Kherson region begins preparations for referendum to join Russia: Kremlin-backed official

As war batters Ukrainian cities of strategic significance with signs of conflict ceasing anywhere in sight, Kirill Stremousov, Deputy He of Russia-backed Regional Military-Civilian ministration, said that authorities have begun "making preparations" for a referendum on accession to Russia. He claimed that Kherson region will decide on joining Russia and become a "full-fledged constituent entity," TASS reported.  statement of Kirill Stremousov comes amid war between Russia and Ukraine, which has entered its 126th day. 

Earlier on June 21, Kirill Stremousov said that he expected Kherson to become a Russian constituent member by end of 2022. He anunced that y will hold a referendum and expressed confidence that most of people in Kherson region would support decision of becoming part of Russia, as per TASS report. Following referendum, y will call on Russian government for "Russia's membership, according to Stremousov. He stressed that Russia will permit m to have a "promising future of ir own." Kirill Stremousov furr claimed that Ukraine has "failed as a country and a Western project." 

Babies born after 24 February to receive Russian citizenship: Kirill Stremousov

Meanwhile, Kirill Stremousov, on 16 June, anunced that all babies born in Kherson after February 24 will receive Russian citizenship, According to Stremousov, orphans living in region have "alrey received Russian citizenship," as per news report. Earlier in March, Russian Defence Ministry anunced that armed forces of Moscow have fully captured Kherson region. A military-civilian ministration was set up in Kherson region in April. military-civilian ministration anunced intentions to make region part of Russia. 

Russia-Ukraine War 

Ever since Russian President Vlimir Putin ordered a "special military operation" in Ukraine on February, hostilities between two nations have caused dam in war-torn nation. Meanwhile, Ukraine has claimed that Russia has lost more than 35,000 soldiers since war began on February 24. In dition, Russian army has lost 1,572 tanks, 3720 armoured personnel vehicles, and 781 artillery systems since onset of war. Apart from this, Russian armed forces suffered a loss of 246 multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS), 103 anti-aircraft warfare systems, 217 aircraft, 185 helicopters, 2589 vehicles and fuel tanks, 14 ships or boats, 640 unmanned aerial vehicles, 61 special units and 142 cruise missiles.

Im: AP