Proxies in Donetsk, Luhansk, and other occupied territories in Ukraine have increased calls for referendums, seeking to attempt to ‘secure’ their position ahead of Ukrainian counteroffensives.
Though it is the belief of some Russian analysts that Ukraine may be hesitant to strike territory Russia decides to formally annex, Ukraine’s government has remained stalwart in its calls for the liberation of all Russian-held territory, Crimea included. The West has also denounced any possibility of referendums, indicating it supports Ukraine’s territorial integrity regardless of what Russia may attempt.
A recent exodus of civilians from both Donetsk and Luhansk may complicate any possible referendums, though it should be noted that referendums held under current wartime conditions are unlikely to be fair nor free. Moreover, referendums in Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and other occupied territories in Ukraine are likely to face a significant amount of partisan activity in the days leading up to Russia’s attempted annexation.
World Affairs International 