Russia plans to annex parts of Ukraine in the coming months, but will likely delay doing so to better secure the regions it wants to claim by seizing even more territory — and will time its move for maximum fracturing of Western unity and reduction of Kyiv's ability to respond. Pro-Russian occupation authorities in Ukraine for months have expressed their intention to hold referendums on joining Russia, calling them likely this fall. The regions have already taken several steps toward joining Russia, such as replacing the Ukrainian hryvnia with the Russian ruble, handing out Russian passports and taking Ukrainian media off the air. These steps have come amid reports allegedly detailing information from the Kremlin stating Russia plans to carry out its annexations in November or December, with the most recently suggested date being November 4, Russia’s National Unity Day.