KYIV: Four areas of Ukraine controlled by Russia and pro-Moscow forces were preparing to hold referendums on Friday on joining Russia, votes widely condemned by the West as illegitimate and a precursor to illegal annexation. Russian-installed leaders on Tuesday announced plans for the ballots, a ch»»»

The referendums have been backed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and come after nearly seven months of the war, and a critical battlefield defeat suffered by Moscow in northeastern Ukraine this month. Four areas of Ukraine – controlled by Russia and pre-Moscow forces – are readying to hold refe»»»

Four areas of Ukraine controlled by pro-Moscow forces were preparing on Friday to hold referendums on joining Russia, a move widely condemned by the west as illegitimate and a precursor to illegal annexation. Voting in the Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia provinces, representing about 15%»»»

SummaryCompaniesLuhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia voteAreas represent about 15% of Ukraine territoryVotes seen as paving the way for Russian escalationReferendums face widespread international criticismKYIV, Sept 23 (Reuters) - Four areas of Ukraine controlled by Russia and pro-Moscow forc»»»