Ukraine war: Five things you need to know about the conflict this Wednesday
The Russian-controlled region of Kherson in southern Ukraine has begun preparations for a referendum on joining Russia, according to a local official.
Kirill Stremousov, deputy head of the Moscow-imposed administration, told Reuters on Tuesday that the vote would take place in "the coming half-year" without specifying an exact date.
“We’re preparing for the referendum and we will carry it out," he said on Telegram, adding that local residents would be allowed to choose between becoming part of Russia or not.
Many believe that the referendum is only done as a formality and that the Kremlin will ensure the result goes in Russia's favour.
The Russian official added that the people there will be treated as Russian nationals. He also said that a passenger railway linking Moscow and Kherson would be provided.
The region has been under Russian control since the early days of the war, with its capital city, Kherson, captured by Moscow's troops on 2 March.
The distribution of Russian passports started weeks ago in the Russian-controlled areas, which have now been occupied for four months.
Russian forces battled Wednesday to surround the Ukrainian army’s last stronghold in the country's long-contested eastern region.
Moscow is fighting to capture Lysychansk and surrounding villages in the Luhansk region, where Ukrainian troops are currently battling to prevent their encirclement.
The UK's defence ministry said Russian forces were making “incremental advances” in their offensive to capture the city.
Lysychansk is the last major area in the Donbas region under Ukrainian control, following the retreat of Ukraine's forces from the neighbouring city of Sievierodonetsk.
Russian troops and their separatist allies control 95% of Luhansk and
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