Vereshchuk warned that Ukrainians could be punished for participating in the so-called "referenda"

For participation in pseudo-referenda, which the Russians intend to hold in the occupied territories of Ukraine, a real term will threaten. Irina Vereshchuk, Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories, stated this on the air of the telethon.

"Referendums", no matter how the occupiers call them, are all elements of the crime that Russia is committing against our state. They are currently in a closed phase with an open date. We understand and see this very well. There are no and will not be any "referendums" on our Ukrainian soil," Vereshchuk said.

At the same time, she noted that everything that the Russians are doing now cannot be called the will of the people. She also emphasized that the West will never recognize any results of the so-called "vote".

All this is a farce and a circus. But for our citizens who will take part in this, this is an article of the Criminal Code. Therefore, I once again urge everyone who can to evacuate. And if it so happened that people are forced to stay in the uncontrolled territories, do not vote in any "referendums," the minister said.

She noted that for such an act could face up to 12 years in prison. She also warned that there would be no justification for such an act.

Vereshchuk advised calling the hotline at 15-48 to get help in evacuating to the free territory of Ukraine.