Could Forthcoming Donbass Referenda be Russia’s "Defense-Oriented" Response to Kharkov? - Global Research
Global ResearchMAR 23 2023
The Spin
Anti-Russia narrative
The referenda being held in the Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine are a brazen exercise in propaganda. Russia has no right to annex any Ukrainian territory, and these referenda are illegitimate. Thankfully, the votes will have no impact on the ground or on Ukraine's resolve.
Pro-Russia narrative
The referenda are being held openly and transparently, and the people of eastern and southern Ukraine have the full right to secede from those in Kyiv who have oppressed them. The move is also highly strategic, as Moscow's opponents will suddenly find themselves engaged in a war on Russian territory, both de facto and legally.