The result of the referendum — on whether the four regions become part of Russia — is expected to be a foregone conclusion in favour of the Moscow-held regions joining Russia.
abc.net.au/news/russian-controlled-regions-in-ukraine-prepare-for-referendum/101469920Voting has begun in Moscow-held regions in Ukraine in a referendum to join Russia — a move widely considered to be a precursor to illegal annexation.
The next day, Russian President Vladimir announced a military draft expected to deliver 300,000 troops, after losing ground to Ukranian forces.That would give the Kremlin pretext to claim Ukraine's attempts to recapture occupied territories are an attack on Russia. "Encroachment onto Russian territory is a crime which allows you to use all the forces of self–defence," Dmitry Medvedev, who was Russia's president from 2008 to 2012, said in a post on Telegram.
Luhansk regional governor Serhiy Gaidai told Ukrainian TV that declaring the regions Russian territories would allow Moscow to fight "without any reservations". Officials will bring ballots to people's houses for the first four days, with regular polls only opening for Tuesday.Denis Pushilin, a separatist leader of Moscow-backed authorities in the Donetsk region, called the referendum on Friday "a historical milestone."The OSCE, which monitors elections, said the outcomes would have no legal force because they do not conform with Ukraine law or international standards.
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