The chief of the Russia-held Ukrainian province of Zaporizhzhia, Yevhen Balytskyi, signed a decree in Melitopol about the region holding a referendum on joining Russia, according to a report published by Ria News on Monday.
The region, currently controlled by Russian military forces, is known to be an essential part of Ukraine's industry and agriculture, next to hosting the largest nuclear power plant in Europe.
The plant has recently suffered shelling, with both Russia and Ukraine accusing each other of damaging the area where the nuclear facility is located.
