Wladimir Putin seeks to annex a large part of it Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory after its mouthpieces declared victory in a series of UN-condemned “referendums”.
What happened: The Speaker of the Upper House of Parliament said Russia could consider incorporation the four partially occupied territories – Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhia, Kherson – on October 4, three days before Putin’s 70th birthday, Reuters reported.
Rodion Miroshnikthe Russian-appointed ambassador to the self-proclaimed Luhansk People’s Republic said the incorporation “should happen within a week”.
“The main thing has already happened – the referendum has taken place. So, let’s say: the locomotive has already started, and it is unlikely to be stopped,” Miroshnik said.
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The report noted that on Moscow’s red square Authorities have set up a stage with giant video screens displaying placards reading “Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhia, Kherson – Russia!”
Meanwhile, Britain’s Defense Ministry has announced that Putin is due to address both houses of the country’s parliament on Friday may use this opportunity to officially announce the accession of the Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine to the Federation.
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