Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that parts of Ukraine where heavily criticised referendums are being held would be under Russia’s “complete protection” if annexed by Moscow. Moscow has attempted to defend its seven-month-old war at the United Nations.
On Sunday, the third day of the referendums in four eastern Ukrainian regions to formally annex territory that Russia has occupied since its invasion in February, began. The Russian parliament may soon take action to formalise the annexation.The referendums have been denounced by Ukraine and its Western supporters as a ruse orchestrated by Moscow to justify escalating the conflict and launching a mobilisation effort in response to recent fighting losses.
