Mykolaiv's residents struggle to survive among the ruins of their homes because the city in southern Ukraine has been heavily shelled since last spring, cutting off access to necessities like water.

How people in war-battered Mykolaiv are struggling to live among ruins

The first time since the cold war, a potential nuclear threat is gripping the world. The Russia-Ukraine war is now taking a dangerous course, something that the US President Joe Biden calls an 'armageddon' threat.

Biden's 'Nuclear Armageddon' warning: 'Putin is not joking with his Nuclear threats'

It is the 7th of October and if you Google famous personalities born on this day, the first and the only prominent names that will pop up is that of the Russian President Vladimir Putin. This seventh Putin has turned 70 years old.

Russia: President Vladimir Putin turns 70-years-old

After signing the legislation formally including four Ukrainian regions into Russia, President Putin said that Moscow will stabilise the situation in what it claimed to be the annexed regions that represents around 18% of Ukraine's territory.

Russia annexes 15% Ukraine; Kyiv, West condemns move

Following the news that Ukraine had joined Spain and Portugal in their quest to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, Kyiv people were very enthusiastic about the combined effort.

Ukraine joins Spain & Portugal in their bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup

Russian President Vladimir Putin has formalized the claimed annexation of four Ukrainian regions. He signed legislation formally including those regions into Russia.

Russia-Ukraine war: Putin formally annexes 15% of Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a decree which formerly declares the prospect of any talks with Vladimir Putin impossible. Zelensky stated that he would be ready for dialogue with Russia but with another Russian President.

Zelensky decree rules out Ukraine talks with Putin as 'impossible'

<p>Pope Francis on Sunday (October 2) made a direct appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first time and urged him to stop the "spiral of violence and death" in Ukraine. The pope said that Ukraine crisis was fuelling the risk of nuclear escalation that would have global consequences.</p>

<p>Pope Francis made an address in St Peter's Square. The address was dedicated to Ukraine. The pope condemned Putin's annexation of parts of Ukraine. He said it was against international law.</p>

<p>One Vatican official said the impassioned address was so sombre it was reminiscent of a radio peace appeal by Pope John XXIII in 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis.</p>

<p>This was the first time that Pope Francis made such a direct, personal appeal to Putin.</p>

<p>Saying he was haunted by "rivers of blood and tears that have been spilled in these months," Francis also called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to be open to any "serious peace proposal".</p>

<p>Pope said he was making an urgent appeal "in the name of God" for an ennd to Ukraine conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"My appeal goes above all to the president of the Russian Federation, begging him to stop this spiral of violence and death, even out of love for his own people," Francis said.</p>

<p>"On the other side, pained by the enormous suffering of the Ukrainian population following the aggression it suffered, I address an equally hopeful appeal to the president of Ukraine to be open to a serious peace proposal," he said.</p>

<p>Francis later tweeted both the appeals to the two leaders in Russian and Ukrainian.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Pope Francis on Sunday (October 2) made a direct appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first time and urged him to stop the "spiral of violence and death" in Ukraine.

Pope Francis on Sunday (October 2) made a direct appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first time and urged him to stop the "spiral of violence and death" in Ukraine. The pope said that Ukraine crisis was fuelling the risk of nuclear escalation that would have global consequences. Pope Francis made an address in St Peter's Square. The address was dedicated to Ukraine. The pope condemned Putin's annexation of parts of Ukraine. He said it was against international law. One Vatican official said the impassioned address was so sombre it was reminiscent of a radio peace appeal by Pope John XXIII in 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis. This was the first time that Pope Francis made such a direct, personal appeal to Putin. Saying he was haunted by "rivers of blood and tears that have been spilled in these months," Francis also called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to be open to any "serious peace proposal". Pope said he was making an urgent appeal "in the name of God" for an ennd to Ukraine conflict. "My appeal goes above all to the president of the Russian Federation, begging him to stop this spiral of violence and death, even out of love for his own people," Francis said. "On the other side, pained by the enormous suffering of the Ukrainian population following the aggression it suffered, I address an equally hopeful appeal to the president of Ukraine to be open to a serious peace proposal," he said. Francis later tweeted both the appeals to the two leaders in Russian and Ukrainian. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

End 'spiral of violence and death', Pope urges Putin

<p>Vladimir Putin’s speech on Friday, in which he formally proclaimed the annexation of four Ukrainian regions, was many things: a distorted history lecture, a rather tedious enumeration of supposed Western sins, an airing of grievances and a vaunting of power. For all the rhetorical flourish — accusing Western elites of Satanism, for example — it was in many ways a typical address from Mr. Putin.</p>

<p>But it was also something else: a plan. Amid the bluster and veiled threats, the president made three distinct points that, taken together, form a blueprint for war and peace.</p>

<p>First, Mr. Putin claimed in his speech that this week’s explosions at the Nord Stream gas pipelines were the work of the United States. In one move, that frees Russia from having to excuse its failure — now or in the future — to deliver gas supplies by that route. That alone is a victory. But this accusation also hinted that Russia may now be entitled to respond in kind, in effect threatening Western pipelines with sabotage. The weaponizing of energy supplies could take on a new dimension: not only reducing supplies from Russia but also hindering the delivery of energy from other places.</p>

<p>Second, Mr. Putin suggested that talks for ending the war should begin immediately. He appealed to Ukraine to cease hostilities, withdraw its troops from the new “Russian” territories and sit down at the negotiating table.</p>

<p>The same type of ultimatum was issued on the eve of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. On Feb. 21, Mr. Putin formally recognized the so-called Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics. After clarifying that he meant the entire regions, not just the areas controlled by the separatists, he then demanded that the Ukrainian Army withdraw from both. Within a few days, he launched his invasion.</p>

<p>There is a difference between the state of affairs now and the situation in the spring, when everyone was reeling from the invasion of the world’s second-largest army into a sovereign state. Mr. Putin’s latest threat comes after a humiliating retreat from the Kharkiv region. It was this military setback that pushed Russia to announce the mobilization and the annexation, and it seems highly unlikely that the Ukrainians will consider Russia’s request for talks seriously this time around. On the contrary, Ukraine has repeatedly said that annexation would mean an end to any attempt at negotiations with Mr. Putin’s Russia. For Ukrainians, after what happened this week, even sitting down at the negotiating table would amount to surrender.</p>

<p>This leads us to Mr. Putin’s third point: that the United States “created a precedent” for the use of nuclear weapons with its bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. It’s not hard to work out the implication. If the West continues to send weapons to Ukraine and refuses to put pressure on Kyiv to agree to a solution that would satisfy Russia, Mr. Putin may resort to the nuclear option.</p>

<p>There is one clear explanation as to why the use of a nuclear weapon or even talking about it is a great temptation for Mr. Putin and those who share his views about Russia’s standing in the world. Equality is understood by them in a very blunt, practically arithmetical way. To be equal to the United States, Russia must show that it can do anything the Americans can, regardless of when they did it or what the context was.</p>

<p>This symmetrical concept of equality and an almost superstitious idea of global justice are pushing Mr. Putin and some people around him to go for the nuclear option — especially since the prospect of Russia winning a conventional war is uncertain, if not improbable, and the Kremlin doesn’t recognize any exit strategy that cannot be passed off as some sort of victory.</p>

<p>This conflict is increasingly presented as existential for Russia. Mr. Putin and many Russian commentators want to convince the outside world that they are serious. Their argument is “Many didn’t believe we were going to invade Ukraine or annex more of its territory, but we did. Now you don’t believe that we are going to use nuclear weapons, but we are not bluffing.”</p>

<p>This is Mr. Putin’s message, and the mood in the Russian elite is noticeably gloomy and fatalistic. There is, however, one significant difference between the Russian invasion of Ukraine and threats to resort to nuclear weapons. Before the invasion, Russia fiercely denied having any intention of invading. Now it’s doing the opposite.</p>

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Vladimir Putin’s speech on Friday, in which he formally proclaimed the annexation of four Ukrainian regions, was many things: a distorted history lecture, a rather tedious enumeration of supposed Western sins, an airing of grievances and a vaunting of power.

Vladimir Putin’s speech on Friday, in which he formally proclaimed the annexation of four Ukrainian regions, was many things: a distorted history lecture, a rather tedious enumeration of supposed Western sins, an airing of grievances and a vaunting of power. For all the rhetorical flourish — accusing Western elites of Satanism, for example — it was in many ways a typical address from Mr. Putin. But it was also something else: a plan. Amid the bluster and veiled threats, the president made three distinct points that, taken together, form a blueprint for war and peace. First, Mr. Putin claimed in his speech that this week’s explosions at the Nord Stream gas pipelines were the work of the United States. In one move, that frees Russia from having to excuse its failure — now or in the future — to deliver gas supplies by that route. That alone is a victory. But this accusation also hinted that Russia may now be entitled to respond in kind, in effect threatening Western pipelines with sabotage. The weaponizing of energy supplies could take on a new dimension: not only reducing supplies from Russia but also hindering the delivery of energy from other places. Second, Mr. Putin suggested that talks for ending the war should begin immediately. He appealed to Ukraine to cease hostilities, withdraw its troops from the new “Russian” territories and sit down at the negotiating table. The same type of ultimatum was issued on the eve of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. On Feb. 21, Mr. Putin formally recognized the so-called Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics. After clarifying that he meant the entire regions, not just the areas controlled by the separatists, he then demanded that the Ukrainian Army withdraw from both. Within a few days, he launched his invasion. There is a difference between the state of affairs now and the situation in the spring, when everyone was reeling from the invasion of the world’s second-largest army into a sovereign state. Mr. Putin’s latest threat comes after a humiliating retreat from the Kharkiv region. It was this military setback that pushed Russia to announce the mobilization and the annexation, and it seems highly unlikely that the Ukrainians will consider Russia’s request for talks seriously this time around. On the contrary, Ukraine has repeatedly said that annexation would mean an end to any attempt at negotiations with Mr. Putin’s Russia. For Ukrainians, after what happened this week, even sitting down at the negotiating table would amount to surrender. This leads us to Mr. Putin’s third point: that the United States “created a precedent” for the use of nuclear weapons with its bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. It’s not hard to work out the implication. If the West continues to send weapons to Ukraine and refuses to put pressure on Kyiv to agree to a solution that would satisfy Russia, Mr. Putin may resort to the nuclear option. There is one clear explanation as to why the use of a nuclear weapon or even talking about it is a great temptation for Mr. Putin and those who share his views about Russia’s standing in the world. Equality is understood by them in a very blunt, practically arithmetical way. To be equal to the United States, Russia must show that it can do anything the Americans can, regardless of when they did it or what the context was. This symmetrical concept of equality and an almost superstitious idea of global justice are pushing Mr. Putin and some people around him to go for the nuclear option — especially since the prospect of Russia winning a conventional war is uncertain, if not improbable, and the Kremlin doesn’t recognize any exit strategy that cannot be passed off as some sort of victory. This conflict is increasingly presented as existential for Russia. Mr. Putin and many Russian commentators want to convince the outside world that they are serious. Their argument is “Many didn’t believe we were going to invade Ukraine or annex more of its territory, but we did. Now you don’t believe that we are going to use nuclear weapons, but we are not bluffing.” This is Mr. Putin’s message, and the mood in the Russian elite is noticeably gloomy and fatalistic. There is, however, one significant difference between the Russian invasion of Ukraine and threats to resort to nuclear weapons. Before the invasion, Russia fiercely denied having any intention of invading. Now it’s doing the opposite. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Putin just told us what he’s planning

<p>Former CIA director and retired four-star army general David Petraeus warned on Sunday that if Russian president Vladimir Putin uses nuclear weapons in the nation, the US and its allies would destroy Russia's troops and equipment in Ukraine as well as sink its Black Sea fleet.</p>

<p>Petreaus said that he had not discussed the anticipated US response to a nuclear escalation from Russia with national security adviser Jake Sullivan, even though administration officials claim that this response has been frequently expressed to Moscow.</p>

<p>In response, he said, "We would lead a Nato-as-a-whole action that would take out every Russian conventional force that we can see and identify on the battlefield in Ukraine and also in Crimea, as well as every ship."</p>

<p>The alert comes days after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/end-spiral-of-violence-and-death-pope-urges-putin-521874">Putin</a> made comments that many people regarded as a threat to escalate relations between Russia and the west into a full-scale war.</p>

<p>When asked if the use of nuclear weapons by Russia in the Ukraine would include the United States and NATO in the conflict, Petreaus responded that such an event would not fall under the provisions of Article 5 of the alliance, which calls for a collective defence. Despite the fact that Ukraine is not a member of NATO, Petreaus claimed that a "US and NATO response" would be appropriate.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-says-ukrainian-soldiers-success-not-limited-to-lyman-claims-forces-liberated-kherson-towns-521889">Zelensky says Ukrainian soldiers' success 'not limited to Lyman', claims forces liberated Kherson towns</a></p>

<p>Petreaus admitted that it may be possible to interpret the risk that radiation might reach NATO nations covered by Article 5 as an attack on a NATO member.</p>

<p>“Perhaps you can make that case,” he said. “The other case is that this is so horrific that there has to be a response – it cannot go unanswered.”</p>

<p>Yet, Petreaus added, “You don’t want to, again, get into a nuclear escalation here. But you have to show that this cannot be accepted in any way.”</p>

<p>Nonetheless, with pressure mounting on Putin after Ukrainian gains in the east of the country under last week’s annexation declaration and resistance to mobilization efforts within Russia mounting, Petreaus said Moscow’s leader was “desperate”.</p>

<p>“The battlefield reality he faces is, I think, irreversible,” he said. “No amount of shambolic mobilization, which is the only way to describe it; no amount of annexation; no amount of even veiled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chechen-leader-kadyrov-russia-should-use-low-yield-nuclear-weapon-after-new-defeat-in-ukraine-521614">nuclear threats</a> can actually get him out of this particular situation.</p>

<p>“At some point there’s going to have to be recognition of that. At some point there’s going to have to be some kind of beginning of negotiations, as [Ukrainian] President [Volodymyr] Zelensky&nbsp;has said, will be the ultimate end.”</p>

<p>But, Petreaus warned, “It can still get worse for Putin and for Russia. And even the use of tactical nuclear weapons on the battlefield won’t change this at all.” Still, he added, “You have to take the threat seriously.”</p>

<p>According to CNN, Senator Marco Rubio, the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Putin had two options: build defence lines or retreat and lose land.</p>

<p>Rubio asserted that he thought it "very likely" that Putin could target supply routes used by the US and its allies to reach Ukraine, including those located inside Poland. Although the senator accepted the nuclear threat, he stated that the main concern was "a Russian attack inside Nato territory, for example, aiming at the airport in Poland or some other distribution hub."</p>

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Former CIA director and retired four-star army general David Petraeus warned on Sunday that if Russian president Vladimir Putin uses nuclear weapons in the nation, the US and its allies would destroy Russia's troops and equipment in Ukraine as well as sink its Black Sea fleet.

Former CIA director and retired four-star army general David Petraeus warned on Sunday that if Russian president Vladimir Putin uses nuclear weapons in the nation, the US and its allies would destroy Russia's troops and equipment in Ukraine as well as sink its Black Sea fleet. Petreaus said that he had not discussed the anticipated US response to a nuclear escalation from Russia with national security adviser Jake Sullivan, even though administration officials claim that this response has been frequently expressed to Moscow. In response, he said, "We would lead a Nato-as-a-whole action that would take out every Russian conventional force that we can see and identify on the battlefield in Ukraine and also in Crimea, as well as every ship." The alert comes days after Putin made comments that many people regarded as a threat to escalate relations between Russia and the west into a full-scale war. When asked if the use of nuclear weapons by Russia in the Ukraine would include the United States and NATO in the conflict, Petreaus responded that such an event would not fall under the provisions of Article 5 of the alliance, which calls for a collective defence. Despite the fact that Ukraine is not a member of NATO, Petreaus claimed that a "US and NATO response" would be appropriate. Also read | Zelensky says Ukrainian soldiers' success 'not limited to Lyman', claims forces liberated Kherson towns Petreaus admitted that it may be possible to interpret the risk that radiation might reach NATO nations covered by Article 5 as an attack on a NATO member. “Perhaps you can make that case,” he said. “The other case is that this is so horrific that there has to be a response – it cannot go unanswered.” Yet, Petreaus added, “You don’t want to, again, get into a nuclear escalation here. But you have to show that this cannot be accepted in any way.” Nonetheless, with pressure mounting on Putin after Ukrainian gains in the east of the country under last week’s annexation declaration and resistance to mobilization efforts within Russia mounting, Petreaus said Moscow’s leader was “desperate”. “The battlefield reality he faces is, I think, irreversible,” he said. “No amount of shambolic mobilization, which is the only way to describe it; no amount of annexation; no amount of even veiled nuclear threats can actually get him out of this particular situation. “At some point there’s going to have to be recognition of that. At some point there’s going to have to be some kind of beginning of negotiations, as [Ukrainian] President [Volodymyr] Zelensky has said, will be the ultimate end.” But, Petreaus warned, “It can still get worse for Putin and for Russia. And even the use of tactical nuclear weapons on the battlefield won’t change this at all.” Still, he added, “You have to take the threat seriously.” According to CNN, Senator Marco Rubio, the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Putin had two options: build defence lines or retreat and lose land. Rubio asserted that he thought it "very likely" that Putin could target supply routes used by the US and its allies to reach Ukraine, including those located inside Poland. Although the senator accepted the nuclear threat, he stated that the main concern was "a Russian attack inside Nato territory, for example, aiming at the airport in Poland or some other distribution hub." WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Former CIA director says US will destroy Russian forces if Putin deploys nukes in Ukraine

The destroyed manufacturing building in eastern Ukraine appears to be deserted during the day, but at night, it springs to life when the aroma of freshly baked bread wafts through its broken windows.

This bakery in Ukraine is supplying bread for the front lines amid war

Moscow's annexation of the Ukrainian territories may have turned the direction of the war. The battle between the two sides seems to be taking a dangerous turn now as the world is worried over Russia's invasion.

Putin announces use of nukes; Russia-Ukraine war takes a dangerous turn

<p>In remarks at the White House, Biden said, "America and its allies are not going to be intimidated." He added that Putin is "not going to scare us." In other news,&nbsp;South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said that North Korea fired unspecified ballistic missiles toward the east coast on Saturday.</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mr-putin-dont-misunderstand-what-im-saying-biden-warns-russian-president-vladimir-putin-521342">'Mr Putin, don't misunderstand what I'm saying': Joe Biden warns Russian President Vladimir Putin</a></p>
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<p>After Moscow annexed four Ukrainian territories, President Joe Biden on Friday (September 30) said that the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will not be intimidated by Russian President Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-ian-make-landfall-in-south-carolina-after-pummeling-florida-521350">Hurricane Ian makes landfall in South Carolina after pummeling Florida</a></p>
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<p>The US National Hurricane Center said that Hurricane Ian made landfall in South Carolina on Friday (September 30) after leaving a trail of destruction across Florida.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-escalating-tensions-north-korea-fires-two-ballistic-missiles-claims-japan-coast-guard-521362">Amid escalating tensions, North Korea fires two ballistic missiles, claims Japan coast guard</a></p>
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<p>Japan's coast guard said that North Korea fired what appeared to be two ballistic missiles on Saturday (October 1). Citing the defence ministry, the coast guard reported that at least two projectiles were fired from North Korea.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-scuttles-chinas-bid-to-pass-anti-aukus-resolution-at-iaea-521329">India scuttles China's attempt to pass anti-AUKUS resolution at IAEA meet</a></p>
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<p>India has scuttled China's bid to pass an anti-AUKUS resolution at the International Atomic Energy Agency meet in Vienna. The AUKUS pact was signed between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States last year under which Canberra gets nuclear-powered submarines.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Gravitas: Why Brazil's Presidential race matters</strong></p>

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In remarks at the White House, Biden said, "America and its allies are not going to be intimidated." He added that Putin is "not going to scare us." In other news, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said that North Korea fired unspecified ballistic missiles toward the east coast on Saturday.

In remarks at the White House, Biden said, "America and its allies are not going to be intimidated." He added that Putin is "not going to scare us." In other news, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said that North Korea fired unspecified ballistic missiles toward the east coast on Saturday. Click on the headlines to read more: 'Mr Putin, don't misunderstand what I'm saying': Joe Biden warns Russian President Vladimir Putin After Moscow annexed four Ukrainian territories, President Joe Biden on Friday (September 30) said that the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will not be intimidated by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Hurricane Ian makes landfall in South Carolina after pummeling Florida The US National Hurricane Center said that Hurricane Ian made landfall in South Carolina on Friday (September 30) after leaving a trail of destruction across Florida. Amid escalating tensions, North Korea fires two ballistic missiles, claims Japan coast guard Japan's coast guard said that North Korea fired what appeared to be two ballistic missiles on Saturday (October 1). Citing the defence ministry, the coast guard reported that at least two projectiles were fired from North Korea. India scuttles China's attempt to pass anti-AUKUS resolution at IAEA meet India has scuttled China's bid to pass an anti-AUKUS resolution at the International Atomic Energy Agency meet in Vienna. The AUKUS pact was signed between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States last year under which Canberra gets nuclear-powered submarines. Gravitas: Why Brazil's Presidential race matters ×

Morning news brief: Biden warns Putin, Ian makes landfall in S Carolina, and more

"There's no question that this is a major change in the course of the war and I think the primary purpose of this annexation coupled with the military mobilisation. Putin is communicating to everybody in the world and to his own people that he is all in this war and he has committed his life and the state of Russia in this," says Lt Col (R) Daniel L. Davis, military expert.

Russia annexes 15% of Ukraine; Putin attacks West as 'Satanic', hails Russian values | WION

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed decrees that paves the way for the occupied Ukrainian regions to be formally annexed into Russia. The decrees say that Putin recognized the two regions as independent territories.

Putin admits to blunder in war strategy; 2,000 arrested in anti-war protests

Kremlin: Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia part of Russia

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin is gearing up to give his official seal of approval for the annexation of captured regions of Ukraine on Friday (September 30). This will make Russia's annexation of four Ukrainian regions official from Russia's perspective. Russia does not yet fully control these regions but has carried out so-called referendums and even claimed&nbsp;victory.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The United United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, meanwhile, warned Russia against the move and said any decision to proceed with the annexation of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions of Ukraine would have no legal value and deserves to be condemned.</p>

<p>Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 this year. After sustained advances in the initial months, Russian forces were forced to retreat from large swathes of land as Ukrainian forces mounted a counter-attack.</p>

<p>The referendums carried out in the four regions have been rejected by Kiev and the West. US, UK and Canada have said that they will 'never recognise' the result of these 'sham' referendums.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russia claims victory in Ukrainian territories, West calls Moscow's referendum votes as 'sham'</strong></p>

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<p>When Putin gives formal approval, a legal step will have been taken to annex 15 per cent of Ukraine's territory. This would also signify Putin's intention of doubling down on his initially stated goals.</p>

<p>Washington and the European Union are set to impose additional sanctions on Russia over the plan, and even some of Russia's close traditional allies, such as Serbia and Kazakhstan, say they will not recognise the annexation.</p>

<p>"Any decision to proceed with the annexation of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions of Ukraine would have no legal value and deserves to be condemned," United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres told reporters.</p>

<p>The signing ceremony will be held in one of the Kremlin's grandest halls with the pro-Russian figures Moscow considers to be leaders of the four Ukrainian regions -- Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Luhansk. Russia says the referendums were genuine and show public support for the move.</p>

<p>After days of speculation over exactly how Russia would mark the annexation, Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed some details of the ceremony on Thursday.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-maps-accession-of-occupied-regions-of-ukraine-to-the-russian-federation-520752">In maps: This is how Ukraine will look like if Russia annexes occupied regions</a></strong></p>

<p>Agreements "on the accession of new territories into the Russian Federation" will be signed "with all four territories that held referendums and made corresponding requests to the Russian side," Peskov said.<br />
<br />
Putin will sign four "treaties of accession" in Moscow, and meet the Russian-installed leaders of Luhansk, Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia before a ceremony at the Kremlin.</p>

<p>“The signing ceremony of the treaties on new territories joining Russia will be held tomorrow at the Grand Kremlin Palace in St George’s Hall," Peskov said on Thursday.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

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Russian President Vladimir Putin is gearing up to give his official seal of approval for the annexation of captured regions of Ukraine on Friday (September 30). This will make Russia's annexation of four Ukrainian regions official from Russia's perspective.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is gearing up to give his official seal of approval for the annexation of captured regions of Ukraine on Friday (September 30). This will make Russia's annexation of four Ukrainian regions official from Russia's perspective. Russia does not yet fully control these regions but has carried out so-called referendums and even claimed victory. The United United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, meanwhile, warned Russia against the move and said any decision to proceed with the annexation of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions of Ukraine would have no legal value and deserves to be condemned. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 this year. After sustained advances in the initial months, Russian forces were forced to retreat from large swathes of land as Ukrainian forces mounted a counter-attack. The referendums carried out in the four regions have been rejected by Kiev and the West. US, UK and Canada have said that they will 'never recognise' the result of these 'sham' referendums. Watch | Russia claims victory in Ukrainian territories, West calls Moscow's referendum votes as 'sham' × When Putin gives formal approval, a legal step will have been taken to annex 15 per cent of Ukraine's territory. This would also signify Putin's intention of doubling down on his initially stated goals. Washington and the European Union are set to impose additional sanctions on Russia over the plan, and even some of Russia's close traditional allies, such as Serbia and Kazakhstan, say they will not recognise the annexation. "Any decision to proceed with the annexation of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions of Ukraine would have no legal value and deserves to be condemned," United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres told reporters. The signing ceremony will be held in one of the Kremlin's grandest halls with the pro-Russian figures Moscow considers to be leaders of the four Ukrainian regions -- Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Luhansk. Russia says the referendums were genuine and show public support for the move. After days of speculation over exactly how Russia would mark the annexation, Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed some details of the ceremony on Thursday. Also Read | In maps: This is how Ukraine will look like if Russia annexes occupied regions Agreements "on the accession of new territories into the Russian Federation" will be signed "with all four territories that held referendums and made corresponding requests to the Russian side," Peskov said. Putin will sign four "treaties of accession" in Moscow, and meet the Russian-installed leaders of Luhansk, Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia before a ceremony at the Kremlin. “The signing ceremony of the treaties on new territories joining Russia will be held tomorrow at the Grand Kremlin Palace in St George’s Hall," Peskov said on Thursday. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Putin to formalise post-vote annexation of Ukraine territory, UN warns against ‘illegal’ move

Denmark's armed forces on Tuesday released a video showing bubbles rushing to the surface of the Baltic Sea above the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, and said the largest gas leak had caused surface disturbance of well over 1 kilometre in diameter.

Bubbles churning sea surface off Danish coast after a leakage in Nord Stream pipelines

A group of new recruits waved goodbye to their relatives on Tuesday in Crimea before being sent to military bases amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Recruits wave goodbye to their family in Crimea as they depart for military bases

The Kremlin has granted Russian citizenship to US whistleblower Edward Snowden. He's enjoyed refuge in the country since 2013 after he leaked documents relating to the US National Security Agency's top secret operations including the telephone surveillance of millions of American citizens.

Putin grants citizenship to Edward Snowden; exposed surveillance by NSA

US whistleblower has been granted Russian citizenship by President Vladimir Putin. We look at his journey and how he ended up in Russia.

WION Fineprint | US whistleblower Edward Snowden has been granted Russian citizenship

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Monday granting Russian citizenship to the US whistleblower Edward Snowden.

President Putin grants Russian citizenship to US whistleblower Edward Snowden

<p>Days after following the announcement of Russian President Vladimir Putin's order to mobilise thousands of Russians for the conflict in Ukraine, Russian men are now finding their way to Georgia to avoid being called up for a fight they do not support. However, there are no clear calculations to define how many Russians have left the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per Russian media and local officials, the projected wait time to enter Georgia at one point on Sunday is 48 hours, and now over 3,000 vehicles are lined up to cross the border. The official statistics stated that till now, Tbilisi, Georgia's capital, has witnessed an influx of approximately 40,000 Russians.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-partial-military-mobilisation-exactly-518528"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;What is partial military mobilisation exactly?</strong></a></p>

<p>In conversation with Reuters, Dmitry Kuriliyunok, an army reservist, said that as soon as they found out about mobilisation, they left everything behind and rushed to the car, driving from Krasnodar to Mineralnye Vody, where they, along with his wife and daughter, arrived in Tbilisi a day later.</p>

<p>He said, "We are completely against this war. For us, like for others, it's scary. To die and to kill others, and for what? We don't understand. Therefore, we decided to flee," Reuters reported.</p>

<p>Not just now, a few Russians flew to neighbouring countries months or days before the announcement of mobilisation came due to their dismay over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-full-day-of-mobilisation-in-russia-marked-by-tears-and-protests-reports-suggest-100-conscription-518945"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;First full day of mobilisation in Russia marked by tears and protests, reports suggest 100% conscription</strong></a></p>

<p>However, the influx of newcomers to Tbilisi poses a risk of reigniting simmering anti-Russian sentiment among Georgia's locals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Tbilisi, several shops, museums, and other infrastructural properties were plastered with Ukrainian flags. Locals demanded Russians go back home as they believed everything was normal for them, but now as they are being forced to get involved in the war, they are now protesting.</p>

<p>Border crossings with Kazakhstan, Finland, and Mongolia have also reported similar migrations to those at the Russia-Georgia border.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Currently, there are either no seats available on flights leaving from Moscow, or if there are, the tickets are at extremely expensive prices.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Days after following the announcement of Russian President Vladimir Putin's order to mobilise thousands of Russians for the conflict in Ukraine, Russian men are now finding their way to Georgia to avoid being called up for a fight they do not support.

Days after following the announcement of Russian President Vladimir Putin's order to mobilise thousands of Russians for the conflict in Ukraine, Russian men are now finding their way to Georgia to avoid being called up for a fight they do not support. However, there are no clear calculations to define how many Russians have left the country. As per Russian media and local officials, the projected wait time to enter Georgia at one point on Sunday is 48 hours, and now over 3,000 vehicles are lined up to cross the border. The official statistics stated that till now, Tbilisi, Georgia's capital, has witnessed an influx of approximately 40,000 Russians. Also read | What is partial military mobilisation exactly? In conversation with Reuters, Dmitry Kuriliyunok, an army reservist, said that as soon as they found out about mobilisation, they left everything behind and rushed to the car, driving from Krasnodar to Mineralnye Vody, where they, along with his wife and daughter, arrived in Tbilisi a day later. He said, "We are completely against this war. For us, like for others, it's scary. To die and to kill others, and for what? We don't understand. Therefore, we decided to flee," Reuters reported. Not just now, a few Russians flew to neighbouring countries months or days before the announcement of mobilisation came due to their dismay over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Also read | First full day of mobilisation in Russia marked by tears and protests, reports suggest 100% conscription However, the influx of newcomers to Tbilisi poses a risk of reigniting simmering anti-Russian sentiment among Georgia's locals. In Tbilisi, several shops, museums, and other infrastructural properties were plastered with Ukrainian flags. Locals demanded Russians go back home as they believed everything was normal for them, but now as they are being forced to get involved in the war, they are now protesting. Border crossings with Kazakhstan, Finland, and Mongolia have also reported similar migrations to those at the Russia-Georgia border. Currently, there are either no seats available on flights leaving from Moscow, or if there are, the tickets are at extremely expensive prices. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Thousands of Russians flee to Georgia amid Putin's mobilisation announcement

Nearly 2,900 reservists and volunteers from Estonia, a neighbour of Russia, are participating in a six-day snap exercise as an apparent counter-move to Moscow's announcement of a partial military call-up last week.

Russia's neighbour Estonia is conducting a six-day snap military exercise

At the Russia-Georgia border crossing in Nizhny Lars, in Russia's North Osettia-Alania Republic, cars stand in a three-day long traffic jam, waiting to cross the border into Georgia.

Cars queue for three days, others cross on foot at Russia-Georgia border

The war in Ukraine has started taking new dimensions. Just as the world thought Ukraine has turned the tide, Russia's President Vladimir Putin hit back with his next move.

Ukraine: Putin orders mobilisation of 300,00 additional troops, 10-year prison for refusal to fight

<p>In the wake of a stunning counteroffensive in which Ukrainian forces reclaimed thousands of square miles of territory, Russia is uneasy.</p>

<p>The country’s political talk shows, usually so deferential, have given the floor to more critical voices. Opponents of the war have weighed in — about 40 officials from municipal councils signed a petition requesting the president’s resignation — and previously loyal figures have begun to mutter about the regime’s failings. In a sign of general discontent, Alla Pugacheva, Russia’s most famous 20th-century pop star, has come out against the war. Six months of consensus has started to crack.</p>

<p>That consensus wasn’t as cast-iron as it might have seemed. While many Western observers tend to view the Russian regime as a monolith, the reality is more complex. Though the war has significantly reduced the scope for dissent, there are still several competing ideological camps within the ruling elite capable of making their voices heard. For example, the so-called systemic liberals, mostly concentrated in state financial institutions and among oligarchs, have expressed concerns about the war’s consequences for the Russian economy. But it is another group, emboldened by the Kremlin’s failure to deliver victory in Ukraine, that is putting ever more pressure on the regime.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | I avoid answering your question: Sergey Lavrov on question of Chinese pressure to end war</strong></p>

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<p>Call it the party of war. Made up of the security agencies, the Defense Ministry and outspoken media and political figures, it encompasses the entire radical nationalist ecosystem — and its adherents have been mounting a sustained critique of the Kremlin’s handling of the war in Ukraine. Powerful, well positioned and ideologically committed, they want a much more aggressive war effort. And judging from Mr. Putin’s address on Wednesday — where he announced the call-up of roughly 300,000 troops, gave his support to referendums in the four occupied regions of Ukraine on joining Russia and repeated the threat of nuclear escalation — they seem to be getting their way.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/a-cornered-putin-is-more-dangerous-than-ever-518530">A cornered Putin is more dangerous than ever</a></strong></p>

<p>The party of war has been very vocal since April, when it became clear that the Russian Army was unable to conquer Kyiv and overthrow the Zelensky government. Moscow’s more modest goal — conquering the Donbas and securing a land bridge to annexed Crimea — appeared to be an intolerable retrenchment. Throughout, Russia’s hawks have benefited from an unexpected sounding board: the many Telegram channels, some of which have up to one million followers, run by war journalists embedded with the Russian Army. In a stream of constant commentary, the channels criticize the government’s indecisiveness and call for a full-scale conquest of Ukraine and the mass mobilization of the Russian population.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/will-ukrainian-battlefield-successes-kill-nuclear-deterrence-517466">Will Ukrainian battlefield successes kill nuclear deterrence?</a></strong></p>

<p>Through the summer, the level of criticism was manageable for the regime. But things began to change in August, when Darya Dugina, the daughter of one of Russia’s best-known imperial ideologists, Alexander Dugin, was assassinated in Moscow. The perpetrators and purpose of the attack are unknown. But the effect was clear. By bringing the conflict into one of the capital’s fanciest neighborhoods, the murder confirmed the hawks’ dim view of the war effort. Since Ms. Dugina’s death, the party of war has been using her “martyrdom” to renew calls for a full-scale war in overtly eschatological tones.</p>

<p>The military reversal of recent weeks has played into their hands. The infamous Chechen head of state, Ramzan Kadyrov, has called for “self-mobilization,” inviting regional elites to recruit at least 1,000 citizens each, raising about 85,000 new troops in total. The Communist Party leader Gennady Zyuganov, another key figure on the nationalist right, called for a “maximum mobilization of forces and resources” and for the Kremlin to refer to the conflict as a war, rather than a “special operation.” And Yevgeny Prigozhin, the de facto head of a shadowy mercenary outfit known as the Wagner Group, has been recruiting prisoners to be sent to the front.</p>

<p>Their criticism has clearly cut through. While stopping short of mass conscription, Mr. Putin’s “partial mobilization,” as he put it, of some 300,000 troops is a major boost for the party of war. Likewise, plans to hold referendums in Ukraine’s occupied territories — Donetsk and Luhansk in the east, Kherson and Zaporizka in the south — are designed to redraw the terms of the conflict, in ways congenial to the president’s hawkish critics. There are signs too that Mr. Putin may escalate domestically, turning even more to repression.</p>

<p>The administration, for example, is stepping up indoctrination for schoolchildren and has instituted new restrictions on supposedly pernicious content in art. The security services, for their part, are laser-focused on stamping out dissent, arresting and jailing any form of opposition. In universities, students and professors are under growing pressure to cut links with their Western counterparts. Already extensive, these efforts could be pursued yet more doggedly, dragging many more Russians into the dragnet.</p>

<p>Such an approach is not without its risks. Among citizens, interest in the war and the accompanying rally-around-the-flag effect are waning. More intense repression coupled with an encroaching sense of the war’s human costs, as more of the country’s men are drawn into service, could turn them off it entirely. Young and educated Russians may leave the country in greater numbers than they already have.</p>

<p>There’s also no assurance that hard-liners in the ruling elite will accept domestic repression as a substitute for military success abroad — or that the influx of troops will substantially alter the dynamics on the battlefield. With an overdrawn and exhausted army, Mr. Putin must still find a way to deliver a military result that can be framed as at least a partial victory. It doesn’t help that the country’s major backers, China and India, have begun to voice concerns.</p>

<p>Even amid such difficulties, it would be a mistake to foresee a collapse of the regime, ensconced for two decades. But Mr. Putin, like any leader, depends on legitimacy to ensure his rule. And in the weeks and months ahead, he may discover that the ground beneath his feet has started to shift.</p>

<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

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In the wake of a stunning counteroffensive in which Ukrainian forces reclaimed thousands of square miles of territory, Russia is uneasy. The country’s political talk shows, usually so deferential, have given the floor to more critical voices.

In the wake of a stunning counteroffensive in which Ukrainian forces reclaimed thousands of square miles of territory, Russia is uneasy. The country’s political talk shows, usually so deferential, have given the floor to more critical voices. Opponents of the war have weighed in — about 40 officials from municipal councils signed a petition requesting the president’s resignation — and previously loyal figures have begun to mutter about the regime’s failings. In a sign of general discontent, Alla Pugacheva, Russia’s most famous 20th-century pop star, has come out against the war. Six months of consensus has started to crack. That consensus wasn’t as cast-iron as it might have seemed. While many Western observers tend to view the Russian regime as a monolith, the reality is more complex. Though the war has significantly reduced the scope for dissent, there are still several competing ideological camps within the ruling elite capable of making their voices heard. For example, the so-called systemic liberals, mostly concentrated in state financial institutions and among oligarchs, have expressed concerns about the war’s consequences for the Russian economy. But it is another group, emboldened by the Kremlin’s failure to deliver victory in Ukraine, that is putting ever more pressure on the regime. Watch | I avoid answering your question: Sergey Lavrov on question of Chinese pressure to end war × Call it the party of war. Made up of the security agencies, the Defense Ministry and outspoken media and political figures, it encompasses the entire radical nationalist ecosystem — and its adherents have been mounting a sustained critique of the Kremlin’s handling of the war in Ukraine. Powerful, well positioned and ideologically committed, they want a much more aggressive war effort. And judging from Mr. Putin’s address on Wednesday — where he announced the call-up of roughly 300,000 troops, gave his support to referendums in the four occupied regions of Ukraine on joining Russia and repeated the threat of nuclear escalation — they seem to be getting their way. Also Read | A cornered Putin is more dangerous than ever The party of war has been very vocal since April, when it became clear that the Russian Army was unable to conquer Kyiv and overthrow the Zelensky government. Moscow’s more modest goal — conquering the Donbas and securing a land bridge to annexed Crimea — appeared to be an intolerable retrenchment. Throughout, Russia’s hawks have benefited from an unexpected sounding board: the many Telegram channels, some of which have up to one million followers, run by war journalists embedded with the Russian Army. In a stream of constant commentary, the channels criticize the government’s indecisiveness and call for a full-scale conquest of Ukraine and the mass mobilization of the Russian population. Also Read | Will Ukrainian battlefield successes kill nuclear deterrence? Through the summer, the level of criticism was manageable for the regime. But things began to change in August, when Darya Dugina, the daughter of one of Russia’s best-known imperial ideologists, Alexander Dugin, was assassinated in Moscow. The perpetrators and purpose of the attack are unknown. But the effect was clear. By bringing the conflict into one of the capital’s fanciest neighborhoods, the murder confirmed the hawks’ dim view of the war effort. Since Ms. Dugina’s death, the party of war has been using her “martyrdom” to renew calls for a full-scale war in overtly eschatological tones. The military reversal of recent weeks has played into their hands. The infamous Chechen head of state, Ramzan Kadyrov, has called for “self-mobilization,” inviting regional elites to recruit at least 1,000 citizens each, raising about 85,000 new troops in total. The Communist Party leader Gennady Zyuganov, another key figure on the nationalist right, called for a “maximum mobilization of forces and resources” and for the Kremlin to refer to the conflict as a war, rather than a “special operation.” And Yevgeny Prigozhin, the de facto head of a shadowy mercenary outfit known as the Wagner Group, has been recruiting prisoners to be sent to the front. Their criticism has clearly cut through. While stopping short of mass conscription, Mr. Putin’s “partial mobilization,” as he put it, of some 300,000 troops is a major boost for the party of war. Likewise, plans to hold referendums in Ukraine’s occupied territories — Donetsk and Luhansk in the east, Kherson and Zaporizka in the south — are designed to redraw the terms of the conflict, in ways congenial to the president’s hawkish critics. There are signs too that Mr. Putin may escalate domestically, turning even more to repression. The administration, for example, is stepping up indoctrination for schoolchildren and has instituted new restrictions on supposedly pernicious content in art. The security services, for their part, are laser-focused on stamping out dissent, arresting and jailing any form of opposition. In universities, students and professors are under growing pressure to cut links with their Western counterparts. Already extensive, these efforts could be pursued yet more doggedly, dragging many more Russians into the dragnet. Such an approach is not without its risks. Among citizens, interest in the war and the accompanying rally-around-the-flag effect are waning. More intense repression coupled with an encroaching sense of the war’s human costs, as more of the country’s men are drawn into service, could turn them off it entirely. Young and educated Russians may leave the country in greater numbers than they already have. There’s also no assurance that hard-liners in the ruling elite will accept domestic repression as a substitute for military success abroad — or that the influx of troops will substantially alter the dynamics on the battlefield. With an overdrawn and exhausted army, Mr. Putin must still find a way to deliver a military result that can be framed as at least a partial victory. It doesn’t help that the country’s major backers, China and India, have begun to voice concerns. Even amid such difficulties, it would be a mistake to foresee a collapse of the regime, ensconced for two decades. But Mr. Putin, like any leader, depends on legitimacy to ensure his rule. And in the weeks and months ahead, he may discover that the ground beneath his feet has started to shift. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Putin is in trouble

<p>A report by Bloomberg indicated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to exceed the next two years’ initial budget estimates as he plans to add more than 43% to the category related to defence while an additional 40% to law enforcement and national security. This comes amid the country’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and this increase is seen as an attempt to tailor Moscow’s budget for a long and increasingly expensive war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reportedly, Russia’s three-year fiscal plan is prioritising the military and moving away from categories like environmental protection, with a minimum increase in sectors like education and culture for 2023. Meanwhile, at least 5 trillion rubles ($84 billion) which is nearly 3.3% of the country’s GDP is being dedicated to “national defence”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), a think tank that tracks the global arms industry, Russia’s “national defence” line in the budget accounts for three-quarters of its total military expenditure and includes for operations and arms procurement. Meanwhile, Putin plans on spending a quarter less than the 0.2% GDP on the environment which was estimated earlier. On the other hand, the defence budget which was to decrease to 2.4% of GDP, from an estimated 3.2% in 2022 and 2.6% in 2021, said the Bloomberg report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They further indicated that only overall figures were made public while the details of this increased military remain classified. The budget plan reportedly assigns the cost of the call-up to at least 16 billion rubles in 2023 and up to 16.5 billion rubles annually in 2024-2025.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This shift shows that Putin is set to escalate his efforts after a major setback faced in Ukraine as he also called for the “partial mobilisation” and drafted at least 300,000 more soldiers who are currently reservists in the Russian army.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-ukraine-claims-6000-sq-km-retaken-from-russia-515873">Gravitas: Ukraine claims 6,000 sq km retaken from Russia</a></p>

<p>SIPRI also indicated that Russia was one of the biggest spenders on defence last year and estimated that the country boosted its expenditure on the military in 2021 by 2.9% to $65.9 billion. This was straying away from the previous declines noted between 2016 and 2019 and indicated a third straight year of growth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reportedly, the budget was approved on Thursday by the government and is supposed by the two houses of parliament after which it will be signed by Putin to become law. The report also estimated a budget deficit of 2% next year, from 0.9% this year. The government also plans on borrowing up to $1 billion annually in foreign currencies, said the report.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
Putin’s move to invade Ukraine has severely affected Russia’s economy, as, amid international sanctions, this diversion of resources and manpower to the military can worsen the recession in Moscow. This comes as the labour market is already stretched by poor demographics and with unemployment at an all-time low, says the report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/partial-military-mobilisation-in-russia-has-markets-on-alert-518418">Partial military mobilisation in Russia announcement makes oil, defence stocks surge</a></p>

<p>According to the budget, Moscow’s pipeline gas exports are set to drop by at least 40% between 2023 and 2025, given its stand-off with the rest of Europe, while crude shipments will see some improvement. Notably, the government’s balance sheet has managed to survive well amid the crisis, which the report has attributed to the country’s windfall earnings from the higher cost of commodities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The budget has also allocated additional money for “patriotic education,” which aims to include history exhibits and equip schools with state symbols. Meanwhile, the defence budget is also set to go up by almost 30% in 2024 but is reportedly still in line with the projections for 2025.&nbsp;</p>


A report by Bloomberg indicated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to exceed the next two years’ initial budget estimates as he plans to add more than 43% to the category related to defence while an additional 40% to law enforcement and national security.

A report by Bloomberg indicated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to exceed the next two years’ initial budget estimates as he plans to add more than 43% to the category related to defence while an additional 40% to law enforcement and national security. This comes amid the country’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and this increase is seen as an attempt to tailor Moscow’s budget for a long and increasingly expensive war. Reportedly, Russia’s three-year fiscal plan is prioritising the military and moving away from categories like environmental protection, with a minimum increase in sectors like education and culture for 2023. Meanwhile, at least 5 trillion rubles ($84 billion) which is nearly 3.3% of the country’s GDP is being dedicated to “national defence”. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), a think tank that tracks the global arms industry, Russia’s “national defence” line in the budget accounts for three-quarters of its total military expenditure and includes for operations and arms procurement. Meanwhile, Putin plans on spending a quarter less than the 0.2% GDP on the environment which was estimated earlier. On the other hand, the defence budget which was to decrease to 2.4% of GDP, from an estimated 3.2% in 2022 and 2.6% in 2021, said the Bloomberg report. They further indicated that only overall figures were made public while the details of this increased military remain classified. The budget plan reportedly assigns the cost of the call-up to at least 16 billion rubles in 2023 and up to 16.5 billion rubles annually in 2024-2025. This shift shows that Putin is set to escalate his efforts after a major setback faced in Ukraine as he also called for the “partial mobilisation” and drafted at least 300,000 more soldiers who are currently reservists in the Russian army. ALSO WATCH: Gravitas: Ukraine claims 6,000 sq km retaken from Russia SIPRI also indicated that Russia was one of the biggest spenders on defence last year and estimated that the country boosted its expenditure on the military in 2021 by 2.9% to $65.9 billion. This was straying away from the previous declines noted between 2016 and 2019 and indicated a third straight year of growth. Reportedly, the budget was approved on Thursday by the government and is supposed by the two houses of parliament after which it will be signed by Putin to become law. The report also estimated a budget deficit of 2% next year, from 0.9% this year. The government also plans on borrowing up to $1 billion annually in foreign currencies, said the report. Putin’s move to invade Ukraine has severely affected Russia’s economy, as, amid international sanctions, this diversion of resources and manpower to the military can worsen the recession in Moscow. This comes as the labour market is already stretched by poor demographics and with unemployment at an all-time low, says the report. ALSO READ: Partial military mobilisation in Russia announcement makes oil, defence stocks surge According to the budget, Moscow’s pipeline gas exports are set to drop by at least 40% between 2023 and 2025, given its stand-off with the rest of Europe, while crude shipments will see some improvement. Notably, the government’s balance sheet has managed to survive well amid the crisis, which the report has attributed to the country’s windfall earnings from the higher cost of commodities. The budget has also allocated additional money for “patriotic education,” which aims to include history exhibits and equip schools with state symbols. Meanwhile, the defence budget is also set to go up by almost 30% in 2024 but is reportedly still in line with the projections for 2025.

Report: Putin to increase expenditure on defence and police, amid war in Ukraine

Ukraine Defence Ministry has released a video & claimed that incendiary bombs rained down on a Ukrainian village amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine Defence Ministry releases video & claims incendiary bombs rained down on Ukrainian village

<p>President Putin has ordered a partial mobilisation for the Ukraine war, and the world has not been calm ever since because this is just like a formal declaration of war on Ukraine. The last time Russia made such a move was over 77 years ago…during the second World War. But what is mobilisation, what’s partial mobilisation and what can it mean for the world?</p>

<p><strong>What is military mobilisation?</strong></p>

<p>Military mobilisation is basically when a nation assembles and readies military troops and supplies for war. If a country has ordered a mobilisation, it is organising its armed forces for active military service. The last time Russia had ordered a general mobilisation, anyone who was 19 years old was obliged to join the Soviet Army. Those who were 18 were eligible to volunteer.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What is partial mobilisation?</strong></p>

<p>Currently, Putin has ordered a partial mobilisation which means that only a certain percentage of Russia’s potential fighters will be asked to join the offensive on Ukraine. As of now, Putin has signed a decree that will see 300,000 reservists who will be called to fight in Ukraine out of approximately 25 million potential fighters at Moscow's disposal.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;What is mobilisation? | Why is Russia resorting to partial mobilisation?&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p><strong>What’s the difference?</strong></p>

<p>While mobilisations have been carried out in different ways by different nations, generally a full mobilisation would have meant that any military-aged man, ranging from 18 to 60-years-old, could not leave Russia and would need to join the military.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As of now, Putin stressed on partial mobilisation which means only those citizens would be mobilised who are currently in the reserves or those who have served in the armed forces or have military skills and relevant experience. Russian citizens from 18 and 50 fall under the partial military mobilisation.</p>

<p>The world has reacted sharply. Just hours after Putin's announcement, US President Joe Biden took to the podium in the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and accused Putin of &nbsp;'shamelessly violating' the UN charter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. After several months of sustained retreat, Ukrainian forces have been recently able to mount a counter-offensive and retake some territory from the Russian forces. This is why Putin's call for partial mobilisation is being seen by many as a desperate move to make up for recent defeats on the battlefield.</p>

<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

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President Putin has ordered a partial mobilisation for the Ukraine war, and the world has not been calm ever since because this is just like a formal declaration of war on Ukraine.

President Putin has ordered a partial mobilisation for the Ukraine war, and the world has not been calm ever since because this is just like a formal declaration of war on Ukraine. The last time Russia made such a move was over 77 years ago…during the second World War. But what is mobilisation, what’s partial mobilisation and what can it mean for the world? What is military mobilisation? Military mobilisation is basically when a nation assembles and readies military troops and supplies for war. If a country has ordered a mobilisation, it is organising its armed forces for active military service. The last time Russia had ordered a general mobilisation, anyone who was 19 years old was obliged to join the Soviet Army. Those who were 18 were eligible to volunteer. What is partial mobilisation? Currently, Putin has ordered a partial mobilisation which means that only a certain percentage of Russia’s potential fighters will be asked to join the offensive on Ukraine. As of now, Putin has signed a decree that will see 300,000 reservists who will be called to fight in Ukraine out of approximately 25 million potential fighters at Moscow's disposal. WATCH | What is mobilisation? | Why is Russia resorting to partial mobilisation? × What’s the difference? While mobilisations have been carried out in different ways by different nations, generally a full mobilisation would have meant that any military-aged man, ranging from 18 to 60-years-old, could not leave Russia and would need to join the military. As of now, Putin stressed on partial mobilisation which means only those citizens would be mobilised who are currently in the reserves or those who have served in the armed forces or have military skills and relevant experience. Russian citizens from 18 and 50 fall under the partial military mobilisation. The world has reacted sharply. Just hours after Putin's announcement, US President Joe Biden took to the podium in the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and accused Putin of 'shamelessly violating' the UN charter. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. After several months of sustained retreat, Ukrainian forces have been recently able to mount a counter-offensive and retake some territory from the Russian forces. This is why Putin's call for partial mobilisation is being seen by many as a desperate move to make up for recent defeats on the battlefield. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

What is partial military mobilisation exactly?

Russia President Vladimir Putin has ordered a partial mobilisation for the Ukraine war, and the world has not been calm ever since. But what is mobilisation? What’s partial mobilisation? Why has Russia decided to do this after seven months of the invasion in Ukraine?

What is mobilisation? | Why is Russia resorting to partial mobilisation?

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