Russia is preparing to hold pseudo-referendums in occupied Ukrainian territories, and Putin has not expressed readiness to end the war.
The US sees signs that Russia may try to hold a “referendum” in the occupied Ukrainian territories in September. This was said by the coordinator for strategic communications at the White House National Security Council, John Kirby, in an interview with the Dozhd TV channel.
“We still see signs that Russia will still have a quasi-referendum early this month. This is their way of getting some kind of political legitimacy to the military achievements they have made or want to make,” Kirby said.
At the same time, he emphasized that the United States will never recognize the result of the Russian “referendum” on the occupied territories.
Kirby also noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin has shown an unwillingness to end the war.
“This is not a war with the United States, this is not a war with NATO. Putin chose to go to war with Ukraine and the Ukrainians. And, unfortunately, nothing we see today allows us to have any hope that he is ready to end this war, by killing peaceful Ukrainians,” he said.
He also commented on the statements of representatives of the Russian authorities that the supply of Western weapons to Ukraine only prolongs the conflict. Kirby said, “This conflict has only been prolonged by Putin’s desire to continue it.”
“Putin can end the war now if he agrees to withdraw his troops and willingly sits with Zelensky at the negotiating table to discuss the end of this conflict. Of course, Zelensky must decide for himself whether he is ready for negotiations, and we must respect him as the supreme commander” Kirby said.
He added that in recent days Putin has also shown that he is not interested in ending the war.
Earlier it was reported that Ukrainians for participating in “referendums” face criminal liability.
Putin plans to gather forces for a new offensive in Ukraine – ISW
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Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.