[pierrem15]

Putin is trying rush an annexation and then claim Ukraine is escalating the conflict by attacking “Russia”.

[caww]

Not a Rush.....these conflct areas have been hot since 2014 and before that.

[Cathi]

The desire for a quick referendum is totally based on Russian law on the use of conscripts. They cannot be used outside of Russia unless Russia has been attacked or there is an actual war.

The purpose of these areas becoming part of Russia is that they can dramatically increase forces by bringing conscripts into those regions.

Russia is preparing an escalation which requires more troops.

[canuck_conservative]

* BINGO *

you got it

of course, these “referendums” will have zero credibility internationally, so the war (and sanctions) will continue