'The referendums will change nothing' says Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba, speaking on plans by separatist leaders in four regions of Ukraine to vote to join Russia - calling it 'an act of desperation for Russia'. Latest: 📺 Sky 501 and YouTube
Mr Medvedev, the deputy head of Russia's security council, which is chaired by Mr Putin, said votes in separatist regions are important to protect their residents and"restore historic justice" and would"completely change" Russia's future trajectory.
"An encroachment on the territory of Russia is a crime that would warrant any means of self-defence," he said, adding Russia would enshrine the new territories in its constitution so no future leader could hand them back. "That is why they fear those referendums so much in Kyiv and in the West," Mr Medvedev said."That is why they must be held."It comes as Russian stocks plunged to their lowest in a month as Moscow reignited fears it would implement martial law with new legislation and its plans to hold referendums in Russian-controlled regions of Ukraine.
Russia's parliament approved a bill to toughen punishments for several crimes such as desertion, damage to military property and insubordination if they are committed during military mobilisation or combat situations.
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