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 and initials below. — MCM
– – –
4 Ukrainian separatist regions plan votes to join Russia, by Jon Gambrell | AP KYIV — Russian-controlled regions of eastern and southern Ukraine announced plans today to start voting this week to become integral parts of Russia. The concerted and quickening Kremlin-backed efforts to swallow up four regions could set the stage for Moscow to . . . READ MORE . . .
– – –
In challenge to West, Russia unfurls plan to annex swathes of Ukraine, by Guy Faulconbridge and Felix Light | Reuters * Russian-separatists plan referendums in Ukraine * Votes would allow Russia to annex 15% of Ukraine * West would then face potential battle with Russia * Ukraine says Russia is running scared * Russian parliament adopts law on mobilisation crimes | LONDON — Russia today gave support to plans by separatists which it backs in Ukraine to hold referendums paving the way for the annexation of swathes of additional territory, a direct challenge to the West that could sharply escalate the conflict. In what appeared . . . READ MORE . . .
– – –
Kherson region decides to hold referendum on becoming part of Russia. From Tass. KHERSON, Ukraine — The authorities of the Kherson region have decided to hold a referendum on the region’s accession to the Russian Federation, Vladimir Saldo, head of the military-civilian administration of the region, said on his Telegram channel today. “Having considered . . . READ MORE . . .
– – –
Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region joins Russia annexation votes. From AFP. The Russian-held Ukrainian region of Zaporizhzhia, home to Europe’s largest nuclear plant, will join three other occupied territories in holding votes on becoming part of Russia, a pro-Moscow official said today. “Today I signed . . . READ MORE . . .
– – –
Ukraine vows to ‘eliminate’ Russian threat after annexation vote announced. From AFP. Ukraine today vowed to “eliminate” Russian threats against the war-torn country, after pro-Moscow separatists said they would hold referenda to join Russia later this week. “Ukraine will solve the Russian issue. The threat can be eliminated only by force,” said the Ukraine presidency’s chief of . . . READ MORE . . .
– – –
Ukrainian shelling of Donetsk leaves 13 dead. From teleSUR. On Monday morning, Donetsk’s Major Alexei Kulemzin denounced that Ukrainian forces shelled the Kuybyshevsky district, leaving 13 civilians dead. A few hours later, local media reported that the death toll rose to 16 and includes two children. The bombardment was directed at areas where there are no military personnel. The Ukrainian armed forces attacked . . . READ MORE . . .
– – –
A war with recurring themes: Russian blunders, Ukrainian ingenuity. Reported by Greg Myre | NPR Ukraine keeps laying deadly traps for the Russian military — and the Russians keep biting. When Ukraine . . . Click HERE to listen and read.
– – –
Russia’s attempt to use energy to pressure Europe could backfire. Reported by Jackie Northam | NPR Russia has cut off natural gas for much of Europe to punish it for its support of Ukraine. But Putin may have miscalculated. Europe has been preparing to survive winter without Russian gas. Click HERE to listen and, tomorrow, read.
– – –
Why Russian pop star Alla Pugacheva dissent against Russia matters. Reported by Charles Maynes | NPR Russian pop diva Alla Pugacheva [Poo-gah-CHEOV-ah] is among those condemning President Putin’s war in Ukraine. Her willingness to part ways with the Kremlin may hint at a larger domestic groundswell. Click HERE to listen and, tomorrow, read.
– – –
TO BE CONTINUED