Independent observers reported many irregularities and the results of the separatist referendums were not officially recognised by any government, including those of Ukraine, the United States, and the countries of the European Union.

 The Ukrainian government called the referendum "illegal", and a number of nations—such as Germany, the United States, France, and the United Kingdom—called the referendum "unconstitutional" and "lacking legitimacy".

 The Russian government expressed "respect" for the results and urged a "civilised" implementation, and later announced recognition of the republics on 21 February 2022, becoming the first UN member state to do so.


 Ukrainian Constitution info:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Ukraine


 Article 73 of the 1996 Constitution of Ukraine, and article 3 of the 2012 law on referendums - territorial changes can only be approved via a referendum if all citizens of Ukraine are allowed to vote, including those that do not reside in the area.

 I don't see any results indicating a majority vote for Russian absorption.  If anything there was independent rule, so if Russia is trying to make two new countries in those specific areas, I would say they are doing what some Ukranians wanted 11 years ago.  Kind of like Canada coming to the US and trying to make Obama the President again since that's what the votes said in 2014.