This thesis is spread by Russian propagandists on social networks, in particular, it was mentioned by Russian Foreign Minister Serhii Lavrov. Such reports say that residents of the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine can independently decide what to do with sovereignty, together with the occupying authorities. However, this is not true.

In fact, as reported by StopFake fact-checkers, Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine is a flagrant violation of the UN Charter. According to the document, Russia does not have the right to hold any so-called "referenda" in Ukraine, since "each state must refrain from any action aimed at the partial or complete violation of the national unity and territorial integrity of any other state or country".

Even if the Ukrainians want to hold a referendum, this should take place under the auspices of the Ukrainian government, and not the occupation. According to Section III of the Constitution of Ukraine, the All-Ukrainian referendum is appointed by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine or the President of Ukraine.