Citizens of Occupied Ukraine to join Moscow to receive same benefits as Russian citizens: Lavrov
Today is the third day of referendums in the four occupied regions of Ukraine on the issue of annexation with Russia. In the midst of the ongoing debate, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov assured full protection of the territories on Saturday (September 24). He said, if connected with Moscow, residents will get all the same facilities as Russian citizens. Even laws, doctrines, and the use of nuclear weapons will have the same principles.
Lavrov said that the local government's decision is the referendum. Russia will also respect the decision of the common people. Because they have been oppressed for a long time. If included in the Russian Federation, the territories will be fully protected by Moscow. Laws, policies, strategies of the Russian Federation shall apply to the territories.
Meanwhile, Kiev called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on the issue of the referendum. The Zelenskyi administration also claims that it is a violation of international principles. Last Friday, referendums on the issue of inclusion in Russia began in Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhia. It will continue until Tuesday.
Source: Al Jazeera
