Three sources of Medusa, close to the administration of the President of Russia, said that in mid-May, the "DPR" and "LPR" may hold referendums on the accession of self-proclaimed republics to Russia.

The two interlocutors even named the dates of the upcoming referendums - May 14 and 15, 2022.

At the same time, both territories can join within the borders recognized by Russia on February 21, that is, within the "historical" borders of Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine, despite the fact that many large settlements there are still controlled by Kyiv.

On the same dates, according to Medusa sources, a referendum may be held in the Kherson region, which is partially occupied by Russia, on independence from Ukraine and the creation of the Kherson People's Republic on the model of the DNR and LNR.

It may also be annexed to Russia in the future, Medusa's interlocutors believe.

Medusa sources said that the referendums were originally planned for the end of April, but were postponed due to the failures of the Russian army in the war with Ukraine.

It is possible that they may be postponed again for the same reason.

Medusa sources emphasize that the presidential administration does not believe that Russia should join the "depressed regions" - but this is Putin's personal wish.

The administrations of the self-proclaimed republics did not respond to Medusa's inquiries.

Earlier, separatist leaders said they supported referendums on the accession of "DPR" and "LPR" to Russia, but after the war.

, a spokesman for the Russian president,

did not answer Medusa's questions.

RBC previously reported that the separatist-controlled territory will now be overseen by the head of the Kremlin's domestic political bloc, First Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration

.

It is alleged that he recently visited Donetsk.