Out of service because of the war in Ukraine, the Nord Stream gas pipelines linking Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea are affected by spectacular leaks, mysterious and preceded by underwater explosions. Several EU countries as well as the President of the European Commission speak of “sabotage”.
Pro-Russian authorities in the Ukrainian regions of Zaporozhie, Kherson, Lugansk and Donetsk claimed victory on Tuesday for a “yes” vote in favour of annexation by Russia in “referendums” organized by Moscow.
The next step is for the Russian Parliament to vote in the coming days on a treaty formalizing the integration of the four regions into Russian territory. Vladimir Putin could then make a speech on September 30 to formally announce the annexation of the Ukrainian territories, according to Russian agencies.
The G7 has vowed to “never recognize” the results and Washington has promised a “severe” response with new economic sanctions. China, through its ambassador to the UN, called for respect for the “territorial integrity of all countries.
14:16: Ukraine “can count” on the support of Italy, says Meloni
Ukraine will be able to count on the support of the next Italian government, Giorgia Meloni, who is expected to become the country’s future Prime Minister, assured on Tuesday evening, after her post-fascist party Fratelli d’Italia (FdI) won the legislative elections on Sunday.
“You know that you can count on our loyal support for the cause of freedom of the Ukrainian people. Stay strong and keep your faith unshakable!” tweeted Meloni in English to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
12:25 p.m.: Some 616 women held captive by Russians, according to Ukrainian media
Russia is holding 616 women captive, including pregnant women, according to Hromadske, a Ukrainian web TV. Ukrainian authorities are working informally and formally to free all of them, Nexta says.