Russia is facing criticism once more as parts of Ukraine controlled by Russian forces, including the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics, signalled they plan to move forward with referendum votes that would allow them to be annexed by Russia.

The Kremlin has said repeatedly the issue is a matter for the local Russian-installed officials and citizens of the regions to decide, but Ukrainian officials say the move is a stunt.

"The Russians can do whatever they want. It will not change anything," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said.

Residents in the country have mixed opinions, with one woman who was displaced from Kherson — a city in one of the regions facing a referendum — condemning the move.

"We don't need Russia neither in our Kherson region, nor in all of Ukraine. We didn't invite them here, and they have to leave," Olena said.

Meanwhile, some residents in Luhansk have voiced their opinion in favour of joining Russia.
"My generation was brought up in the Soviet Union. And we think the collapse of the Soviet Union was a mistake," Olga said. "You can't go back but we need to unite again."

The votes are expected to take place Sept. 23 to 27 in the Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions.

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