Zelensky: "If Russia Forces Referendum on Occupied Territories' Annexation, No Peace Talks Will Occur"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that if Russia proceeds with a referendum to annex the occupied territories in Ukraine, he will refuse to engage in peace negotiations. With the Russian government expected to push forward with the referendum next month, concerns are rising that the war between the two countries could become more prolonged.

On the 7th (local time), President Zelensky stated in a video posted on his Telegram account, "If the Russian occupiers conduct a fake referendum, it will result in Ukraine and the Western free world closing the door to dialogue that has been ongoing," adding, "Negotiations and dialogue are something Russia will need at some point."

He continued, "Our position remains unchanged that we will not give up anything that belongs to us." This is interpreted as a declaration to prevent Russia from repeating the precedent set in 2014 when it forcibly annexed Crimea following a referendum.

Russian forces are reportedly preparing for a referendum next month to incorporate the occupied territories in eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region, southern Kherson Oblast, and southeastern Zaporizhzhia Oblast into Russia. In particular, there are expectations that a referendum will be forcibly held next month in Kherson Oblast, which Russia first occupied in March.

As Russia’s referendum plans become more visible, Ukraine and Russia are reportedly concentrating troops around the Kherson area. According to The New York Times (NYT), Russian forces are establishing defensive positions along the Dnipro River in Kherson, while Ukraine is increasing pressure by destroying roads and bridges, as well as targeting enemy command centers and supply bases.

Ukrainian officials fear that if they fail to retake the Kherson region by next month, when the referendum is expected to be held, they may lose the area entirely. A senior Ukrainian official told The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) in an interview, "If we do not retake Kherson before it is annexed by Russia, the residents will ultimately be forced to choose Russia, and if that happens, we will lose this place forever."