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LIVE UPDATES: Putin Signs Decree Recognizing Zaporozhye, Kherson Regions as Independent Territories

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In February, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine, after the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics (DPR and LPR) appealed for help in... 29.09.2022, Sputnik International

2022-09-29T06:51+0000

2022-10-19T20:57+0000

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In this image released by the Ukrainian Defence Ministry Press Service, Ukrainian soldiers use a launcher with US Javelin missiles during military exercises in the Donetsk Region, Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021. - Sputnik International

LIVE UPDATES: Putin Signs Decree Recognizing Zaporozhye, Kherson Regions as Independent Territories

06:51 GMT 29.09.2022 (Updated: 20:57 GMT 19.10.2022)

In February, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine, after the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics (DPR and LPR) appealed for help in defending themselves against Ukrainian attacks. President Vladimir Putin stressed that Russia aims to liberate Donbass and end the eight-year-long war waged by Kiev against the republics.

Following the referendums, Donbass, Kherson region and Zaporozhye region appealed to Moscow, as people overwhelmingly supported joining the Russian Federation.

The referendums have been held since Friday, September 23, and the polls were closed on Tuesday, September 27. The voter turnout far exceeded the threshold of 50% of registered voters despite the continued Ukrainian bombardment of the territories.

The outcome of the referendums proved major support for joining Russia: 99.23% in the Donetsk People's Republic, 98.42% in the Lugansk People's Republic, 87.05% in Kherson region and 93.11% in Zaporozhye region.

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01:49 GMT 30.09.2022

US, Allies Discussing New Military Aid Package to Kiev - Austin

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Thursday that the United States is discussing with allies a new military aid package to Kiev, including training of the Ukrainian military.

"As you've seen us do over time, we have continued to look for ways along with our international partners to provide additional security assistance to Ukraine. Whether this assistance is in the form of actual equipment or other logistical support or training, we continue to evaluate what will be needed and make provisions to provide that security assistance, and so, that will be ongoing," Austin told a joint press conference with Philippine Defense Secretary Jose Faustino in Hawaii.

Austin added that the US will not speculate about the length of the conflict in Ukraine.

"In terms of how long the conflict will last, don't want to speculate either. What I will tell you is that we will continue to support Ukraine, as you've heard our president say, for as long as it takes," Austin said.

01:16 GMT 30.09.2022

Air Defenses Activated in Russia's Belgorod Region, No Casualties or Damage Reported - Governor

Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said on Friday that air defense systems activated in the Belgorod and Yakovlevsky districts, there are no casualties and destruction.

"A few minutes ago, our air defense systems activated in Belgorod, the Belgorod district, and the Yakovlevsky city district. Operational services are clarifying information about the consequences on the ground. It is known for now that there are no casualties or damage. If there are any, I will inform you," Gladkov said on Telegram.

23:32 GMT 29.09.2022

Pentagon Awards $12Mln Modified Contract for Radar Systems Going to Ukraine

The US military awarded the firm SRCTec a $12 million contract to produce radar systems that will go to Ukraine, the Pentagon said in a press release.

"SRCTec LLC, Syracuse, New York, was awarded a $12,096,538 modification (PZ0004) to contract W56KGY-22-C-0004 for UKR/TPQ-50 radar systems," the release said on Thursday. "Fiscal 2022 Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative funds in the amount of $12,096,538 were obligated at the time of the award."

Work on the procurement is estimated to be complete on June 30, 2023, the release said.

The Defense Department has committed more than $16 billion in military assistance to Ukraine, consisting of weapons provided immediately from US stockpiles and other weapon contracts that may take up to three years to complete.

23:10 GMT 29.09.2022

UN Chief’s Statement on Referenda Another Example of ‘Double Standards’ - Russian Mission

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ statement on the referenda held in the Donetsk and Lugansk people’ republics (DNR and LNR) and in the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions are an assault on the right to self determination and an example of double standards, the Russian mission to the United Nations said.

"Against this backdrop such a direct assault by the UN Secretary-General on the fundamental right of self-determination expressed by the population of DNR, LNR, Kherson and Zaporozhye regions represents yet another example of double standards," the Russian mission said in a statement on Thursday evening.

22:06 GMT 29.09.2022

Russian President V. Putin - Sputnik International, 1920, 29.09.2022

New Regions Join Russia

Putin Signs Decree Recognizing Zaporozhye, Kherson Regions as Independent Territories

29 September 2022, 21:39 GMT

18:37 GMT 29.09.2022

Putin Briefs Erdogan on Results of Referendums in Liberated Territories - Kremlin

Russian President Vladimir Putin informed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan about the results of the September 23-27 referendums in the liberated territories on joining Russia, the Kremlin said on Thursday.

"Vladimir Putin informed about the results of the referendums held on September 23-27 in the Donetsk and Lugansk people's republics, Kherson and Zaporozhye regions on joining the Russian Federation. It was emphasized that the voting had taken place in a transparent manner, in full compliance with the norms and principles of international law. Residents of these regions exercised their right to self-determination in accordance with the provisions of the UN Charter, the 1966 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the 1975 Helsinki Final Act," the statement says.

17:30 GMT 29.09.2022

Erdogan, Putin Discuss by Phone Situation in Ukraine

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held telephone conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish state broadcaster TRT Haber reported.

The parties discussed the situation in Ukraine, it said.

17:19 GMT 29.09.2022

UN Chief Expresses Concerns to Russian Envoy Regarding Referenda in Ukraine

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has talked with the Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia and expressed concern regarding the referenda held on Ukrainian territories and their annexation by Russia, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Thursday.

"The Secretary General has expressed his concerns to the Russian side and regarding the proceedings around the annexation in a conversation with Ambassador Nebenzia yesterday and contacts will continue," Dujarric said during a press briefing.

This is a reminder for every United Nations member state to uphold international law, Dujarric added.

16:18 GMT 29.09.2022

US Senators Introduce Bill to End Aid to States Recognizing Russia Accession Referendums

enators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal introduced legislation on Thursday that would cut off US aid to any country that recognizes the results of referendums to incorporate four Ukrainian territories into Russia.

"Senator Graham and I are introducing today legislation that would very simply immediately require cutting off economic and military aid to any country that recognizes Vladimir Putin’s illegal annexation of four regions of Ukraine," Blumenthal said at a press conference.

He added the legislation would come in the forms of a standalone bill and an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act.

14:20 GMT 29.09.2022

Zelensky to Urgently Convene National Security Council on Friday

"President Volodymyr Zelensky is convening an urgent meeting of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine for tomorrow. We will announce the agenda and other details later", presidential spokesman Serhiy Nikiforov said on Telegram.

13:40 GMT 29.09.2022

Lugansk Medical University Holds Mass Demonstration to Support Joining Russia

13:28 GMT 29.09.2022

Hungary to Oppose EU Sanctions Against Russia Targeting Energy, PM Orban’s Office Says

Hungary will study proposals contained in the 8th package of EU sanctions against Russia but will not support energy restrictions, Gergely Gulyas, the head of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s office, said on Thursday.

"We made it clear earlier that Hungary has so far done a lot to maintain European unity, but if the package contains sanctions in the field of energy, then we cannot support it. We are waiting for the exact draft of the [8th] sanctions package, we will study it carefully, then it will be possible to talk, but Hungary cannot support sanctions in the field of energy," Gulyas said during a briefing.

13:18 GMT 29.09.2022

Ten Explosions Reported in Novaya Kahovka, Air Defenses Activated

12:03 GMT 29.09.2022

Ukrainian Nationalists Shoot Their Own Troops 'Just for Fun', Captured Officer Says

11:57 GMT 29.09.2022

Moscow: US Effectively Became Part of Ukraine Conflict, Lost Touch With Reality

11:42 GMT 29.09.2022

LPR Envoy Comments Accession Proccess of Donbass Republics to Russia

11:12 GMT 29.09.2022

Russian MoD Holds Briefing on Special Military Operation in Ukraine

10:28 GMT 29.09.2022

Finland to Close Border for Russian Citizens on Friday Amid Ukraine Crisis

09:24 GMT 29.09.2022

NATO Backs Investigation Into Causes of Nord Stream Damage

Gas leak location on Nord Stream 2 - Sputnik International, 1920, 29.09.2022

Nord Stream Sabotage

LIVE UPDATES: Pentagon Says Won't Get Ahead of Nord Stream Probe After Reports US Jets Circled Site

29 September 2022, 09:24 GMT

08:30 GMT 29.09.2022

Ukrainian Shelling Kills Around 30 Refugees in Kharkov Region, LPR Ambassador Says

According to preliminary reports, a refugee convoy was targeted by Ukrainian forces, and the stike claimed around 30 lives, LPR envoy Rodion Miroshnik said.

08:16 GMT 29.09.2022

Ukrainian Shelling Damages Pipeline in Kherson Region, Leaving Novaya Kahovka Without Gas

07:15 GMT 29.09.2022

New EU Sanctions May Affect Contracts With Russian Oil Giants - Reports

A new package of EU sanctions against Russia is likely to include restrictions on future contracts with a number of Russian leading oil companies, the EUobserver online newspaper reported on Thursday, citing an internal document of the European Union.

The restrictions are likely to apply to Russian oil giants Gazprom Neft, Rosneft and Transneft, according to the media outlet.

Moreover, the names of 29 Russian individuals, most of which are little-known officials allegedly associated with holding referendums in the Russia-controlled territories, can be added to the sanctions lists, the newspaper reported.

07:11 GMT 29.09.2022

Finnish Border to Be Closed To Russian Tourists on Friday Night, Reports Suggest

07:03 GMT 29.09.2022

Explosive Device Blasts Near Melitopol School Leave One Injured, Authorities Say

"An explosion was heard on 50th Anniversary of Victory Street in Melitopol at about 07:50 (04:50 GMT). The improvised explosive device (IED) was detonated near a school located opposite the Palladium shopping center. The IED was fixed on a tree and went off when a car passed. The car was damaged, the driver received minor injuries," an official statement read.

06:58 GMT 29.09.2022

EU to Discuss Nord Stream Incidents, Donbass Referendums During Summit Next Week, Report Says

Representatives of EU countries will discuss referendums in the people's republics of Donetsk and Lugansk, and Zaporozhye and Kherson regions, as well as the recent incidents on the Nord Stream gas pipelines at a summit next week, Reuters reported on Thursday, citing an EU official.

06:55 GMT 29.09.2022

Incident on Nord Stream Pipelines Occurred in Zone Controlled by US Intelligence, Russia Says