Russian politician and former hockey player Aleksander Aksenyonenko, as a member of the political party "A Just Russia - For Truth," voted in favor of recognizing the so-called "Donetsk People's Republic" and "Luhansk People's Republic" as independent states.

Aksenyonenko, who is currently serving as a Deputy of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, has a background in sports as a former member of the Russian youth hockey team. His support for the annexation of Ukrainian territory has sparked controversy within international political communities.