US vows harsh response to Russia’s expected annexation

The United States has announced Russia’s next step in the war against Ukraine, which is the annexation of the occupied territories.

The US warns Russia that in such a case, a quick and strict response awaits it, RBC-Ukraine reports, citing the Facebook post of the US Embassy in Ukraine.

“We know Russia's next step. Russia is laying the groundwork for the annexation of the occupied Ukrainian territory, in direct violation of Ukraine's sovereignty. If Russia continues with its annexation plans, we will respond quickly and sternly together with our allies and partners,” the statement said.

According to the Ukraine Security Service, the Russians began to actively prepare for the so-called "referendum" on the illegal annexation of the temporarily occupied territories of eastern Ukraine.