Luhansk and Donetsk regions set date for referendum on joining Russia
The two "people's republics" of Luhansk and Donetsk in eastern Ukraine - which are recognized by Russia - are planning to hold referendums on joining the Russian Federation this week in a controversial process.
The two regions announced on Tuesday that the referendum will be held from September 23 to 27.
The mock referendums are seen as a reaction to the current Ukrainian counter-offensive in the east of the country.
Russia similarly annexed Ukraine's Crimea in 2014. The vote has not been recognized internationally.
It is also unlikely that this time the two referendums will be recognized.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev had previously called for referendums to be held in Moscow-controlled areas of Ukraine to permanently annex them to Russia.
Today, Tuesday, Medvedev wrote on his account on the social networking site "Telegram": "After their implementation (these referendums), and the inclusion of new regions in the structure of Russia, the geopolitical transformation in the world will take on an irreversible character," adding that Russia will be able to use "all means to protect autonomy” after the accession of these regions.
Follow our latest local and sports news and the latest political and economic developments via Google news