In Mariupol, Russians pace up preparations for "referendum"

Petro Andriushchenko, an advisor to the Mariupol mayor, reported this on Telegram, according to Ukrinform.

"Referendum. According to our information, a new fantasy order has arrived from the Kremlin – to reach the border of Donetsk region by September 15. Therefore, preparations for the ‘referendum’ have been renewed. They are trying to form four election commissions – so far with no success," Andriushchenko wrote.

He also noted that at the same time, chiefs of household management companies and the Committee of Population Self-Organization received an instruction to update the register of Mariupol residents.

"People are receiving calls en masse, being asked whether they intend to cast ballots. At the same time, the date is yet to be announced," the mayor's advisor stated.

As reported, Russia's aggression caused a major humanitarian disaster in Mariupol. The city was almost completely destroyed as a result of enemy shelling.

Mariupol is currently cut off stable power, water, and gas supplies. Since the Russian invasion, about 22,000 civilians have been killed in town. More than 50,000 were deported to Russia and the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk region.

Mariupol is facing an environmental disaster and an outbreak of infectious diseases.

The Russian invaders announced collaborator Konstantin Ivashchenko as Mariupol “mayor” and are trying to create a picture of "city life reviving."

Residents have been resisting the "authorities," distributing stickers and leaflets with Ukrainian symbols throughout the city. On Ukraine’s Independence Day, August 24, the resistance movement hoisted a Ukrainian Flag in Mariupol.

It was previously reported that the invaders intend to hold a "referendum" on the annexation of the captured territories to the Russian Federation on September 11.