Kyiv's allies say they will never recognise the results of votes run by Moscow-backed authorities.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked his partners for their support in the face of Russia's "noisy news".There were reports that Russia's President Vladimir Putin would give his own, rare address on Tuesday evening - potentially discussing the planned votes, or a wider troop mobilisation in Ukraine. But no speech came, and speculation shifted to Wednesday.
Cementing its control over Ukrainian land could enable Russia to make the claim that its territory - not just its army - was coming under attack from Western weapons as hostilities continue. This is because several western nations have been supplying Ukraine with weapons to help in its defence.Pro-Russian leaders in the four Ukrainian regions have supported the referendums.
The deputy head of Russia's Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, said that the votes would restore "historical justice" and be irreversible. The subsequent onslaught saw Russia take full control of Luhansk for a time - although Ukraine has now reclaimed some territory.
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