Ukraine Russia War I Are Referendums Putin’s Bid To Justify Possible Nuclear Strike Amid War Losses?

Four occupied regions in Ukraine are voting in Moscow-backed referendums on whether to become part of Russia. The move sets the stage for Moscow to annex the areas amid apparent setbacks in its 'special military operation' in Ukraine.
The referendums are being held in Russian-occupied Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk as well as in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. Ukraine & most western nations have been quick to denounce the referendums as illegal.