Ukraine suspects Russia may be "about to hold a referendum in Mariupol"

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 Ukraine suspects Russia may be preparing to hold a referendum in Mariupol to decide whether the city in southeastern Ukraine should be incorporated into Russia.


The Guardian reported that Petro Andryushchenko, an adviser to the mayor of Mariupol, said on May 14 that he was aware of sources that suggested that Moscow may be preparing to hold a referendum in Mariupol on the merger. this city bordering the Sea of ​​Azov to Russia.


Mariupol is one of the hot spots in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in recent times. Russia now controls most of the strategic city and cuts off Ukraine's access to the Sea of ​​Azov, with the exception of the Azovstal metallurgical plant area - where thousands of Ukrainian servicemen are still entrenched in conditions of lack of food and weapons. , and many people were injured. Russian and pro-Russian forces are tightening the encirclement around this area.


Andryushchenko said that the announcement of holding the referendum could be made soon, although he admitted there was no evidence that polling stations had been established.


The official also said that Russia seems to be moving to integrate systems in Mariupol into the Russian system in areas such as education and banking.


Russia is currently in the second phase of its military campaign and it has shifted its focus to eastern and southeastern Ukraine.


Earlier, on May 11, the Kherson region in Southern Ukraine announced that it would ask President Vladimir Putin to annex this region to Russia. Kherson is an area that Russia gained control of in the early stages of hostilities. Responding to this request, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the matter must have a legitimate and legitimate reason, and must be decided by the people of Kherson.

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