The Kremlin could decide on pseudo-referendums in the occupied Ukrainian lands. Russia may even draw 80% support for itself.
Before the end of the year, the Russians may lose the territories they control and plan to annex. About this for Channel 24said Alexander Solontai, director of policy programs at the Institute of Political Education.
“Apparently, realizing that they will lose territories, they want to squeeze out the maximum of political, propaganda operations from them,” Solontai said.
Russians hope for a new occupation
According to the expert, there is a possibility that the occupiers are happy, because they will allegedly annex additional territories soon. Ukraine, as Solontai noted, has a pessimistic scenario when the existing front line is fixed. There is also an optimistic one – this is the liberation of part of the occupied territories and the border on February 24. There is also a victorious option that we will return all our occupied cities and villages and Russia will fall apart.
the occupiers are also considering 3 scenarios. However, they are still considering the option that they can go ahead. This is not the case in our scripts. It is possible that they will move further and occupy something new,” Solontai believes.
He added that the occupiers will not be able to hold referendums due to the resistance of the local population and the fact that people are fleeing the occupied lands. The liquidation of collaborators is also a factor.
“In fact, the Russians cannot start life in the occupied territories. It will be even worse. The cold is coming and even those who hesitate will also run away from these territories,” – added Solontai.
