Russian troops can accelerate preparation for pseudo -referendum - an institute of war study

Analysts cite as an example of the statement of Melitopol Ivan Fedorov, who claims that resistance makes the occupiers constantly change plans for "referendum". "Now they are considering the possibility of seven -day" voting "at home. The Russian military will go home and interview Melitopol residents," Fedorov said. The counter -offensive of the Ukrainian military also affects the plans of the occupiers on the ground, experts stated.

If the Russian occupation authorities arrange home pseudo -referendums, they will have much more opportunities for the direct intimidation of civilians, the authors of the report warned. "In such circumstances, the results of the vote in accordance with the desired Kremlin are not required. The possibility of independent supervision is excluded," experts said.

The Russian military will turn "surveys" into intelligence gathering operations to identify pro -Ukrainian supporters in the occupied territories. The absence of polling stations will remove problems with the hiring of bureaucrats for the "referendum". "The Russian forces have tried hard to recruit these positions of people on the ground. Voting at home limits the opportunities for guerrilla attacks on these places," analysts summed up.

We will remind that President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned about the punishment of all involved in illegal referendums in Kherson and Zaporizhzhya regions. In mid -July, Russia conducted a survey on the "referendum" in the temporarily occupied territories of Kherson and Zaporizhzhya regions. Previous results expressed the desire of 30% of Ukrainians to join areas to the Russian Federation. Moscow believes that she will be able to get the right result.