Here is the latest from Ukraine:
- In a speech to the nation, Putin ordered a partial military mobilization and said the war in Ukraine will continue. He repeated his false claims that Russia is clearing “Nazis” out of eastern Ukraine and announced a plan to call up reservists. The war’s main goals, he said — “the liberation of the entire territory of Donbas – have been and remain unchanged.”
- Putin’s speech also included a threatening reference to Russia’s nuclear arsenal: “With a threat to the territorial integrity of our country, to protect Russia and our people, we of course will use all the means at our disposal, this is not a bluff.”
- Kremlin-backed authorities in occupied areas have declared plans for staged referendums to approve joining Russia, which could dramatically escalate the war.
More live updates here.
- In a speech to the nation, Putin ordered a partial military mobilization and said the war in Ukraine will continue. He repeated his false claims that Russia is clearing “Nazis” out of eastern Ukraine and announced a plan to call up reservists. The war’s main goals, he said — “the liberation of the entire territory of Donbas – have been and remain unchanged.”
- Putin’s speech also included a threatening reference to Russia’s nuclear arsenal: “With a threat to the territorial integrity of our country, to protect Russia and our people, we of course will use all the means at our disposal, this is not a bluff.”
- Kremlin-backed authorities in occupied areas have declared plans for staged referendums to approve joining Russia, which could dramatically escalate the war.
More live updates here.
U.N. chief says world is ‘gridlocked in colossal global dysfunction’
NEW YORK — U.N. Secretary General António Guterres said Tuesday that a breakdown in global cooperation amid Russia’s war in Ukraine is exacerbating the top threats to human existence, including food insecurity and climate change.
Guterres said problems such as poverty, indebtedness, online hate and harassment, and a loss of biodiversity are resulting from the international system’s failure to function.
“Divides are growing deeper. Inequalities are growing wider. Challenges are spreading farther,” Guterres said at an annual gathering of leaders at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
“We have a duty to act. And yet we are gridlocked in colossal global dysfunction,” he said.
The diagnosis was echoed by some of the more than 100 leaders attending the week-long event, but very little consensus emerged over how to bridge divides among nations deeply conflicted about how to respond to the war in Ukraine.
Read the full story here.
NEW YORK — U.N. Secretary General António Guterres said Tuesday that a breakdown in global cooperation amid Russia’s war in Ukraine is exacerbating the top threats to human existence, including food insecurity and climate change.
Guterres said problems such as poverty, indebtedness, online hate and harassment, and a loss of biodiversity are resulting from the international system’s failure to function.
“Divides are growing deeper. Inequalities are growing wider. Challenges are spreading farther,” Guterres said at an annual gathering of leaders at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
“We have a duty to act. And yet we are gridlocked in colossal global dysfunction,” he said.
The diagnosis was echoed by some of the more than 100 leaders attending the week-long event, but very little consensus emerged over how to bridge divides among nations deeply conflicted about how to respond to the war in Ukraine.
Read the full story here.
Putin drafts up to 300,000 reservists, backs annexation amid war losses
Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a partial military mobilization Wednesday to call up as many as 300,000 reservists in a dramatic bid to reverse setbacks in his war on Ukraine, including Russia’s recent humiliating retreat in the northeastern Kharkiv region.
In a national address broadcast at 9 a.m. Moscow time, Putin lashed out at the West, backed staged referendums being planned as a precursor to annexation of occupied areas of Ukraine, and hinted ominously that he was ready to use nuclear weapons to defend Russian territory — as he defines it.
“In the face of a threat to the territorial integrity of our country, to protect Russia and our people, we will certainly use all the means at our disposal,” Putin warned. “This is not a bluff,” he said, in a clear reference to Russia’s nuclear capabilities.
“I will emphasize this again — with all the means at our disposal,” he added.
Read the full story here.
Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a partial military mobilization Wednesday to call up as many as 300,000 reservists in a dramatic bid to reverse setbacks in his war on Ukraine, including Russia’s recent humiliating retreat in the northeastern Kharkiv region.
In a national address broadcast at 9 a.m. Moscow time, Putin lashed out at the West, backed staged referendums being planned as a precursor to annexation of occupied areas of Ukraine, and hinted ominously that he was ready to use nuclear weapons to defend Russian territory — as he defines it.
“In the face of a threat to the territorial integrity of our country, to protect Russia and our people, we will certainly use all the means at our disposal,” Putin warned. “This is not a bluff,” he said, in a clear reference to Russia’s nuclear capabilities.
“I will emphasize this again — with all the means at our disposal,” he added.
Read the full story here.
Zelensky says he cannot rule out possibility of Russian nuclear strike
KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday that while he thought Russian President Vladimir Putin wouldn’t use nuclear weapons and that “the world” would not “allow [Putin] to use those weapons,” he could not fully rule out the possibility of a nuclear strike by Moscow.
“We cannot look into [Putin’s] head,” Zelensky said. “There are risks.”
Zelensky gave his first extensive comments following Putin’s televised speech Wednesday morning to the German publication Bild — a speech in which Putin announced a “partial mobilization” of Russia’s military reserves, and said the possibility of Moscow employing nuclear weapons to defend its interests was “not a bluff.”
Zelensky said that he did not watch the Russian president’s televised speech. “This is not my favorite video,” he told Bild. “I have all the information I need.”
Read the full story here.
KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday that while he thought Russian President Vladimir Putin wouldn’t use nuclear weapons and that “the world” would not “allow [Putin] to use those weapons,” he could not fully rule out the possibility of a nuclear strike by Moscow.
“We cannot look into [Putin’s] head,” Zelensky said. “There are risks.”
Zelensky gave his first extensive comments following Putin’s televised speech Wednesday morning to the German publication Bild — a speech in which Putin announced a “partial mobilization” of Russia’s military reserves, and said the possibility of Moscow employing nuclear weapons to defend its interests was “not a bluff.”
Zelensky said that he did not watch the Russian president’s televised speech. “This is not my favorite video,” he told Bild. “I have all the information I need.”
Read the full story here.
Biden says Russia ‘shamelessly violated the core tenets of the United Nations charter’
In his address to the United Nations on Wednesday, President Biden bluntly criticized Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, calling it a “brutal, needless war” that was “chosen by one man” — Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“Let us speak plainly: A permanent member of the United Nations Security Council invaded its neighbor, attempted to erase the sovereign state from the map,” Biden said. “Russia has shamelessly violated the core tenets of the United Nations charter.”
Biden referenced Putin’s latest calls to mobilize up to 300,000 reservists, as well as his veiled nuclear threats as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues.
“And the Kremlin is organizing a sham referendum to try to annex parts of Ukraine, an extremely significant violation of the U.N. charter,” Biden said.
Read the full story here.
In his address to the United Nations on Wednesday, President Biden bluntly criticized Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, calling it a “brutal, needless war” that was “chosen by one man” — Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“Let us speak plainly: A permanent member of the United Nations Security Council invaded its neighbor, attempted to erase the sovereign state from the map,” Biden said. “Russia has shamelessly violated the core tenets of the United Nations charter.”
Biden referenced Putin’s latest calls to mobilize up to 300,000 reservists, as well as his veiled nuclear threats as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues.
“And the Kremlin is organizing a sham referendum to try to annex parts of Ukraine, an extremely significant violation of the U.N. charter,” Biden said.
Read the full story here.
More than 1,000 protesters detained in Russia, rights group says
More than 1,000 people in Russia have been detained for demonstrating against Putin’s mobilization order since protests broke out Wednesday, according to the independent protest-monitoring group OVD-Info.
More than half of the detentions occurred in Moscow, though they spanned 38 cities, the organization reported.
Russia bans unsanctioned rallies. In March, it passed an additional law banning independent reporting on its war in Ukraine and protesting against it.
Read the full story here.
More than 1,000 people in Russia have been detained for demonstrating against Putin’s mobilization order since protests broke out Wednesday, according to the independent protest-monitoring group OVD-Info.
More than half of the detentions occurred in Moscow, though they spanned 38 cities, the organization reported.
Russia bans unsanctioned rallies. In March, it passed an additional law banning independent reporting on its war in Ukraine and protesting against it.
Read the full story here.
Here is the latest from Ukraine:
- Near the end of his address to the U.N. General Assembly on Wednesday, President Biden urged all nations to recommit to strengthening a “nuclear nonproliferation regime through diplomacy.”
- Demand for one-way flights out of Russia appeared to soar Wednesday after President Vladimir Putin’s announcement that some 300,000 reservists would be called up for his war against Ukraine.
- Ukraine’s military said on Wednesday that Russian forces continued to shell locations throughout the country with artillery and rocket attacks, while Ukraine troops repelled offensives along the front line in Ukraine’s east and south.
- More than 1,000 people in Russia have been detained for demonstrating against Putin’s mobilization order since protests broke out Wednesday, according to the independent protest-monitoring group OVD-Info.
More live updates here.
- Near the end of his address to the U.N. General Assembly on Wednesday, President Biden urged all nations to recommit to strengthening a “nuclear nonproliferation regime through diplomacy.”
- Demand for one-way flights out of Russia appeared to soar Wednesday after President Vladimir Putin’s announcement that some 300,000 reservists would be called up for his war against Ukraine.
- Ukraine’s military said on Wednesday that Russian forces continued to shell locations throughout the country with artillery and rocket attacks, while Ukraine troops repelled offensives along the front line in Ukraine’s east and south.
- More than 1,000 people in Russia have been detained for demonstrating against Putin’s mobilization order since protests broke out Wednesday, according to the independent protest-monitoring group OVD-Info.
More live updates here.
As mobilization begins in Russia, sold-out flights, protests and arrests
Within hours of President Vladimir Putin’s speech declaring a partial military mobilization on Wednesday, men all over Russia — including some who had tried for months to ignore the messy war in Ukraine — suddenly found their lives thrown in chaos as they were summoned to duty.
The men, mostly reservists under 35 who served in the army and have junior military ranks, were handed written notices in their offices or at their homes. In some cases, they had their identity documents checked on the street and were told to appear for a health check. Others got orders by telephone.
Anxious relatives, meanwhile, began searching for ways to flee the country or otherwise avoid their loved ones being called for service. Flights to the few cities abroad still offering direct service to Russia — most destinations have been cut off by sanctions — were suddenly sold out.
Read the full story here.
Within hours of President Vladimir Putin’s speech declaring a partial military mobilization on Wednesday, men all over Russia — including some who had tried for months to ignore the messy war in Ukraine — suddenly found their lives thrown in chaos as they were summoned to duty.
The men, mostly reservists under 35 who served in the army and have junior military ranks, were handed written notices in their offices or at their homes. In some cases, they had their identity documents checked on the street and were told to appear for a health check. Others got orders by telephone.
Anxious relatives, meanwhile, began searching for ways to flee the country or otherwise avoid their loved ones being called for service. Flights to the few cities abroad still offering direct service to Russia — most destinations have been cut off by sanctions — were suddenly sold out.
Read the full story here.
Ukraine President Zelensky presents plan to end war against Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky unveiled a plan to end the nearly seven-month war between Russia and Ukraine on Wednesday at the annual gathering of world leaders at the U.N. General Assembly in New York.
The five-point plan urged world powers to punish Russia and surge military aid to Kyiv in an effort to force Moscow forces out of Ukraine, which Russia invaded Feb. 24.
“Russia wants war, it’s true, but Russia will not be able to stop the course of history,” Zelensky said.
The remarks were an implicit rebuke from non-Western and developing countries at the world body who called on Ukraine and Russia to immediately engage in a negotiated end to the conflict.
“Russia will be forced to end this war, the war it has started,” Zelensky said. “I rule out that the settlement can happen on a different basis.”
Read the full story here.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky unveiled a plan to end the nearly seven-month war between Russia and Ukraine on Wednesday at the annual gathering of world leaders at the U.N. General Assembly in New York.
The five-point plan urged world powers to punish Russia and surge military aid to Kyiv in an effort to force Moscow forces out of Ukraine, which Russia invaded Feb. 24.
“Russia wants war, it’s true, but Russia will not be able to stop the course of history,” Zelensky said.
The remarks were an implicit rebuke from non-Western and developing countries at the world body who called on Ukraine and Russia to immediately engage in a negotiated end to the conflict.
“Russia will be forced to end this war, the war it has started,” Zelensky said. “I rule out that the settlement can happen on a different basis.”
Read the full story here.
U.S., allies signal resolute response to Putin’s escalation in Ukraine
The United States signaled Wednesday that it wouldn’t be cowed by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s latest steps to escalate his war effort in Ukraine, vowing to continue to arm Kyiv for its advancing counteroffensive, even as Putin ordered up more forces for battle and threatened to use nuclear weapons.
President Biden, in an address to the U.N. General Assembly, said, “We will stand in solidarity with Ukraine. We will stand in solidarity against Russia’s aggression. Period.”
The comments came hours after Putin, in a speech aired early Wednesday, announced plans to mobilize about 300,000 Russian reservists for the front and hold “referendums” in occupied areas of Ukraine that could presage a broad annexation of Ukrainian land.
Should Russia’s territorial integrity and people be threatened, Putin warned, “We will certainly make use of all weapon systems available to us. This is not a bluff.”
Read the full story here.
The United States signaled Wednesday that it wouldn’t be cowed by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s latest steps to escalate his war effort in Ukraine, vowing to continue to arm Kyiv for its advancing counteroffensive, even as Putin ordered up more forces for battle and threatened to use nuclear weapons.
President Biden, in an address to the U.N. General Assembly, said, “We will stand in solidarity with Ukraine. We will stand in solidarity against Russia’s aggression. Period.”
The comments came hours after Putin, in a speech aired early Wednesday, announced plans to mobilize about 300,000 Russian reservists for the front and hold “referendums” in occupied areas of Ukraine that could presage a broad annexation of Ukrainian land.
Should Russia’s territorial integrity and people be threatened, Putin warned, “We will certainly make use of all weapon systems available to us. This is not a bluff.”
Read the full story here.
Putin faces fury in Russia over military mobilization and prisoner swap
Russian families bade tearful farewells on Thursday to thousands of sons and husbands abruptly summoned for military duty as part of President Vladimir Putin’s new mobilization, while pro-war Russian nationalists raged over the release of Ukrainian commanders in a secretive prisoner exchange.
As women hugged their husbands and young men boarded buses to leave for 15 days of training before potentially being deployed to Russia’s stumbling war effort in Ukraine, there were signs of mounting public anger.
More than 1,300 people were arrested at anti-mobilization protests in cities and towns across Russia on Wednesday and Thursday, in the largest public protests since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed reports of booked-out flights and queues to leave Russia as “false.”
Read the full story here.
Russian families bade tearful farewells on Thursday to thousands of sons and husbands abruptly summoned for military duty as part of President Vladimir Putin’s new mobilization, while pro-war Russian nationalists raged over the release of Ukrainian commanders in a secretive prisoner exchange.
As women hugged their husbands and young men boarded buses to leave for 15 days of training before potentially being deployed to Russia’s stumbling war effort in Ukraine, there were signs of mounting public anger.
More than 1,300 people were arrested at anti-mobilization protests in cities and towns across Russia on Wednesday and Thursday, in the largest public protests since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed reports of booked-out flights and queues to leave Russia as “false.”
Read the full story here.
Here is the latest from Ukraine:
- Moscow-backed officials in occupied parts of Ukraine announced plans this week to stage “referendums” from Friday to Tuesday, on the prospect of joining Russia.
- Two U.S. military veterans and five Britons were among the nearly 300 people freed Wednesday as part of the prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine.
- Thousands of Russians took to public spaces to protest after Putin’s announcement Wednesday of a partial military mobilization, and authorities arrested at least 1,300 people in a single day, according to the human rights group OVD-Info.
- Five people were injured and at least one person died in overnight strikes on the city of Zaporizhzhia, regional governor Oleksandr Starukh said Thursday on Telegram.
- Mykolaiv, in southern Ukraine, was “subjected to massive rocket fire” overnight into Thursday, Vitaliy Kim, the regional governor, said.
More live updates here.
- Moscow-backed officials in occupied parts of Ukraine announced plans this week to stage “referendums” from Friday to Tuesday, on the prospect of joining Russia.
- Two U.S. military veterans and five Britons were among the nearly 300 people freed Wednesday as part of the prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine.
- Thousands of Russians took to public spaces to protest after Putin’s announcement Wednesday of a partial military mobilization, and authorities arrested at least 1,300 people in a single day, according to the human rights group OVD-Info.
- Five people were injured and at least one person died in overnight strikes on the city of Zaporizhzhia, regional governor Oleksandr Starukh said Thursday on Telegram.
- Mykolaiv, in southern Ukraine, was “subjected to massive rocket fire” overnight into Thursday, Vitaliy Kim, the regional governor, said.
More live updates here.
Here’s the latest from Ukraine.
- Moscow launched referendums on Friday in four Ukrainian territories under its control. The referendums on the prospect of joining Russia, illegal under Ukrainian and international law, will last five days for the separatist Luhansk and Donetsk territories, the southern Kherson region and occupied parts of nearby Zaporizhzhia.
- Russian news agencies said that hundreds of polling stations would open and that refugees in Russia would be able to take part in the referendums, which have drawn global condemnation as a plan for Moscow to absorb Ukrainian territory.
- Ukraine said it shot down four Iran-made attack drones in the south. Ukraine reported its first encounter with a Shahed drone last week, after U.S. officials said Tehran began sending them to Russia in August.
More live updates here.
- Moscow launched referendums on Friday in four Ukrainian territories under its control. The referendums on the prospect of joining Russia, illegal under Ukrainian and international law, will last five days for the separatist Luhansk and Donetsk territories, the southern Kherson region and occupied parts of nearby Zaporizhzhia.
- Russian news agencies said that hundreds of polling stations would open and that refugees in Russia would be able to take part in the referendums, which have drawn global condemnation as a plan for Moscow to absorb Ukrainian territory.
- Ukraine said it shot down four Iran-made attack drones in the south. Ukraine reported its first encounter with a Shahed drone last week, after U.S. officials said Tehran began sending them to Russia in August.
More live updates here.
Prisoner swap freed Putin’s friend, Azov commanders and U.K. fighters
The hundreds of prisoners of war released Wednesday in a surprise deal between Moscow and Kyiv included 10 foreign nationals captured in Ukraine, a close friend of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s, and commanders and fighters of the Azov Regiment, a Ukrainian far-right paramilitary group.
As part of the swap, Moscow agreed to release the foreigners as well as 215 Ukrainians, including more than 100 members of Azov. In return, Ukraine said it released Viktor Medvedchuk and 55 Russian and pro-Russian fighters. The imbalance in numbers, as well as the freeing of Azov members long portrayed as “Nazis” by the Kremlin, has already sparked criticism in Russia from pro-war nationalists.
Read the full story here.
The hundreds of prisoners of war released Wednesday in a surprise deal between Moscow and Kyiv included 10 foreign nationals captured in Ukraine, a close friend of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s, and commanders and fighters of the Azov Regiment, a Ukrainian far-right paramilitary group.
As part of the swap, Moscow agreed to release the foreigners as well as 215 Ukrainians, including more than 100 members of Azov. In return, Ukraine said it released Viktor Medvedchuk and 55 Russian and pro-Russian fighters. The imbalance in numbers, as well as the freeing of Azov members long portrayed as “Nazis” by the Kremlin, has already sparked criticism in Russia from pro-war nationalists.
Read the full story here.
U.S. has sent private warnings to Russia against using a nuclear weapon
The United States for several months has been sending private communications to Moscow warning Russia’s leadership of the grave consequences that would follow the use of a nuclear weapon, according to U.S. officials, who said the messages underscore what President Biden and his aides have articulated publicly.
The Biden administration generally has decided to keep warnings about the consequences of a nuclear strike deliberately vague, so the Kremlin worries about how Washington might respond, the officials said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to describe sensitive deliberations.
The attempt by the White House to cultivate what’s known in the nuclear deterrence world as “strategic ambiguity” comes as Russia continues to escalate its rhetoric about possible nuclear weapons use amid a domestic mobilization aimed at stanching Russian military losses in eastern Ukraine.
Read the full story here.
The United States for several months has been sending private communications to Moscow warning Russia’s leadership of the grave consequences that would follow the use of a nuclear weapon, according to U.S. officials, who said the messages underscore what President Biden and his aides have articulated publicly.
The Biden administration generally has decided to keep warnings about the consequences of a nuclear strike deliberately vague, so the Kremlin worries about how Washington might respond, the officials said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to describe sensitive deliberations.
The attempt by the White House to cultivate what’s known in the nuclear deterrence world as “strategic ambiguity” comes as Russia continues to escalate its rhetoric about possible nuclear weapons use amid a domestic mobilization aimed at stanching Russian military losses in eastern Ukraine.
Read the full story here.
Kremlin proxies stage referendums as Russia aims to seize Ukrainian land
KHARKIV, Ukraine — Kremlin proxy authorities in occupied, war-torn Ukraine declared Friday that “voting” has begun in staged referendums and that Moscow’s desired outcome — a claim of public support for the annexation of Ukrainian territory — is assured.
The purported referendums, which are being orchestrated in parts of the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions of eastern and southeastern Ukraine that are controlled by the Russian military, are illegal under Ukrainian and international law and, in any case, would not remotely meet basic democratic standards for free and fair elections.
Western leaders, including President Biden, have denounced the process as a “sham” to prepare the ground for Russia’s theft of Ukrainian land.
The Kremlin’s puppet leaders, however, exulted in the process, which they tried to portray as a long path from self-determination to unification with Russia.
Read the full story here.
KHARKIV, Ukraine — Kremlin proxy authorities in occupied, war-torn Ukraine declared Friday that “voting” has begun in staged referendums and that Moscow’s desired outcome — a claim of public support for the annexation of Ukrainian territory — is assured.
The purported referendums, which are being orchestrated in parts of the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions of eastern and southeastern Ukraine that are controlled by the Russian military, are illegal under Ukrainian and international law and, in any case, would not remotely meet basic democratic standards for free and fair elections.
Western leaders, including President Biden, have denounced the process as a “sham” to prepare the ground for Russia’s theft of Ukrainian land.
The Kremlin’s puppet leaders, however, exulted in the process, which they tried to portray as a long path from self-determination to unification with Russia.
Read the full story here.
Here is the latest from Ukraine:
- The referendums on the prospect of joining Russia, illegal under international law, will last five days in Ukraine’s east and southeast.
- The Kremlin pledged to swiftly accept the regions into Russia and said any Ukrainian attack would then be seen as an attack on Russia.
- Kyiv attacked the legitimacy of the referendums as a “propaganda show.”
- Moscow-backed authorities assured support for a potential annexation.
- World leaders have condemned hints by Russian officials at the threat of nuclear war.
- U.N. Secretary General António Guterres described the referendums as a “violation of the U.N. Charter and international law.”
More live updates here.
- The referendums on the prospect of joining Russia, illegal under international law, will last five days in Ukraine’s east and southeast.
- The Kremlin pledged to swiftly accept the regions into Russia and said any Ukrainian attack would then be seen as an attack on Russia.
- Kyiv attacked the legitimacy of the referendums as a “propaganda show.”
- Moscow-backed authorities assured support for a potential annexation.
- World leaders have condemned hints by Russian officials at the threat of nuclear war.
- U.N. Secretary General António Guterres described the referendums as a “violation of the U.N. Charter and international law.”
More live updates here.
Here’s the latest from Ukraine:
- Kremlin-staged annexation referendums continued Saturday in Ukrainian areas controlled by Russian forces, a vote orchestrated to formally put swaths of the invaded nation’s southeast and east under Moscow’s sway.
- Western leaders condemned the referendums, labeling them “phony pretext for changing the status of Ukrainian sovereign territory.” President Biden said that the United States “will never recognize Ukrainian territory as anything other than part of Ukraine.”
- Moscow said it would exclude some employees in sectors such as information technology and finance from Russian President Vladimir Putin’s partial mobilization of up to 300,000 reservists, as the backlash to the call up continues.
More live updates here.
- Kremlin-staged annexation referendums continued Saturday in Ukrainian areas controlled by Russian forces, a vote orchestrated to formally put swaths of the invaded nation’s southeast and east under Moscow’s sway.
- Western leaders condemned the referendums, labeling them “phony pretext for changing the status of Ukrainian sovereign territory.” President Biden said that the United States “will never recognize Ukrainian territory as anything other than part of Ukraine.”
- Moscow said it would exclude some employees in sectors such as information technology and finance from Russian President Vladimir Putin’s partial mobilization of up to 300,000 reservists, as the backlash to the call up continues.
More live updates here.
Here's the latest from Ukraine:
- Protests continue to sweep across Russia, including in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other big cities, in a defiant turnout against President Vladimir Putin’s mobilization of hundreds of thousands of reservists to fight in Ukraine. At least 796 demonstrators were detained by Russian authorities as of Saturday night, according to the human rights group OVD-Info.
- Voting continues through Tuesday in purported referendums being carried out by Kremlin-backed authorities in Ukraine’s Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions. The staged referendums are illegal and widely condemned by Western leaders as a ploy by Moscow to annex swaths of the country.
- Russia renewed missile strikes across Ukraine on Saturday, Ukrainian officials said, killing three people and injuring 19 in strikes across the country’s south and east.
- China and India — traditionally allied with Russia — have called for negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.
More live updates here.
- Protests continue to sweep across Russia, including in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other big cities, in a defiant turnout against President Vladimir Putin’s mobilization of hundreds of thousands of reservists to fight in Ukraine. At least 796 demonstrators were detained by Russian authorities as of Saturday night, according to the human rights group OVD-Info.
- Voting continues through Tuesday in purported referendums being carried out by Kremlin-backed authorities in Ukraine’s Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions. The staged referendums are illegal and widely condemned by Western leaders as a ploy by Moscow to annex swaths of the country.
- Russia renewed missile strikes across Ukraine on Saturday, Ukrainian officials said, killing three people and injuring 19 in strikes across the country’s south and east.
- China and India — traditionally allied with Russia — have called for negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.
More live updates here.
As Ukraine’s fathers fight, mothers go it alone with their children
KHARKIV, Ukraine — Yuliia Sirenko spent the summer alone in her apartment in the bombed-out city of Kharkiv, her heart pulled in two directions.
September loomed, and she had a decision to make: Stay to keep supporting her husband, Yurii, as he battled Russian troops in the east. Or go west, joining the young daughter she’d taken to safety several months earlier.
Millions of women with children have faced similarly wrenching scenarios since Russia invaded. Many have left the country, becoming refugees with all the immense challenges that entails. Yet for those who stayed put in Ukraine as their husbands or partners fought, there are separate struggles and dangers.
Some mothers have thrown themselves into volunteering and fundraising for their loved ones’ units. Others are consumed by child care, financial worries and family expectations.
Read the full story here.
KHARKIV, Ukraine — Yuliia Sirenko spent the summer alone in her apartment in the bombed-out city of Kharkiv, her heart pulled in two directions.
September loomed, and she had a decision to make: Stay to keep supporting her husband, Yurii, as he battled Russian troops in the east. Or go west, joining the young daughter she’d taken to safety several months earlier.
Millions of women with children have faced similarly wrenching scenarios since Russia invaded. Many have left the country, becoming refugees with all the immense challenges that entails. Yet for those who stayed put in Ukraine as their husbands or partners fought, there are separate struggles and dangers.
Some mothers have thrown themselves into volunteering and fundraising for their loved ones’ units. Others are consumed by child care, financial worries and family expectations.
Read the full story here.