That’s it for the Ukraine Live Blog today. Here is a reminder of what has happened so far:
Putin postponed a planned address to the Russian nation today to tomorrow morning, reported Russian media. The planned speech was going to cover new annexations of Ukrainian territory.
The proxy Russian authorities in four occupied areas of Ukraine – Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia – have all announced on Tuesday their intentions to hold referendums between 23-27 September on joining the Russian Federation.
The White House rejected Russia’s plans to hold referenda in parts of Ukraine, adding that Moscow may be making the move to recruit troops in those areas after suffering extensive losses on the battlefield.
Several world leaders have said they will not recognize any referenda or new annexations of Ukrainian territory, with French president Emmanuel Macron calling the plan a “parody”.
Thank you and good night!
Other world leaders have condemned the planned referenda from Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories about joining the Russian nation.
Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau called the referenda “unacceptable”, adding that Canada would never recognize any such territories as part of Russia, reported Reuters.
“Canada denounces Russia’s planned ‘referendums’ in occupied regions of Ukraine. We will never recognize them,” posted Trudeau to Twitter.
Canada denounces Russia’s planned “referendums” in occupied regions of Ukraine. We will never recognize them. This is a blatant violation of international law. It is a further escalation of war. And it is unacceptable.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) September 20, 2022
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell also said that the EU strongly condemns Russia’s plans to hold referenda, reported Reuters.
“Russia, its political leadership, and all those involved in these ‘referenda’ and other violations of international law in Ukraine will be held accountable, and additional restrictive measures against Russia would be considered,” Borrell said.
