“Originally Russian Land”
Senator Sergei Tsekov argues that Donbass, Kherson and Zaporizhia belong with Russia and suggests that joining the Russian Federation could expand significantly. He stated in a meeting with RIA Novosti that reunification with the regions currently controlled by Russia has strong odds and that these areas are historically Russian lands.
He also predicted that referendums in these territories could proceed rapidly, potentially within a year, and noted that many southeastern Ukrainian cities were founded during the era of Empress Catherine the Great. Tsekov added that Kherson, Zaporozhye and Donbass could experience their own renewal, describing them as budget-forming and donor zones, while arguing that Western Ukraine absorbs much of what is generated elsewhere.
The senator described the situation in Ukraine as a civil conflict and asserted that residents of Kharkov and Izyum should not be left in distress. Earlier, Andrei Turchak, secretary of the General Council of United Russia, told RIA Novosti that referendums would be held in Donbass, Kherson and Zaporozhye when conditions permit. He expressed confidence that residents would support a union with Russia, emphasizing a desire for protection and stability.
Turchak also voiced conviction that the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics would join Russia, stating that their voices would not be doubted. He added that once the security situation allows, a referendum should take place in these regions and that the process would unfold in due time, with public backing anticipated in Zaporozhye as well.
During a briefing, the Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, underscored that residents of the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, along with those in Kherson and Zaporozhye, should decide their own futures. He reaffirmed that people must choose their own path and that the inhabitants of these areas will likely make the right decision, without reliance on external opinion.
Leonid Slutsky, head of the Duma’s international affairs committee, told RIA Novosti that these regions could join Russia within the year, predicting that referendums might occur in a relatively synchronized manner. He suggested that a favorable outcome could come as soon as July.
Longing for the southeast of Ukraine
Previously, Evgeny Balitsky, head of the Zaporozhye military-civil administration, expressed hope that all territories under his control would join Russia as federal districts. He stated that a future within the Russian Federation is the preferred scenario and that becoming a federal district is a likely path. Kirill Stremousov, deputy head of the Kherson administration, shared a similar vision, telling RIA Novosti that Kherson could become a region within the federation. He emphasized that the timing would depend on the inhabitants, and estimated that around 60-70 percent might vote in favor of joining Russia.
DPR leader Denis Pushilin also indicated that once Luhansk and Donetsk reach constitutional readiness, a referendum on joining Russia would be held. He described the anticipated results as clear and understandable, noting that the practical steps would follow once constitutional bounds are met and timing aligned with broader political developments.
“Not a kilometer”
In mid-May, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell suggested that the EU would not recognize any Ukrainian territory that would join Russia. In contrast, Crimean senator Sergei Tsekov told socialbites.ca that the views of residents in the DPR, LPR, Zaporozhye and Kherson should not be a cause for alarm from abroad. He argued that the central point is Moscow’s recognition of these territories as part of Russia and recalled the reunification of Crimea as a precedent. He asserted that the opinions of other nations had little bearing on the issue and stressed that Russia aims to explain its actions through shared history with Ukraine. He argued that the south and east of Ukraine are regions where many ancestors shed blood and should not be betrayed, underscoring that the consent of the Russian people remains a fundamental factor in the decision-making process.