Ukraine live briefing: Putin to speak after Russia-backed officials in Ukraine regions call for referendums

The Kremlin is predicted to release a prerecorded address by Russian President Putin on Wednesday morning, following calls by Russia-backed officials in Ukraine for referendums to be held beginning Friday that might end in Moscow’s annexation of occupied parts of the country and self-declared separatist “republics.” Ukraine and its allies have condemned the “sham referendums.”The Kremlin is predicted to release a prerecorded address by Russian President Putin on Wednesday morning, following calls by Russia-backed officials in Ukraine for referendums to be held beginning Friday that might end in Moscow’s annexation of occupied parts of the country and self-declared separatist “republics.” Ukraine and its allies have condemned the “sham referendums.”