Russian occupation authorities verifying “electoral rolls” in preparation for “referendums” in Ukraine – Ukrainian intelligence sources
IRYNA BALACHUK – SATURDAY, 30 JULY 2022, 15:42
PHOTO FROM THE WEBSITE OF THE MAIN DIRECTORATE OF INTELLIGENCE OF THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE OF UKRAINE
Russia’s ruling Edinaya Rossiya (United Russia) party has begun to carry out work in preparation for the so-called referendums on joining Russia, which the Russian occupation authorities are planning to hold in the occupied areas of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia oblasts.
Source: website of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, citing Vadym Skibitskyi, spokesman for Ukrainian military intelligence
Quote from Skibitskyi: "The Main Directorate of Intelligence has clear evidence of the activities the occupiers are carrying out in preparation [for the referendum]. The ruling Edinaya Rossiya (United Russia) party has begun actively working in the temporarily occupied areas in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia oblasts. We see that measures are being taken to verify the so-called electoral rolls. In addition, they have opened polling stations where [the referendums] will be held."
Details: In addition, Ukrainian Intelligence has said that Russian passports are now being issued in the occupied territories of Ukraine.
Skibitskyi has emphasised that Ukrainian soldiers will liberate the temporarily occupied territories in eastern and southern Ukraine in order to prevent the consolidation of Russian forces in those regions and the creation of a springboard for Russia’s further offensives.
Background:
- It has earlier been reported that Russian occupation authorities in Zaporizhzhia Oblast had created an "electoral commission" to hold a "referendum" on the accession of the occupied territories of the oblast to the Russian Federation.
- On 14 July, the Russian-appointed puppet government in Zaporizhzhia Oblast announced that they want to hold a "referendum on joining the Russian Federation" in early autumn.
- The Armed Forces of Ukraine are continuing to advance in Kherson Oblast and have liberated three villages over the past two weeks.
Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda!
