President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky. Archive photoSIMFEROPOL, Aug 8 State Duma deputy from the Crimean region Mikhail Sheremet criticized Volodymyr Zelensky for his words about the consequences for Russia if referendums are held in the liberated territories of Ukraine. In a video message published on his Telegram channel, Zelensky said that holding referendums in the southern regions controlled by the Russian Armed Forces will close any opportunity for Russia to negotiate with Ukraine and the «free world». Zaporozhye responded to Kyiv's statements about the «return» of the territories «All this is another Zelensky chatter, which, like Moska, a famous character in a fable, is trying to intimidate Russia and at the same time spit on the opinion and right to self-determination of the Ukrainian people living in the liberated Kherson and Zaporozhye regions,» — Sheremet told RIA Novosti. According to him, one should not pay attention to the words of Zelensky, who personally no longer decides anything. «People in the liberated territories will make their own historical choice, and Russia will only act as a guarantor of security and the opportunity to make this choice in calm conditions. Zelensky will not be able to intimidate people «, Sheremet emphasized. During the special operation, the Russian military took control of the Kherson region and the Azov part of the Zaporozhye region. New administrations have been formed in both regions, Russian TV channels and radio stations are broadcasting, and trade ties with Crimea are being restored. The regions announced their plans to become part of Russia.
