A review of ‘The Last Witness’

By Mark Channing Miller

A witness is someone with personal knowledge of an event who is able to recount what he or she knows. Some witnesses’ testimony is challenged successfully. Not all witnesses to an event want to recount their memories of what they saw, at least not under certain circumstances.

In the 2018 movie “The Last Witness,” directed by Piotr Szkopiak,  Michael Loboda (played by Robert Wieckiewicz) is the eponymous witness (although the title is a double-entendre). Before long it becomes apparent why Loboda wants to keep what he knows to himself until the circumstances are right.

It’s a terrific movie. I saw it last night on hulu, and today looked it up on a couple of websites. Its Rotten Tomatoes ratings are just 29% on its tomatometer based on seven viewers’ reviews and a 60% audience score based on more than 50 ratings. Not high, so some will be disappointed.

The reviewers on imdb.com are sharply divided, but nearly all of the squibs are enjoyable and educational.

The protagonist in the movie, Stephen Underwood (Alex Pettyfer), reporter for a small newspaper, decides to check out a reported suicide. Write a few lines. But he quickly assumes it is not a suicide at all but a murder. The police call it suicide. His boss says forget it. “There’s no story here.” Do not write about it.

Underwood follows up anyway. Boy does he follow up.

A rule of thumb in writing movie reviews is not to give away too much about the plot; readers of this one will get hardly any of it. (People planning to see “The Last Witness” should not go near online reviews before seeing it.) Some will criticize the review you are reading for providing way too little of the plot.

Most Americans have never heard of the mass murders in 1940 in Poland known collectively as the Katyn massacre, although some facts about them became known a few years after they occurred. The site in Katyn forest was just one of where a series of such mass murders were committed.

Although the specific story in “The Last Witness” is fictional, the author of one commentary correctly calls it “a realistic view of what journalists can [do] and have done to bring the truth to light.” Another commentator writes, “It leaves you . . . pondering how farcical history can be.”

That said, this Wikipedia account of the series of Soviet NKVD mass murders lumped together under the title of “Katyn massacre” seems exhaustive. However, people who plan to see “The Last Witness” might want to wait until they have before reading it.

First, a link to an op-ed column in today’s Berkshire Eagle by the newspaper’s foreign affairs writer. Then, links to reports from the Associated Press, Reuters, Tass, Agence France-Presse, and National Public Radio; others are accessible by clicking on their initials below. — MCM

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Russian men vote with their feet against Putin’s war in Ukraine, by James Brooke | The Berkshire Eagle In one week, 300,000 Russian men have fled to neighboring countries to duck the draft. That is five times the number of American men who fled to Canada in the decade from 1965 to 1975 to escape the Vietnam War draft. . . . Military analysts, most notably the British Defense Ministry, warn that after seven months of war, Russia’s army lacks the officers for training and the equipment for arming new recruits. Backing up this view, a widely circulated video shows a Russian Army officer lecturing new recruits that the Army will supply only “uniforms and weapons.” It is up to soldiers to provide their own sleeping bags, tourniquets and medical supplies. READ MORE . . .

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Russia withdraws troops after Ukraine encircles key city, by Jon Gambrell and Adam Schreck | AP  KYIV — After being encircled by Ukrainian forces, Russia pulled troops out today from an eastern Ukrainian city that it had been using as a front-line hub. It was the latest victory for the Ukrainian counteroffensive that has humiliated and angered the Kremlin. Russia’s withdrawal from Lyman complicates its internationally vilified declaration . . . READ MORE . . .

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Russia abandons Ukrainian bastion, Putin ally suggests nuclear response, by Tom Balmforth and Pavel Polityuk | Reuters  * Ukraine’s recapture of Lyman deals Moscow major setback * Chechen leader suggests use of low-yield nuclear weapon * Lyman is key logistics hub in eastern Donetsk region * Donetsk is one of four regions Putin says are now Russian | KYIV — Russia said today its troops had abandoned the key bastion of Lyman in occupied eastern Ukraine, a stinging defeat that prompted a close ally of President Vladimir Putin to call for the possible use of low-grade nuclear weapons. The fall of Lyman came just a day after Putin proclaimed the annexation of four Ukrainian regions – including Donetsk, where Lyman is located – and placed them under Russia’s nuclear umbrella, at a ceremony that was condemned by Kyiv and the West as an illegitimate . . . READ MORE . . .

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Ending conflict practically impossible after four new regions joined Russia – Borrell. From Tass. MADRID — The fact that the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics and the Zaporozhye and Kherson Regions joined Russia makes ending the conflict in Ukraine practically impossible, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell told Spain’s 24 HorasTV channel today. “No one will recognize . . . READ MORE . . .

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Ukraine Condemns ‘Illegal Detention’ Of Nuclear Plant Chief: Ministry. From AFP. Kyiv said today it condemned “in the strongest terms the illegal detention” by Russians of the director of Ukraine’s Moscow-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. “The crime is yet another act of state terrorism by Russia and . . . READ MORE . . .

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Understanding Putin’s moves as he annexes even more of Ukraine. Reported by Ailsa Chang, Kathryn Fox and Bridget Kelley | NPR  Russian President Vladimir Putin illegally annexed four more Ukrainian regions Friday. NPR’s Juana Summers speaks with senior policy researcher at the RAND corporation Dara Massicot about the move. Click HERE to listen and read.

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The real world impact of Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian regions. Reported by Jason Beaubien | NPR  Russian President Vladimir Putin has formally annexed four regions of Ukraine. Ukraine responded by submitting an application to quickly ascend into NATO. The moves are an escalation in the conflict. Click HERE to listen and read.

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Ukrainian villages grapple with the effects of Russia’s sham referendum. Reported by Kat Lonsdorf | NPR  In Ukrainian villages on the front line, Russia’s illegal annexation of Ukrainian regions may further complicate life. Click HERE to listen and, some other time, read.

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TO BE CONTINUED

First, links to reports from the Associated Press, Tass, Reuters, Agence France-Presse, and National Public Radio; others are accessible by clicking on their names and initials below. Next, links to commentaries via the Greanville Post on the explosions that shut down two Baltic Sea pipelines meant to carry natural gas from Gazprom in Russia to customers elsewhere. Finally, from late yesterday via Popular Resistance and Consortium News, links to commentary by two observers regarding the explosions, and links to commentary by Diana Johnstone and by Caitlin Johnstone. — MCM

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Putin accuses the West of sabotaging Baltic Sea pipelines, by Jan M. Olsen | AP  COPENHAGEN — Russian President Vladimir Putin today accused the West of sabotaging Russia-built gas pipelines under the Baltic Sea to Germany, a charge that has been vehemently denied by the United States and its allies. Nordic nations said the undersea blasts that damaged the pipelines this week and have led to huge methane leaks involved several hundred pounds of explosives. The claim by Putin . . . READ MORE . . .

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Zelensky says ready for dialogue with Russia, but not with Putin. From Tass. KIEV — Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky said today that Kiev is ready for settlement talks with Moscow, but with a Russian president other than Vladimir Putin. “We are ready for dialogue . . . READ MORE . . .

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Putin proclaims annexation as Russian garrison surrounded in Ukraine, by Jonathan Landay | Reuters  * Russian annexation of four regions condemned worldwide * Move is ‘dangerous escalation’ jeopardising peace – U.N. chief * Ukraine’s Zelenskiy says for war to end Putin must be stopped * Zelenskiy summons emergency meeting on security, defence | ZAPORIZHZHIA, Ukraine — President Vladimir Putin proclaimed Russia’s annexation of a swath of Ukraine today in a speech at the Kremlin, but the event was overshadowed by one of Russia’s worst battlefield defeats of the war, with one of its main garrisons surrounded. “People living in Luhansk, Donetsk . . . READ MORE . . . 

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U.S. announces ‘severe’ sanctions on Russia over annexations. From AFP. The United States today announced “severe” new sanctions on Russia in response to what President Joe Biden called Moscow’s “fraudulent” claim to have annexed four Ukrainian regions. “The United States is imposing swift and severe costs . . . READ MORE . . .

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Putin: Russia will use all means to guard annexed regions, by Jon Gambrell and Hanna Arhirova | AP  KYIV — Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the process of annexing parts of Ukraine by saying he would sign laws to absorb them despite international condemnation and protect the newly incorporated regions using “all available means.” In a speech preceding a treaty-signing ceremony to make four Ukrainian regions part of Russia, Putin warned . . . READ MORE . . .

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After staged referendums, Putin is annexing 4 regions in Ukraine. Reported by Rachel Martin and Charles Maynes | NPR  President Putin will officially annex four regions in Ukraine that have become part of Russia, after holding a referendum that the international community broadly denounced as a sham. Click HERE to listen.

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How Russia’s illegal annexation of Ukrainian regions could change the war. Leila Fadel of NPR talks with Andrew Weiss of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace about Russia annexing four Ukrainian territories and how that could escalate the war. Click HERE to listen and, tomorrow, read.

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No, Russia didn’t blow up their own pipeline. From the Jimmy Dore Show / The Greanville Post. Why blow up an important and expensive strategic asset when . . . Click HERE for video.

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Germany and EU have been handed over a declaration of war, by Pepe Escobar | The Greanville Post The attack on both Baltic Sea pipelines consisted of multiple explosive charges detonated in separate branches close to the Danish island of Bornholm, but in international waters. That was a sophisticated operation, carried out in stealth in the shallow depth of the Danish straits. . . . [T]he waters around Borholm are crammed with sensors, reflecting fear of incursion by Russian submarines. (!) Drunk on their own hubris . . . READ MORE . . .

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The war on Germany just entered its hot phase, by Moon of Alabama | Educate! Just yesterday [Sept. 27] I laid out how the U.S. is winning its war on Europe’s industries and people. That war, hidden behind the U.S.-created Ukraine crisis . . . READ MORE . . .

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The timing of the pipeline attack, by Joe Lauria | Consortium News President Joe Biden, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz by his side, promised a White House press conference in early February that the U.S. was “able” to shut down the German-Russian Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline in the Baltic Sea if Russia invaded Ukraine. A reporter asked . . . READ MORE . . .

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Omerta in the gangster war, by Diana Johnstone | Consortium News PARIS — Imperialist wars are waged to conquer lands, peoples, territories.  Gangster wars are waged to remove competitors.  In gangster wars you issue an obscure warning, then you smash the windows or burn the place down. Gangster war is what you wage when you already are the boss and won’t let any outsider muscle in . . . READ MORE . . .

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New Zealand’s PM wants more online censorship for the war in Ukraine, by Caitlin Johnstone | caitlinjohnstone.com New Zealand’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern continued her crusade for the expansion of internet censorship during a speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Friday [Sept. 23], this time using the war in Ukraine. “Whether it’s climate, trade, health crises or seeking peaceful solutions to war and conflict, New Zealand has always been . . . READ MORE . . .

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MAY BE CONTINUED

First, links to reports from the Associated Press, National Public Radio, Tass, Reuters, Agence France-Presse, and the Moscow Times; others are accessible by clicking on their names and initials below. — MCM

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Kremlin will annex 4 regions of Ukraine on Friday, by Jon Gambrell and Adam Schreck | AP  KYIV — Russia confirmed on Thursday it will formally annex parts of Ukraine where occupied areas held Kremlin-orchestrated “referendums” on living under Moscow’s rule that the Ukrainian government and the West denounced as illegal and rigged. Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend a ceremony on Friday in the Kremlin when . . . READ MORE . . .

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Moscow prepares to annex 4 Russian-occupied regions in Ukraine. Leila Fadel of NPR talks with PBS Newshour’s Simon Ostrovsky about what the earlier annexation of Crimea might suggest for what happens now for the next areas Russia is trying to annex. Click HERE to listen and, tomorrow, read.

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Ukrainian soldiers’ view on counteroffensive could inform efforts to dislodge Russia. Reported by Jason Beaubien | NPR  Ukraine’s counteroffensive saw many Russian forces flee advancing troops in the northeast of the country. But soldiers on the ground say it was more difficult than some headlines have portrayed it. Click HERE to listen and read.

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War didn’t stop Hasidic pilgrims from gathering in Ukraine for the Jewish new year. Reported by Pete Kiehart and Julian Hayda | NPR  UMAN, Ukraine — For all but a week a year, the city of Uman is like any small city in Ukraine. The economy usually revolves around a bus factory and some grain processing facilities. But every fall, thousands of Hasidic Jews from around the world transform a central neighborhood in Uman to celebrate Rosh Hashana, the Jewish new year. And this year . . . Click HERE to listen and read.

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EU officials and others are concerned about explosions at Nord Stream pipelines. Reported by Leila Fadel and Jackie Northam | NPR  Some European leaders say the Nord Stream pipeline leaks are deliberate. There’s growing concern about what it could mean for security at oil and gas installations around Europe. Click HERE to listen and, tomorrow, read.

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Russian diplomat says Nord Stream leaks occurred in zone controlled by U.S. intelligence. From Tass. MOSCOW — The Nord Stream pipeline incidents took place in the exclusive economic zone of Denmark and Sweden, an area that is fully controlled by US intelligence agencies, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told the Soloviev Live TV program on Thursday. Commenting on the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipeline leaks . . . READ MORE . . .

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Russia says Nord Stream ‘sabotage’ likely to be state-sponsored act, by Sabine Siebold and Charlotte Campenhout | Reuters MOSCOW/BRUSSELS — Russia said today leaks spewing gas into the sea from pipelines to Germany appeared to be the result of state-sponsored “terrorism”, as an EU official said the incident had fundamentally changed the nature of the conflict in Ukraine. The European Union is investigating . . . READ MORE . . .

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Over 194,000 Russians flee call-up to neighboring countries, by Dasha Litvinova | AP  TALLINN, Estonia — It took Vsevolod four days to drive from Moscow to Russia’s southern border with Georgia. He had to abandon his car at one point and continue on foot. On Tuesday, he finally finished his 1,800-kilometer (1,100-mile) journey and crossed the frontier to escape being called up to fight in Russia’s war in Ukraine. “At 26, I do not . . . READ MORE . . .

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Finland to close border to Russians with EU tourism visas from Friday. From AFP. Finland will bar Russians with Schengen tourist visas from entering the country from Friday, the government said Thursday following a surge in arrivals after Moscow’s mobilisation order for the war in Ukraine. “The decision . . . READ MORE . . .

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Russian forces face ‘imminent defeat’ in east Ukraine supply hub. From the Moscow Times. Russian forces face “imminent defeat” to advancing Ukrainian soldiers in a key supply hub in eastern Ukraine, threatening Russian positions elsewhere and potentially undermining morale further, observers said today. Russian military bloggers said . . . READ MORE . . .

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TO BE CONTINUED

Richard Heinberg’s latest monthly MuseLetter begins below. — MCM

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What You Need to Know about the Energy Crisis

By Richard Heinberg | Post Carbon Institute

In May I wrote about the emerging energy and food crisis gripping the world due largely to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The crisis continues to unfold. However, most people are aware of it only via high prices—for gasoline, electricity, natural gas, and food—and through widespread chatter among economists about inflation and what should be done to tame it. Sadly, prices by themselves are not helpful in understanding why the crisis has emerged and how it is likely to develop in coming months. Periodic overviews of the situation that emphasize systemic causal connections and feedbacks may serve that purpose better, so consider this the second in a series of such overviews. I’ll sort information and analysis by region.

Europe and UK: Hungry and Freezing in the Dark?

In Europe especially, the word “crisis” is fully justified. Sharply curtailed availability of natural gas from Russia will not be fully compensated for by LNG shipments from the US or other gas-exporting countries. Therefore, Europe’s leaders are now discussing how to ration existing supplies—and are preparing for a worst-case scenario in which winter weather is particularly severe. Energy bills for European households may surge by 2 trillion euros ($2 trillion) early next year, according to Goldman Sachs (divided equally, that would be nearly $2700 for every adult and child).

The UK is now dealing with the consequences of its neoliberal privatization of utilities (energy, water, and rail), many of which were bought up by nationally-owned utilities in continental Europe. So far, the energy crisis is costing UK households more than those in any country in western Europe. The British government has failed to subsidize the insulation of homes, and households are highly dependent on gas for heating and cooking.

European energy ministers have told political leadership that nations must somehow reduce electricity consumption by 10 percent. Electricity prices are at record levels, with futures prices surging to ten times the past decade’s average. At such price levels, whole industries are having to shut down or consider doing so. Germany is importing coal by rail for electricity generation to make up for shortfalls of natural gas that was formerly delivered by pipeline. The country had been in the process of shutting all its nuclear power plants, but has decided to keep the last three online.

European farm and food groups fear that steep natural gas and electricity prices could lead to shortages of fruit and vegetables by forcing companies to curb production. Refrigeration is electricity intensive, and the heating of greenhouses often relies on natural gas.

In addition to electricity generation, natural gas is used for industrial purposes, often to supply high levels of heat for metallurgy, as a feedstock for chemicals, and for the manufacture of fertilizers. Compared to the US, Europe has relied more on manufacturing and heavy industry for its economic output in recent decades, so the impact of high prices on EU economies will likely be more systemic. According to reports, roughly half of steel, aluminum, and zinc production in the EU is already shuttered and facing an existential crisis.

Natural gas is also used to heat homes and buildings, and it is this application that is likely to cause the most direct discomfort to the largest number of ordinary people. Firewood is suddenly in critically short supply in France, Germany, and other countries. High gas prices through the winter raise the potential for protests and social unrest (Slovenia and Czechia are already seeing them). Governments are trying to head off that risk with caps on the electricity rates that residents will actually be charged. But price caps will leave governments on the hook for the difference between generating costs and what households pay, possibly leading to huge spending deficits over the short term. Leaders hope to minimize deficits by heavily taxing energy companies.

One visibly prominent gauge of the seriousness of the electricity crisis in Europe: the mayor of Paris has said that lights on the Eiffel Tower will be turned off several hours earlier than usual in order to save energy.

North America: Excused for Now

So far, Americans have been spared the brunt of the energy crisis. Indeed, motorists have recently enjoyed lower gasoline prices due to a slump in the cost of oil, due in turn to a fall in demand from China (see below) and fears of an economic slowdown. The US is somewhat insulated from energy supply problems because . . . READ MORE . . .

First, links to reports from the Associated Press, Reuters, National Public Radio, Tass, and Agence France-Presse; others are accessible by clicking on their initials below. (Following them, re-posted here yesterday, are linked an interview about the credibility of war news and a selection of news reports on the U.N. Security Council session last Thursday.) — MCM

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Russia prepares to annex occupied Ukraine despite outcry, by Jon Gambrell and Adam Schreck | AP  KYIV — Russia stood poised today to formally annex parts of Ukraine after claiming that voters in areas where it has military control had overwhelmingly endorsed living under Moscow’s rule. Armed troops went door-to-door to collect ballots during five days of voting in Kremlin-organized referendums that asked if the occupied areas should become part of Russia. Western observers characterized . . . READ MORE . . .

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Truth or bluff? Why Russian leader Putin’s nuclear warnings have the West worried, by Guy Faulconbridge and Andrew Osborn | Reuters  * Putin has warned of nuclear weapons scenario * Russian nuclear umbrella about to be extended * Newly-annexed territory in Ukraine to be covered * Ukraine, United States say take Putin seriously | LONDON — President Vladimir Putin’s latest warning that he is ready to use nuclear weapons to defend Russia amid the war in Ukraine has made a troubling question much more urgent: Is the former KGB spy bluffing? Mr Putin cautioned it was no bluff, and Western politicians, diplomats and nuclear weapons experts are divided. Some say . . . READ MORE . . .

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How the war in Ukraine is affecting the world’s supply of fertilizer. Reported by Jackie Northam | NPR  One of the effects of the war in Ukraine is a global shortage of fertilizer. Food supplies could be threatened if more fertilizer doesn’t get to the world market. Click HERE to listen and, tomorrow, read.

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With staged referendums in Ukraine complete, Russia begins the annexation process. Reported by Charles Maynes | NPR  MOSCOW — Moscow-backed separatist leaders in occupied areas of Ukraine moved quickly to issue formal appeals to join the Russian Federation today — just hours after claiming overwhelming numbers of people there had chosen to join Russia in a series of highly controversial referendums. The vote was widely condemned by Ukraine and its Western partners as a violation . . . Click HERE to listen and read.

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Kremlin slams ‘stupid’ conspiracy theories alleging Russia behind Nord Stream emergencies. From Tass. MOSCOW — Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov today laced into theories alleging that Russia was supposedly involved in the Nord Stream gas pipeline emergencies. “It is quite predictable, and also predictably stupid to voice such versions. [It’s] predictably stupid and absurd . . . READ MORE . . .

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Russia says will request Security Council meeting over Nord Stream gas leaks. From AFP. Russia said today it will ask for the United Nations Security Council to convene after Moscow denied allegations it was behind leaks at the Nord Stream pipelines between Russia and Germany. “Russia intends to convene an official meeting of the UN Security Council in connection with provocations . . . . READ MORE . . .

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LISTEN: War and disinformation. From Consortium News. The chat provides useful context for news coverage of the war in Ukraine. (Also, scroll down to see, watch, listen and read the two final segments of this blog’s Ukraine, 9-26-22, entry.) Click HERE to listen.

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What U.N. Security Council session? A catchup look five days later. Well, last Thursday’s meeting of the United Nations Security Council got some coverage even if it was largely overlooked the next day by this blog, buried as it was in the Associated Press story by Matthew Lee.

The Wall Street Journal had this story the next day, by Jessica Donati and Vivian Salama. Reuters had this one, by Michelle Nichols, Daphne Psaledakis and Humeyra Pamuk. And the Washington Post this one by John Hudson and Missy Ryan. The New York Times coverage by Farnaz Fassihi is here.

So far no transcript exists online, but the video linked by Consortium News offers somethng for students of a number of disciplines including history, geopolitics, and rhetoric — especially when combined with the news reporters’ efforts linked above.

Representatives of all five permanent members of the Council — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States — spoke. As did representatives of all 10 current non-permanent member states — Albania, Brazil, India, Gabon, Ghana, Ireland, Kenya, Mexico, Norway, and the United Arab Emirates. So did representatives of six other states — Belarus, the Czech Republic, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine. An International Criminal Court prosecutor also spoke, and someone high up in the European Union.

The speeches were surely crafted not just by the individuals who delivered them. Each was a team effort reflecting the views of others in the speaker’s foreign ministries and government. 

What each speech included, what it emphasized, and what it left out is telling; the same pertains for each news report.

The speakers delivered nearly all of them in English, and unseen professional interpreters simultaneously interpreted the few that were not. — MCM

First, links to reports from National Public Radio, the Associated Press, and Reuters; others are accessible by clicking on their initials below. — MCM .

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El Salvador’s president has taken over the government and installed martial law. Reported by Ailsa Chang, Enrique Rivera and Ashley Brown | NPR El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has struck fear into the hearts of human rights activists in the country by installing martial law and imprisoning over 50,000 people. Click HERE to listen and read.

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Hurricane Ian strikes Cuba, Florida braces for Cat 4 damage, by  Cristiana Mesquita and Curt Anderson | AP  HAVANA — Hurricane Ian tore into western Cuba today as a major hurricane, with nothing to stop it from intensifying into a catastrophic Category 4 storm before it hits Florida, where officials ordered 2.5 million people to evacuate before it crashes ashore Wednesday. Ian made . . . READ MORE . . .

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First, links to reports from the Associated Press, Reuters, Tass, Agence France-Presse, teleSUR, and National Public Radio; others are accessible by clicking on their names or initials below. — MCM

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Medvedev raises spectre of Russian nuclear strike on Ukraine, by Guy Faulconbridge and Caleb Davis | Reuters  * Medvedev warns West over Ukraine * Raises spectre of nuclear strike * Says NATO would not get involved * Russia has world’s biggest nuclear arsenal | LONDON — An ally of President Vladimir Putin today outlined the scenario of a nuclear strike on Ukraine, saying that the U.S.-led NATO military alliance would be too scared of a “nuclear apocalypse” to directly enter the conflict in reponse. Dmitry Medvedev, a former president who now serves as deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, said . . . READ MORE . . .

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Vote in Ukraine’s Russia-held areas stokes tension with West, by Adam Schreck and Jon Gambrell | AP  KYIV — Referendums that are expected to serve as a pretext for Moscow to annex Russian-held regions of Ukraine reached their final day of voting today as the preordained outcome of the Kremlin-orchestrated votes heightened tension between Russia and the West. The annexation of the four occupied regions . . . READ MORE . . .

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Putin told Erdogan he remained ready for talks with Ukraine – Kremlin spokesman. From Tass. MOSCOW, September 27. /TASS/. In a conversation with Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia remained ready for negotiations with Ukraine, but as the situation changes their conditions also change, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the media today. “The President said . . . READ MORE . . .

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Moscow says will not request extradition of Russians fleeing military call-up. From AFP. Moscow said today it will not request the extradition of Russians traveling abroad to avoid being called-up to fight in Ukraine, after thousands of military-aged men crossed into neighboring countries. “The Russian Ministry of Defense has . . . READ MORE . . .

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Putin wants to ‘save people’ of Moscow-held Ukrainian territories. From AFP. Russian President Vladimir Putin said today that Russia wanted to “save people” in four Moscow-controlled territories in Ukraine, on the last day of annexation votes denounced as a sham by Western leaders. “Saving people in . . . READ MORE . . .

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Russia is ready to incorporate the Donbass territories – Peskov. From teleSUR. Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov confirmed Monday that the institutions of his country are ready to incorporate Zaporizhia, Kherson, Donetsk, and Lugansk, which are holding referendums to ask their citizens if they want to join . . . READ MORE . . .

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EU to sanction organizers of Russia votes in Ukraine. From AFP. The European Union said today it will slap sanctions on organizers of “illegal” votes in four occupied regions of Ukraine that Russia is conducting as “referendums” with the aim of annexation. “There would be consequences for all people who . . . READ MORE . . .

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How a group of journalists is documenting war crimes in Ukraine. Reported by Juana Summers, Kai McNamee and Patrick Jarenwattananon | NPR  Juana Summers talks with war correspondent Janine Di Giovani of the Reckoning Project, which is training journalists in Ukraine to collect evidence of war crimes to be used in international court. Click HERE to listen and read.

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Putin’s moves to escalate the war in Ukraine has sparked panic and protests in Russia. Reported by Mary Louise Kelly, Karen Zamora and Mallory Yu | NPR Mary Louise Kelly speaks with Andrei Soldatov and Irina Borogan, two of Russia’s most prominent investigative journalists, about Putin’s moves to escalate in Ukraine and dissent within Russia. Click HERE to listen and read.

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Results of sham annexation votes in 4 occupied regions of Ukraine may be known soon. NPR‘s A Martinez talks with Thomas de Waal of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace about Russian-organized annexation votes that Ukraine’s allies say violate international law. Click HERE to listen and, tomorrow, read.

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Moscow contends with violence over its plan to enlist reservists to fight in Ukraine. Reported by Charles Maynes | NPR  While waging the fight in Ukraine, Moscow confronts protests over its call-up of military reservists, an attack on a recruiting office and other incidents that include a deadly school shooting. Click HERE to listen and, tomorrow, read.

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TO BE CONTINUED

First, links to reports from the Associated Press, Tass, Reuters, National Public Radio, and Agence France-Presse; others are accessible by clicking on their names or initials below. Then, via Consortium News, two videos, one of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s speech on Sept. 22 at the U.N. Security Council meeting, the other of the entire three-hour meeting. (NOTE: As yet, apparently no transcript is available online of the meeting, officially called to address “maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine.”) Next, also from CN, commentary by John Pilger that was first published by The Guardian in May of 2014, about Ukraine, Russia, and the West. — MCM

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Ukrainians scared by Russia’s preordained referendums, by Yuras Karmanau and Hanna Arhirova | AP  KYIV — After seven months of war, many Ukrainians fear even more suffering and political repression as referendums orchestrated by the Kremlin portend Russia’s imminent annexation of four occupied regions. Many residents fled the regions before the so-called referendums got underway . . . READ MORE . . .

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Referendum in Zaporozhye Region successful, turnout surpassed 50% — activist. From Tass. MOSCOW — A referendum on the Zaporozhye Region joining Russia is considered to have succeeded with a turnout already surpassing 50%, Vladimir Rogov, chairman of the We Are Together With Russia civil society group, said today. “Essentially, the people have . . . READ MORE . . .

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Ukraine military says Russia hit military objects in Odessa. From Reuters. Two drones launched by Russian forces into the Odesa region in Ukraine hit military objects causing a fire and the detonation of ammunition, the South command of Ukraine’s forces said today. “As a result of a large-scale fire and the detonation of ammunition, the evacuation of the civilian population . . . READ MORE . . .

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After Russia orders a partial mobilization, young men flee the country. Reported by Rachel Martin | NPR  Military-age men continue to flee Russia after President Putin ordered the country’s first mobilization since WWII. Many are arriving in Istanbul, where they can travel without a visa. Click HERE to listen and, tomorrow, read.

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Kremlin admits call-up ‘errors’ but no decision to close border. From AFP. THE Kremlin admitted today that errors had been made during the mobilisation of reservists for the military action in Ukraine and said no decision had been taken to close Russia’s borders. “Indeed, there are cases when the (mobilisation) decree was violated. In some regions, governors are actively working to rectify . . . READ MORE . . .

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What meaningful action could the United Nations take to help Ukraine? As the U.N. General Assembly comes to a close, Leila Fadel of NPR asks Yale law professor Oona Hathaway how nations can unite in responding to Russia for its war against Ukraine. Click HERE to listen and, tomorrow, read.

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WATCH: Lavrov Clashes With Western Foreign Ministers  From Consortium News. CN’s introduction: “At a contentious debate at the U.N. Security Council Thursday, Russian FM Sergei Lavrov pointedly gave Russia’s little-heard point of view in the West, and Western foreign ministers  responded harshly.” Click HERE to watch and listen.

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John Pilger’s warning on May 13, 2014, about Ukraine. From Consortium News. It was originally published by the British newspaper The Guardian under the headline “The US is dragging us to war with Russia: Washington’s role in Ukraine, and its backing for the regime’s neo-Nazis, has huge implications for the rest of the world.” Click HERE to read.

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TO BE CONTINUED

First, links to reports from the Associated Press, Reuters, Tass, and the Moscow Times; others are accessible by clicking on their names below. Then, links to three articles that provide context for the escalating war; two came from Consortium News and one from Popular Resistance. — MCM

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Moscow pledges ‘full protection’ to any areas annexed by Russia. From Reuters.  * Third day of voting in referendums on joining Russia * Regions would have Russia’s ‘full protection’ – Lavrov * UK’s Truss says shouldn’t listen to Russian sabre-rattling * Two sides trade blame for rocket strikes, shelling | Russia has sought to defend its seven-month old war, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov telling the United Nations that regions of Ukraine where widely-criticised referendums are being held would get Russia’s “full protection” if annexed by Moscow. The votes in four . . . READ MORE . . .

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Ninety-three percent of ballots cast for joining Russia on Sept. 23 in Zaporozhye Region. From Tass. MELITOPOL — A total of 93% of those casting their ballots on the first day of the referendum on the Zaporozhye Region’s joining the Russian Federation supported joining Russia, according to the information following a poll released by the Crimean Republican Institute for Political and Sociological Research. “500 residents of the region were polled . . . READ MORE . . .

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Central Asia Drifts Out of Russia’s Orbit as Ukraine War Rages, by Nurbek Savitahunov | The Moscow Times BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan — Russia is losing influence over former Soviet nations in Central Asia as the war in Ukraine increasingly strains Moscow’s political, military and economic sway, analysts told The Moscow Times.“There is growing friction . . . READ MORE . . .

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Reaping the whirlwind, by Scott Ritter | Consortium News War is never a solution; there are always alternatives that could have — and should have — been pursued by those entrusted with the fate of global society before the order was given to send the youth of a nation to go off to fight and die. Any national leader worth his or her salt . . . READ MORE . . .

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Brainwashed for war with Russia, by Ray McGovern | Antiwar.com / Educate!  Thanks to Establishment media, the sorcerer apprentices advising President Joe Biden — I refer to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, national security adviser Jacob Sullivan, and China specialist Kurt Campbell — will have no trouble rallying Americans for the widest war in 77 years, starting in Ukraine, and maybe spreading to China. And, shockingly, under false pretenses. Most Americans are . . . READ MORE . . . 

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Exposed: Covert pro-Western info op, by Peter Cronau | Declassified Australia/ Consortium News A covert online propaganda operation said to be the world’s largest promoting “pro Western narratives” has been found to be operating primarily out of the United States, targeting Russia, China and Iran. “We believe this activity . . . READ MORE . . .