukraine and Western countries dismissed the balloting as an attempt by Moscow to legitimize its invasion of Ukraine launched on Feb. 24.

The U.S. will provide an additional $1.1 billion in aid to Ukraine, with funding for about 18 more advanced rocket systems and other weapons to counter drones that Russia has been using against Ukrainian troops.

The preordained outcome of the stage-managed referendums sets the stage for a dangerous new phase in Russia’s 7-month war, with the Kremlin threatening to throw more troops into the battle and potentially use nuclear weapons.

In a Siberian city, 25-year-old resident Ruslan Zinin walked into the enlistment office saying ‘no one will go to fight’ and ‘we will all go home now,’ according to local media.

The partial mobilization is also triggering protests in Russia, with new anti-war demonstrations on Sunday.

A team of experts commissioned by the U.N.’s top human rights body to look into rights violations in Ukraine says its initial investigation has turned up evidence of war crimes following Russia’s invasion.

Russia is escalating its military and political campaign to take over Ukrainian territory.