Zelensky calls on the world to condemn the referendum
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday (Sept 23) called on the world to condemn a 'sham referendum', part of the Kremlin's representation of Moscow's annexation of Russian-controlled regions of Ukraine. News from AFP.
In his daily address to the nation, Zelensky said the world must react strongly to the farcical referendum. They must be unequivocally condemned.
Referendums have begun in at least four regions of Russian-controlled Ukraine to join Russia. Pro-Moscow separatists launched referendums in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhia on Friday (September 23). The referendum will continue until Tuesday (September 27).
Although pro-Russian separatists organized the referendum, it is seen as a Russian initiative. Because this referendum has the support of the country's government. Ukraine and its Western allies say Russia's move is a gross violation of international law. This will intensify the war.
On February 24, the Russian army started military operations in Ukraine on the orders of Russian President Vladimir Putin. This war has been going on for seven months. Earlier this month, Russian forces retreated from Izium in the northeastern province of Kharkiv.
Soon after, the Moscow-backed leaders of these four Russian-controlled regions decided to hold a referendum to join Russia. The area of these four regions is about 15 percent of the total territory of Ukraine.
Russian authorities have backed the referendum. The results are likely to be announced soon after the referendum continues till Tuesday (September 27). If the result of the referendum is in favor, Putin will decide to join the four regions with Russia.
Meanwhile, the fighting in these four regions has intensified. In the meantime, Dmitry Medvedev, the former president of Russia and currently the deputy chairman of the National Security Council, has warned that nuclear weapons will be used if necessary to maintain control of the occupied territories.
He said Moscow-appointed authorities in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory would hold a referendum on joining Russia. There is no retreat. He also said that Donetsk and Luhansk republics and other regions will accept Russia.
The plan of four regions occupied by Russia in Ukraine has emerged as a new challenge for Western countries. It is feared that this decision of the regions may increase the intensity of the conflict in Ukraine many times.
