September 28, 2022

*) Russia paves way to annex parts of Ukraine after 'sham' referendums Kremlin-supported authorities in four Ukrainian regions under Russian control have claimed victory in annexation votes, drawing global outrage. Ukraine and its allies have denounced the so-called referendums as a "sham". Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said the votes mean Kiev will not negotiate with Moscow. Moscow hopes to annex Luhansk and Donetsk in the east and Kherson and Zaporizhzhia in the south, regions that make up about 15 percent of Ukraine. *) Leaders blame Russia-Europe pipeline leaks on sabotage Sabotage is the likely cause of leaks in two Baltic Sea gas pipelines between Russia and Europe, European leaders have said, while the Kremlin too has maintained that "no option can be ruled out". Seismologists have reported explosions around the Nord Stream pipelines. Two "massive releases of energy" were recorded by the Swedish National Seismic Network shortly before the gas leaks. The Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines have been at the centre of geopolitical tensions as Russia cut gas supplies to Europe in suspected retaliation against Western sanctions over the Ukraine conflict. *) Erdogan hits out at Western countries protecting terrorists Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has criticised European countries that protect terrorist organisations, including the PKK and FETO. The murderers who shed blood are embraced in almost every country in Europe, particularly in the Lavrion camp in Greece, Erdogan told a meeting in Ankara on Tuesday. Erdogan said he expects all countries, especially Türkiye’s neighbours, to take necessary measures against terror groups. *) Hurricane Ian leaves Cuba without power, takes aim at Florida Powerful Hurricane Ian has left a trail of destruction and caused widespread blackout in Cuba, while Florida residents are bracing for a direct hit from the storm. Ian hit Cuba's western regions for more than five hours, before moving out over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The storm damaged Cuba's p