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

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

Ukraine's President Vladimir Zelensky's hometown is under attack. Kryvyi Rih, a major city of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast in central Ukraine was reportedly hit by a suicide drone. The regional Governor claims that the southern city school was attacked by the Russians and the strikes destroyed a two-story school building on Sunday.

Suicide drone attack in Ukrainian President's hometown, double storey school building destroyed

Let us take a look at stories generating interest across WION's social media channels.

Trending on WION: 'US will destroy Russian forces if Putin deploys nukes', says Former CIA director

Ukraine is seeing another battlefield success as it began its counter-offensive in September. Kyiv has said that it has torn down Russian flags in the town of Lyman.

Russia-Ukraine War Update: Ukraine presses counteroffensive after Russian setback

Ukraine has declared full control of Lyman. Meanwhile, Russia has confirmed its retreat from Lyman. So, What are Russia's president Vladimir Putin's options now?

Ukraine's advance in the East: Russia confirms its retreat from Lyman

Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Sunday (October 2) that it was possible to restore the ruptured Nord Stream pipelines, Russia's TASS news agency reported. Nord Stream pipeline&nbsp;is&nbsp;vital as it&nbsp;transmits natural gas from Russia to Europe. The pipelines have been at the centre of geopolitical tension that erupted after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Last week, a total of four leaks were discovered on Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines.

"There have never been such incidents. Of course, there are technical possibilities to restore the infrastructure, it takes time and appropriate funds. I am sure that appropriate possibilities will be found," Novak said.

Watch | Ukraine recaptures Eastern town of Lyman, Russian forces retreat from Donetsk city

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Russia is a major natural gas supplier to&nbsp;Europe. The European Union has criticised Russia for allegedly leveraging its position as energy supplier in retaliation&nbsp;against the economic sanctions imposed by the West in the wake of Ukraine invasion.

Denmark's Energy Agency said on Sunday it had been informed by Nord Stream AG that stable pressure had been achieved in Nord Stream 1, once the largest single supply route for Russian gas to Europe, indicating the outflow from the last leaks had halted.

Nord Stream AG said on Saturday that gas was no longer flowing out of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which had held some gas despite never becoming operational.

European Union states say they believe the damage was caused by sabotage, but they and other Western governments have avoided pointing a finger directly. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that the United States and its allies were responsible, an accusation the White House dismissed.

The Nord Stream 1 pipeline was already shut by Russia, but cannot be easily reopened now. The commercial operations of the new Nord Stream 2 pipeline&nbsp;never started after being built in September 2021.

(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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Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Sunday (October 2) that it was possible to restore the ruptured Nord Stream pipelines, Russia's TASS news agency reported.

Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Sunday (October 2) that it was possible to restore the ruptured Nord Stream pipelines, Russia's TASS news agency reported. Nord Stream pipeline is vital as it transmits natural gas from Russia to Europe. The pipelines have been at the centre of geopolitical tension that erupted after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Last week, a total of four leaks were discovered on Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines. "There have never been such incidents. Of course, there are technical possibilities to restore the infrastructure, it takes time and appropriate funds. I am sure that appropriate possibilities will be found," Novak said. Watch | Ukraine recaptures Eastern town of Lyman, Russian forces retreat from Donetsk city × Russia is a major natural gas supplier to Europe. The European Union has criticised Russia for allegedly leveraging its position as energy supplier in retaliation against the economic sanctions imposed by the West in the wake of Ukraine invasion. Denmark's Energy Agency said on Sunday it had been informed by Nord Stream AG that stable pressure had been achieved in Nord Stream 1, once the largest single supply route for Russian gas to Europe, indicating the outflow from the last leaks had halted. Nord Stream AG said on Saturday that gas was no longer flowing out of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which had held some gas despite never becoming operational. European Union states say they believe the damage was caused by sabotage, but they and other Western governments have avoided pointing a finger directly. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that the United States and its allies were responsible, an accusation the White House dismissed. The Nord Stream 1 pipeline was already shut by Russia, but cannot be easily reopened now. The commercial operations of the new Nord Stream 2 pipeline never started after being built in September 2021. (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 ×

Restoration of ruptured Nord Stream pipelines possible, says Russia deputy PM

The war in Ukraine continues to catch Moscow off guard. It's soldiers were seen vacating regions held for several months. Russia has withdrawn its troops from the town of Lehman in Eastern Ukraine to avoid being surrounded by Ukraine's army.

Ukraine recaptures Eastern town of Lyman, Russian forces retreat from Donetsk city

Ukraine has called for the immediate release of the director general of Zaporizhzia nuclear plant. He was detained by a Russian patrol on his way back from the plant. Kyiv has condemned the move as illegal detention.

Russia detains Zaporizhzhia plant head, Kyiv calls detention 'act of terrorism'

The Russia-Ukraine war has had consequences for both of these countries. Consequences of this have been felt across Europe and indeed around the world. Now, a lot of questions have come to the fore. Is the world's internet vulnerable to conventional attack? How vulnerable are internet cable networks?

Is the world's internet vulnerable to conventional attack?

Trending on WION | Chechen leader Kadyrov: Russia should use low-yield nuclear weapon

While, Vladimir Putin has announced annexation of four regions of Ukraine, the Russian army is showing no signs of slowing down, the latest attack comes in the form of missile attack in Zaporizhzhia.

Russian missile strikes in south Ukraine; at least 25 people killed in Zaporizhzhia | WION

Putin has accused West of 'explosions' that caused Nord stream leaks. Pipeline leak has also sparked climate fears. Now, the question is who benefits from Nord stream 'accident'.

The mystery of Nord stream leaks: West & Moscow blame each other

Russian President Vladimir Putin has once again raised the nuclear threat warning. Russia has ramped up the nuclear rhetoric in recent days and the country has about 2,000 tactical nuclear weapons. How real are Putin's nuclear threats in Ukraine? Watch this report!

Russia's nuclear Gambit: How real are Putin's nuclear threats in Ukraine?

The world is busy figuring out Russia's next move and Ukraine is making some move of its own. Ukraine has applied for 'fast track' NATO membership. As per experts, 'If Ukraine joins NATO, that means World War'.

Experts: If Ukraine joins NATO, that means World War

Russia annexes parts of Ukraine, even as it loses on the battlefield US sends its most advanced stealth warship to East Asia Israeli PM Yair Lapid speaks of a two-state solution at the United Nations & Iran carries out drone strikes in Iraqi-Kurdistan accusing the Kurdish separatists of backing the hijab protests. Mohammed Saleh gets you an indepth report of the world's biggest warzones of the week in World At War

World at War | Episode 22: Russia annexes parts of Ukraine, even as it loses on the battlefield

Ramzan&nbsp;Kadyrov, head of&nbsp;Russia's region of Chechnya, said on Saturday that Moscow&nbsp;should&nbsp;consider using a&nbsp;low-yield&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;weapon&nbsp;in Ukraine after a major new defeat on the battlefield.

As&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;confirmed the loss of its stronghold of Lyman in eastern Ukraine,&nbsp;Kadyrov&nbsp;slammed top commanders for their failings and wrote on Telegram: "In my personal opinion, more drastic measures&nbsp;should&nbsp;be taken, right up to the declaration of martial law in the border areas and the&nbsp;use&nbsp;of&nbsp;low-yield&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;weapons".

He was speaking a day after President Vladimir Putin proclaimed the annexation of four Ukrainian regions - including Donetsk, where Lyman is located - and placed them under&nbsp;Russia's&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;umbrella, saying Moscow would defend the lands it had seized "with all our strength and all our means".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nord-stream-2-has-stopped-leaking-gas-says-the-pipeline-spokesman-521587">Nord Stream 2 has stopped leaking gas, says the pipeline spokesman</a>

Russia&nbsp;has the world's largest atomic arsenal, including&nbsp;low-yield&nbsp;tactical&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;weapons that are designed to be deployed against opposing armies.

Other top Putin allies, including former president Dmitry Medvedev, have suggested that&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;may need to resort to&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;weapons, but&nbsp;Kadyrov's call was the most urgent and explicit.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/break-through-die-or-surrender-ukraine-army-surrounds-russian-troops-in-key-town-of-lyman-521509">Russian troops withdraw from Lyman as Ukraine forces enter town</a>

The influential ruler of the Caucasus region of Chechnya has been a vocal champion of the war in Ukraine, with Chechen forces forming part of the vanguard of the&nbsp;Russian army there.&nbsp;Kadyrov&nbsp;is widely believed to be personally close to Putin, who appointed him to govern restive Chechnya in 2007.

In his message,&nbsp;Kadyrov&nbsp;described Colonel-General Alexander Lapin, commander of the&nbsp;Russian forces fighting at Lyman, as a "mediocrity", and suggested that he&nbsp;should&nbsp;be demoted to private and stripped of his medals.

"Due to a lack of elementary military logistics, today we have abandoned several settlements and a large piece of territory," he said.

Kadyrov&nbsp;said that two weeks before he had raised the possibility of a defeat at Lyman with Valery Gerasimov, chief of&nbsp;Russia's general staff, but that Gerasimov had dismissed the idea.

Russia's Defence Ministry on Saturday announced a withdrawal from Lyman, a major stronghold and logistical hub for&nbsp;Russian forces in Ukraine's Donetsk region saying that a Ukrainian advance had threatened its units with encirclement.

It was the latest in a series of battlefield humiliations for<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dg-of-ukraines-moscow-held-nuclear-power-plant-detained-by-russia-report-521468">&nbsp;Russia</a>, after its forces were routed from Kharkiv region by a lightning Ukrainian counteroffensive last month.

After&nbsp;Russia's defeat in Kharkiv,&nbsp;Kadyrov&nbsp;said he would be "forced to go to the country's leadership to explain to them the situation on the ground" unless urgent changes were made in the conduct of the war.

Putin said last week he was not bluffing when he said he was prepared to defend&nbsp;Russia's "territorial integrity" with all available means. Washington&nbsp;says&nbsp;it would respond decisively to any&nbsp;use&nbsp;of&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;weapons and has spelled out to Moscow the "catastrophic consequences" it would face.

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Ramzan Kadyrov, head of Russia's region of Chechnya, said on Saturday that Moscow should consider using a low-yield nuclear weapon in Ukraine after a major new defeat on the battlefield.

Ramzan Kadyrov, head of Russia's region of Chechnya, said on Saturday that Moscow should consider using a low-yield nuclear weapon in Ukraine after a major new defeat on the battlefield. As Russia confirmed the loss of its stronghold of Lyman in eastern Ukraine, Kadyrov slammed top commanders for their failings and wrote on Telegram: "In my personal opinion, more drastic measures should be taken, right up to the declaration of martial law in the border areas and the use of low-yield nuclear weapons". He was speaking a day after President Vladimir Putin proclaimed the annexation of four Ukrainian regions - including Donetsk, where Lyman is located - and placed them under Russia's nuclear umbrella, saying Moscow would defend the lands it had seized "with all our strength and all our means". Also read | Nord Stream 2 has stopped leaking gas, says the pipeline spokesman Russia has the world's largest atomic arsenal, including low-yield tactical nuclear weapons that are designed to be deployed against opposing armies. Other top Putin allies, including former president Dmitry Medvedev, have suggested that Russia may need to resort to nuclear weapons, but Kadyrov's call was the most urgent and explicit. Also read | Russian troops withdraw from Lyman as Ukraine forces enter town The influential ruler of the Caucasus region of Chechnya has been a vocal champion of the war in Ukraine, with Chechen forces forming part of the vanguard of the Russian army there. Kadyrov is widely believed to be personally close to Putin, who appointed him to govern restive Chechnya in 2007. In his message, Kadyrov described Colonel-General Alexander Lapin, commander of the Russian forces fighting at Lyman, as a "mediocrity", and suggested that he should be demoted to private and stripped of his medals. "Due to a lack of elementary military logistics, today we have abandoned several settlements and a large piece of territory," he said. Kadyrov said that two weeks before he had raised the possibility of a defeat at Lyman with Valery Gerasimov, chief of Russia's general staff, but that Gerasimov had dismissed the idea. Russia's Defence Ministry on Saturday announced a withdrawal from Lyman, a major stronghold and logistical hub for Russian forces in Ukraine's Donetsk region saying that a Ukrainian advance had threatened its units with encirclement. It was the latest in a series of battlefield humiliations for Russia, after its forces were routed from Kharkiv region by a lightning Ukrainian counteroffensive last month. After Russia's defeat in Kharkiv, Kadyrov said he would be "forced to go to the country's leadership to explain to them the situation on the ground" unless urgent changes were made in the conduct of the war. Putin said last week he was not bluffing when he said he was prepared to defend Russia's "territorial integrity" with all available means. Washington says it would respond decisively to any use of nuclear weapons and has spelled out to Moscow the "catastrophic consequences" it would face. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Chechen leader Kadyrov: Russia should use low-yield nuclear weapon after new defeat in Ukraine

The Nord Stream 2 pipeline is no longer leaking under the Baltic Sea because an equilibrium has been reached between the gas and water pressure, a spokesman told AFP.

"The water pressure has more or less closed the pipeline so that the gas which is inside can't go out," Nord Stream 2 spokesman Ulrich Lissek said before adding, "The conclusion is that there is still gas in the pipeline."&nbsp;

Asked how much gas was believed to be in the pipeline, Lissek said, "That is the one-million-dollar question."

Information on the status of the Nord Stream 1 pipeline leak, which was significantly stronger, was not immediately available.

The Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, which connect Russia to Germany, have been at the centre of geopolitical tensions as Russia cut gas supplies to Europe in suspected retaliation against Western sanctions following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

While the pipelines are not currently in operation, they both still contained gas before they fell victim to apparent sabotage, producing four leaks.

A Danish-Swedish report released on Friday concluded the leaks were caused by underwater explosions corresponding to hundreds of kilogrammes of explosives.

"All available information indicates that those explosions are the result of a deliberate act," the countries said.

The source of the explosions has remained a mystery, however, with both Moscow and Washington denying responsibility.

All the leaks, which were discovered on Monday, are in the Baltic Sea off the Danish island of Bornholm. 
Lissek said Nord Stream 2 had informed the Danish energy regulator earlier Saturday that the pipeline had stopped leaking gas.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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The Nord Stream 2 pipeline is no longer leaking under the Baltic Sea because an equilibrium has been reached between the gas and water pressure, a spokesman told AFP.

The Nord Stream 2 pipeline is no longer leaking under the Baltic Sea because an equilibrium has been reached between the gas and water pressure, a spokesman told AFP. "The water pressure has more or less closed the pipeline so that the gas which is inside can't go out," Nord Stream 2 spokesman Ulrich Lissek said before adding, "The conclusion is that there is still gas in the pipeline." Asked how much gas was believed to be in the pipeline, Lissek said, "That is the one-million-dollar question." Information on the status of the Nord Stream 1 pipeline leak, which was significantly stronger, was not immediately available. The Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, which connect Russia to Germany, have been at the centre of geopolitical tensions as Russia cut gas supplies to Europe in suspected retaliation against Western sanctions following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. While the pipelines are not currently in operation, they both still contained gas before they fell victim to apparent sabotage, producing four leaks. A Danish-Swedish report released on Friday concluded the leaks were caused by underwater explosions corresponding to hundreds of kilogrammes of explosives. "All available information indicates that those explosions are the result of a deliberate act," the countries said. The source of the explosions has remained a mystery, however, with both Moscow and Washington denying responsibility. All the leaks, which were discovered on Monday, are in the Baltic Sea off the Danish island of Bornholm. Lissek said Nord Stream 2 had informed the Danish energy regulator earlier Saturday that the pipeline had stopped leaking gas. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Nord Stream 2 has stopped leaking gas, says the pipeline spokesman

The war is raging in Ukraine but the consequences of this have been felt across Europe and indeed around the world. Now, a lot of questions have come to the fore. Is the World's internet vulnerable to conventional attack? Will Russia target undersea internet cables?

Is the World's internet vulnerable to attack?

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

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

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

We're in the seventh month of the Ukraine-Russia conflict and in the latest, the Ukrainian troops have captured two villages that lie very close to Eastern Russian occupied stronghold of Lehman which lies in the Donetsk region and has served as a key area for Russian operations in the north of the region.

Kyiv hopes to fast-track bid to join NATO, Ukraine troops capture Russian outpost

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has refused to negotiate with Vladimir Putin. Zelensky says Ukraine will engage with a "different" Russian President. This comes after Putin made a move to annex 4 regions of Ukraine. Priyanka Sharma has more.

Gravitas: Putin's big gamble in Ukraine tests the West

As the Russia-Ukraine conflict becomes tenser in the backdrop of Putin's fiery speech and Zelensky signing the NATO application form, the US has approved a $12.3 billion aid package for Kyiv.

As the Russia-Ukraine conflict becomes tenser in the backdrop of Putin's fiery speech and Zelensky signing the NATO application form, the US has approved a $12.3 billion aid package for Kyiv. Reportedly, the US Congress on Friday approved the sum as part of the stopgap spending bill to ensure that critical infrastructure in Ukraine remains running. It was passed by 230 votes to 201 with 10 Republicans favouring the spending. Of the $12.3 billion, $3 billion will be for arms, supplies, and salaries for Ukraine's military. Meanwhile, $4.5 billion will keep Kyiv's finances stable and the government functioning. The bill summary added that the legislation would appropriate $35 million "to prepare for and respond to potential nuclear and radiological incidents in Ukraine." "This new grant assistance is a further demonstration of US confidence in Ukraine and will support critical government operations and provide relief to Ukrainian people suffering under Russia's brutal war," said Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. "Critically, this funding will also help bolster Ukraine's valiant resistance to Putin's illegal war of aggression. We call on fellow donors to not only speed up their existing disbursements to Ukraine, but also to increase their scale of assistance," she added. Almost $54 billion in aid money to Ukraine has been approved un until now by Washington this year. As reported by WION, in August, the US sent $4.5 billion tranche of payment, thereby completing the $7.5 billion aid package signed by President Joe Biden in May. Read more: USA to provide additional $4.5 billion to Ukraine However, with the war guzzling out the funds quickly and the US reaching its saturation point, experts have cast worries over Ukraine's inability to raise funds or access financing from external markets. If the current trend continues, Ukraine's annual deficit could rise to 25 per cent of GDP, which only stood at 3.5 per cent prior to the war. Meanwhile, the naysayers back in the US have critiqued the Biden government saying that his own people are undergoing an economic crisis, only exacerbated by hurricane Ian. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US Congress approves $12.3 billion aid package for Ukraine

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

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

Russia has formally annexed four Ukrainian territories, warning Ukraine against any counter-attack. This comes as Zelensky has requested a fast-track NATO membership.

WION FINEPRINT: Russia formally annexes 4 Ukrainian regions; Ukraine applies for NATO membership

The Kremlin says it will annex four Ukrainian regions on Friday after what Ukraine and the West say were 'sham' referendum. Russia will claim control of Donetsk and Luhansk and parts of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. The area is a home to 4 million people and make up around 15% Ukraine's territory.

Russia officially announces annexation of four provinces in Ukraine

As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine stalls amid fierce resistance and counter-offensives, the conflict has unleashed tensions throughout Russian society. Despite the brutal government crackdown on any form of dissent, voices of protest are emerging through the cracks. The city of Saint Petersburg has consistently been a center of opposition to the war - and is once again at the forefront of citizen unrest. Henry Ridgwell narrates this report, which was filmed by VOA’s Moscow bureau.

WION-VOA Co-Production: Anti-war protests in Russia | Biden host pacific island leaders

As Russian President Vladimir Putin formally signed an accord that sees Moscow lay claim to the four Ukrainian territories, EU leaders vowed that they would "never recognise" Russia's illegal annexation and accused the Kremlin of imperilling global security.

EU leaders reject Russia's 'illegal' annexation in Ukraine

Twenty five people were killed, and 28 others were injured after a Russian missile strike on the outskirts of the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, the regional governor said on Friday. According to local officials, the missile hit a convoy of civilian vehicles resulting in the death of a number of local inhabitants.&nbsp;

"Twenty-five killed and about 50 wounded in an attack by the Russian military on a humanitarian convoy in Zaporizhzhia. Investigation launched," said the prosecutor general's office on Telegram.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-remains-uncertain-as-hurricane-ian-causes-devastation-in-florida-521070" hreflang="en">At least 17 dead as Hurricane Ian causes massive devastation in Florida</a>

The police and emergency workers reached the scene shortly after the missile strike and even the local people helped in getting the people out of the cars. According to Ukraine Times, the cars were sprayed with shrapnel and several of them were badly damaged due to the impact.&nbsp;

A witness in Zaporizhzhia told Reuters that the incident took place near the Orekhovo car market and the convoy comprised of three cars and three vans. The missile landed in the middle of the convoy – where it left a huge crater. The bodies were draped up quickly in plastic sheets.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/19-dead-and-27-injured-after-suicide-bomb-blast-at-educational-center-in-kabul-521107">19 dead and 27 injured after suicide bomb blast at educational center in Kabul</a>

"We were returning to my mother who is 90 years old. We have been spared. It’s a miracle," said a woman.&nbsp;

The attack came hours ahead of Russia’s official proclamation regarding the annexation of the region. In the aftermath of the referendums which were declared “sham” by western countries, Russia has claimed victory and formally&nbsp;annexed Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Lugansk&nbsp;regions. 
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Twenty five people were killed, and 28 others were injured after a Russian missile strike on the outskirts of the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, the regional governor said on Friday.

Twenty five people were killed, and 28 others were injured after a Russian missile strike on the outskirts of the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, the regional governor said on Friday. According to local officials, the missile hit a convoy of civilian vehicles resulting in the death of a number of local inhabitants. "Twenty-five killed and about 50 wounded in an attack by the Russian military on a humanitarian convoy in Zaporizhzhia. Investigation launched," said the prosecutor general's office on Telegram. Also read | At least 17 dead as Hurricane Ian causes massive devastation in Florida The police and emergency workers reached the scene shortly after the missile strike and even the local people helped in getting the people out of the cars. According to Ukraine Times, the cars were sprayed with shrapnel and several of them were badly damaged due to the impact. A witness in Zaporizhzhia told Reuters that the incident took place near the Orekhovo car market and the convoy comprised of three cars and three vans. The missile landed in the middle of the convoy – where it left a huge crater. The bodies were draped up quickly in plastic sheets. Also read | 19 dead and 27 injured after suicide bomb blast at educational center in Kabul "We were returning to my mother who is 90 years old. We have been spared. It’s a miracle," said a woman. The attack came hours ahead of Russia’s official proclamation regarding the annexation of the region. In the aftermath of the referendums which were declared “sham” by western countries, Russia has claimed victory and formally annexed Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Lugansk regions.

25 killed and 28 injured in Russian attack on civilian convoy in Zaporizhzhia

Russian President Vladimir Putin has moved to formally annex four Ukrainian territories says they are "Russian forever". It follows referendums in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia the West has slammed as "illegal".

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

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