The one who think a referendum held by an invading- occupying army is a legitimate vote
Fidel might ask Putin for a referendum in Dade and Monroe counties in Florida to see if they would like to be taken over and added to Cuba. What would the vote be?
You attribute belief to the author where it is not due. The point is the Russians, believable or not, are appealing to our “Wilsonian” impulse for self determination. This peals away MSM enthusiasm to oppose them. It is effective propaganda.