Kremlin-backed separatists in Ukraine plan votes to join Russia – By Erin Doherty (Axios) / Sept 20, 2022
The Kremlin on Tuesday paved the way for referendums, described by Ukraine as “sham” votes, in separatist territories controlled by Russia that could lead to the annexation of nearly 15% of Ukraine.
The big picture: The planned votes come after Russia suffered one of its biggest setbacks of the war when Ukrainian forces started a lightning counter-offensive earlier this month.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin last week promised to continue the offensive push in Ukraine, saying, “We aren’t in a rush.”
Why it matters: The plans could dramatically raise the stakes of any future territorial losses, and could preclude any peace agreement that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky may find acceptable, Axios’ Dave Lawler reports.
CONTINUE > https://www.axios.com/2022/09/20/russia-annex-vote-ukraine-putin
[pro_ad_display_adzone id="404"]
