September 23, 2022

The referenda of four Ukrainian regions on joining Russia started on Friday amid the US and Europe's strong opposition and pledges of more sanctions against Russia, while Chinese observers said the Russia-Ukraine conflict will enter a new phase, as Russia may maximize the use of the natural gas card and Europe is likely to taste the bitter results of tying itself tightly to the US. 

According to TASS, the first day of the referenda proceeded calmly, and combat readiness has been beefed up for the referenda and all polling stations are being guarded. 

The process of the Donbass and other "liberated territories" joining Russia will proceed quickly in the event their residents vote in favor of the move, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday, according to TASS. 

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