The results from Russia’s hastily held referendums in the occupied regions of eastern Ukraine have been announced, and Russia is claiming almost unanimous support for their proposed annexations.

The referendums — considered illegitimate by almost the entire international community — were held late last week. Many are now concerned this could pave the way for Putin to use nuclear weaponry should Ukrainian forces encroach on what the Kremlin sees as a redrawn border.

Mary Ilyushina is a Russia reporter for our editorial partners at The Washington Post and talks with Here & Now‘s Scott Tong from Latvia.

This article was originally published on WBUR.org.

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