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)

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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

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was asked a question at the UNGA - 'if there is any pressure from China to end the war?' to which he replied 'You may tell your readers, listeners and viewers that I avoided your question'. Meanwhile, China is refraining itself from publicly criticising Russia or openly showing sympathy to Ukraine.

I avoid answering your question: Sergey Lavrov on question of Chinese pressure to end war

At the UNGA's 77th session, Russian Foreign Affairs minister Sergey Lavrov, defended his country's 7-month-long invasion of Ukraine. "The United States, the European Union and the NATO cannot keep a neutral stance, they cannot assert that they are not participating in the war," said Sergey Lavrov.

Russia's Foreign Affairs minister Sergey Lavrov defends Russian actions at UNGA

While talking about the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, India's External Affairs minister, S Jaishankar said that India is on the side that respects the UN charter and its founding principles. "As the Ukraine war continues to rage, we are often asked whose side are we on? and our answer each time is straight and honest - India is on the side of peace and will firmly remain there," said Jaishankar.

'India on the side that respects UN charter & its founding principles,' S Jaishankar asserts at UNGA

Ukraine has downgraded its diplomatic ties with Iran after it accused Tehran of providing drones to Moscow. Iran said that it will retaliate to the diplomatic moves made by Kiev. The diplomatic row between Ukraine and Iran comes after Kiev's forces claim that they shot down seven Iranian drones.

Drones: Taking center stage in Russia-Ukraine war

There are voices of dissent slowly rising in Russia after Kremlin ordered deployment of more troops to the front lines. The protests have been reported to 32 cities in Russia. Despite tough laws, people came out in the streets denouncing the partial troop mobilisation call. Around 700 protesters were arrested in Moscow.

Protests erupt in Russia and Kyiv against partial mobilisation, referendums

Vladimir Putin threatens to unleash nuclear armageddon Iran rocked by protests against compulsory Hijab after the death of Mahsa Amini Over a 100 killed in border clashes between Kyrgyzstan & Tajikistan

World at War | Episode 21: Russia mobilises 300,000 reservists to fight the Ukraine war

Since Moscow announced partial military mobilisation, there have been some pretty unusual images that have been emerging from along the Russian borders, where residents have been seen lining up to immediately flee from the country. Berlin has now urged the Russian deserters to apply for asylum in Germany.

Russians flee 'partial mobilisation'; Berlin extends helping hand to deserters

Russia is aiming to annex 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 them sham.

Russia is aiming to annex 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 them sham. Ukraine also claimed that it saw residents threatened with punishment if they did not vote. The Ukrainian officials have claimed that people were banned from leaving some occupied areas until the four-day vote was over. As per the officials, armed groups were going to homes to force people to cast ballots, and employees were threatened with sacking if they did not participate. ALSO READ | Italy's Silvio Berlusconi says Putin 'pushed' into Ukraine war Yuriy Sobolevsky, the displaced first deputy council chairman of the Kherson region, said, "Today, the best thing for the people of Kherson would be not to open their doors." The results of the referendums will be extremely important for Russian President Vladimir Putin, who recently announced a military draft this week to enlist 300,000 troops to fight in Ukraine. Voting is underway in the provinces of Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia in the east and southeast. These regions represent about 15 per cent of Ukrainian territory. The voting was due to run from Friday to Tuesday. 'We struggled for eight years for this' The military of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People’s Republic (LPR) is voting on the referendum on joining Russia as military personnel of Luhansk cast their votes. "We've been waiting for it for a long time. It was a tortuous time for us. A lot of lives were lost for it," said Sergey Moiseenko, a member of the LPR military. ALSO READ | Iran's army warns anti-hijab protesters, says will 'confront enemies' to ensure peace × Ukraine says recaptured territory in east As the annexation polls opened, Ukraine on the other hand claimed on Friday that its forces had recaptured a village in the eastern Donetsk region and territory around another war-scarred town there. Oleksiy Gromov, a senior army official, told reporters: "The Ukrainian army has retaken the village of Yatskivka in Donetsk region." He said that Kyiv's forces had "regained control over positions to the south of Bakhmut". Yatskivka sits on the eastern bank of the strategic Oskil river, which Kyiv's forces crossed after recapturing swathes of territory in the neighbouring Kharkiv region. Meanwhile, Bakhmut is an important city located in the Donetsk region. 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.

Ukraine says residents coerced into Russian referendum vote

Ukraine woke up to the second day of voting by Russia in four regions of Ukraine by Russia and these referendums will decide whether these regions will be joining Russia or not. Armed soldiers went from door-to-door to collect the vote.

Day 2: Voting conducted across 4 regions in Ukraine by Russia

Serious debate about how the West might react has been ignited by President Vladimir Putin's warning to use a nuclear weapon in Ukraine if Russian "territorial integrity" is threatened.&nbsp;

Analysts, however, are not convinced that the Russian president is ready to use nuclear weapons for the first time since the US struck Japan in 1945.

What would a Russian nuclear attack look like?

According to analysts, Moscow would probably use one or more "tactical" nuclear bombs.&nbsp;

In comparison to the 1.2 megatons of the heaviest US strategic warhead or the 58 megaton bomb Russia tested in 1961, the explosive strength of these weapons, which range from 0.3 kilotons to 100 kilotons, is quite tiny.&nbsp;

Comparatively speaking, tactical nuclear weapons are made to fight and win full-scale battles, whereas strategic nuclear weapons are intended to have a limited effect on the battlefield.&nbsp;

Small and limited, however, are relative terms: Only 15 kilotons of nuclear energy were included in the deadly atomic bomb the US dropped on Hiroshima in 1945.

What would Moscow target?

According to analysts, Russia would want to divide Ukraine's Western backers and terrify it into submission to discussions if it used a tactical nuclear bomb on the nation.&nbsp;

By detonating a nuclear bomb over water or high over Ukraine to create an electromagnetic pulse that would disable electronic equipment, Moscow could make a powerful statement and prevent serious casualties.

Putin might even choose to cause much more havoc and death by striking a Ukrainian military post or a major city like Kiev, which would likely result in many casualties and the possible assassination of the nation's ruling elite.

Should the West respond with nukes?

The options are difficult, and the West hasn't made it clear how it would react to a tactical nuclear strike.&nbsp;

NATO and the United States do not want to come across as being unprepared for an implicit nuclear threat.&nbsp;

However, they would also want to rule out the prospect that the conflict in Ukraine, which is not a member of NATO, could spread and turn into a terrible global nuclear war.&nbsp;

A nuclear reaction could be rejected by some NATO members, which would help Putin's efforts to erode the alliance.

Give Ukraine the ability to attack Russia?

According to experts, it might be more beneficial to respond to a Russian nuclear assault in a more traditional military or diplomatic manner and to provide Ukraine with more potent weapons so that it can attack Russia.&nbsp;

The US may also provide Ukraine with NATO aircraft, Patriot and THAAD anti-missile batteries, and ATACMS long-range missiles that Ukraine forces might employ to launch attacks inside Russia.

(with inputs from agencies)

Serious debate about how the West might react has been ignited by President Vladimir Putin's warning to use a nuclear weapon in Ukraine if Russian "territorial integrity" is threatened.

Serious debate about how the West might react has been ignited by President Vladimir Putin's warning to use a nuclear weapon in Ukraine if Russian "territorial integrity" is threatened. Analysts, however, are not convinced that the Russian president is ready to use nuclear weapons for the first time since the US struck Japan in 1945. What would a Russian nuclear attack look like? According to analysts, Moscow would probably use one or more "tactical" nuclear bombs. In comparison to the 1.2 megatons of the heaviest US strategic warhead or the 58 megaton bomb Russia tested in 1961, the explosive strength of these weapons, which range from 0.3 kilotons to 100 kilotons, is quite tiny. Comparatively speaking, tactical nuclear weapons are made to fight and win full-scale battles, whereas strategic nuclear weapons are intended to have a limited effect on the battlefield. Small and limited, however, are relative terms: Only 15 kilotons of nuclear energy were included in the deadly atomic bomb the US dropped on Hiroshima in 1945. What would Moscow target? According to analysts, Russia would want to divide Ukraine's Western backers and terrify it into submission to discussions if it used a tactical nuclear bomb on the nation. By detonating a nuclear bomb over water or high over Ukraine to create an electromagnetic pulse that would disable electronic equipment, Moscow could make a powerful statement and prevent serious casualties. Putin might even choose to cause much more havoc and death by striking a Ukrainian military post or a major city like Kiev, which would likely result in many casualties and the possible assassination of the nation's ruling elite. Should the West respond with nukes? The options are difficult, and the West hasn't made it clear how it would react to a tactical nuclear strike. NATO and the United States do not want to come across as being unprepared for an implicit nuclear threat. However, they would also want to rule out the prospect that the conflict in Ukraine, which is not a member of NATO, could spread and turn into a terrible global nuclear war. A nuclear reaction could be rejected by some NATO members, which would help Putin's efforts to erode the alliance. Give Ukraine the ability to attack Russia? According to experts, it might be more beneficial to respond to a Russian nuclear assault in a more traditional military or diplomatic manner and to provide Ukraine with more potent weapons so that it can attack Russia. The US may also provide Ukraine with NATO aircraft, Patriot and THAAD anti-missile batteries, and ATACMS long-range missiles that Ukraine forces might employ to launch attacks inside Russia. (with inputs from agencies)

Explained: Can Putin actually unleash nuclear weapons on Ukraine?

Russian soldiers, wearing balaclavas and wielding guns, flanked election workers. Ukrainians were forced to vote while Russian officials or their proxies stood guard. Some residents even hid in their homes, terrified that voting against Russia’s annexation would lead to their being abducted, or worse.

As Russia began orchestrating staged voting in referendums across Russian-occupied territory in Ukraine on Friday, Ukrainians in those areas expressed a mix of anger, defiance and fear that their homeland was being usurped by force in what they called a sham vote.

The aim of the hastily called referendums, supported by pro-Russian residents and their proxies was apparent; to give President Vladimir Putin of Russia a legally bogus pretext to gobble up their country. And they brought back memories of staged votes in 2014 in Crimea that were swiftly followed by Russia’s annexation of the peninsula.

Tina, 27, a freelance journalist who was visiting her fiancé’s parents in Beryslav, in Russian-occupied southern Ukraine, said that she drove through the streets on Friday morning and saw Russian officials standing in a neighbor’s yard, waiting for him to fill the ballot before passing it on to someone in a nearby vehicle.

Russian officials were going door to door, she said, to deliver ballots, peering into the windows of homes that did not answer their call.

“We are against these occupiers,” Tina said, “but we do not have a right to say no. We cannot refuse.”

Tina, who said she has participated in protests against the Russian occupation, said that her fiancé’s relatives had locked their gates and doors and turned off their lights, as Ukrainian authorities had advised. But she was worried that their address would be noted and there would be negative repercussions if they refused to answer the door.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-says-residents-coerced-into-russian-annexation-vote-519102">Ukraine says residents of captured regions coerced into Russian annexation vote</a>

“After living side by side with them for more than six months now, we have learned that any refusal could result in a direct ticket to the basement,” she said, using a phrase Ukrainians under occupation in Kherson, a port city in the country’s south, have started using to describe abductions by occupying forces.

Olha, a Ukrainian who spoke on Thursday night to friends in Enerhodar, a Russian-controlled city in southeastern Ukraine near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, said men aged 18 to 35 were being prevented from leaving the city.

Echoing the concerns of many Ukrainians, she said she was nervous that Russian annexation would force young men to join the Russian military and fight against fellow Ukrainians. That has already happened in parts of Luhansk and Donetsk occupied by Russia since 2014.

“They want to conscript them to the Russian armed forces,” Olha said. “And Ukrainians will have to fight against Ukrainians,” she said, stopping as she broke into tears. Like others interviewed for this article, she did not want to use her full name out of concern for her safety.

Andriy, 44, who has friends and relatives in Kherson, said he had spoken to them in recent days and they had told him that it wasn’t possible to leave the city because of the referendum.

“You know, those who are smart, they sit at home and don’t go anywhere,” he said by phone from Kyiv.

In Russian-occupied Melitopol, in southeastern Ukraine, Natalia, 73, a pensioner, said that the referendums had shocked her. 
“The scariest thing is that after the referendum, if Ukraine tries to liberate my city, it will be considered as an attack on Russia,” she said.

She said the Russians had set up information booths about the referendum across Melitopol, and had hung banners with pro-Russian slogans. The city, she said, was covered with Russian flags, and patriotic Russian music played.

On Friday, she said, she looked out the window of her apartment and saw two pro-Russian referendum workers entering the building. She remained inside, far from the window, to avoid being seen. But she managed to spot two soldiers, each wearing a balaclava and clutching a gun, escorting three referendum workers.

She said that a polling station had been set up in the gym of a school. “I will not go to vote,” Natalia said. “Only if they point a gun at me, and even then I will vote for Ukraine.”

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Russian soldiers, wearing balaclavas and wielding guns, flanked election workers. Ukrainians were forced to vote while Russian officials or their proxies stood guard.

Russian soldiers, wearing balaclavas and wielding guns, flanked election workers. Ukrainians were forced to vote while Russian officials or their proxies stood guard. Some residents even hid in their homes, terrified that voting against Russia’s annexation would lead to their being abducted, or worse. As Russia began orchestrating staged voting in referendums across Russian-occupied territory in Ukraine on Friday, Ukrainians in those areas expressed a mix of anger, defiance and fear that their homeland was being usurped by force in what they called a sham vote. The aim of the hastily called referendums, supported by pro-Russian residents and their proxies was apparent; to give President Vladimir Putin of Russia a legally bogus pretext to gobble up their country. And they brought back memories of staged votes in 2014 in Crimea that were swiftly followed by Russia’s annexation of the peninsula. Tina, 27, a freelance journalist who was visiting her fiancé’s parents in Beryslav, in Russian-occupied southern Ukraine, said that she drove through the streets on Friday morning and saw Russian officials standing in a neighbor’s yard, waiting for him to fill the ballot before passing it on to someone in a nearby vehicle. Russian officials were going door to door, she said, to deliver ballots, peering into the windows of homes that did not answer their call. “We are against these occupiers,” Tina said, “but we do not have a right to say no. We cannot refuse.” Tina, who said she has participated in protests against the Russian occupation, said that her fiancé’s relatives had locked their gates and doors and turned off their lights, as Ukrainian authorities had advised. But she was worried that their address would be noted and there would be negative repercussions if they refused to answer the door. Read more: Ukraine says residents of captured regions coerced into Russian annexation vote “After living side by side with them for more than six months now, we have learned that any refusal could result in a direct ticket to the basement,” she said, using a phrase Ukrainians under occupation in Kherson, a port city in the country’s south, have started using to describe abductions by occupying forces. Olha, a Ukrainian who spoke on Thursday night to friends in Enerhodar, a Russian-controlled city in southeastern Ukraine near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, said men aged 18 to 35 were being prevented from leaving the city. Echoing the concerns of many Ukrainians, she said she was nervous that Russian annexation would force young men to join the Russian military and fight against fellow Ukrainians. That has already happened in parts of Luhansk and Donetsk occupied by Russia since 2014. “They want to conscript them to the Russian armed forces,” Olha said. “And Ukrainians will have to fight against Ukrainians,” she said, stopping as she broke into tears. Like others interviewed for this article, she did not want to use her full name out of concern for her safety. Andriy, 44, who has friends and relatives in Kherson, said he had spoken to them in recent days and they had told him that it wasn’t possible to leave the city because of the referendum. “You know, those who are smart, they sit at home and don’t go anywhere,” he said by phone from Kyiv. In Russian-occupied Melitopol, in southeastern Ukraine, Natalia, 73, a pensioner, said that the referendums had shocked her. “The scariest thing is that after the referendum, if Ukraine tries to liberate my city, it will be considered as an attack on Russia,” she said. She said the Russians had set up information booths about the referendum across Melitopol, and had hung banners with pro-Russian slogans. The city, she said, was covered with Russian flags, and patriotic Russian music played. On Friday, she said, she looked out the window of her apartment and saw two pro-Russian referendum workers entering the building. She remained inside, far from the window, to avoid being seen. But she managed to spot two soldiers, each wearing a balaclava and clutching a gun, escorting three referendum workers. She said that a polling station had been set up in the gym of a school. “I will not go to vote,” Natalia said. “Only if they point a gun at me, and even then I will vote for Ukraine.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russian referendum voting evokes feeling of anger, trepidation and defiance

Kiev&nbsp;announced that it has chosen to decrease Iran's diplomatic representation in Ukraine over Iran supplying arms to Russia.

The temporary charge d'affaires of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Ukraine was called, according to the foreign ministry of Ukraine.

According to a ministry statement, the envoy was informed that providing Russian forces with Iranian weapons "directly contradicts the position of neutrality, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine" and is "an unfriendly act that deals a serious blow to relations between Ukraine and Iran."

"In response to such an unfriendly act, the Ukrainian side decided to deprive the ambassador of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-blocks-internet-access-in-tehran-as-protests-over-mahsa-aminis-death-intensify-518978">Iran </a>in Ukraine of accreditation, as well as to significantly reduce the number of diplomatic personnel of the Iranian embassy in Kyiv,"&nbsp;the ministry said.

Ukrainian soldiers shot down an Iranian-designed unmanned vehicle earlier on Friday, according to Kyiv, while one civilian was killed during a Russian drone strike on the southern port city of Odessa.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/death-of-young-iranian-woman-puts-spotlight-on-morality-police-518995">Death of young Iranian woman puts spotlight on morality police</a>

The use of Iranian-made weaponry by Russian troops, according to the spokesperson for President Volodymyr Zelensky, "are acts committed by Iran against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our state."

Later on Friday, the armed forces of Ukraine reported that four drones of Iranian manufacture had been brought down during the day in the south of the nation.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Kiev announced that it has chosen to decrease Iran's diplomatic representation in Ukraine over Iran supplying arms to Russia. The temporary charge d'affaires of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Ukraine was called, according to the foreign ministry of Ukraine.

Kiev announced that it has chosen to decrease Iran's diplomatic representation in Ukraine over Iran supplying arms to Russia. The temporary charge d'affaires of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Ukraine was called, according to the foreign ministry of Ukraine. According to a ministry statement, the envoy was informed that providing Russian forces with Iranian weapons "directly contradicts the position of neutrality, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine" and is "an unfriendly act that deals a serious blow to relations between Ukraine and Iran." "In response to such an unfriendly act, the Ukrainian side decided to deprive the ambassador of Iran in Ukraine of accreditation, as well as to significantly reduce the number of diplomatic personnel of the Iranian embassy in Kyiv," the ministry said. Ukrainian soldiers shot down an Iranian-designed unmanned vehicle earlier on Friday, according to Kyiv, while one civilian was killed during a Russian drone strike on the southern port city of Odessa. Also read | Death of young Iranian woman puts spotlight on morality police The use of Iranian-made weaponry by Russian troops, according to the spokesperson for President Volodymyr Zelensky, "are acts committed by Iran against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our state." Later on Friday, the armed forces of Ukraine reported that four drones of Iranian manufacture had been brought down during the day in the south of the nation. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ukraine tells Iran to 'significantly reduce' diplomatic presence in Kiev for arms supply to Russia

In a letter to the UN on Friday, the European Union demanded publication of a study on the harm done to Ukraine's communications infrastructure since Russia's invasion seven months prior.

Members of the International Telecommunications Union of the UN passed a resolution in April pledging support for the war-devastated Ukraine's telecom sector reconstruction.

Another decision made in the text was to "take out an assessment on the impact of the situation in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italys-silvio-berlusconi-says-putin-pushed-into-ukraine-war-519112">Ukraine</a> to ITU plans and activities in the region, and deliver a report thereon."

A few months later, in July, the ITU updated its website with the announcement that its "assessment report" was "coming soon." However, despite signs that the report was prepared, the EU bemoaned Friday that it had "not been made public."

Additionally, "worsening mobile broadband access loss is recorded in at least 1,297 localities of Ukraine," the statement said.

Additionally, 20 television stations were said to have been partially or completely destroyed, and more than 50 communities were without access to terrestrial television and radio due to damage and a lack of energy.

796 cyberattacks against Ukraine were documented in the first four months of the war alone, it claimed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australias-second-largest-telco-firm-reports-major-data-breach-518985">Australia's second-largest telecom company reports major data breach in cyberattack</a>

The EU emphasised the importance of publishing the study in a letter to the ITU.&nbsp;The EU said that the resolution calling for a comprehensive report on the situation had been co-sponsored by 46 countries from all regions.

The European Union sent a letter to the United Nations on Friday demanding it publish a report on damage to telecommunication infrastructure in Ukraine since Russia's invasion seven months ago.

Back in April, members of the UN's International Telecommunications Union passed a resolution agreeing to support war-ravaged Ukraine in the rebuilding of its telecom sector.

The text also decided to "carry out an assessment on the impact of the war in Ukraine to ITU programmes and activities in the region, and provide a report thereon."

A few months later, in July, ITU posted an update on its website, saying that its "assessment report was "coming soon", but despite indications that the report was ready, the EU lamented Friday that it had "not been made available yet."

In that July update, the ITU said that "at least 3.7 thousand base stations of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/apple-admits-to-multiple-technical-faults-in-latest-iphones-ios-1601-not-enough-to-fix-all-bugs-518981">mobile</a> operators on the temporarily occupied and occupied territories do not work."

At the same time, it warned, "worsening mobile broadband access loss is observed in at least in 1,297 settlements of Ukraine."

And 20 television centres were reported or confirmed to have been destroyed to some degree, while more than 50 settlements had no terrestrial television and radio service due to destruction and lack of energy supply.

Meanwhile, just in the first four months of the war, 796 cyber-attacks against Ukraine were reported, it said.&nbsp;

In a letter to the ITU, seen by AFP, the EU pointed out that the resolution calling for a full report on the situation had been co-sponsored by 46 countries from all regions, stressing the urgency of publishing it.

The letter, signed by the EU's ambassador in Geneva Lotte Knudsen and Vaclav Balek, ambassador of the Czech Republic, which holds the bloc's rotating presidency, was addressed to ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao of China.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In a letter to the UN on Friday, the European Union demanded publication of a study on the harm done to Ukraine's communications infrastructure since Russia's invasion seven months prior.

In a letter to the UN on Friday, the European Union demanded publication of a study on the harm done to Ukraine's communications infrastructure since Russia's invasion seven months prior. Members of the International Telecommunications Union of the UN passed a resolution in April pledging support for the war-devastated Ukraine's telecom sector reconstruction. Another decision made in the text was to "take out an assessment on the impact of the situation in Ukraine to ITU plans and activities in the region, and deliver a report thereon." A few months later, in July, the ITU updated its website with the announcement that its "assessment report" was "coming soon." However, despite signs that the report was prepared, the EU bemoaned Friday that it had "not been made public." Additionally, "worsening mobile broadband access loss is recorded in at least 1,297 localities of Ukraine," the statement said. Additionally, 20 television stations were said to have been partially or completely destroyed, and more than 50 communities were without access to terrestrial television and radio due to damage and a lack of energy. 796 cyberattacks against Ukraine were documented in the first four months of the war alone, it claimed. Also read | Australia's second-largest telecom company reports major data breach in cyberattack The EU emphasised the importance of publishing the study in a letter to the ITU. The EU said that the resolution calling for a comprehensive report on the situation had been co-sponsored by 46 countries from all regions. The European Union sent a letter to the United Nations on Friday demanding it publish a report on damage to telecommunication infrastructure in Ukraine since Russia's invasion seven months ago. Back in April, members of the UN's International Telecommunications Union passed a resolution agreeing to support war-ravaged Ukraine in the rebuilding of its telecom sector. The text also decided to "carry out an assessment on the impact of the war in Ukraine to ITU programmes and activities in the region, and provide a report thereon." A few months later, in July, ITU posted an update on its website, saying that its "assessment report was "coming soon", but despite indications that the report was ready, the EU lamented Friday that it had "not been made available yet." In that July update, the ITU said that "at least 3.7 thousand base stations of mobile operators on the temporarily occupied and occupied territories do not work." At the same time, it warned, "worsening mobile broadband access loss is observed in at least in 1,297 settlements of Ukraine." And 20 television centres were reported or confirmed to have been destroyed to some degree, while more than 50 settlements had no terrestrial television and radio service due to destruction and lack of energy supply. Meanwhile, just in the first four months of the war, 796 cyber-attacks against Ukraine were reported, it said. In a letter to the ITU, seen by AFP, the EU pointed out that the resolution calling for a full report on the situation had been co-sponsored by 46 countries from all regions, stressing the urgency of publishing it. The letter, signed by the EU's ambassador in Geneva Lotte Knudsen and Vaclav Balek, ambassador of the Czech Republic, which holds the bloc's rotating presidency, was addressed to ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao of China. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

EU urges UN to release report on infrastructure damage in Ukraine

"Any annexation in a state's territory by any other state by use of force is violation of UN charter and international law," said UN Chief Antonio Guterres. He also said that any type of nuclear threat is unacceptable.

UN Chief Antonio Guterres warns Russia against referendum

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.

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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) 
&nbsp;

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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

Four regions of Ukraine will hold a referendum on joining Russia, a move which is widely condemned by the West. The Russian-backed leaders in Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, & Kherson have plans to hold votes.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict Update: Four Ukraine regions to vote on joining Russia today

Russia is conducting a formal annexation vote in the Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Luhansk & Donetsk regions of Ukraine. Ukraine and its allies call the referendums a sham. Priyanka Sharma tells you what's happening in the Russia-occupied regions.

WION Fineprint | Russia begins holding referendums in 4 regions of 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

Four regions of Ukraine are all set to hold referendums on Friday on joining Russia amid the ongoing crisis. The provinces - Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia – are currently under Russian control. In other news, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi at a BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) foreign ministers' meeting hosted by South Africa in New York on Thursday.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-ukrainian-provinces-all-set-to-hold-referendums-on-joining-russia-518891">Four Ukrainian provinces all set to hold referendums on joining Russia&nbsp;</a>

<img alt="Ukraine" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cc37c793-80bc-4511-9192-93802f0d53d4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_32JB6AW.jpg" />

The Ukrainian authorities have already made it clear that they will not accept or recognise the results of the referendums and this can lead to an escalation in the conflict. A majority of western countries have also condemned Russia for this move at the United Nations General Assembly.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-external-affairs-minister-s-jaishankar-attends-brics-ministerial-meet-on-sidelines-of-unga-518899">Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar attends BRICS ministerial meet on sidelines of UNGA&nbsp;</a>

<img alt="BRICS" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="759cbb07-ca16-4bb7-b335-9867fb0e789e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/db8b970c-4488-4a00-826b-4786eaab6c93.jpg" />

Jaishankar has planned for more than 50 meetings on the sidelines of UNGA but no bilateral meetings have been planned with China. Earlier in the day, Jaishankar took a veiled dig at China over it putting on hold the blacklisting of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist, Sajid Mir as a "global terrorist".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-says-presidents-can-declassify-documents-even-by-thinking-about-it-518900">Donald Trump says presidents can declassify documents 'even by thinking about it'&nbsp;</a>

<img alt="Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="76a4e38e-0dac-48c0-bf85-c58ef9241def" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/280066-new-wion-19.jpg" />

Former United States President Donald Trump has claimed that “presidents can declassify documents by the power of thought alone”. During an interview with FOX News, Trump said that the decision completely lies with the president and as a result, the documents found by the FBI at the Mar-a-Lago residence during their raid on August 8 were not dependent on any process to be “declassified”.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-memo-says-pakistan-should-suspend-debt-repayments-following-devastating-floods-reports-518889">UN memo says Pakistan should suspend debt repayments following devastating floods: Reports&nbsp;</a>

<img alt="Pakistan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c587fb83-5dbd-44e0-ba4a-4c527aa1b3be" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/298111-2022-09-19t022031z1lynxmpei8i01hrtroptp4pakistan-weather-floods.jpg" />

The UN Development Programme will share the memorandum with Pakistan's government this week. It further stated that the country's creditors should consider debt relief so that policymakers can prioritise financing its disaster response over loan repayment, the newspaper said.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Ancient shipwreck loaded with cargo from all over Mediterranean found off the shore of Israel

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ancient-shipwreck-loaded-with-cargo-from-all-over-mediterranean-found-off-the-shore-of-israel-518895/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Four regions of Ukraine are all set to hold referendums on Friday on joining Russia amid the ongoing crisis. The provinces - Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia – are currently under Russian control.

Four regions of Ukraine are all set to hold referendums on Friday on joining Russia amid the ongoing crisis. The provinces - Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia – are currently under Russian control. In other news, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi at a BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) foreign ministers' meeting hosted by South Africa in New York on Thursday. Four Ukrainian provinces all set to hold referendums on joining Russia The Ukrainian authorities have already made it clear that they will not accept or recognise the results of the referendums and this can lead to an escalation in the conflict. A majority of western countries have also condemned Russia for this move at the United Nations General Assembly. Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar attends BRICS ministerial meet on sidelines of UNGA Jaishankar has planned for more than 50 meetings on the sidelines of UNGA but no bilateral meetings have been planned with China. Earlier in the day, Jaishankar took a veiled dig at China over it putting on hold the blacklisting of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist, Sajid Mir as a "global terrorist". Donald Trump says presidents can declassify documents 'even by thinking about it' Former United States President Donald Trump has claimed that “presidents can declassify documents by the power of thought alone”. During an interview with FOX News, Trump said that the decision completely lies with the president and as a result, the documents found by the FBI at the Mar-a-Lago residence during their raid on August 8 were not dependent on any process to be “declassified”. UN memo says Pakistan should suspend debt repayments following devastating floods: Reports The UN Development Programme will share the memorandum with Pakistan's government this week. It further stated that the country's creditors should consider debt relief so that policymakers can prioritise financing its disaster response over loan repayment, the newspaper said. WATCH | Ancient shipwreck loaded with cargo from all over Mediterranean found off the shore of Israel

Morning news brief: Four Ukrainian provinces to hold referendums, Jaishankar attends BRICS meet, and more

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

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

The Russian president has implemented his plan in motion. Referendums are being held in Moscow held regions of Ukraine. The referendums in Eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions as well as in the Southern Kershaw and Zaporizhzhia regions are to decide whether these regions will become part of Russia.

Lavrov: Russophobia sparked push for referendums, West and Kyiv call the polls illegal

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

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

Four regions of Ukraine are holding referendums on Friday over&nbsp;joining Russia amid the ongoing crisis. The provinces — Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia — are currently under Russian control and in the past few months, Moscow has set up local governments to handle daily administration.

According to AFP, the four provinces together account for around 15 per cent of Ukraine’s territory and right now, it is almost a certainty that the results will favour annexation.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/concerned-russians-trying-to-escape-putins-ukraine-war-call-up-to-avoid-conscription-518766" hreflang="en">Run to border, search self-harm: How Russians are trying to evade conscription</a>

"From the very start of the operation ... we said that the people&nbsp;of the respective territories should decide their fate, and the whole current situation confirms that they want to be masters of their fate," Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said earlier this week when asked about the referendums.

A similar process was followed by Russia during its annexation of Crimea in 2014 when it claimed that the results were signs of “popular support” — a move that was not recognised by the international community.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-pm-yair-lapid-supports-two-state-solution-in-unga-speech-518839">Israel PM Yair Lapid supports 'two-state solution' in UNGA speech</a>

The Ukrainian authorities have already made it clear that they will not accept or recognise the results of the referendums and this can lead to an escalation in the conflict. A majority of western countries have also condemned Russia for this move at the United Nations General Assembly.&nbsp;

While the plan for the referendums was in place for quite some time, they were accelerated by Ukraine winning back several captured territories&nbsp;in the past few weeks. The Russian forces lost ground in a number of areas as the resistance forces went on to claim victory in both Kharkiv and Luhansk.&nbsp;

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Four regions of Ukraine are holding referendums on Friday over joining Russia amid the ongoing crisis. The provinces — Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia — are currently under Russian control and in the past few months, Moscow has set up local governments to handle daily administration.

Four regions of Ukraine are holding referendums on Friday over joining Russia amid the ongoing crisis. The provinces — Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia — are currently under Russian control and in the past few months, Moscow has set up local governments to handle daily administration. According to AFP, the four provinces together account for around 15 per cent of Ukraine’s territory and right now, it is almost a certainty that the results will favour annexation. Also read | Run to border, search self-harm: How Russians are trying to evade conscription "From the very start of the operation ... we said that the people of the respective territories should decide their fate, and the whole current situation confirms that they want to be masters of their fate," Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said earlier this week when asked about the referendums. A similar process was followed by Russia during its annexation of Crimea in 2014 when it claimed that the results were signs of “popular support” — a move that was not recognised by the international community. Also read | Israel PM Yair Lapid supports 'two-state solution' in UNGA speech The Ukrainian authorities have already made it clear that they will not accept or recognise the results of the referendums and this can lead to an escalation in the conflict. A majority of western countries have also condemned Russia for this move at the United Nations General Assembly. While the plan for the referendums was in place for quite some time, they were accelerated by Ukraine winning back several captured territories in the past few weeks. The Russian forces lost ground in a number of areas as the resistance forces went on to claim victory in both Kharkiv and Luhansk.

Referendums on joining Russia begin in four captured Ukrainian provinces, Kyiv and West condemn move

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

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Russia has started its mandatory troop call-up support its military campaign in Ukraine with Moscow saying that at least 10,000 people have volunteered to join the forces to fight in 24 hours since the order even as many have fled the country to escape the fight.

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North Korea denied sending weapons to Russia, accusing the United States of spreading rumours about such a sale to tarnish Pyongyang’s image. Eric Njoka spoke to Robert E. Kelly about growing Moscow-Pyongyang relations.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the 77th session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) while urging the world leaders to 'unite' against Russia's war in Ukraine and strip Moscow of its veto power.

Zelensky calls for Russia to be stripped of UN veto power while addressing UNGA

NATO’s secretary general Jens Stoltenberg said that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s mobilisation of thousands of extra troops for the war in Ukraine will escalate the conflict and his threat to use nuclear weapons was dangerous and reckless.

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Russia and Ukraine have carried out a surprise prisoner swap involving nearly 300 people. Those released include prisoners of war from countries including the US, UK, Morocco, Sweden and Croatia some of whom had been sentenced to death after being captured in Ukraine and accused of being mercenaries.

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US President Joe Biden denounced his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin over the ongoing war in Ukraine during his address at the 77th session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

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