BBC: Putin this week can announce annexing occupied regions

There is a “real possibility” that Russian President Vladimir Putin announces annexing Ukraine's conquered regions when it is addressed Friday to the Russian Parliament.

Disredited referenda are under way in the country's occupied areas for several days and are expected to end today.

Ukraine and the West say the result has already been decided by the Kremlin and will be used as an excuse for an illegal land kidnapping, the BBC reports.

Russia's “leaders hope that any accession announcement will be seen as an excuse for special military operation and will consolidate patriotic support for conflict”, the defence ministry emphasises.

It is said that this “hope will likely be undermined by increased awareness of Russia's recent obstacles in the field of battle and considerable concern for partial mobilization announced last week. / BBC/