Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday urged the rest of the world to condemn the “pseudo-referendums” organized by Russia in four territories conquered after the invasion of Ukraine.
In his daily speech, Zelensky stated that he was convinced that “the world will respond with the utmost justice to false referendums” and that they “will be unequivocally condemned”.
Referendums on annexation of Russian territory started today in four regions of Ukraine that are partly or wholly controlled by Moscow.
Described as “simulacra” by Kiev and the West, the polls mark a new phase in the escalation of the conflict that began on February 24.
Hundreds of polling stations will be opened in the four areas and more in Russia to allow the displaced to vote.
Referenda on the accession of the Ukrainian territories of Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporijia and Kherson to the Russian Federation started today and will run until September 27, the pro-Russian authorities in those regions have said.
The official announcement of the holding of this popular consultation for the annexation of Ukrainian territories under Russian occupation was made in a speech to the nation delivered by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday.
“Save your life,” Zelensky appealed to the Ukrainian population living in Moscow-controlled areas.
The referendums were announced along with the mobilization of 300,000 Russian reservists to fight in Ukraine and a veiled threat to use nuclear weapons against the West.
Still in the usual video speech, Zelensky condemned “the criminal mobilization that the occupiers are trying to carry out in Crimea and in other parts of Ukraine, which they have controlled so far”.
Referenda which, the Ukrainian president continued, “are not only crimes against international law and the laws of Ukraine, but “crimes against specific people, against the nation”.
Zelensky continues to refer to the “false referenda” and appeals to Ukrainian citizens who are in “temporarily occupied” territories. “Save your lives and help us weaken and destroy the occupiers.”
He advises Ukrainian citizens to avoid the military mobilization announced by Puton at all costs and “try to reach the free territory of Ukraine”.
But if the Ukrainians in the occupied territories cannot escape the military mobilization, the president asks that because they are in the Russian army, they can “sabotage any enemy activity”, for example by providing information about the location of the troops from Moscow. “Change our positions at the first opportunity. Do everything you can to save your life and help liberate Ukraine,” he issued an appeal.
The Russian invasion – justified by Russian President Vladimir Putin, with the need to “denazify” and demilitarize Ukraine for Russia’s security – was condemned by the international community at large, which has responded by sending arms to Ukraine and to impose political and economic sanctions on Russia.
News updated at 23:54
Source: DN
