‘DNR’ and ‘LNR’ public chambers call for referendums on Russian annexation

The public chambers of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics have appealed to their respective leaders to hold referendums on their incorporation into Russia, according to TASS. Interfax reported that “LNR” officials asked for the referendum to be held “immediately,” claiming Russian annexation would “secure the territory of the LNR and open new opportunities for its restoration.”

• According to sources close to the Kremlin, Ukraine’s successful counteroffensive in early September led the Russian authorities to “indefinitely” postpone their plans to hold referendums on annexing more Ukrainian territory.