The pro-Russian separatist territories of the Donbass region in eastern Ukraine, as well as the Kherson region (south), will hold referendums to integrate Russia from Friday September 23 to Tuesday September 27, reported on Tuesday 20 September their authorities and official news agencies. The integration into Russia of the provinces of Donetsk, Luhansk and Kherson would represent a major escalation in the conflict.
One of the main pro-Moscow representatives of Donbass, Denis Pushilin, President of the Donetsk People’s Republic, claimed on Telegram messaging that the self-proclaimed pro-Russian republics of Donetsk and Luhansk “actively working” since Monday evening to the organization of a referendum to join Russia. He also specified that he had no “no doubt” on the outcome of the ballot. Follow our live.
kyiv promises to “liquidate” the Russian “threat” and denounces “blackmail” on the part of Moscow. After the announcement of the referendums, kyiv reacted by promising to “settle the Russian question”. “The threat can only be liquidated by force”wrote on Telegram the head of the Ukrainian presidential administration, Andriy Yermak, denouncing a “blackmail” from Moscow, motivated by “fear of defeat”.
The Ukrainian conflict at the heart of the 77th United Nations General Assembly. The Heads of State and Government will succeed one another at the UN podium from Tuesday until Saturday in New York (United States). A conference marked by the absence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping.