Five regions of Russia have announced the start of primaries to determine their leaders

The Organizing Committee of the "National Online Referendum on the Self-Determination of the Russian Federation Republics" has declared the beginning of the voting process in the primary stage for leaders who could lead these regions after their exit from the Russian Federation. The regions in question are Ingria (currently St. Petersburg and Leningrad Oblast), Königsberg (currently Kaliningrad and the surrounding region), Kuban, Ural, and Siberia. The voting is taking place on the organization's website.

"We, as representatives of the independent republics of Königsberg (Kaliningrad and the surrounding region), Ingria (St. Petersburg and Leningrad Oblast), Kuban (Krasnodar Krai), Siberia, and Ural, announce the beginning of the voting for leaders capable of heading the transitional governments of the new states on the territory of post-Russia," stated the initiative group. "We thank everyone who participated in the formation of shortlists of candidates. The engagement of the residents of the new republics once again demonstrates the significance of the issue of independence from Moscow," the organizers noted.

At this stage, each voting participant can cast a vote for one candidate in each region.

"Some of the candidates have surprised us, but the people themselves will determine the vote of confidence in the new elites," the organizers stated.

According to Ukrainian Member of Parliament Oleg Dundyy, who supports the realization of the right to self-determination for the regions and national republics of Russia from the Ukrainian side, after the online voting results are announced, the leaders identified in the survey will be entrusted with the mission of legalizing the sovereignties for which the residents of these five regions voted in February 2023.

"The main task we set for this voting process is to identify individuals who, on one hand, are capable of leading the new states and, on the other hand, enjoy the trust of the people. After conducting the online survey, negotiations and contacts will be established with these individuals," the MP said.

Recalling that during the online referendum, 72.1% in Königsberg, 66.2% in Ingria, 55.7% in Kuban, 63.9% in Siberia, and 68.2% in Ural voted in favor of secession from Russia.

Due to the conduct of these primaries, the organizers have postponed the online referendums on self-determination for Chuvashia, Karelia, Voronezh Oblast, Belgorod Oblast, and Novgorod Oblast from June 15 to July 1 in order to separate these two important voting events in time.