The Russian leadership is recruiting Russians to participate in pseudo-elections in occupied Ukrainian territories, Andriy Yusov, a representative of the Ukrainian Defence Ministry's Main Intelligence Directorate has told the news telethon.
"Several scenarios are being considered, including the scenario of postponement. But if we talk about the preparation and holding of these pseudo-elections, they are currently recruiting Russian citizens from Russia proper to [bring them to] occupied Ukrainian territories. Because without Russians, the ruscists will not be able to hold these elections in the occupied territories under any circumstances," he said.
According to him, this is another indication that the local population does not support the Russians at all.
"And finally, the propaganda purpose of these pseudo-elections has already been undermined, because neither for the world, nor for the local population, nor from the point of view of Ukrainian legislation, this procedure has any substance and is absolutely worthless. Like many other absurd actions of Putin's terrorist regime," Yusov added.
As for the Russians who are brought to the occupied territories for the elections, Yusov said there are thousands of them.
"Therefore, from observers to campaigners and, of course, heads of district commissions and many other things - yes, these will be Russian occupation guest workers," he said.
The Russians want to hold pseudo-elections in the occupied territories in September 2023.