An assessment by UK defence analysts suggests that Russia’s plan to hold a referendum in an eastern Ukraine region where it is seeking to take control is now at an advanced stage.
In its daily update, the defence ministry in London said, “It is likely that Russia is in the advanced planning stages to hold a referendum. Though it is unclear if the final decision to go ahead with a vote has yet been taken.”
Russia had earlier disclosed that it was aiming to gain control of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of eastern Ukraine when it launched its invasion of the neighbouring country. The two regions together make up the Donbas, a province once controlled by Russian-backed separatists.
Moscow’s troops had however gained control of Luhansk but have not yet conquered Donetsk where battles are currently in motion.
“The Kremlin will likely see the military’s failure to occupy the entirety of Donetsk Oblast thus far as a setback for its maximalist objectives in Ukraine,” the Ministry said.
New Zealand however plans to send 120 defence staff to Britain to help train Ukrainian soldiers according to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. She said two teams would train Ukrainian infantry with essential skills for frontline combat, including weapon handling, combat first aid, operational law, and more.
The Prime Minister said training soldiers is Ukraine’s highest priority at the moment.
