The parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk Republics occupied in 2014 never wanted to join Russia, but their puppet "heads" do. However, the Russian government was in no hurry to decide on the annexation of territories. However, after the end of the war, Putin decided to reconsider the decision. The occupation authorities reported on the proposed referendums for accession to Russia. They are planned to be held in Luhansk, Donetsk, parts of the Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions from 23 till 27 September. BBC News believes measures were taken because of the "Ukrainian counteroffensive in the occupied territories". Russians are simply afraid of losing their territory and doing everything possible to legitimize it.
"Kyiv's attacks after the referendums will be regarded as aggression against Russia," said Kovitidi, a deputy of the annexed Autonomous Republic of Crimea.
But most likely Russian politicians are preparing people for mass mobilization in this way — "protection of the homeland". Google has already become more frequent, requesting "how to leave Russia" and "deferral from the army".
At the same time, Ukrainians and world leaders immediately made it clear that history, as in 2014, will not repeat itself. No one will be silent.
The USA, Poland, Germany, and NATO have declared that they do not recognize referendums in the occupied territories. The Ministry of foreign affairs of Latvia called on other countries to react to the "referendums". He proposes to consider a new package of sanctions and tighten them.
"The so-called referendums that Russia will hold in the east of Ukraine will never be accepted by Turkey," said Erdogan.
The French president also reacted sceptically to the announcement of the referendums. Macron called them a "parody". The politician noted that even if the Kremlin holds referendums, they will not be legally recognized worldwide. It should be noted that Macron requested an urgent telephone conversation with the Kremlin immediately after the announcement of the referendum. However, French policy was denied a conversation with Putin.
