Russia issues fresh nuclear threat as it pushes ahead with 'illegal' Ukraine referendums

Annexation polls were due to close Tuesday in Kremlin-controlled regions of Ukraine, as officials in Moscow repeated warnings that Russia could use nuclear weapons to defend the territories from Ukrainian counter-attacks. Kyiv and its allies have denounced the votes as a sham and said the West would never recognise the results of the ballots that have dramatically ratcheted up the stakes of Russia's seven-month invasion. Kremlin-installed officials in the four regions have said the outcome could be announced as early as Tuesday evening or Wednesday. Joining FRANCE 24 to discuss Russia's controversial referendums and ensuing nuclear threats is Tetyana Orgakova, Journalist and Head of International Outreach at the Ukraine Crisis Media Center. Ms. Orgakova explains that "Ukraine will never recognize the results" of the "illegal" referenda, taking place in the occupied territories. "They are forced referenda, so people are not free to choose."