'Russia Takes Control' Ukraine Melitopol "Preparations Begin for Russia Annexation Referendum"

The red victory flag used by the former Soviet army during World War II was raised on the 1st of last month (local time) in the city of Melitopol, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, southeastern Ukraine, occupied by Russian forces.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] Melitopol, Zaporizhzhia Oblast in southern Ukraine controlled by Russian forces, has begun preparations for a referendum on joining Russia.

On the 7th (local time), according to Interfax news agency, Galina Danilchenko, head of the Melitopol city military-civilian joint administration, explained the results of the visit by Sergey Kiriyenko, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Russian Presidential Administration, in a video, saying, "Our future is connected with Russia, and Russia will be here permanently," adding, "We are now starting preparations for the referendum."

Currently, Russian forces control the entire Kherson Oblast in southern Ukraine and parts of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, including Melitopol. Melitopol is the second-largest city in Zaporizhzhia Oblast by population and the largest among the cities controlled by Russia.

It has been reported that the Russian ruble is already being used as the legal currency in the entire Kherson Oblast controlled by Russia and some neighboring areas of Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Official documents and school education are also being changed to the Russian style, and Russian systems are being introduced in transportation and communication sectors.

Some analysts believe that if the Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts in eastern Donbas, as well as the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts in the southeast, all come under Russian control, these regions could decide on joining Russia through referendums.

On the 25th of last month, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a presidential decree simplifying the process for residents of Ukrainian territories controlled by Russian forces to acquire Russian citizenship.