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UK Ministry of Defense explains why Russia wants to hold 'referendums' in Ukraine urgently.
The hasty organization of "referendums" in the territories temporarily occupied by Russia is likely driven by fears of imminent Ukrainian attack and an expectation of greater security after formally becoming part of Russia.
According to Ukrinform, the UK Ministry of Defense said this in its latest intelligence update published on Twitter.
"On 20 September 2022, officials from Ukraine's Russian-occupied Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions announced they will conduct referendums on accession to the Russian Federation," the ministry said.
Read also: Sham referenda, mobilization “signs of Russian failure” - U.S. ambassador
It added that Russian forces in Ukraine continue to experience personnel shortages. Moreover, the Russian Duma voted on 20 September 2022 to amend a law which extends punishments for defaulting troops.
"This is likely intended to limit the number of desertions and refusals and thereby to mitigate some of the immediate pressures. The Russian civilian and military leadership has faced significant pressure over the last two weeks. These new measures have highly likely been brought forwards due to public criticism and mark a further development in Russia's strategy," the ministry said.
On September 20, the leaders of the so-called Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics ("DNR" and "LNR") and collaborators in the Russian-occupied territories of the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions announced "referendums on joining Russia" and scheduled them for September 23-27.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said the "referendums" would not have any legal consequences and called on international partners to strongly condemn Russia's intention to hold an illegal vote, impose new sanctions on Russia and designate it as a state sponsor of terrorism.
War update: 102 combat clashes in Ukraine on Friday.
Ukraine reported 102 combat engagements with the Russian invasion forces in the past day.
In Russia’s Kaluga region drone targets energy infrastructure.
In the early hours of Saturday, April 20, an energy infrastructure facility was damaged in Russia’s Kaluga region of Russia as a result of a drone attack.
Explosion in Odesa
A blast rocked the City of Odesa amid an air raid alert Saturday morning.
Recruitment for war likely reason for record number of Russian visas for Nepal citizens.
In 2023, Russia issued 3,037 visas to citizens of Nepal, marking an absolute record. The spike is likely related to an ongoing war recruitment campaign.
Highway being built in Romania toward Ukraine border.
Romania plans to complete by 2026 the construction of the highway connecting Bucharest and Siret, the settlement located near the border with Ukraine.
In India’s election, Modi flags development, while opposition says democracy ‘at risk’.
India’s election begins April 19, pitting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party against an opposition alliance of over two dozen parties. While Modi is promising to continue the country’s development, the oppositi...
Elephant escapes circus and stops traffic in US
Viola, an Asian elephant and the star of Jordan World Circus, was startled by a car backfiring while she was taking a pre-show bath and broke through a fence SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel for more videos: Follow us on Twitter: Like us on Facebo...
India Elections 2024: How will the voting work?
The world's largest election kicks off on April 19 - with nearly 1 billion registered voters in India electing a new parliament. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a third term in office, but will have to wait six whole weeks until the result...
Large fiery collision partially shuts down New Mexico highway.
Fire engulfed at least two vehicles that collided on a section of the Interstate 40 in New Mexico, shutting down eastbound lanes of the highway. SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel for more videos: Follow us on Twitter: Like us on Facebook: Follow us...
‘Jesse Watters Primetime’ investigates Trump’s jury.
Jury consultant and body language expert Susan Constantine digs into the profiles of the jurors selected so far in former President Trump's hush money trial on 'Jesse Watters Primetime.' Subscribe to Fox News! Watch more Fox News Video: Watch Fox ...
Excitement grows in Paris with 100 days to the Olympics.
With just 100 days to go until the 2024 Olympics begin in Paris, preparations are full speed ahead in the city of light. NBC's Keir Simmons shares a preview. » Subscribe to NBC News: NBC News Digital is a collection of innovative and powerful news...