The Russian-backed eastern Ukrainian rebel region of Luhansk said on Sunday it may hold a referendum on joining Russia, drawing a warning from Kyiv that any such vote would have no legal basis and trigger a stronger international response, report agencies.
Three days before ordering the Feb 24 invasion of Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin recognised the Ukrainian rebel regions of Luhansk and Donetsk as independent states, though the rest of the world considers them part of Ukraine.
Ukraine, which says it is fighting for its existence against what it casts as an imperial-style land grab by Russia, has repeatedly said it will never agree to Russia's annexation of its territory - the hardest part of peace talks with Moscow.
"The people will exercise their ultimate constitutional right and express their opinion on joining the Russian Federation."
Earlier, the head of Ukrainian military intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, says Russia is trying to "create North and South Korea in Ukraine",
The White House says President Biden was not calling for regime change when he said Vladimir Putin "cannot remain in power"
However, the Kremlin responded by saying: "That's not for Biden to decide - the president of Russia is elected by Russians"
The western city of Lviv, which had been spared the worst of the fighting, has come under heavy rocket fire
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy urged the West to give Ukraine tanks, planes and missiles to help fend off the Russian forces, which the Kyiv government said were increasingly targeting fuel and food depots.
US officials continued efforts to soften comments on Saturday from US President Joe Biden, who said in a fiery speech in Poland that Russian leader Vladimir Putin "cannot remain in power".
Rebel region may join Russia
Ukraine calls for more arms
FE Team | Published: March 28, 2022 00:38:17
Rebel region may join Russia
Share if you like