Medvedev: Luhansk and Donetsk separatists to hold referendum on joining Russia

Call to pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine to hold referendums for Luhansk and Donetsk provinces to be annexed to Russia addressed the former president of Russia Dmitry Medvedev on Tuesday (20/9).

Dmitry Medvedev said it was vital for the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics to officially become part of Russia to protect their interests and to further justify Russia’s use of military force.

Yesterday Monday (19/9) the leaders of the two People’s Democrats agreed to “coordinate” their efforts to hold referendums aimed at joining the two Ukrainian regions in Russia.

“The referendums in Donbass are vital, not only for the systematic protection of the residents of the People’s Democratic Republic of Donetsk and Luhansk and other liberated regions, but also for the restoration of historical justice,” Medvedev said in a Telegram post. , as reported by the Athens News Agency.

Medvedev, who is now deputy chairman of Russia’s powerful Security Council, pointed out that Moscow should allow the two regions to join Russia as it would give the Kremlin yet another excuse to use force in Ukraine.

“Trespassing on the territory of Russia is a crime which allows us to use all defensive forces“, explained.

Pro-Russian separatists in Donbas – made up of the two self-proclaimed provinces – have been discussing joining Russia since 2014, when they first tried to break free from Kiev’s control.

Moscow-appointed officials in other regions of Ukraine seized by Russian forces after the invasion of the country – Kherson and Zaporizhia – have said for months they want to hold referendums on joining Russia.

Russian forces have brought all of Luhansk province under their control. Large areas claimed by the Donetsk People’s Republic remain under Ukrainian control, and Kyiv controls areas in both Kherson and Zaporizhia.