DISINFO: Zelensky neo-Nazi regime uses terrorism to obstruct the referendums
SUMMARY
Zelenskyy's neo-Nazi regime is trying in every way to obstruct the expression of will of the citizens [in Kherson, Zaporizhzhia and Donbas oblasts] by carrying out acts of state terrorism.
RESPONSE
Pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives on "Nazi" Ukraine, presented as justification for Russian military aggression against Ukraine and the sham referenda in occupied Ukrainian territories used to motivate the annexation of Ukrainian territories.
Ukraine is not a Nazi state and Nazism is not Ukraine’s ideology.
The myth of Nazi-ruled Ukraine has been the cornerstone of Russian disinformation about the country since the very beginning of the 2013-14 Euromaidan protests, when it was used to discredit the pro-European popular uprising in Kyiv and, subsequently, the broader pro-Western shift in Ukraine's foreign policy.
Russia has held illegal referendums on four occupied oblasts of Ukraine (Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson) on September 23-26. In each case, Russia does not fully control the territories where so-called referendums are taking place. As stated EU High Representative Josep Borrell:
“The European Union strongly condemns these planned illegal “referenda” which go against the legal and democratically elected Ukrainian authorities, are in violation of Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and in blatant breach of international law. The results of such actions will be null and void and would not be recognised by the EU and its Member States.
Since the start of the invasion Russia has intimidated, illegally detained, tortured and abducted Ukrainian citizens and a significant part of the original population in the invaded areas has been forced to flee. Legally elected local officials have, in some cases, been forcibly replaced. Access to the internet, free and independent media and freedom of expression have also been greatly restricted.
Therefore, these illegal “votes” cannot be considered under any circumstance as the free expression of the will of the people living in these regions under constant Russian military threat and intimidation".
Commenting the so-called “referenda” in Ukraine conducted in areas under Russian occupation, UN Secretary-General Guterres reiterated that the annexation of a State’s territory by another State resulting from the threat or use of force is a violation of the Principles of the UN Charter.
Read similar cases claiming that the "referenda" in eastern Ukraine done with the same legal norms as in France, that inhabitants of Donbas, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts want freely join with Russia and that Kherson residents want to join Russia, not Ukraine.