A “so-called referendum” conducted by Russia in Ukrainian territory has been denounced by Joe Biden as a “shameless and transparent endeavor by Russia to acquire parts of neighboring Ukraine.”
The US president made the comments during a White House summit with Pacific Island nations.
Mr Biden said the results of Russia’s “referendums” “were manufactured in Moscow”.
He added “the United States will never, never, never recognise Russia’s claims on Ukraine sovereign territory.
The US and its allies have promised to adopt even more sanctions than they’ve already levied against Russia and to offer millions of dollars in extra support for Ukraine.