STORY: Russia vetoed a resolution in the UN Security Council condemning the Russian annexation of Ukrainian territories as a violation of international law. Ten countries on the panel voted on Friday for the motion submitted by the United States and Albania. Four countries – China, India, Brazil and Gabon – abstained from the vote. Russian President Putin announced the annexation in Moscow on Friday. Ahead of a concert celebrating the annexation of the occupied territories on Red Square, Putin again questioned Ukrainian statehood. Russia created the modern Ukrainian state, Putin said. “We have become stronger because we are together. The truth is on our side. And the strength is in the truth, which means victory. Victory will be ours.” The annexation was preceded by votes in the four Ukrainian regions, which the West and the government in Kyiv condemned as sham referendums. According to Russian information, a vast majority of people voted for a connection. According to reports, however, there were threats of violence in these referendums, so a secret and free election did not take place.