Live blog: Russian referendums will destroy possibility of talks – Ukraine Russia’s ex-leader Dmitry Medvedev hails proposals by Moscow-backed separatists and says such referendums will change the path of Russian history, as fighting continues in Ukraine for the 209th day. «Without the referendums, there is still the smallest chance for a diplomatic solution. After the referendums – no,» Serhiy Nykyforov said. (AFP) Tuesday, September 20, 2022 Ukraine: Russian referendums will destroy possibility of talks Any referendums on joining Russia in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories would destroy any remaining window for talks between Kiev and Moscow, Ukrainian publication Liga.net cited the Ukrainian president''s office spokesperson as saying. «Without the referendums, there is still the smallest chance for a diplomatic solution. After the referendums – no,» Liga.net quoted Serhiy Nykyforov as saying. He made the comments in response to Russian-backed officials in four occupied Ukrainian regions announcing plans for referendums over the next week on formally joining Russia. 2.