According to the International Olympic Committee (IOC)&nbsp;President Thomas Bach on Friday, IOC&nbsp;is thinking about allowing Russian athletes who oppose their nation's invasion of Ukraine to compete again.&nbsp;

In February, the IOC instructed sports governing organisations to exclude Russian and Belarusian competitors from competing. Russia's invasion, which Moscow refers to as a "special military operation," was staged in Belarus.&nbsp;

"It is not about necessarily having Russia back. It's about having athletes with a Russian passport who do not support the war back in competition," Bach told Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sera.

"Here comes our dilemma – this war has not been started by the Russian athletes. But we saw that some governments did not want to respect anymore the autonomy of international sports... This is why we've had to take these protective measures to be at least still a little bit in the driving seat and not lose all autonomy. And this is why, on the other hand, we also have to see, and to study, to monitor, how and when we can come back to accomplish our mission to have everybody back again, under which format whatsoever," he added.

The German emphasised that the existing advice for Russian athletes remained valid, but he also said that the IOC needed to consider the future. Olympic qualifying competitions for the 2024 Summer Games in Paris have already begun.&nbsp;

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"There is no change in the recommendations... We are very grateful to the International Federations that they are following them," Bach added.

"The Olympic Movement has as a mission to contribute to peace, so we have to see how we can contribute to peace.&nbsp;I think our major contribution is to have the Olympic Games and to have a sport in general, as something that still unifies people and humanity," he continued.

(with inputs from agencies)

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According to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach on Friday, IOC is thinking about allowing Russian athletes who oppose their nation's invasion of Ukraine to compete again.

According to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach on Friday, IOC is thinking about allowing Russian athletes who oppose their nation's invasion of Ukraine to compete again. In February, the IOC instructed sports governing organisations to exclude Russian and Belarusian competitors from competing. Russia's invasion, which Moscow refers to as a "special military operation," was staged in Belarus. "It is not about necessarily having Russia back. It's about having athletes with a Russian passport who do not support the war back in competition," Bach told Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sera. "Here comes our dilemma – this war has not been started by the Russian athletes. But we saw that some governments did not want to respect anymore the autonomy of international sports... This is why we've had to take these protective measures to be at least still a little bit in the driving seat and not lose all autonomy. And this is why, on the other hand, we also have to see, and to study, to monitor, how and when we can come back to accomplish our mission to have everybody back again, under which format whatsoever," he added. The German emphasised that the existing advice for Russian athletes remained valid, but he also said that the IOC needed to consider the future. Olympic qualifying competitions for the 2024 Summer Games in Paris have already begun. Also Read: Data Lab | The case of Afghan refugees: Where do they move to? "There is no change in the recommendations... We are very grateful to the International Federations that they are following them," Bach added. "The Olympic Movement has as a mission to contribute to peace, so we have to see how we can contribute to peace. I think our major contribution is to have the Olympic Games and to have a sport in general, as something that still unifies people and humanity," he continued. (with inputs from agencies)

Russian athletes not supporting Ukraine invasion could return to competing: IOC President

On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin charged the West with orchestrating explosions that caused several gas leaks in the Nord Stream gas pipelines connecting Russia to Europe.&nbsp;

"Sanctions are not enough for the West, they have switched to sabotage. Unbelievable, but it is a fact!," Putin stated during a live speech at a Kremlin ceremony to annex four areas of Ukraine that are now under Russian control.

"By organising explosions on the Nord Stream international gas pipelines that run along the bottom of the Baltic Sea they actually started destroying European energy infrastructure," Putin said.

"It is clear to everyone who benefits from this," Putin added, without providing further details.

On the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines on Monday, two explosions were followed by unexplained gas leaks.&nbsp;

According to a Danish-Swedish investigation released on Friday, the four breaches impacting the Nord Stream gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea were brought on by underwater explosions equivalent to hundreds of kilogrammes of explosives.&nbsp;

The two nations stated in a joint report to the UN Security Council that "the size of the explosions was measured at 2.3 and 2.1 on the Richter Scale, respectively, possibly equal to an explosive load of several hundred kilogrammes."&nbsp;

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Later on Friday, the Security Council is scheduled to convene an emergency session to discuss the leaks at Russia's request.

Despite Moscow and Washington's denials of guilt, the origin of the explosions remains a mystery.&nbsp;

According to the Scandinavian nations, "The possible impact on maritime life in the Baltic Sea is of concern, and the climate effect would likely be very substantial."

All of the leaks, which were found on Monday, are near the Danish island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin charged the West with orchestrating explosions that caused several gas leaks in the Nord Stream gas pipelines connecting Russia to Europe.

On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin charged the West with orchestrating explosions that caused several gas leaks in the Nord Stream gas pipelines connecting Russia to Europe. "Sanctions are not enough for the West, they have switched to sabotage. Unbelievable, but it is a fact!," Putin stated during a live speech at a Kremlin ceremony to annex four areas of Ukraine that are now under Russian control. "By organising explosions on the Nord Stream international gas pipelines that run along the bottom of the Baltic Sea they actually started destroying European energy infrastructure," Putin said. "It is clear to everyone who benefits from this," Putin added, without providing further details. On the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines on Monday, two explosions were followed by unexplained gas leaks. According to a Danish-Swedish investigation released on Friday, the four breaches impacting the Nord Stream gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea were brought on by underwater explosions equivalent to hundreds of kilogrammes of explosives. The two nations stated in a joint report to the UN Security Council that "the size of the explosions was measured at 2.3 and 2.1 on the Richter Scale, respectively, possibly equal to an explosive load of several hundred kilogrammes." Also Read: Explained: Early signs of a recession; who decides if it's officially begun? Later on Friday, the Security Council is scheduled to convene an emergency session to discuss the leaks at Russia's request. Despite Moscow and Washington's denials of guilt, the origin of the explosions remains a mystery. According to the Scandinavian nations, "The possible impact on maritime life in the Baltic Sea is of concern, and the climate effect would likely be very substantial." All of the leaks, which were found on Monday, are near the Danish island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea. (with inputs from agencies)

Putin blames West for Nord Stream blasts measuring 2.3 and 2.1 on Richter scale

The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, 75-year-old Patriarch Kirill, has Covid and will self isolate, his church said in a statement Friday.

"All planned meetings and trips in the coming days of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill are cancelled," it said, adding that he needed "bed rest and isolation."

The patriarch was absent from a grand Kremlin ceremony later on Friday in which Russia announces the annexation of four occupied Ukrainian regions.&nbsp;

A leader of the Russian Orthodox Church since 2009, Patriarch Kirill is a staunch supporter of President Vladimir Putin's policies.

After Putin announced a mobilisation last week, triggering protests and an exodus of men, the patriarch suggested that Russian soldiers dying in Ukraine would go to heaven.

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"It someone, driven by a sense of duty and the need to fulfil an oath, remains true to his calling and dies in the line of military duty then he undoubtedly commits an act of tantamount sacrifice," he said at a sermon last Sunday.&nbsp;

"We believe this sacrifice washes away all the sins that a person has committed."

The UK and Canada have placed sanctions on Patriarch Kirill for his backing of the what the Kremlin calls its "special military operation" in Ukraine.

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The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, 75-year-old Patriarch Kirill, has Covid and will self isolate, his church said in a statement Friday. "All planned meetings and trips in the coming days of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill are cancelled," it said, adding that he needed "bed rest and isolation.

The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, 75-year-old Patriarch Kirill, has Covid and will self isolate, his church said in a statement Friday. "All planned meetings and trips in the coming days of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill are cancelled," it said, adding that he needed "bed rest and isolation." The patriarch was absent from a grand Kremlin ceremony later on Friday in which Russia announces the annexation of four occupied Ukrainian regions. A leader of the Russian Orthodox Church since 2009, Patriarch Kirill is a staunch supporter of President Vladimir Putin's policies. After Putin announced a mobilisation last week, triggering protests and an exodus of men, the patriarch suggested that Russian soldiers dying in Ukraine would go to heaven. Also Read: LIVE | Putin claims four new regions of Russia, calls out West for 'hypocrisy' "It someone, driven by a sense of duty and the need to fulfil an oath, remains true to his calling and dies in the line of military duty then he undoubtedly commits an act of tantamount sacrifice," he said at a sermon last Sunday. "We believe this sacrifice washes away all the sins that a person has committed." The UK and Canada have placed sanctions on Patriarch Kirill for his backing of the what the Kremlin calls its "special military operation" in Ukraine.

Patriarch Kirill, head of Russia's Orthodox Church, down with severe Covid symptoms

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. In what appeared to be a first public acknowledgement that the "partial mobilisation" announced by Russia last week is maybe not have gone smoothly as it was claimed, President Vladimir Putin called for the mistakes to be "corrected". As discontent continues to grow in Russia over the conscription call, Putin on Thursday said that "all mistakes" made in a call-up to reinforce Russia's military operation in Ukraine should be corrected. ALSO READ | Putin to formalise post-vote annexation of Ukraine territory, UN warns against ‘illegal’ move During a videoconference with his security council broadcast on Russian television, Putin said, "This mobilisation raises many questions. We must correct all the mistakes and ensure that they do not happen again." During his address, Putin gave examples of those who are ineligible and have been summoned, like fathers of large families, people suffering from serious illnesses or very old people. Putin said, "If a mistake has been made, it must be corrected and those who were summoned without an appropriate reason should come home." ALSO READ | US imposes fresh sanctions on export of Iran oil WATCH | Header: Fourth leak found on Nord Stream pipelines × Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Monday said that some "mistakes" have been made in the mobilisation process, which was focused on 300,000 reservists with military experience or useful skills, such as truck drivers. According to the OVD-Info organisation, more than 2,400 people have been detained in demonstrations against the mobilisation in Russia since it was announced on September 21. The announcement didn't go well with the citizens as Russians have also chosen to flee the country, causing large queues at the borders of Georgia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and Finland. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russian President Vladimir Putin says 'mistakes' of military mobilisation should be corrected

The United States&nbsp;Justice Department said on Thursday that a former&nbsp;Army major and his anesthesiologist wife had been charged criminally for allegedly conspiring to transmit highly private medical information about military patients to Russia.&nbsp;

Jamie Lee Henry, a former major and physician at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, and his wife, Dr. Anna Gabrielian, were accused in an unsealed indictment in a federal court in Maryland with conspiracy and disclosing patient health information improperly.

According to the indictment, the scheme allegedly got underway following Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. According to the prosecution, the two intended to try to assist the Putin regime in Russia by giving them information that would allow it to "gain insights into the medical conditions of individuals associated with the US&nbsp;government and military."&nbsp;

According to the indictment, the two met with a person they thought was a Russian official but who was actually an undercover FBI agent.&nbsp;

On August 17, Gabrielian allegedly informed the undercover agent at a hotel in Baltimore that "she was motivated by patriotism toward Russia to offer any aid she could to Russia, even if it meant being fired or going to jail."

She offered to involve her husband in the plan during the discussion, claiming he had knowledge of previous military training the US had given to Ukraine, among other things.&nbsp;

Later that day, during another encounter, Henry admitted to the undercover agent that he shared his commitment to Russia and that he had even thought about enlisting in the Russian army.&nbsp;

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In response, the agent advised them to read "Inside the Aquarium: The Making of a Top Soviet Spy," saying it would help them comprehend what they were about to accomplish.&nbsp;

According to the indictment, Henry had some doubts about disclosing medical information, claiming that doing so would go against the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). His wife, however, had no such misgivings.

She informed the undercover agent in a later meeting on August 24 that her husband was a "coward" to worry about breaking HIPAA because she did it frequently and that she would make sure that they could provide Russia access to patient medical information from Fort Bragg.&nbsp;

She had provided information on current and past military personnel as well as their spouses by the end of the month, it claims.

(with inputs from agencies)

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The United States Justice Department said on Thursday that a former Army major and his anesthesiologist wife had been charged criminally for allegedly conspiring to transmit highly private medical information about military patients to Russia.

The United States Justice Department said on Thursday that a former Army major and his anesthesiologist wife had been charged criminally for allegedly conspiring to transmit highly private medical information about military patients to Russia. Jamie Lee Henry, a former major and physician at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, and his wife, Dr. Anna Gabrielian, were accused in an unsealed indictment in a federal court in Maryland with conspiracy and disclosing patient health information improperly. According to the indictment, the scheme allegedly got underway following Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. According to the prosecution, the two intended to try to assist the Putin regime in Russia by giving them information that would allow it to "gain insights into the medical conditions of individuals associated with the US government and military." According to the indictment, the two met with a person they thought was a Russian official but who was actually an undercover FBI agent. On August 17, Gabrielian allegedly informed the undercover agent at a hotel in Baltimore that "she was motivated by patriotism toward Russia to offer any aid she could to Russia, even if it meant being fired or going to jail." She offered to involve her husband in the plan during the discussion, claiming he had knowledge of previous military training the US had given to Ukraine, among other things. Later that day, during another encounter, Henry admitted to the undercover agent that he shared his commitment to Russia and that he had even thought about enlisting in the Russian army. Also Read: N Korea fires third ballistic missile this week, hours after Harris leaves from S Korea In response, the agent advised them to read "Inside the Aquarium: The Making of a Top Soviet Spy," saying it would help them comprehend what they were about to accomplish. According to the indictment, Henry had some doubts about disclosing medical information, claiming that doing so would go against the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). His wife, however, had no such misgivings. She informed the undercover agent in a later meeting on August 24 that her husband was a "coward" to worry about breaking HIPAA because she did it frequently and that she would make sure that they could provide Russia access to patient medical information from Fort Bragg. She had provided information on current and past military personnel as well as their spouses by the end of the month, it claims. (with inputs from agencies)

US army major and wife charged for leaking health data to Russia: Report

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday (September 29), warned of 'dangerous escalation' if Russia formally recognised annexation of regions in eastern Ukraine. He said that such a move from Russia will jeopardize the prospect for peace in the region.&nbsp;

"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," Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told reporters.

"Any decision by Russia to go forwards will further jeopardize the prospects for peace," Guterres said.

"It will prolong the dramatic impacts on the global economy, especially in developing countries, and hinder our ability to deliver life-saving aid across Ukraine and beyond."

On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin is likely to sign documents that would proclaim annexation of four Ukrainian regions. This is being seen by many to be Moscow's rushed attempts to lock-in territorial gains that Ukrainian forces are threatening to reverse.

Russia attacked Ukraine on February 24. After sustained territorial gains in the initial months of fighting, Russian forces have had to retreat in many areas in the face of Ukrainian counter-offensive.

Formal proclaimation of annexation will be one of the legal steps Russia says will lead to formal annexation of 15% of Ukraine's territory. This confirms that &nbsp;Putin is pressing ahead with his war against Ukraine despite suffering a major military reversal this month.

The annexation, after what Kyiv and Western countries say were phony referendums staged at gunpoint on Russian-held Ukrainian territory, has been rejected in the West as an illegal seizure of land captured in war.

(With inputs from agencies)

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United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday (September 29), warned of 'dangerous escalation' if Russia formally recognised annexation of regions in eastern Ukraine.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday (September 29), warned of 'dangerous escalation' if Russia formally recognised annexation of regions in eastern Ukraine. He said that such a move from Russia will jeopardize the prospect for peace in the region. "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," Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told reporters. "Any decision by Russia to go forwards will further jeopardize the prospects for peace," Guterres said. "It will prolong the dramatic impacts on the global economy, especially in developing countries, and hinder our ability to deliver life-saving aid across Ukraine and beyond." On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin is likely to sign documents that would proclaim annexation of four Ukrainian regions. This is being seen by many to be Moscow's rushed attempts to lock-in territorial gains that Ukrainian forces are threatening to reverse. Russia attacked Ukraine on February 24. After sustained territorial gains in the initial months of fighting, Russian forces have had to retreat in many areas in the face of Ukrainian counter-offensive. Formal proclaimation of annexation will be one of the legal steps Russia says will lead to formal annexation of 15% of Ukraine's territory. This confirms that Putin is pressing ahead with his war against Ukraine despite suffering a major military reversal this month. The annexation, after what Kyiv and Western countries say were phony referendums staged at gunpoint on Russian-held Ukrainian territory, has been rejected in the West as an illegal seizure of land captured in war. (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 ×

UN chief warns of 'dangerous escalation' in event of annexation of Ukraine regions

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. In other news, according to a statement from Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff, North Korea launched an unidentified ballistic missile into the East Sea, often known as the Sea of Japan.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-to-formalise-annexation-of-ukraine-territory-on-friday-520903">Putin to formalise annexation of Ukraine territory on Friday</a>
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Russian President Vladimir Putin is gearing up to give his official seal of approval for annexation 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 even claiming victory.&nbsp;

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The military in Seoul said on Thursday that North Korea had launched an unidentified ballistic missile. This was Pyongyang's third launch in less than a week, and it occurred only hours after US Vice President Kamala Harris left South Korea.&nbsp;

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Hurricane Ian, one of the most powerful storms ever recorded in the United States, caused massive devastation in Florida on Wednesday as more than 1.8 million people were left without power. The streets were completely flooded due to the constant rain, and many were stuck without resources.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/a-new-nuclear-alliance-in-west-asia-520917">A new nuclear alliance in West Asia&nbsp;</a>
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'The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting'

Perhaps&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-mulls-over-sharing-nuclear-technology-with-abraham-accords-members-520796">Israel</a>&nbsp;has taken a leaf out of the book 'The Art of War', written between 475 and 221 BCE by Chinese general &amp; philosopher Sun Tzu, as it vows to share nuclear technology with its friendly nations who are part of the Abraham Accords.

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News agency Reuters on Thursday (September 29) reported that China is stepping up efforts to stem the yuan's descent.&nbsp;Citing four sources with knowledge of the matter, it reported that China's central bank has asked major state-owned banks to be prepared to sell dollars for the local unit in offshore markets.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-5000-ghost-flights-flew-to-or-from-the-uk-since-2019-report-520875">More than 5,000 ‘ghost flights’ flew to or from the UK since 2019: Report</a>
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Data suggests more than 5,000 planes with zero passengers on board have arrived at or left UK airports since 2019.&nbsp;

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Two years after storms sunk a livestock ship, killing 41 crew members and 6,000 cattle, New Zealand will outlaw the export of live animals beginning in April of next year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australias-high-court-to-have-majority-female-bench-for-first-time-in-history-520826">Australia’s high court to have majority-female bench for first time in history</a>
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The majority of judges on the Australian high court are now women after the appointment of justice Jayne Jagot on Wednesday. This will be the first time in history that women will outnumber men in the country’s high court as Jagot will replace justice Patrick Keane as the 56th justice of the court.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pew-research-global-opinion-of-china-more-negative-since-president-xi-took-office-520800">Pew Research: Global opinion of China ‘more negative’ since President Xi Jinping took office</a>
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According to a new Pew Research Center survey, sentiments toward President Xi Jinping around the world have deteriorated over the past several years and have "become dramatically more negative" since the Chinese leader assumed office in 2013.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apple-cuts-back-on-iphone-14-production-as-demand-falls-report-520791">Apple slashes iPhone 14 production target by 6 million units as demand stutters: Report</a>
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After anticipating dwindling demands for new iPhone14 models, Apple has reportedly asked the suppliers to cut back on production this year.

&nbsp;

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. In other news, according to a statement from Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff, North Korea launched an unidentified ballistic missile into the East Sea, often known as the Sea of Japan.

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. In other news, according to a statement from Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff, North Korea launched an unidentified ballistic missile into the East Sea, often known as the Sea of Japan. Click on the headlines to read more: Putin to formalise annexation of Ukraine territory on Friday Russian President Vladimir Putin is gearing up to give his official seal of approval for annexation 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 even claiming victory. N Korea fires third ballistic missile this week, hours after Harris leaves from S Korea The military in Seoul said on Thursday that North Korea had launched an unidentified ballistic missile. This was Pyongyang's third launch in less than a week, and it occurred only hours after US Vice President Kamala Harris left South Korea. Waning Hurricane Ian batters Florida, floods streets, leaves two million people without power Hurricane Ian, one of the most powerful storms ever recorded in the United States, caused massive devastation in Florida on Wednesday as more than 1.8 million people were left without power. The streets were completely flooded due to the constant rain, and many were stuck without resources. A new nuclear alliance in West Asia 'The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting' Perhaps Israel has taken a leaf out of the book 'The Art of War', written between 475 and 221 BCE by Chinese general & philosopher Sun Tzu, as it vows to share nuclear technology with its friendly nations who are part of the Abraham Accords. China stepping up efforts to stem the yuan's descent: Report News agency Reuters on Thursday (September 29) reported that China is stepping up efforts to stem the yuan's descent. Citing four sources with knowledge of the matter, it reported that China's central bank has asked major state-owned banks to be prepared to sell dollars for the local unit in offshore markets. More than 5,000 ‘ghost flights’ flew to or from the UK since 2019: Report Data suggests more than 5,000 planes with zero passengers on board have arrived at or left UK airports since 2019. Beginning in April 2023, New Zealand to ban export of live animals via sea Two years after storms sunk a livestock ship, killing 41 crew members and 6,000 cattle, New Zealand will outlaw the export of live animals beginning in April of next year. Australia’s high court to have majority-female bench for first time in history The majority of judges on the Australian high court are now women after the appointment of justice Jayne Jagot on Wednesday. This will be the first time in history that women will outnumber men in the country’s high court as Jagot will replace justice Patrick Keane as the 56th justice of the court. Pew Research: Global opinion of China ‘more negative’ since President Xi Jinping took office According to a new Pew Research Center survey, sentiments toward President Xi Jinping around the world have deteriorated over the past several years and have "become dramatically more negative" since the Chinese leader assumed office in 2013. Apple slashes iPhone 14 production target by 6 million units as demand stutters: Report After anticipating dwindling demands for new iPhone14 models, Apple has reportedly asked the suppliers to cut back on production this year.

Top 10 world news: Putin to formalise annexation, N Korea fires third missile in a week, and more

West, on Wednesday (September 28),&nbsp;was unanimous in rejecting results of 'referendums' held by Russia in eastern parts of Ukraine it partially controls. Moscow has claimed that all four regions of Ukraine have voted in favour of joining Russia. These referendums have been called 'sham' by many countries including Ukraine.

The United States said that it will recognise Russian attempts to annex parts of Ukraine. US said that it is preparing new economic sanctions to be imposed on Moscow.

"We will never recognize these illegal and illegitimate attempts at annexation," said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre as she spoke with reporters.

"We will work with our allies and partners to impose additional economic costs on Russia and individuals and entities inside and outside of Russia," she added.

UK Prime Minister Liz Truss has also slammed Russia's claims. On Wednesday, Truss spoke with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on call.

A Downing Street spokesperson said Truss underlined Britain's "steadfast support in light of Russia's sham referendums in Ukraine".

"The Prime Minister made clear that the UK would never recognise Russian attempts to annex sovereign territory. She reiterated that Ukraine could depend on the UK's support until President Putin was defeated."

Canada joined UK and US in denouncing Russia. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a Twitter message that he'd spoken with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky and told him that "Canada will never recognize Russia's 'referendums.'"

In a statement he said Ottawa will impose new sanctions "against persons and entities that are complicit in this latest attempt to undermine the principles of state sovereignty," which he described as a "further escalation" in the conflict by Moscow.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stupid-and-absurd-to-accuse-russia-of-nord-stream-leaks-kremlin-520506">'Stupid and absurd' to accuse Russia of Nord Stream leaks: Kremlin</a>

Earlier, Trudeau called the votes "illegitimate" and a "sham," and decried Moscow's "attempted, illegal annexation of Ukrainian territories."

"Let me be clear: Ukraine's borders will not change. Ukraine's territory will remain Ukraine's," he said.

It is expected that more countries, particularly in Europe, will formally register their displeasure over the referendums.

(With inputs from agencies)

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West, on Wednesday (September 28), was unanimous in rejecting results of 'referendums' held by Russia in eastern parts of Ukraine it partially controls. Moscow has claimed that all four regions of Ukraine have voted in favour of joining Russia.

West, on Wednesday (September 28), was unanimous in rejecting results of 'referendums' held by Russia in eastern parts of Ukraine it partially controls. Moscow has claimed that all four regions of Ukraine have voted in favour of joining Russia. These referendums have been called 'sham' by many countries including Ukraine. The United States said that it will recognise Russian attempts to annex parts of Ukraine. US said that it is preparing new economic sanctions to be imposed on Moscow. "We will never recognize these illegal and illegitimate attempts at annexation," said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre as she spoke with reporters. "We will work with our allies and partners to impose additional economic costs on Russia and individuals and entities inside and outside of Russia," she added. UK Prime Minister Liz Truss has also slammed Russia's claims. On Wednesday, Truss spoke with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on call. A Downing Street spokesperson said Truss underlined Britain's "steadfast support in light of Russia's sham referendums in Ukraine". "The Prime Minister made clear that the UK would never recognise Russian attempts to annex sovereign territory. She reiterated that Ukraine could depend on the UK's support until President Putin was defeated." Canada joined UK and US in denouncing Russia. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a Twitter message that he'd spoken with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky and told him that "Canada will never recognize Russia's 'referendums.'" In a statement he said Ottawa will impose new sanctions "against persons and entities that are complicit in this latest attempt to undermine the principles of state sovereignty," which he described as a "further escalation" in the conflict by Moscow. Also Read | 'Stupid and absurd' to accuse Russia of Nord Stream leaks: Kremlin Earlier, Trudeau called the votes "illegitimate" and a "sham," and decried Moscow's "attempted, illegal annexation of Ukrainian territories." "Let me be clear: Ukraine's borders will not change. Ukraine's territory will remain Ukraine's," he said. It is expected that more countries, particularly in Europe, will formally register their displeasure over the referendums. (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 ×

West vows to 'never recognise' referendums in Ukraine as Russia claims victory

Russia's aviation industry will aim to go it alone without the West, using locally built parts to produce 1,000 airliners by 2030 and end reliance on Boeing and Airbus, state-owned engineer Rostec said.

The remarks from Rostec, a vast state corporation headed by a close ally of President Vladimir Putin that includes Russia's only manufacturer of civil aircraft, are the strongest indication yet that the country's aviation sector sees the confrontation with the West as a permanent schism.

The West's imposition of the most severe sanctions in modern history after Moscow sent thousands of troops into Ukraine has forced the biggest change on Russia's economy since the Soviet Union crumbled from 1989 to 1991.

The post-Soviet assumptions of the aviation sector have been turned on their head: foreign aircraft, mainly from Boeing and Airbus, account for 95% of passenger traffic, but sanctions mean there are no spare parts -- and no prospect of any.

Reuters reported in August that Russian airlines, including state controlled Aeroflot, were stripping jetliners to secure spare parts they can no longer buy abroad because of Western sanctions. read more

But Rostec, headed by Sergei Chemezov who worked with Putin in East Germany in the 1980s, sees the upheaval as an opportunity to build a strong, self-reliant aviation industry.

"Foreign aircraft will drop out of the fleet," Rostec said in a written response to Reuters questions about its plans and the situation in Russia's aviation industry.

"We believe that this process is irreversible and Boeing and Airbus planes will never be delivered to Russia," it said.

Rostec has run some of Russia's prime industrial, defence and engineering assets since Putin signed a decree creating the corporation in 2007.

Russian airlines, including Aeroflot, splurged on Boeing and Airbus aircraft as they sought to rebuild their fleets after the chaos of the 1990s. Forging a competitive domestic alternative will be difficult.

The target of building 1,000 airliners by 2030 is "basically impossible", according to aerospace analyst Richard Aboulafia, managing director of U.S.-based AeroDynamic Advisory.

"Even when they could get semiconductors and other vital components from the West, they were having a very hard time producing more than a handful of jets," he said.

By comparison with the new seven-year goal, Russia and the rest of the Soviet Union had only ever built a combined total of around 2,000 large commercial jetliners, he added.

When it comes to modern jets, Russia's only civilian planemaker, Rostec's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) (UNAC.MM), is limited by a lack of models, manufacturing capacity and foreign components.

Half of components and technologies used in the Russian aircraft industry in 2021 originated from foreign countries, according to a document titled: "On the Strategic Directions of Activity in the New Conditions for the Period up to 2030" prepared by the government and seen by Reuters.

Rostec will have to find parts - or make them.

"Our next goal is, in the shortest time, to complete import substitution of those imported parts which were delivered from abroad, for promising aviation projects - SSJ-New and MS-21," Rostec said.

MADE IN RUSSIA

Russia plans to produce 20 fully import-substituted regional jets known as Superjet-New annually from 2024 and 72 new medium-haul MS-21 from 2029, beginning with six in 2024, according to the Russian aviation industry's development plan to 2030, published by the government in June.

Russia is testing its new MS-21 plane with a domestically made PD-14 engine instead of the American-made PW1400G, supplied by Pratt &amp; Whitney.

The MS-21 has been Russia's attempt to break into the main part of the jet market dominated by Airbus and Boeing.

But it is struggling to replace the foreign components of its Superjet, including the SaM-146 engine which was designed by a joint venture with French engine firm Safran&nbsp;and could no longer be produced because of sanctions.

UAC continues to produce Superjets with SaM-146's from stock and is going to deliver about 20 more jets with this engine, Rostec said.

"They will be the last ones where our partner solutions with Safran are used. Then we will install PD-8 engines on this type of aircraft," Rostec said. PD-8 engines are also made in Russia.

"From this year, we don't rely on international cooperation with Western countries," Rostec said. "We can say with confidence that the MS-21 with American-made engines will not be delivered to the Russian market."

From 2022 to 2030 Russia plans to deliver 1,036 passenger planes. That includes 142 Superjet-New and 270 MS-21, as well as 70 turboprop Il-114, 70 medium-haul Tu-214, and 12 wide-body Il-96, designed locally, according to government documents.

"We don't expect sanctions to be eased and we are building our plans based on the existing tough scenario," Rostec said.

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Russia's aviation industry will aim to go it alone without the West, using locally built parts to produce 1,000 airliners by 2030 and end reliance on Boeing and Airbus, state-owned engineer Rostec said.

Russia's aviation industry will aim to go it alone without the West, using locally built parts to produce 1,000 airliners by 2030 and end reliance on Boeing and Airbus, state-owned engineer Rostec said. The remarks from Rostec, a vast state corporation headed by a close ally of President Vladimir Putin that includes Russia's only manufacturer of civil aircraft, are the strongest indication yet that the country's aviation sector sees the confrontation with the West as a permanent schism. The West's imposition of the most severe sanctions in modern history after Moscow sent thousands of troops into Ukraine has forced the biggest change on Russia's economy since the Soviet Union crumbled from 1989 to 1991. The post-Soviet assumptions of the aviation sector have been turned on their head: foreign aircraft, mainly from Boeing and Airbus, account for 95% of passenger traffic, but sanctions mean there are no spare parts -- and no prospect of any. Reuters reported in August that Russian airlines, including state controlled Aeroflot, were stripping jetliners to secure spare parts they can no longer buy abroad because of Western sanctions. read more But Rostec, headed by Sergei Chemezov who worked with Putin in East Germany in the 1980s, sees the upheaval as an opportunity to build a strong, self-reliant aviation industry. "Foreign aircraft will drop out of the fleet," Rostec said in a written response to Reuters questions about its plans and the situation in Russia's aviation industry. "We believe that this process is irreversible and Boeing and Airbus planes will never be delivered to Russia," it said. Rostec has run some of Russia's prime industrial, defence and engineering assets since Putin signed a decree creating the corporation in 2007. Russian airlines, including Aeroflot, splurged on Boeing and Airbus aircraft as they sought to rebuild their fleets after the chaos of the 1990s. Forging a competitive domestic alternative will be difficult. The target of building 1,000 airliners by 2030 is "basically impossible", according to aerospace analyst Richard Aboulafia, managing director of U.S.-based AeroDynamic Advisory. "Even when they could get semiconductors and other vital components from the West, they were having a very hard time producing more than a handful of jets," he said. By comparison with the new seven-year goal, Russia and the rest of the Soviet Union had only ever built a combined total of around 2,000 large commercial jetliners, he added. When it comes to modern jets, Russia's only civilian planemaker, Rostec's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) (UNAC.MM), is limited by a lack of models, manufacturing capacity and foreign components. Half of components and technologies used in the Russian aircraft industry in 2021 originated from foreign countries, according to a document titled: "On the Strategic Directions of Activity in the New Conditions for the Period up to 2030" prepared by the government and seen by Reuters. Rostec will have to find parts - or make them. "Our next goal is, in the shortest time, to complete import substitution of those imported parts which were delivered from abroad, for promising aviation projects - SSJ-New and MS-21," Rostec said. MADE IN RUSSIA Russia plans to produce 20 fully import-substituted regional jets known as Superjet-New annually from 2024 and 72 new medium-haul MS-21 from 2029, beginning with six in 2024, according to the Russian aviation industry's development plan to 2030, published by the government in June. Russia is testing its new MS-21 plane with a domestically made PD-14 engine instead of the American-made PW1400G, supplied by Pratt & Whitney. The MS-21 has been Russia's attempt to break into the main part of the jet market dominated by Airbus and Boeing. But it is struggling to replace the foreign components of its Superjet, including the SaM-146 engine which was designed by a joint venture with French engine firm Safran and could no longer be produced because of sanctions. UAC continues to produce Superjets with SaM-146's from stock and is going to deliver about 20 more jets with this engine, Rostec said. "They will be the last ones where our partner solutions with Safran are used. Then we will install PD-8 engines on this type of aircraft," Rostec said. PD-8 engines are also made in Russia. "From this year, we don't rely on international cooperation with Western countries," Rostec said. "We can say with confidence that the MS-21 with American-made engines will not be delivered to the Russian market." From 2022 to 2030 Russia plans to deliver 1,036 passenger planes. That includes 142 Superjet-New and 270 MS-21, as well as 70 turboprop Il-114, 70 medium-haul Tu-214, and 12 wide-body Il-96, designed locally, according to government documents. "We don't expect sanctions to be eased and we are building our plans based on the existing tough scenario," Rostec said. 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 ×

Exclusive: Russia aiming to fly solo, end its reliance on Airbus and Boeing

The eighth round of sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine were recommended by the executive of the European Union on Wednesday. These measures include tougher trade restrictions, more people being placed on individual blacklists, and a cap on oil prices for third-party nations.&nbsp;

The plan will now be presented to the bloc's 27 members, who must put aside their differences in order to apply the fresh penalties on top of the seven other sets of sanctions already placed on Russia since its soldiers invaded Ukraine on February 24.&nbsp;

Despite Russia's military mobilisation last week, nuclear threats, and moves to annex a portion of Ukraine after invading the former Soviet republic that seeks EU membership, the EU may need some time to accomplish that.

"We do not accept the sham referendums&nbsp;(in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine) nor any kind of annexation...And we are determined to make the Kremlin pay the price for this further escalation," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told reporters.

"We are proposing a new package of biting sanctions."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stupid-and-absurd-to-accuse-russia-of-nord-stream-leaks-kremlin-520506">'Stupid and absurd' to accuse Russia of Nord Stream leaks: Kremlin</a>

The Group of Seven main industrialised nations, which include&nbsp;Italy, France, and Germany as members of the EU, have already decided to implement an oil price ceiling through insurers.

A senior economic adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier on Wednesday urged the EU to further reduce money flows to Russia from sales of natural fuels.&nbsp;

Ustenko claimed that "blood money" would continue to flow to Moscow even though the EU had already decided to stop importing Russian oil later this year unless European firms were forbidden from insuring Russia's seaborne supplies to other nations.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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The eighth round of sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine were recommended by the executive of the European Union on Wednesday. These measures include tougher trade restrictions, more people being placed on individual blacklists, and a cap on oil prices for third-party nations.

The eighth round of sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine were recommended by the executive of the European Union on Wednesday. These measures include tougher trade restrictions, more people being placed on individual blacklists, and a cap on oil prices for third-party nations. The plan will now be presented to the bloc's 27 members, who must put aside their differences in order to apply the fresh penalties on top of the seven other sets of sanctions already placed on Russia since its soldiers invaded Ukraine on February 24. Despite Russia's military mobilisation last week, nuclear threats, and moves to annex a portion of Ukraine after invading the former Soviet republic that seeks EU membership, the EU may need some time to accomplish that. "We do not accept the sham referendums (in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine) nor any kind of annexation...And we are determined to make the Kremlin pay the price for this further escalation," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told reporters. "We are proposing a new package of biting sanctions." Also Read: 'Stupid and absurd' to accuse Russia of Nord Stream leaks: Kremlin The Group of Seven main industrialised nations, which include Italy, France, and Germany as members of the EU, have already decided to implement an oil price ceiling through insurers. A senior economic adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier on Wednesday urged the EU to further reduce money flows to Russia from sales of natural fuels. Ustenko claimed that "blood money" would continue to flow to Moscow even though the EU had already decided to stop importing Russian oil later this year unless European firms were forbidden from insuring Russia's seaborne supplies to other nations. (with inputs from agencies)

EU proposes tighter trade restrictions, more individual blacklistings against Russia

In the wake of exodus of Russians fleeing the country to escape military mobilisation, Poland and Bulgaria on Tuesday (September 28) urged their citizens to leave Russia, reported The Guardian. As more and more people flee Russia, border crossing into neighbouring countries may get difficult in the coming days.

Bulgaria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that it “Calls for refraining from traveling to the Russian Federation and recommends that Bulgarian citizens in the Russian Federation consider the possibility of leaving the country as soon as possible, using currently available means of transport”.

As per Polish outlet TVP, country's foreign ministry has made a similar appeal to its citizens. Poland said that flights with Russia had been suspended.

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. After initial successes, Russian forces have had to retreat in some area in the face of Ukrainian counter-attack. Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a partial military mobilisation. Soon after the mobilisation was &nbsp;announced, reports of Russians fleeing the country have hit headlines all over the world.

Meanwhile in Ukraine, Russian-backed authorities claim to have carried out the referendums over five days on territory that makes up around 15% of Ukraine.

Residents who escaped to Ukrainian-held territory in recent days have told of people being forced to tick ballots in the street by roving officials at gunpoint. Footage filmed during the exercise showed Russian-installed officials taking ballot boxes from house to house with armed men in tow.

Russia says voting was voluntary and in line with international law, and turnout high.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In the wake of exodus of Russians fleeing the country to escape military mobilisation, Poland and Bulgaria on Tuesday (September 28) urged their citizens to leave Russia, reported The Guardian.

In the wake of exodus of Russians fleeing the country to escape military mobilisation, Poland and Bulgaria on Tuesday (September 28) urged their citizens to leave Russia, reported The Guardian. As more and more people flee Russia, border crossing into neighbouring countries may get difficult in the coming days. Bulgaria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that it “Calls for refraining from traveling to the Russian Federation and recommends that Bulgarian citizens in the Russian Federation consider the possibility of leaving the country as soon as possible, using currently available means of transport”. As per Polish outlet TVP, country's foreign ministry has made a similar appeal to its citizens. Poland said that flights with Russia had been suspended. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. After initial successes, Russian forces have had to retreat in some area in the face of Ukrainian counter-attack. Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a partial military mobilisation. Soon after the mobilisation was announced, reports of Russians fleeing the country have hit headlines all over the world. Meanwhile in Ukraine, Russian-backed authorities claim to have carried out the referendums over five days on territory that makes up around 15% of Ukraine. Residents who escaped to Ukrainian-held territory in recent days have told of people being forced to tick ballots in the street by roving officials at gunpoint. Footage filmed during the exercise showed Russian-installed officials taking ballot boxes from house to house with armed men in tow. Russia says voting was voluntary and in line with international law, and turnout high. (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 ×

Poland, Bulgaria urge citizens to leave Russia

The European Union has claimed that gas leaks on the Nord Stream pipes to Europe were a "deliberate act," while the Kremlin called this claim "stupid and absurd."&nbsp;

After Ukraine claimed that the leaks&nbsp;were a "terrorist attack" by Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that it was both predictable and irresponsible to give life to these kinds of scenarios.&nbsp;

The leaks, according to Peskov, are "quite problematic" for Moscow.&nbsp;

"Both branches were filled with gas, ready for pumping, and this gas is very expensive. Now, this gas is disappearing into the air," Peskov said.

In addition, he urged everyone to wait for the results of the probe before making any statements.&nbsp;

"This is a situation that requires dialogue, prompt interaction on the part of all sides to find what happened. So far we see an absolute lack of such dialogue," Peskov said.

On Monday, the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines in the Baltic Sea had three unexplained gas leaks that were preceded by two explosions.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-russian-call-for-mobilisation-sparks-mass-exodus-520181">In pics: Russian call for mobilisation sparks mass exodus</a>

In recent months, the pipelines have been at the centre of geopolitical unrest as a result of Russia's suspected retaliation against Western sanctions following its military intervention in Ukraine. Russia curtailed gas shipments to Europe.

Nord Stream 2 was designed to run parallel to Nord Stream 1 and increase Germany's ability to import Russian gas.&nbsp;

However, Berlin halted the recently finished Nord Stream 2 just before Moscow pushed soldiers into Ukraine.

(with inputs from agencies)

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The European Union has claimed that gas leaks on the Nord Stream pipes to Europe were a "deliberate act," while the Kremlin called this claim "stupid and absurd.

The European Union has claimed that gas leaks on the Nord Stream pipes to Europe were a "deliberate act," while the Kremlin called this claim "stupid and absurd." After Ukraine claimed that the leaks were a "terrorist attack" by Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that it was both predictable and irresponsible to give life to these kinds of scenarios. The leaks, according to Peskov, are "quite problematic" for Moscow. "Both branches were filled with gas, ready for pumping, and this gas is very expensive. Now, this gas is disappearing into the air," Peskov said. In addition, he urged everyone to wait for the results of the probe before making any statements. "This is a situation that requires dialogue, prompt interaction on the part of all sides to find what happened. So far we see an absolute lack of such dialogue," Peskov said. On Monday, the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines in the Baltic Sea had three unexplained gas leaks that were preceded by two explosions. Also Read: In pics: Russian call for mobilisation sparks mass exodus In recent months, the pipelines have been at the centre of geopolitical unrest as a result of Russia's suspected retaliation against Western sanctions following its military intervention in Ukraine. Russia curtailed gas shipments to Europe. Nord Stream 2 was designed to run parallel to Nord Stream 1 and increase Germany's ability to import Russian gas. However, Berlin halted the recently finished Nord Stream 2 just before Moscow pushed soldiers into Ukraine. (with inputs from agencies)

'Stupid and absurd' to accuse Russia of Nord Stream leaks: Kremlin

The outcome of the stage-managed referendums in three eastern provinces of Ukraine (Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia) and Kherson towards the south controlled by Russia is on the expected lines. The results were announced on September 27 and according to media reports, citing Russia-installed officials in these areas, between 87 % to 99.2% voted in favour of joining Russia.&nbsp;

It is a foregone conclusion that the Russian parliament, scheduled to meet on October 4 will ratify the annexation agreements and formalise the annexation of these Ukrainian regions which together constitute about 15% of the Ukrainian territories. In a way, the history is repeating itself.

In 2014 Russia had annexed the Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula. A qualitative difference, however, is that the annexation this times comes in the midst of a bloody military conflict between Russia and Ukraine the fall-out of which (in terms of threats to food security, energy security, disruptions in supply chains, steep rise in inflation etc.) is being felt much beyond the borders of Russia and Ukraine, particularly in Europe as well as in several poor and developing countries located far away from the scene of the conflict.

Watch | Referendum votes: Moscow claims victory in all regions; 'No point talking to Putin,' states Zelensky

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The response to the referendums and the anticipated ensuing annexation of the Ukrainian territories by Russia is also on expected lines. The referendum have been widely condemned and dubbed as illegitimate and as a sham. Reports at hand suggest that the US is preparing to move a resolution in the UN Security Council calling on member states not to recognise any change to Ukraine’s territory and to obligate Russia to withdraw its troops from the occupied territories. The US Resolution in the UNSC will definitely be vetoed by Russia.

Afterwards, the US in all likelihood will move the resolution in the UN General Assembly where it will go through in all probability. In addition, the USA may announce further sanctions on Russia. But will it help?

How will the annexation impact on the on-going conflict?

It is noteworthy that none of the four regions which held referendums is under Russia's full control. The Ukrainian forces which of late are in an offensive mode, recently made notable headway in the province of Kharkiv which had at one stage fallen under Russia’s control.&nbsp;

Encouraged by the extensive moral, military and material support from the West, Ukraine’s president has repeatedly pledged to retrieve the Ukrainian territories which have fallen under Russia’s control in the course of the war now in its seventh month. Ukrainian President Zelensky told the UN Security Council through a video message from Kyiv that Moscow's attempts to annex Ukrainian territory will mean “there is nothing to talk about with this president of Russia (Vladimir Putin).” President Zelensky’s statement read with the reports that the USA is planning to announce a $1.1 billion military package for Ukraine is a signal that the possibility of any meaningful dialogue in near future is ruled out.&nbsp;

According to Reuters, the new US arms package will include HIMARS launcher systems, accompanying munitions, various types of counter drone systems and radar systems, along with spares, training and technical support.

In this context, Russia’s Foreign Minister Lavrov's recent statement in New York is of considerable significance. He assured that Russia will provide full protection to these territories on becoming a part of the Russian Federation and any attack on these territories will be treated as an attack on Russia. In an alarmist tone he cautioned that Russia would use all means at its disposal to protect newly annexed territories. This part of Lavrov’s statement is being interpreted as an implied warning that Russia will not hesitate to use nuclear arsenals if required.

By all available indications the conflict is likely to escalate even though Russia can be said to have partially achieved its objective of establishing its foothold in the eastern parts of Ukraine and putting an obstacle to the prospects of NATO membership for Ukraine. The Americans, however, would like to prolong the conflict and weaken and isolate Russia as much as possible. Meanwhile the world community will continue to live under the fear of an outbreak –by accident or by design - of a nuclear war and its devastating impact for rest of the world.

The larger issues on the floor are the issues of the territorial integrity and right to self-determination. Most of the 3.6 million people living in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions speak Russian, a result of a migration of Russian workers to the regions after World War II, during the Soviet era. Moscow has in recent years issued more than 720,000 Russian passports to roughly one-fifth of the region's population. The pro-Russian separatists in Donbas region (Donetsk and Luhansk) had earlier declared independence and have now voted for joining Russian Federation. Prima-facie, the population in the region is exercising its right to sel-determination which from Ukraine’s perspective is a violation of the territorial integrity of Ukraine whose borders with Russia were settled after the disintegration of the USSR in 1991. Further, technically Russia is only responding to the request from these regions for becoming a part of the Russian Federation.&nbsp;

However, it is well known that the ground realities are different and the entire show has been scripted by Russia. The referendums as per Russia’s narrative are an expression of the will of the people of these regions and their annexation by Russia legitimate.

The pity is that on several occasions, the big powers have intervened militarily in other countries in pursuance of their vested interests using different pretexts and the world community and the UN have been only silent spectators.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

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The outcome of the stage-managed referendums in three eastern provinces of Ukraine (Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia) and Kherson towards the south controlled by Russia is on the expected lines.

The outcome of the stage-managed referendums in three eastern provinces of Ukraine (Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia) and Kherson towards the south controlled by Russia is on the expected lines. The results were announced on September 27 and according to media reports, citing Russia-installed officials in these areas, between 87 % to 99.2% voted in favour of joining Russia. It is a foregone conclusion that the Russian parliament, scheduled to meet on October 4 will ratify the annexation agreements and formalise the annexation of these Ukrainian regions which together constitute about 15% of the Ukrainian territories. In a way, the history is repeating itself. In 2014 Russia had annexed the Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula. A qualitative difference, however, is that the annexation this times comes in the midst of a bloody military conflict between Russia and Ukraine the fall-out of which (in terms of threats to food security, energy security, disruptions in supply chains, steep rise in inflation etc.) is being felt much beyond the borders of Russia and Ukraine, particularly in Europe as well as in several poor and developing countries located far away from the scene of the conflict. Watch | Referendum votes: Moscow claims victory in all regions; 'No point talking to Putin,' states Zelensky × The response to the referendums and the anticipated ensuing annexation of the Ukrainian territories by Russia is also on expected lines. The referendum have been widely condemned and dubbed as illegitimate and as a sham. Reports at hand suggest that the US is preparing to move a resolution in the UN Security Council calling on member states not to recognise any change to Ukraine’s territory and to obligate Russia to withdraw its troops from the occupied territories. The US Resolution in the UNSC will definitely be vetoed by Russia. Afterwards, the US in all likelihood will move the resolution in the UN General Assembly where it will go through in all probability. In addition, the USA may announce further sanctions on Russia. But will it help? How will the annexation impact on the on-going conflict? It is noteworthy that none of the four regions which held referendums is under Russia's full control. The Ukrainian forces which of late are in an offensive mode, recently made notable headway in the province of Kharkiv which had at one stage fallen under Russia’s control. Encouraged by the extensive moral, military and material support from the West, Ukraine’s president has repeatedly pledged to retrieve the Ukrainian territories which have fallen under Russia’s control in the course of the war now in its seventh month. Ukrainian President Zelensky told the UN Security Council through a video message from Kyiv that Moscow's attempts to annex Ukrainian territory will mean “there is nothing to talk about with this president of Russia (Vladimir Putin).” President Zelensky’s statement read with the reports that the USA is planning to announce a $1.1 billion military package for Ukraine is a signal that the possibility of any meaningful dialogue in near future is ruled out. According to Reuters, the new US arms package will include HIMARS launcher systems, accompanying munitions, various types of counter drone systems and radar systems, along with spares, training and technical support. In this context, Russia’s Foreign Minister Lavrov's recent statement in New York is of considerable significance. He assured that Russia will provide full protection to these territories on becoming a part of the Russian Federation and any attack on these territories will be treated as an attack on Russia. In an alarmist tone he cautioned that Russia would use all means at its disposal to protect newly annexed territories. This part of Lavrov’s statement is being interpreted as an implied warning that Russia will not hesitate to use nuclear arsenals if required. By all available indications the conflict is likely to escalate even though Russia can be said to have partially achieved its objective of establishing its foothold in the eastern parts of Ukraine and putting an obstacle to the prospects of NATO membership for Ukraine. The Americans, however, would like to prolong the conflict and weaken and isolate Russia as much as possible. Meanwhile the world community will continue to live under the fear of an outbreak –by accident or by design - of a nuclear war and its devastating impact for rest of the world. The larger issues on the floor are the issues of the territorial integrity and right to self-determination. Most of the 3.6 million people living in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions speak Russian, a result of a migration of Russian workers to the regions after World War II, during the Soviet era. Moscow has in recent years issued more than 720,000 Russian passports to roughly one-fifth of the region's population. The pro-Russian separatists in Donbas region (Donetsk and Luhansk) had earlier declared independence and have now voted for joining Russian Federation. Prima-facie, the population in the region is exercising its right to sel-determination which from Ukraine’s perspective is a violation of the territorial integrity of Ukraine whose borders with Russia were settled after the disintegration of the USSR in 1991. Further, technically Russia is only responding to the request from these regions for becoming a part of the Russian Federation. However, it is well known that the ground realities are different and the entire show has been scripted by Russia. The referendums as per Russia’s narrative are an expression of the will of the people of these regions and their annexation by Russia legitimate. The pity is that on several occasions, the big powers have intervened militarily in other countries in pursuance of their vested interests using different pretexts and the world community and the UN have been only silent spectators. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) 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 ×

Ukraine: Through stage-managed referendums, the history is repeating itself

Following hurriedly organised referendums that Ukraine and the West blasted as fraudulent, the Russian-installed administrators of Ukraine's Luhansk and Kherson regions have formally petitioned President Vladimir Putin to merge them into Russia.&nbsp;

Four occupied regions of Ukraine recorded resounding majorities in favour of joining Russia, according to Russian-installed officials.&nbsp;

The polls, according to the West, were a coercive exercise designed to give Russia a pretext to annex about 15 per cent&nbsp;of Ukrainian land. If annexation plans advanced, the West threatened further penalties against Moscow.

According to officials, the four provinces' final vote totals on Tuesday ranged from 87 per cent&nbsp;to 99.2 per cent&nbsp;in favour of joining Russia.&nbsp;

Vladimir Saldo, the president of the Russian-occupied Kherson region of Ukraine, claimed in a message posted on his Telegram account that locals had taken "a&nbsp;historic choice" in favour of Russia.&nbsp;

If Russia annexes the four areas of Ukraine, Putin might frame any attempt by the Ukrainians to retake them as an assault on Russia, which would allow for a much more severe military reaction.

According to Russia, one of the reasons it engaged in Ukraine was to defend Russian-speaking citizens from persecution in the eastern Donbas region, which includes the provinces of Donetsk and Luhansk.&nbsp;

This is rejected by Kyiv and the West as a fictitious excuse for a more extensive war of invasion.

(with inputs from agencies)

Following hurriedly organised referendums that Ukraine and the West blasted as fraudulent, the Russian-installed administrators of Ukraine's Luhansk and Kherson regions have formally petitioned President Vladimir Putin to merge them into Russia.

Following hurriedly organised referendums that Ukraine and the West blasted as fraudulent, the Russian-installed administrators of Ukraine's Luhansk and Kherson regions have formally petitioned President Vladimir Putin to merge them into Russia. Four occupied regions of Ukraine recorded resounding majorities in favour of joining Russia, according to Russian-installed officials. The polls, according to the West, were a coercive exercise designed to give Russia a pretext to annex about 15 per cent of Ukrainian land. If annexation plans advanced, the West threatened further penalties against Moscow. According to officials, the four provinces' final vote totals on Tuesday ranged from 87 per cent to 99.2 per cent in favour of joining Russia. Vladimir Saldo, the president of the Russian-occupied Kherson region of Ukraine, claimed in a message posted on his Telegram account that locals had taken "a historic choice" in favour of Russia. If Russia annexes the four areas of Ukraine, Putin might frame any attempt by the Ukrainians to retake them as an assault on Russia, which would allow for a much more severe military reaction. According to Russia, one of the reasons it engaged in Ukraine was to defend Russian-speaking citizens from persecution in the eastern Donbas region, which includes the provinces of Donetsk and Luhansk. This is rejected by Kyiv and the West as a fictitious excuse for a more extensive war of invasion. (with inputs from agencies)

Russia-installed administrators in occupied regions ask Putin to hastily incorporate them

A court has revealed that a superyacht connected to a sanctioned Russian businessman sold for $37.5 million at auction in Gibraltar last month after being ordered to do so by creditor JP Morgan. This was the first such sale since Russia invaded Ukraine.&nbsp;

The authorities in Gibraltar seized the 72.5-meter Axioma in March after a U.S. bank claimed that its purported owner, a business run by Dmitry Pumpyansky, had broken the terms of a 20.5 million euro loan.&nbsp;

An unnamed buyer had been chosen, according to the Office of Admiralty Marshal, a division of Gibraltar's Supreme Court charged with organising the auction in August.

The $37,500,055 in sales profits will be used to pay off the ship's debts to creditors, and anyone with additional claims must make them within the next 60 days, according to a statement. It further said that the court would decide what to do with any leftover money.&nbsp;

Pumpyansky, 58, served as the owner and chairman of OAO TMK, a supplier of steel pipes to the Russian energy giant Gazprom, until March.&nbsp;

According to Forbes magazine, he is worth an estimated $2 billion. Shortly after the invasion of Ukraine, Britain and the EU imposed sanctions on him.

JP Morgan said it lent 20.5 million euros to Pyrene Investments Ltd, a company listed in the British Virgin Islands and owned by Furdberg Holding Ltd, according to court documents examined by Reuters. Pumpyansky, owner of Furdberg, served as the loan's guarantee.&nbsp;

According to the documents, Pyrene Investments broke the terms of the loan after Pumpyansky transferred his interests in Furdberg to a third party on March 4 and was subsequently fined, preventing the loan's repayment. The papers said that the Axioma had served as loan collateral.&nbsp;

Pumpyansky is not known to have made any public remarks regarding who owned the yacht, and Reuters was unable to get in touch with him.

The yacht's sale, which included a swimming pool, spa, and 3D theatre, attracted a lot of attention because it was the first of many yachts associated with sanctioned Russian business leaders that were seized globally, primarily by governments and as a result of sanctions related to the Ukraine conflict.

(with inputs from agencies)

A court has revealed that a superyacht connected to a sanctioned Russian businessman sold for $37.5 million at auction in Gibraltar last month after being ordered to do so by creditor JP Morgan.

A court has revealed that a superyacht connected to a sanctioned Russian businessman sold for $37.5 million at auction in Gibraltar last month after being ordered to do so by creditor JP Morgan. This was the first such sale since Russia invaded Ukraine. The authorities in Gibraltar seized the 72.5-meter Axioma in March after a U.S. bank claimed that its purported owner, a business run by Dmitry Pumpyansky, had broken the terms of a 20.5 million euro loan. An unnamed buyer had been chosen, according to the Office of Admiralty Marshal, a division of Gibraltar's Supreme Court charged with organising the auction in August. The $37,500,055 in sales profits will be used to pay off the ship's debts to creditors, and anyone with additional claims must make them within the next 60 days, according to a statement. It further said that the court would decide what to do with any leftover money. Pumpyansky, 58, served as the owner and chairman of OAO TMK, a supplier of steel pipes to the Russian energy giant Gazprom, until March. According to Forbes magazine, he is worth an estimated $2 billion. Shortly after the invasion of Ukraine, Britain and the EU imposed sanctions on him. JP Morgan said it lent 20.5 million euros to Pyrene Investments Ltd, a company listed in the British Virgin Islands and owned by Furdberg Holding Ltd, according to court documents examined by Reuters. Pumpyansky, owner of Furdberg, served as the loan's guarantee. According to the documents, Pyrene Investments broke the terms of the loan after Pumpyansky transferred his interests in Furdberg to a third party on March 4 and was subsequently fined, preventing the loan's repayment. The papers said that the Axioma had served as loan collateral. Pumpyansky is not known to have made any public remarks regarding who owned the yacht, and Reuters was unable to get in touch with him. The yacht's sale, which included a swimming pool, spa, and 3D theatre, attracted a lot of attention because it was the first of many yachts associated with sanctioned Russian business leaders that were seized globally, primarily by governments and as a result of sanctions related to the Ukraine conflict. (with inputs from agencies)

Superyacht linked to sanctioned Russian fetched $37.5 million at auction in Gibraltar

At least 15&nbsp;people, including five kids, were killed&nbsp;while around 20 were injured in a gun attack at a school in the central Russian city of&nbsp;Izhevsk on Monday, the TASS news agency reported quoting Russia's Investigative Committee.

According to reports, the school shooting at Pushkinskaya street in Izhevsk, Russia, has seen students and teachers evacuated, with emergency services reportedly on their way to the site.

The unidentified&nbsp;assailant wearing a Nazi symbol suit reportedly&nbsp;opened fire into a classroom in the middle of a lesson. He had first killed the security guard and then began shooting at the children.

A video going viral on Twitter shows, police officers inside the school building while the teachers and students are being evacuated.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a> At lesat 6 killed in a shooting at a school in the city of Izhevsk, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russia</a>'s state media <a href="https://t.co/PXVDK4WFja">pic.twitter.com/PXVDK4WFja</a>
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Disclaimer: WION could not verify the authenticity of the video

A state MP told TASS news agency that the attacker was armed with a couple of Makarov pistols.

Local media reported that the gunman later killed himself following the attack, and that his body was recovered by the police.

"Today, immediately after the police received a report of a shooting at school No. 88 in the city of Izhevsk, employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for the Udmurt Republic went to the scene and attempted to detain the suspect. As of now, the police have found the body of the man who opened fire," Sputnik reported citing the police.

No details about the identity of the gunman and his motive for the attack have been revealed. According to officials, the school has been evacuated and the area has been fenced off.

Izhevsk, a city of around 650,000 housing several prominent central government buildings, is located west of the Ural mountains in central Russia, about 960 kilometres (596 miles) east of Moscow.

(With inputs from agencies)

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At least 15 people, including five kids, were killed while around 20 were injured in a gun attack at a school in the central Russian city of Izhevsk on Monday, the TASS news agency reported quoting Russia's Investigative Committee.

At least 15 people, including five kids, were killed while around 20 were injured in a gun attack at a school in the central Russian city of Izhevsk on Monday, the TASS news agency reported quoting Russia's Investigative Committee. According to reports, the school shooting at Pushkinskaya street in Izhevsk, Russia, has seen students and teachers evacuated, with emergency services reportedly on their way to the site. The unidentified assailant wearing a Nazi symbol suit reportedly opened fire into a classroom in the middle of a lesson. He had first killed the security guard and then began shooting at the children. A video going viral on Twitter shows, police officers inside the school building while the teachers and students are being evacuated. #BREAKING At lesat 6 killed in a shooting at a school in the city of Izhevsk, according to #Russia's state media pic.twitter.com/PXVDK4WFja — Guy Elster (@guyelster) September 26, 2022 × Disclaimer: WION could not verify the authenticity of the video A state MP told TASS news agency that the attacker was armed with a couple of Makarov pistols. Local media reported that the gunman later killed himself following the attack, and that his body was recovered by the police. "Today, immediately after the police received a report of a shooting at school No. 88 in the city of Izhevsk, employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for the Udmurt Republic went to the scene and attempted to detain the suspect. As of now, the police have found the body of the man who opened fire," Sputnik reported citing the police. No details about the identity of the gunman and his motive for the attack have been revealed. According to officials, the school has been evacuated and the area has been fenced off. Izhevsk, a city of around 650,000 housing several prominent central government buildings, is located west of the Ural mountains in central Russia, about 960 kilometres (596 miles) east of Moscow. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

15 dead in gun attack at Russian school; attacker wore Nazi symbol

Nordstream pipelines have&nbsp;reported leaks, and sudden drop in pressure overnight. In other news, scores of police officers were dispatched to the former prime minister Shinzo Abe's&nbsp;funeral venue as about 300 protesters gathered to oppose the state government's decision to hold a funeral with "taxpayers' money".

Click on the headlines to read more:&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nord-stream-leaks-russia-hints-at-sabotage-eu-says-premature-to-speculate-520187">Nord Stream leaks: Russia hints at sabotage, EU says premature to speculate</a>
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Nord Stream 1 and the mostly defunct Nord Stream 2, the major pipelines transporting natural gas from Russia to Europe have developed issues. While the first one reported leaks, the second saw sudden drop in pressure overnight. Hint of sabotage has deepened the mystery surrounding the leaks. The two pipelines have been at the centre of geopolitical tension in the wake of Russian invasion of Ukraine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-thousands-protest-japan-holds-rare-state-funeral-for-ex-pm-abe-520191">As thousands protest, Japan holds rare state funeral for ex-PM Abe&nbsp;</a>
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The controversial state funeral of assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe concluded on Tuesday evening amidst massive protests in central Tokyo city.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-to-sanction-organisers-of-illegal-votes-in-russian-occupied-regions-of-ukraine-520204">EU to sanction organisers of 'illegal' votes in Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine</a>
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Organisers of "illegal" votes in four seized regions of Ukraine, which Russia is holding as "referendums" with the intention of annexing, may face sanctions, the European Union&nbsp;announced on Tuesday.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/were-edging-into-global-recession-says-wto-chief-echoing-world-banks-dire-view-520197">'We're edging into global recession', says WTO chief, echoing World Bank's dire view</a>
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World Trade Organization (WTO)&nbsp;Director-General&nbsp;Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has given a rather gloomy outlook on the global economy. In her opening statement at WTO's annual public forum in Geneva,&nbsp;Okonjo-Iweala stated that the world may be 'edging' into recession.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uganda-ebola-infections-on-the-rise-23-deaths-linked-520185">Uganda: Ebola infections on the rise, 23 deaths linked</a>
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On Monday Uganda’s health ministry indicated Ebola infections have risen across several districts in the country with at least 23 confirmed and suspected deaths. The outbreak of the infection was declared last week on Tuesday after a rare Sudan strain was discovered in the Mubende district of the country.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/asian-tourists-to-resume-international-travel-at-pre-pandemic-levels-by-2024-520244">Asian tourists to resume international travel at pre-pandemic levels by 2024: Agoda CEO</a>
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By 2024, the new CEO of online travel agency Agoda predicted on Monday&nbsp;that Asian visitors will only gradually begin travelling abroad at pre-pandemic levels.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/frankfurts-symbolic-euro-sign-rescued-by-a-blockchain-tech-company-520255">Frankfurt's symbolic Euro sign rescued by a blockchain-tech company</a>
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The recognisable Euro sign in Frankfurt has been saved by a new sponsor, the global fin-tech firm "Caiz Development." This Tuesday, the public was given a first look at the new sponsorship plate (September 27).&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trying-to-escape-mobilisation-russians-pay-27000-for-seats-on-private-planes-out-of-country-520192">Trying to escape mobilisation, Russians pay $27,000 for seats on private planes out of country</a>
<img alt="8" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="468efd51-ba5f-40b9-b0aa-57e42d9fff15" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/299243-new-wion-22.png.jpeg" />
A few days back, Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, issued the country's first call for mobilisation since World War 2. Following this announcement, many citizens attempting to avoid the army drafting hastily departed the country. Countless others are still trying to get out.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/start-of-new-era-king-charles-iii-to-appear-on-banknotes-by-mid-2024-confirms-bank-of-england-520183">Start of new era: King Charles III to appear on banknotes by mid-2024, confirms Bank of England</a>
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New banknotes featuring portrait of newly crowned King Charles III will come into circulation by mid-2024, the Bank of England (BOE) informed on Tuesday.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-might-see-double-digit-salary-increase-in-2023-amid-fears-of-global-recession-study-520150">India might see double-digit salary increase in 2023 amid fears of global recession: Study</a>
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Indian firms would likely increase employee compensation by 10.4 per cent&nbsp;in 2023, which would be virtually in line with the 10.6 per cent&nbsp;increase seen so far in 2022, as reported by Reuters.&nbsp;

Nordstream pipelines have reported leaks, and sudden drop in pressure overnight. In other news, scores of police officers were dispatched to the former prime minister Shinzo Abe's funeral venue as about 300 protesters gathered to oppose the state government's decision to hold a funeral with "taxpayers' money".

Nordstream pipelines have reported leaks, and sudden drop in pressure overnight. In other news, scores of police officers were dispatched to the former prime minister Shinzo Abe's funeral venue as about 300 protesters gathered to oppose the state government's decision to hold a funeral with "taxpayers' money". Click on the headlines to read more: Nord Stream leaks: Russia hints at sabotage, EU says premature to speculate Nord Stream 1 and the mostly defunct Nord Stream 2, the major pipelines transporting natural gas from Russia to Europe have developed issues. While the first one reported leaks, the second saw sudden drop in pressure overnight. Hint of sabotage has deepened the mystery surrounding the leaks. The two pipelines have been at the centre of geopolitical tension in the wake of Russian invasion of Ukraine. As thousands protest, Japan holds rare state funeral for ex-PM Abe The controversial state funeral of assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe concluded on Tuesday evening amidst massive protests in central Tokyo city. EU to sanction organisers of 'illegal' votes in Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine Organisers of "illegal" votes in four seized regions of Ukraine, which Russia is holding as "referendums" with the intention of annexing, may face sanctions, the European Union announced on Tuesday. 'We're edging into global recession', says WTO chief, echoing World Bank's dire view World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has given a rather gloomy outlook on the global economy. In her opening statement at WTO's annual public forum in Geneva, Okonjo-Iweala stated that the world may be 'edging' into recession. Uganda: Ebola infections on the rise, 23 deaths linked On Monday Uganda’s health ministry indicated Ebola infections have risen across several districts in the country with at least 23 confirmed and suspected deaths. The outbreak of the infection was declared last week on Tuesday after a rare Sudan strain was discovered in the Mubende district of the country. Asian tourists to resume international travel at pre-pandemic levels by 2024: Agoda CEO By 2024, the new CEO of online travel agency Agoda predicted on Monday that Asian visitors will only gradually begin travelling abroad at pre-pandemic levels. Frankfurt's symbolic Euro sign rescued by a blockchain-tech company The recognisable Euro sign in Frankfurt has been saved by a new sponsor, the global fin-tech firm "Caiz Development." This Tuesday, the public was given a first look at the new sponsorship plate (September 27). Trying to escape mobilisation, Russians pay $27,000 for seats on private planes out of country A few days back, Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, issued the country's first call for mobilisation since World War 2. Following this announcement, many citizens attempting to avoid the army drafting hastily departed the country. Countless others are still trying to get out. Start of new era: King Charles III to appear on banknotes by mid-2024, confirms Bank of England New banknotes featuring portrait of newly crowned King Charles III will come into circulation by mid-2024, the Bank of England (BOE) informed on Tuesday. India might see double-digit salary increase in 2023 amid fears of global recession: Study Indian firms would likely increase employee compensation by 10.4 per cent in 2023, which would be virtually in line with the 10.6 per cent increase seen so far in 2022, as reported by Reuters.

Top 10 world news: Nord Stream leaks, Abe's funeral amid protests, and more

Organisers of "illegal" votes in four seized regions of Ukraine, which Russia is holding as "referendums" with the intention of annexing, may face sanctions, the European Union&nbsp;announced on Tuesday.&nbsp;

As the fifth and final day of voting began, Josep Borrell's spokesperson, Peter Stano, warned journalists that "there would be consequences for all people who participate in the illegal, illegitimate referendums."&nbsp;

According to Luc Devigne, a senior member of Borrell's foreign policy team, "we will put in individuals that are obviously linked to the recent steps with these referendums" in the sanctions package.

The 27 EU members are debating new penalties on Russia for staging the referendum, which was generally viewed as a "sham" in the West.&nbsp;

Both Stano and Devigne emphasised that the EU would not recognise the outcomes of Russia's "referendums," which are anticipated to result in President Vladimir Putin announcing the annexation of the four regions of Ukraine as early as this Friday.&nbsp;

The voting is conducted in the same manner as the voting that Russia conducted in 2014 in the Crimea region of Ukraine that was occupied; as a result, Moscow annexed Crimea, a move that was not recognised internationally save by a small number of Russian supporters.

Several invited EU residents have participated in the vote in the Ukrainian regions as Russian-backed poll "observers," including a German energy firm CEO and a far-right French politician, according to reports.&nbsp;

If proven to have violated EU sanctions, Stano claimed they ran the danger of being penalised.

(with inputs from agencies)

Organisers of "illegal" votes in four seized regions of Ukraine, which Russia is holding as "referendums" with the intention of annexing, may face sanctions, the European Union announced on Tuesday.

Organisers of "illegal" votes in four seized regions of Ukraine, which Russia is holding as "referendums" with the intention of annexing, may face sanctions, the European Union announced on Tuesday. As the fifth and final day of voting began, Josep Borrell's spokesperson, Peter Stano, warned journalists that "there would be consequences for all people who participate in the illegal, illegitimate referendums." According to Luc Devigne, a senior member of Borrell's foreign policy team, "we will put in individuals that are obviously linked to the recent steps with these referendums" in the sanctions package. The 27 EU members are debating new penalties on Russia for staging the referendum, which was generally viewed as a "sham" in the West. Both Stano and Devigne emphasised that the EU would not recognise the outcomes of Russia's "referendums," which are anticipated to result in President Vladimir Putin announcing the annexation of the four regions of Ukraine as early as this Friday. The voting is conducted in the same manner as the voting that Russia conducted in 2014 in the Crimea region of Ukraine that was occupied; as a result, Moscow annexed Crimea, a move that was not recognised internationally save by a small number of Russian supporters. Several invited EU residents have participated in the vote in the Ukrainian regions as Russian-backed poll "observers," including a German energy firm CEO and a far-right French politician, according to reports. If proven to have violated EU sanctions, Stano claimed they ran the danger of being penalised. (with inputs from agencies)

EU to sanction organisers of 'illegal' votes in Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine

In pics: Russian call for mobilisation sparks mass exodus

Kazakhstan, one of Russia's close ex-Soviet partners, will not recognise the possible annexation of Ukraine's eastern regions by Russia through referendums held there, the Central Asian nation's foreign ministry said on Monday.

Voting took place in four Ukrainian regions mostly held by Russian forces, the start of a plan by President Vladimir Putin to annex a big chunk of Ukraine in what the West says is violation of international law that significantly escalates war in the country. Russia calls its actions in Ukraine "a special military operation".

"As for the holding of referendums ... Kazakhstan proceeds from the principles of territorial integrity of states, their sovereign equivalence and peaceful coexistence," ministry spokesman Aibek Smadiyarov said. 
 
ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-says-residents-coerced-into-russian-annexation-vote-519102">Ukraine says residents coerced into Russian referendum vote</a>

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has repeatedly called for the resolution of the Ukrainian conflict in line with the United Nations charter.

"We reconfirm our readiness to provide all possible assistance to the establishment of a political dialogue," Smadiyarov said. "At the same time, our country believes that maintaining stability at either regional or global level is the most important goal."

Kazakhstan, one of Russia's close ex-Soviet partners, will not recognise the possible annexation of Ukraine's eastern regions by Russia through referendums held there, the Central Asian nation's foreign ministry said on Monday.

Kazakhstan, one of Russia's close ex-Soviet partners, will not recognise the possible annexation of Ukraine's eastern regions by Russia through referendums held there, the Central Asian nation's foreign ministry said on Monday. Voting took place in four Ukrainian regions mostly held by Russian forces, the start of a plan by President Vladimir Putin to annex a big chunk of Ukraine in what the West says is violation of international law that significantly escalates war in the country. Russia calls its actions in Ukraine "a special military operation". "As for the holding of referendums ... Kazakhstan proceeds from the principles of territorial integrity of states, their sovereign equivalence and peaceful coexistence," ministry spokesman Aibek Smadiyarov said. ALSO READ: Ukraine says residents coerced into Russian referendum vote Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has repeatedly called for the resolution of the Ukrainian conflict in line with the United Nations charter. "We reconfirm our readiness to provide all possible assistance to the establishment of a political dialogue," Smadiyarov said. "At the same time, our country believes that maintaining stability at either regional or global level is the most important goal."

Kazakhstan says it won't recognise referendums in eastern Ukraine

Kyiv expressed outrage at Russia over its treatment of a Ukrainian prisoner of war (POW)—who was recently freed—forcing it to release the ‘before and after images’ of the soldier to point out how Moscow is treating the captive Ukrainian soldiers.

Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence shared images of soldier Mykhailo Dianov on Twitter, describing how lucky he was to survive despite him appearing emaciated and with scares on his face and right arm.

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Ukrainian soldier Mykhailo Dianov is among the fortunate ones: in contrast with some of his fellow POWs, he survived russian captivity. This is how russia “adheres” to the Geneva Conventions. This is how russia continues the shameful legacy of Nazism. <a href="https://t.co/cJpx7ZWQYo">pic.twitter.com/cJpx7ZWQYo</a>
— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceU/status/1573346176396664833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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“Mykhailo Dianov is among the fortunate ones; in contrast with some of his fellow POWs, he survived Russian captivity,” it tweeted.

“This is how Russia ‘adheres’ to the Geneva Conventions. This is how Russia continues the shameful legacy of Nazism,” it added.

Advisor to the Ukrainian foreign ministry, Anton Gerashchenko, said that he was missing four centimetres of bone in one arm.&nbsp;

"Treatment and rehabilitation will take a long time now (and more pain)," he added. "That's all we need to know about captivity."

According to Kyiv Independent news outlet, Mykhailo Dianov, a soldier of the Ukrainian Azov regiment, was among the 215 prisoners of war exchanged in a prisoner swap on September 21.

Dianov was among the 2,000 soldiers dispatched to seize Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol port city from Russia, but they were defeated and captured in mid-May.

His sister Olena Lavrushko told Ukrainian publication Pravda on September 23 that he wasn’t given medical care while in Russian captivity.

She said that her brother needs to gain weight before doctors perform surgery.

"That’s the main thing, because he can’t be operated on in his condition. It could be dangerous for his health," Lavrushko was quoted as saying.

"So, he has to recover now and gain strength."

Meanwhile, money is now being raised for the treatment of Dianov.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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Kyiv expressed outrage at Russia over its treatment of a Ukrainian prisoner of war (POW)—who was recently freed—forcing it to release the ‘before and after images’ of the soldier to point out how Moscow is treating the captive Ukrainian soldiers.

Kyiv expressed outrage at Russia over its treatment of a Ukrainian prisoner of war (POW)—who was recently freed—forcing it to release the ‘before and after images’ of the soldier to point out how Moscow is treating the captive Ukrainian soldiers. Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence shared images of soldier Mykhailo Dianov on Twitter, describing how lucky he was to survive despite him appearing emaciated and with scares on his face and right arm. Ukrainian soldier Mykhailo Dianov is among the fortunate ones: in contrast with some of his fellow POWs, he survived russian captivity. This is how russia “adheres” to the Geneva Conventions. This is how russia continues the shameful legacy of Nazism. pic.twitter.com/cJpx7ZWQYo — Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) September 23, 2022 × “Mykhailo Dianov is among the fortunate ones; in contrast with some of his fellow POWs, he survived Russian captivity,” it tweeted. “This is how Russia ‘adheres’ to the Geneva Conventions. This is how Russia continues the shameful legacy of Nazism,” it added. Advisor to the Ukrainian foreign ministry, Anton Gerashchenko, said that he was missing four centimetres of bone in one arm. "Treatment and rehabilitation will take a long time now (and more pain)," he added. "That's all we need to know about captivity." According to Kyiv Independent news outlet, Mykhailo Dianov, a soldier of the Ukrainian Azov regiment, was among the 215 prisoners of war exchanged in a prisoner swap on September 21. Dianov was among the 2,000 soldiers dispatched to seize Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol port city from Russia, but they were defeated and captured in mid-May. His sister Olena Lavrushko told Ukrainian publication Pravda on September 23 that he wasn’t given medical care while in Russian captivity. She said that her brother needs to gain weight before doctors perform surgery. "That’s the main thing, because he can’t be operated on in his condition. It could be dangerous for his health," Lavrushko was quoted as saying. "So, he has to recover now and gain strength." Meanwhile, money is now being raised for the treatment of Dianov. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ukraine releases shocking ‘before and after’ images of soldier freed from Russian captivity

Nearly a week after announcing the partial mobilisation of troops to fight in Ukraine, Russia has admitted it had rushed the process and promised to fix the mistakes caused during the call-up.

Nearly a week after announcing the partial mobilisation of troops to fight in Ukraine, Russia has admitted it had rushed the process and promised to fix the mistakes caused during the call-up. Reportedly, upper house speaker Valentina Matviyenko on Sunday came down heavily on the governors overseeing the mobilisation campaigns and directed them to avoid mistakes. In a statement released on Telegram, Matviyenko admitted that incorrect cases of mobilisation were causing outrage amongst the public. "Incorrect cases of mobilisation...are provoking fierce reactions in society, and rightly so. Some are assuming that handing in their report (to their superiors) quickly is more important than correctly fulfilling this important mission. This is unacceptable," said Matviyenko. "Make sure that partial mobilisation is carried out in full and complete compliance with the criteria. And without a single mistake!," she added. Incorrect cases of troop call-up Reportedly, after President Vladimir Putin announced a partial troop mobilisation after Ukraine made decisive gains in the ongoing war, the Russian authorities quickly swung into action and started recruiting people. While Putin said only people with 'relevant' skills or military experience needed to be recruited, the authorities took a rather panicked approach. According to an AFP report, in a case of incorrect recruitment, a 63-year-old diabetic ex-military officer was sent to a training camp in the southwestern region of Volgograd. Read more: Partial military mobilisation in Russia announcement makes oil, defence stocks surge Similarly, another 58-year-old school director received a call-up for recruitment, despite having no prior military experience. Both were eventually allowed to return, but it showed that the process was not transparent and clear in its objective. What is partial mobilisation? Succinctly put, military mobilisation refers to a situation 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 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. WATCH | What is mobilisation? | Why is Russia resorting to 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. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russia admits making mistakes in troop call-up during mobilisation; vows to fix issues

The United States on Sunday (September 25) reacted sharply on possibility of Russia using nuclear weapons in Ukraine conflict. US warned Russia that it would face 'catastrophic consequences' if it used nuclear weapons. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan sounded the warning on NBC's "Meet the Press" program.&nbsp;

"If Russia crosses this line, there will be catastrophic consequences for Russia. The United States will respond decisively," he said.

Though Sullivan did not explicitly say what would the exact response would be, he told NBC that the US has privately to Moscow "spelled out in greater detail exactly what that would mean." He added that there has been a continuous, direct contact between the US and Russia.

In his address to 77th assembly of United Nations General Assembly, US President Joe Biden accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of making "overt nuclear threat against Europe"

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-fires-deputy-defence-chief-after-supply-failures-in-ukraine-to-be-replaced-by-butcher-of-mariupol-519501">Putin fires deputy defence chief after supply failures in Ukraine; appoints 'Butcher of Mariupol' in place</a> 
 
Russia also is staging a referendum in four eastern Ukrainian regions with the goal of annexing territory that Russian forces have taken during their invasion of Ukraine launched in February. Ukraine and its allies have called the referendums a sham designed to justify an escalation of the war and Putin's mobilization drive after recent battlefield losses.

By incorporating the areas of Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia into Russia, Moscow could portray attacks to retake them as an attack on Russia itself, a warning to Ukraine and its Western allies.

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">here</a>.

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The United States on Sunday (September 25) reacted sharply on possibility of Russia using nuclear weapons in Ukraine conflict. US warned Russia that it would face 'catastrophic consequences' if it used nuclear weapons.

The United States on Sunday (September 25) reacted sharply on possibility of Russia using nuclear weapons in Ukraine conflict. US warned Russia that it would face 'catastrophic consequences' if it used nuclear weapons. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan sounded the warning on NBC's "Meet the Press" program. "If Russia crosses this line, there will be catastrophic consequences for Russia. The United States will respond decisively," he said. Though Sullivan did not explicitly say what would the exact response would be, he told NBC that the US has privately to Moscow "spelled out in greater detail exactly what that would mean." He added that there has been a continuous, direct contact between the US and Russia. In his address to 77th assembly of United Nations General Assembly, US President Joe Biden accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of making "overt nuclear threat against Europe" Also Read | Putin fires deputy defence chief after supply failures in Ukraine; appoints 'Butcher of Mariupol' in place Russia also is staging a referendum in four eastern Ukrainian regions with the goal of annexing territory that Russian forces have taken during their invasion of Ukraine launched in February. Ukraine and its allies have called the referendums a sham designed to justify an escalation of the war and Putin's mobilization drive after recent battlefield losses. By incorporating the areas of Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia into Russia, Moscow could portray attacks to retake them as an attack on Russia itself, a warning to Ukraine and its Western allies. 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 ×

US talks of 'catastrophic consequences' if Russia uses nuclear weapons in Ukraine

The Ukrainian army on Sunday (September 25)&nbsp;said that Odessa, Ukraine's port city in the south was again attacked by Iran-made drones. This attack has come just two days after a Russian drone attack claimed lives of two civilians.

"Odessa was attacked again by enemy kamikaze drones," said the Ukrainian army's Operational Command South.

"The enemy hit the administrative building in the city centre three times," it said in a Facebook message.

"One drone was shot down by (Ukrainian) air defence forces. No casualties (were) recorded," it said.

"These were Iranian drones," a Ukrainian South Command spokeswoman, Natalya Gumenyuk, later told AFP. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch | Russia's Foreign Affairs minister Sergey Lavrov defends Russian actions at UNGA

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Two days ago, Russia carried out a similar attack with Iran-made drones in Odessa. Ukrainian armed forces had said that four Iran-made drones were shot down in the south of the country. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's spokesman had said on Friday that use of Iranian drones by Russia amounted to "steps taken by Iran against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our state"

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-fires-deputy-defence-chief-after-supply-failures-in-ukraine-to-be-replaced-by-butcher-of-mariupol-519501">Putin fires deputy defence chief after supply failures in Ukraine; to be replaced by 'Butcher of Mariupol'</a>

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. Russia calls its Ukraine invasion a 'special military operation'. After a sustained gain of territory in first few months of the conflict, Russian forces have been forced to retreat in the face of Ukrainian counter-offensive in the eastern part of the country. Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a partial military mobilisation in Russia.

(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 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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The Ukrainian army on Sunday (September 25) said that Odessa, Ukraine's port city in the south was again attacked by Iran-made drones. This attack has come just two days after a Russian drone attack claimed lives of two civilians.

The Ukrainian army on Sunday (September 25) said that Odessa, Ukraine's port city in the south was again attacked by Iran-made drones. This attack has come just two days after a Russian drone attack claimed lives of two civilians. "Odessa was attacked again by enemy kamikaze drones," said the Ukrainian army's Operational Command South. "The enemy hit the administrative building in the city centre three times," it said in a Facebook message. "One drone was shot down by (Ukrainian) air defence forces. No casualties (were) recorded," it said. "These were Iranian drones," a Ukrainian South Command spokeswoman, Natalya Gumenyuk, later told AFP. Watch | Russia's Foreign Affairs minister Sergey Lavrov defends Russian actions at UNGA × Two days ago, Russia carried out a similar attack with Iran-made drones in Odessa. Ukrainian armed forces had said that four Iran-made drones were shot down in the south of the country. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's spokesman had said on Friday that use of Iranian drones by Russia amounted to "steps taken by Iran against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our state" Also Read | Putin fires deputy defence chief after supply failures in Ukraine; to be replaced by 'Butcher of Mariupol' Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. Russia calls its Ukraine invasion a 'special military operation'. After a sustained gain of territory in first few months of the conflict, Russian forces have been forced to retreat in the face of Ukrainian counter-offensive in the eastern part of the country. Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a partial military mobilisation in Russia. (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 ×

Ukraine: Port city of Odessa again attacked by Iran-made kamikaze drones

A week after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and advised him that 'today's era is not of war', Moscow has reacted to the comments and how the US and West have latched on to it to target Russia.

A week after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and advised him that 'today's era is not of war', Moscow has reacted to the comments and how the US and West have latched on to it to target Russia. Reportedly, Russia's Ambassador to India Denis Alipov, while addressing a press conference was asked about PM Modi's comment to which he stated that the West was misconstruing the statement and selectively picking and overplaying a part. "The West uses only those quotes that suit them while ignoring other parts," said the Russian ambassador. The Russian envoy also added that New Delhi's version was consistent with its position on the issue since the beginning. As reported extensively by WION, during a meeting with Putin in Samarkand, PM Modi, in quite frank terms conveyed his position to the Russian leader. “I know that today’s era is not an era of war, and I have spoken to you on the phone about this,” said PM Modi while adding that democracy, diplomacy and dialogue have kept the world together. WATCH | 'This is not as era of war': Indian PM Modi tells Russian President Putin on sidelines of SCO summit × In reply, Putin said, “I know your position on the conflict in Ukraine, your concerns that you constantly express.” “We will do our best to stop this as soon as possible. However, unfortunately, the opposing side, the leadership of Ukraine, announced its refusal to continue negotiations and declared that they wanted to achieve their goals by military means, as they say ‘on the battlefield’. But nevertheless, we will always keep you informed of what is happening there,” added the Russian President. Since then, the western countries have lauded PM Modi's statement and tried to use it as a point to pressure Moscow. "I think what you heard in Uzbekistan by the leaders of both China and in India are indicative of the fact that Putin doesn't have a whole lot of sympathetic ears out there to what he's been doing in Ukraine," said John Kirby, coordinator for strategic communications at the National Security Council in the White House. Read more: 'Putin is isolating himself', says White House stressing on PM Modi's message to Russian President Furthermore, US secretary of state Antony Blinken stated that what India and China communicated to Russia reflected the concerns of the world. “What you're hearing from China, from India, is reflective of concerns around the world about the effects of Russia's aggression on Ukraine,” said Blinken. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russia: West misquoting, selectively picking PM Modi's 'not an era of war' remark

Russia is accused of committing war crimes in Ukraine, including bombing residential areas, carrying out countless executions, torturing prisoners, and engaging in horrifying sexual assault, according to the United Nations.&nbsp;

The UN has prioritised the investigation of human rights abuses throughout the conflict, and in May, its top human rights body gave a team of specialists the go-ahead to start their work there.&nbsp;

Since then, UN investigators have put their lives in danger to gather proof of crimes against civilians, including in regions where enemy forces are still present or where explosives have been planted.

After beginning initial investigations focusing on the regions of Kyiv, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, and Sumy, the team of three independent experts on human rights gave the UN human rights council their first oral briefing on Friday. They also stated that they will be expanding their investigations.&nbsp;

Erik Mose, the leader of the investigative team, informed the council a day before the seven-month mark since Russia invaded its neighbour that the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine's evidence "has concluded that war crimes have been committed in Ukraine."&nbsp;

The investigative team spoke with more than 150 victims and witnesses and visited 27 towns and settlements, graveyards, and detention and torture facilities. They also talked with advocacy organisations and government representatives.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/microsoft-survey-suggests-bosses-think-workers-do-less-from-home-but-workers-disagree-519040">Microsoft survey suggests bosses think workers do less from home, but employees disagree</a>

The crew was "struck by a&nbsp;large number of executions in the areas we visited," according to Mose, as well as the numerous "visible signs of executions on victims, such as hands tied behind backs, gunshot wounds to the head, and slit throats."&nbsp;

Numerous unlawful weapons, notably the deployment of extremely destructive unguided bombs in inhabited areas that destroyed at least eight civilian houses, have been blamed for the deaths of hundreds of civilians in the Ukrainian city of Kyiv since the beginning of Moscow's invasion.&nbsp;

Evidence suggests that cluster munitions were dropped in places devoid of military facilities and personnel.&nbsp;

The commission's work may eventually help international criminal court prosecutors who may file charges for war crimes committed in Ukraine, though it is still unclear whether Russia or other suspected offenders would ever be brought to justice.

(with inputs from agencies) 
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Russia is accused of committing war crimes in Ukraine, including bombing residential areas, carrying out countless executions, torturing prisoners, and engaging in horrifying sexual assault, according to the United Nations.

Russia is accused of committing war crimes in Ukraine, including bombing residential areas, carrying out countless executions, torturing prisoners, and engaging in horrifying sexual assault, according to the United Nations. The UN has prioritised the investigation of human rights abuses throughout the conflict, and in May, its top human rights body gave a team of specialists the go-ahead to start their work there. Since then, UN investigators have put their lives in danger to gather proof of crimes against civilians, including in regions where enemy forces are still present or where explosives have been planted. After beginning initial investigations focusing on the regions of Kyiv, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, and Sumy, the team of three independent experts on human rights gave the UN human rights council their first oral briefing on Friday. They also stated that they will be expanding their investigations. Erik Mose, the leader of the investigative team, informed the council a day before the seven-month mark since Russia invaded its neighbour that the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine's evidence "has concluded that war crimes have been committed in Ukraine." The investigative team spoke with more than 150 victims and witnesses and visited 27 towns and settlements, graveyards, and detention and torture facilities. They also talked with advocacy organisations and government representatives. Also Read: Microsoft survey suggests bosses think workers do less from home, but employees disagree The crew was "struck by a large number of executions in the areas we visited," according to Mose, as well as the numerous "visible signs of executions on victims, such as hands tied behind backs, gunshot wounds to the head, and slit throats." Numerous unlawful weapons, notably the deployment of extremely destructive unguided bombs in inhabited areas that destroyed at least eight civilian houses, have been blamed for the deaths of hundreds of civilians in the Ukrainian city of Kyiv since the beginning of Moscow's invasion. Evidence suggests that cluster munitions were dropped in places devoid of military facilities and personnel. The commission's work may eventually help international criminal court prosecutors who may file charges for war crimes committed in Ukraine, though it is still unclear whether Russia or other suspected offenders would ever be brought to justice. (with inputs from agencies)

UN investigators say Russia committed 'war crimes' in Ukraine

Voting is underway in the provinces of Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia in the east and southeast.&nbsp;The Ukrainian officials have claimed that people were banned from leaving some occupied areas until the four-day vote was over. In other news,&nbsp;Putting a price tag on the spending plans of Prime Minister Liz Truss, Britain's new finance minister Kwasi&nbsp;Kwarteng scrapped the country's top rate of income tax.

Click on the links to read the full report&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-says-residents-coerced-into-russian-annexation-vote-519102">Ukraine says residents coerced into Russian annexation vote</a>
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Russia is aiming to annexe four occupied regions of Ukraine and hence the launched referendums on Friday (September 23). The referendums can prove to be a turning point in the seven-month-old war but Kyiv has termed it a sham.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britains-new-finance-minister-unleashes-historic-tax-cuts-huge-increases-in-borrowing-519029">Britain's new finance minister unleashes historic tax cuts, huge increases in borrowing</a>
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In an economic agenda that floored financial markets, Britain's new finance minister Kwasi Kwarteng unleashed historic tax cuts and huge increases in borrowing on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-army-warns-anti-hijab-protesters-says-will-confront-enemies-to-ensure-peace-519087">Iran's army warns anti-hijab protesters, says will 'confront enemies' to ensure peace</a>
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Amid public outrage and nationwide protest in Iran over the death of a woman in the morality police's custody, the country's army warned on Friday (September 23) that it would "confront the enemies" to ensure security and peace.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-president-accuses-israel-of-being-apartheid-regime-at-unga-in-ny-519113">Palestinian president accuses Israel of being 'apartheid regime' at UNGA</a>
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Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine and the Palestinian National Authority, spoke at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italys-silvio-berlusconi-says-putin-pushed-into-ukraine-war-519112">Italy's Silvio&nbsp;Berlusconi says Putin 'pushed' into Ukraine war</a>
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Italy's Silvio&nbsp;Berlusconi&nbsp;was forced to clarify on Friday remarks about long-time friend Vladimir Putin after suggesting the Russian leader was "pushed" by his entourage into invading Ukraine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jamal-khashoggis-wife-planning-to-sue-nso-group-over-spyware-report-519068">Jamal Khashoggi's wife planning to sue NSO Group over spyware: Report</a>
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Hanan Elatr, the wife of slain Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, said she will sue the spyware maker NSO Group as she is reportedly preparing a lawsuit in the United States. She claimed that the Israeli company's Pegasus software targeted her, The Guardian reported on Thursday.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-compares-taiwanese-independence-to-charging-rhino-that-must-be-stopped-519046">China compares Taiwanese independence bid to 'charging rhino' that must be stopped</a>
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Comparing Taiwanese independence to a ''charging rhino'' that must be stopped, China's foreign minister Wang Yi blamed the US for speeding it along.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-russians-emigrating-to-kazakhstan-amid-conscription-drive-519017">Russians emigrating to Kazakhstan in big numbers amid conscription drive</a>
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Following Moscow's announcement of a recruitment drive this week for duty in the Ukraine military operation, Kazakh officials said on Friday that there had been more visitors to&nbsp;Russia's neighbouring country.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-aircraft-carrier-arrives-in-south-korea-as-warning-to-north-518972">US aircraft carrier arrives in South Korea, docks at Busan as warning to North</a>
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A&nbsp;US&nbsp;aircraft&nbsp;carrier&nbsp;arrived in&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;on Friday for the first time in about four years, set to join other military vessels in a show of force intended to send a message to&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea. USS&nbsp;Ronald Reagan and ships from its accompanying strike group docked at a naval base in the&nbsp;southern port city of Busan ahead of joint drills with&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korean forces.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-fined-200-million-for-misleading-investors-on-737-max-safety-518950">Boeing fined $200 million for misleading investors on 737 MAX safety</a>
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Boeing Co will pay $200 million to settle civil charges from the US Securities and Exchange Commission over&nbsp;allegations of having misled investors about the safety of&nbsp;its 737 MAX, which was grounded for 20 months after two fatal crashes killed 346 people, the regulatory agency Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said Thursday (September 22).

&nbsp;

Voting is underway in the provinces of Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia in the east and southeast. The Ukrainian officials have claimed that people were banned from leaving some occupied areas until the four-day vote was over.

Voting is underway in the provinces of Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia in the east and southeast. The Ukrainian officials have claimed that people were banned from leaving some occupied areas until the four-day vote was over. In other news, Putting a price tag on the spending plans of Prime Minister Liz Truss, Britain's new finance minister Kwasi Kwarteng scrapped the country's top rate of income tax. Click on the links to read the full report Ukraine says residents coerced into Russian annexation vote Russia is aiming to annexe four occupied regions of Ukraine and hence the launched referendums on Friday (September 23). The referendums can prove to be a turning point in the seven-month-old war but Kyiv has termed it a sham. Britain's new finance minister unleashes historic tax cuts, huge increases in borrowing In an economic agenda that floored financial markets, Britain's new finance minister Kwasi Kwarteng unleashed historic tax cuts and huge increases in borrowing on Friday. Iran's army warns anti-hijab protesters, says will 'confront enemies' to ensure peace Amid public outrage and nationwide protest in Iran over the death of a woman in the morality police's custody, the country's army warned on Friday (September 23) that it would "confront the enemies" to ensure security and peace. Palestinian president accuses Israel of being 'apartheid regime' at UNGA Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine and the Palestinian National Authority, spoke at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday. Italy's Silvio Berlusconi says Putin 'pushed' into Ukraine war Italy's Silvio Berlusconi was forced to clarify on Friday remarks about long-time friend Vladimir Putin after suggesting the Russian leader was "pushed" by his entourage into invading Ukraine. Jamal Khashoggi's wife planning to sue NSO Group over spyware: Report Hanan Elatr, the wife of slain Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, said she will sue the spyware maker NSO Group as she is reportedly preparing a lawsuit in the United States. She claimed that the Israeli company's Pegasus software targeted her, The Guardian reported on Thursday. China compares Taiwanese independence bid to 'charging rhino' that must be stopped Comparing Taiwanese independence to a ''charging rhino'' that must be stopped, China's foreign minister Wang Yi blamed the US for speeding it along. Russians emigrating to Kazakhstan in big numbers amid conscription drive Following Moscow's announcement of a recruitment drive this week for duty in the Ukraine military operation, Kazakh officials said on Friday that there had been more visitors to Russia's neighbouring country. US aircraft carrier arrives in South Korea, docks at Busan as warning to North A US aircraft carrier arrived in South Korea on Friday for the first time in about four years, set to join other military vessels in a show of force intended to send a message to North Korea. USS Ronald Reagan and ships from its accompanying strike group docked at a naval base in the southern port city of Busan ahead of joint drills with South Korean forces. Boeing fined $200 million for misleading investors on 737 MAX safety Boeing Co will pay $200 million to settle civil charges from the US Securities and Exchange Commission over allegations of having misled investors about the safety of its 737 MAX, which was grounded for 20 months after two fatal crashes killed 346 people, the regulatory agency Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said Thursday (September 22).

Top 10 world news: Russian referendums, historic tax cuts in Britain, and more

Following Moscow's announcement of a recruitment drive this week for duty in the Ukraine military operation, Kazakh officials said on Friday that there had been more visitors to&nbsp;Russia's neighbouring country.&nbsp;

President Vladimir Putin ordered Russia's first mobilisation since World War II on Wednesday and supported a proposal to annex&nbsp;large portions of Ukraine, which caused a flurry of conscription-eligible males to leave the nation.&nbsp;

The second-longest border in the world, which consists of 30 road checkpoints, was particularly crowded at four of them, according to a statement from Kazakhstan's border guard service, which did not provide any arrivals data.

Reuters spoke with a witness who requested anonymity out of concern for his safety. The witness said they had been in line at the border checkpoint since Thursday morning and had noticed unusually heavy traffic coming from Russia as well as prolonged, thorough inspections of Russian vehicles by Russian border guards.&nbsp;

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-full-day-of-mobilisation-in-russia-marked-by-tears-and-protests-reports-suggest-100-conscription-518945">&nbsp;First full day of mobilisation in Russia marked by tears and protests, reports suggest 100% conscription</a>

The witness reported that many of those trying to cross the border were guys who appeared to be under 35 and of conscription age.&nbsp;

Online videos of Kazakh truck drivers crossing the border reveal lengthy lines that are primarily made up of passenger automobiles.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Following Moscow's announcement of a recruitment drive this week for duty in the Ukraine military operation, Kazakh officials said on Friday that there had been more visitors to Russia's neighbouring country.

Following Moscow's announcement of a recruitment drive this week for duty in the Ukraine military operation, Kazakh officials said on Friday that there had been more visitors to Russia's neighbouring country. President Vladimir Putin ordered Russia's first mobilisation since World War II on Wednesday and supported a proposal to annex large portions of Ukraine, which caused a flurry of conscription-eligible males to leave the nation. The second-longest border in the world, which consists of 30 road checkpoints, was particularly crowded at four of them, according to a statement from Kazakhstan's border guard service, which did not provide any arrivals data. Reuters spoke with a witness who requested anonymity out of concern for his safety. The witness said they had been in line at the border checkpoint since Thursday morning and had noticed unusually heavy traffic coming from Russia as well as prolonged, thorough inspections of Russian vehicles by Russian border guards. Also Read: First full day of mobilisation in Russia marked by tears and protests, reports suggest 100% conscription The witness reported that many of those trying to cross the border were guys who appeared to be under 35 and of conscription age. Online videos of Kazakh truck drivers crossing the border reveal lengthy lines that are primarily made up of passenger automobiles. (with inputs from agencies)

Russians emigrating to Kazakhstan in big numbers amid conscription drive

In a significant development, Germany has said that it is ready to take in Russians fleeing from partial mobilisation ordered by Russian President Vladmir Putin. Germany's interior minister Nancy Faeser confirmed this in an interview to German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.&nbsp;

"Deserters threatened with serious repression can as a rule obtain international protection in Germany," the minister said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (September 21) ordered partial military mobilisation in Russia to help the country's Ukraine war effort.

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. After months of sustained advances, Russian forces have had to retreat in recent weeks. Ukrainian forces have been able to recapture territory from Russian forces in the eastern part of the country.

Watch | Russians fleeing after Putin's call for partial mobilisation amid Ukraine war

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Germany's justice minister Marco Buschmann tweeted with a hashtag "partial mobilisation" saying that "apparently, many Russians are leaving their homeland -- anyone who hates Putin's path and loves liberal democracy is welcome in Germany".

Kremlin has sought to counter claims and reports of Russian men fleeing the mobilisation. Kremlin said that such reports were "exaggerated".

"The information about the hype at airports and so on is very much exaggerated ... There is a lot of fake information about this. We need to be very careful about this so as not to become a victim of false information on this matter," said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov as quoted by Reuters.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/concerned-russians-trying-to-escape-putins-ukraine-war-call-up-to-avoid-conscription-518766">Fly out, run to border, search self-harm: How Russians are trying to evade Putin's conscription call</a>

Reuters also reported that after Putin ordered partial military mobilisation, tickets on outgoing flights from Russia to neighbouring countries are fast being sold.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In a significant development, Germany has said that it is ready to take in Russians fleeing from partial mobilisation ordered by Russian President Vladmir Putin.

In a significant development, Germany has said that it is ready to take in Russians fleeing from partial mobilisation ordered by Russian President Vladmir Putin. Germany's interior minister Nancy Faeser confirmed this in an interview to German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. "Deserters threatened with serious repression can as a rule obtain international protection in Germany," the minister said. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (September 21) ordered partial military mobilisation in Russia to help the country's Ukraine war effort. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. After months of sustained advances, Russian forces have had to retreat in recent weeks. Ukrainian forces have been able to recapture territory from Russian forces in the eastern part of the country. Watch | Russians fleeing after Putin's call for partial mobilisation amid Ukraine war × Germany's justice minister Marco Buschmann tweeted with a hashtag "partial mobilisation" saying that "apparently, many Russians are leaving their homeland -- anyone who hates Putin's path and loves liberal democracy is welcome in Germany". Kremlin has sought to counter claims and reports of Russian men fleeing the mobilisation. Kremlin said that such reports were "exaggerated". "The information about the hype at airports and so on is very much exaggerated ... There is a lot of fake information about this. We need to be very careful about this so as not to become a victim of false information on this matter," said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov as quoted by Reuters. Also Read | Fly out, run to border, search self-harm: How Russians are trying to evade Putin's conscription call Reuters also reported that after Putin ordered partial military mobilisation, tickets on outgoing flights from Russia to neighbouring countries are fast being sold. (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 ×

Germany says ready to take Russians fleeing to evade conscription for partial mobilisation

Share markets across the world showed movement as Russian President Vladimir Putin announced partial mobilisation in the country. The escalation has raised concerns about energy supplies as well as increased demand for weapons.&nbsp;

UK's commodity-heavy FTSE 100 reversed early losses on Wednesday, buoyed by oil stocks as crude prices surged&nbsp;

The benchmark FTSE 100 (.FTSE) rose 0.5%, while the domestically focussed mid-cap index (.FTMC) added 0.3% by 0817 GMT.

Oil majors BP (BP.L) and Shell (SHEL.L) climbed nearly 2.5% each as crude prices jumped on concerns of tighter oil and gas supply.&nbsp;

In addition to oil companies, shares of defence companies rose too. Shares of BAE Systems, Britain's biggest defence company jumped by 5.3 per cent

"Investors will be looking at defence stocks and thinking about the potential that governments will look to increase their spend on weapons and on military hardware," said Danni Hewson, financial analyst at AJ Bell. Hewson was quoted by Reuters.

UK Prime Minister Liz Truss was another world leader who caused a stir in the markets.

Housing stocks (.FTNMX402020) rose 3.3% after a report said that Truss will announce plans to cut the stamp duty on property tax in the government's mini-budget this week.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-crisis-russias-vladimir-putin-announces-partial-military-mobilisation-518283">'Will use all available means, this is not a bluff': Russia's Putin announces partial military mobilisation</a>

Markets are expecting the Bank of England to follow suit on Thursday,&nbsp;pricing in a 77% chance of a 75-basis-point increase in rates to 2.5%, and a 23% chance of a smaller 50-basis-point increase.&nbsp;

"After what we saw in Sweden yesterday and what we're expecting to see from the Federal Reserve, it does put a great deal of pressure on the Bank of England," said Hewson.

"Markets are not quite sure what to expect from the BoE because you've got the UK Government about to borrow a huge chunk of additional cash, the expectation that the economy is already in recession and a situation where the BoE cannot cut rates in order to stimulate economic growth because that will only lead to further inflationary pressures."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Share markets across the world showed movement as Russian President Vladimir Putin announced partial mobilisation in the country. The escalation has raised concerns about energy supplies as well as increased demand for weapons.

Share markets across the world showed movement as Russian President Vladimir Putin announced partial mobilisation in the country. The escalation has raised concerns about energy supplies as well as increased demand for weapons. UK's commodity-heavy FTSE 100 reversed early losses on Wednesday, buoyed by oil stocks as crude prices surged The benchmark FTSE 100 (.FTSE) rose 0.5%, while the domestically focussed mid-cap index (.FTMC) added 0.3% by 0817 GMT. Oil majors BP (BP.L) and Shell (SHEL.L) climbed nearly 2.5% each as crude prices jumped on concerns of tighter oil and gas supply. In addition to oil companies, shares of defence companies rose too. Shares of BAE Systems, Britain's biggest defence company jumped by 5.3 per cent "Investors will be looking at defence stocks and thinking about the potential that governments will look to increase their spend on weapons and on military hardware," said Danni Hewson, financial analyst at AJ Bell. Hewson was quoted by Reuters. UK Prime Minister Liz Truss was another world leader who caused a stir in the markets. Housing stocks (.FTNMX402020) rose 3.3% after a report said that Truss will announce plans to cut the stamp duty on property tax in the government's mini-budget this week. Also Read | 'Will use all available means, this is not a bluff': Russia's Putin announces partial military mobilisation Markets are expecting the Bank of England to follow suit on Thursday, pricing in a 77% chance of a 75-basis-point increase in rates to 2.5%, and a 23% chance of a smaller 50-basis-point increase. "After what we saw in Sweden yesterday and what we're expecting to see from the Federal Reserve, it does put a great deal of pressure on the Bank of England," said Hewson. "Markets are not quite sure what to expect from the BoE because you've got the UK Government about to borrow a huge chunk of additional cash, the expectation that the economy is already in recession and a situation where the BoE cannot cut rates in order to stimulate economic growth because that will only lead to further inflationary pressures." (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 ×

Partial military mobilisation in Russia announcement makes oil, defence stocks surge

Russia has been reportedly hiring prisoners to fight its war in an attempt to compensate for the acute shortage of personnel fighting in Ukraine.&nbsp;The name of a private agency has come to the fore that has been recruiting these inmates, who face serious charges like murder and loot.

According to the Guardian, Yevgeny Prigozhin, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, and the reported head of the Wagner group—a private military company and often described as a network of mercenaries—has been sending these convicted felons to the battlefield.

Though there is no official number available as to how many have been hired, a US official on Monday said that Wagner was trying to recruit more than 1,500 prisoners.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A video had gone viral last week on Russian social media showing a man closely resembling Prigozhin telling inmates at a prison 500 miles north of Tambov that they would be freed if they served six months with his group.&nbsp;

This is&nbsp;the first time that the enlistment process had been captured on camera.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-western-allies-condemn-russian-referendum-plans-for-occupied-regions-518218" hreflang="en">Ukraine's Western allies condemn Russian referendum plans for occupied regions</a>

The Guardian spoke to several prisoners and close family members of inmates across different penal colonies in&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;who all gave similar accounts of how Prigozhin was personally conducting recruitment in prisons, and how they are promised freedom and money in exchange for their services.

One of the inmates, Ivan, told the UK daily that around 120 inmates joined the group and were now fighting in Ukraine after a one-week training course.

All the prisoners interviewed said they were promised a presidential pardon after six months and a salary of 100,000 rubles (£1,400) a month.

Last month, Pentagon said that Russia has lost around 80,000 soldiers since its invasion of Ukraine began.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russia has been reportedly hiring prisoners to fight its war in an attempt to compensate for the acute shortage of personnel fighting in Ukraine. The name of a private agency has come to the fore that has been recruiting these inmates, who face serious charges like murder and loot.

Russia has been reportedly hiring prisoners to fight its war in an attempt to compensate for the acute shortage of personnel fighting in Ukraine. The name of a private agency has come to the fore that has been recruiting these inmates, who face serious charges like murder and loot. According to the Guardian, Yevgeny Prigozhin, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, and the reported head of the Wagner group—a private military company and often described as a network of mercenaries—has been sending these convicted felons to the battlefield. Though there is no official number available as to how many have been hired, a US official on Monday said that Wagner was trying to recruit more than 1,500 prisoners. A video had gone viral last week on Russian social media showing a man closely resembling Prigozhin telling inmates at a prison 500 miles north of Tambov that they would be freed if they served six months with his group. This is the first time that the enlistment process had been captured on camera. Also read | Ukraine's Western allies condemn Russian referendum plans for occupied regions The Guardian spoke to several prisoners and close family members of inmates across different penal colonies in Russia who all gave similar accounts of how Prigozhin was personally conducting recruitment in prisons, and how they are promised freedom and money in exchange for their services. One of the inmates, Ivan, told the UK daily that around 120 inmates joined the group and were now fighting in Ukraine after a one-week training course. All the prisoners interviewed said they were promised a presidential pardon after six months and a salary of 100,000 rubles (£1,400) a month. Last month, Pentagon said that Russia has lost around 80,000 soldiers since its invasion of Ukraine began. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Money, pardon: How Russia is luring prisoners to fight the war in Ukraine

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