White House: Russia is preparing false referenda in some Ukrainian territories, then annexing

Russia is preparing to annex more Ukrainian territory and are installing illegal “leaders” in areas under control, the White House said on 19 July.

John Kirby, spokesman for the National Security Council, said during an address from the White House that Russia is planning to organise “false referendum” in areas that it most recently occupied in September. He, too, said Moscow is preparing for the Russian rouble to be used as currency and to force residents to apply for citizenship.

Russia is also trying to take control of the broadcast towers, Kirby said, adding that these are US intelligence estimates.

“Russia has started to release its version of what it called an annexation book, very similar to what we saw in 2014” when it invaded and then annexed the Crimea, Kirby said.

“Russia has already started installing illegal officials in areas in Ukraine, which it controls”, he added.

The areas that are targeted for annexation include Herson, Zaporizjan and all Donjeckun and Luhanscu.

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A report by the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, published last week, said Russia is forcing Ukrainian citizens to accept Russian passports.

Kirby said he is again revealing Russian plans “so the world knows that any possible annexation is deliberate, illegal and unregistered”.

National Security Council spokesman said the US will respond to the actions of Russia “immediately and severely, in co-ordination with our allies and partners”. The response includes sanctions against non-legitimate “liders” appointed by Russia, he said.

He also warned that the US will present in the coming days the new package of weapons to Ukraine, which is expected to include more HIMARS systems./REL