President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky gave an interview to the German publication Bild, in which he commented for the first time on the mobilization in Russia and spoke about the "referendums" that the Russian authorities are going to hold in four Ukrainian regions.
According to Zelensky, the mobilization announced by Putin speaks, first of all, of problems with military personnel in the country, in particular, with officers.
“We already know that they mobilized cadets, guys who didn’t know how to fight. They died. They didn't even finish their studies. All these people cannot fight. They come to us and die. He [Putin] sees that his army is simply running away. <…> He wants to drown Ukraine in blood, but also in the blood of his soldiers.”
On the “referendums” that Russia is preparing in the so-called DPR, LPR, as well as Zaporozhye and Kherson regions, the Ukrainian president spoke as follows: “We will act according to our plans – step by step. I am sure that we will liberate our territory. These are fictitious referendums, 90% of states do not recognize them.”
At the same time, Zelensky is convinced that Putin will not use nuclear weapons. “I do not believe that he will use this weapon. I don’t think the world will allow him to use this weapon,” the President of Ukraine said. At the same time, according to Zelensky, it is impossible to “look into the head” of Putin.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on September 21 announced a "partial mobilization" in the country. His decree is worded vaguely: it does not contain any criteria for mobilization or quotas, so everyone can be sent to fight in Ukraine, according to the decree, say experts interviewed by The Insider.
On September 20, the authorities of the so-called LPR and DPR announced that "referendums" on joining Russia would be held on their territories. These statements were later joined by the occupying authorities of the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions. "Voting" will be held on September 23-27.