In the aftermath of the results of the annexation referendums which confirmed the “yes”, according to the pro-Russian authorities of the occupied regions of Ukraine, diplomatic tensions have further increased around the leaks of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines, the fate of which is closely linked to the conflicting relations between Russians and Westerners. Franceinfo looks back on the highlights of Wednesday September 28 on the war front in Ukraine.
Leaks from the Nord Stream gas pipelines: pointed out, Russia accuses the United States
In troubled circumstances, the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines linking Russia to Germany were suddenly affected by leaks in the Baltic Sea on Monday and Tuesday. Swedish security (Säpo) announced on Wednesday that it would lead an investigation for “aggravated sabotage” after the explosions suspected of having caused the leaks.
In the evening, Russia announced the opening of an investigation for “act of international terrorism”. Earlier today, a Russian spokeswoman asked US President Joe Biden to “respond to the question” of a potential involvement of the United States in the alleged sabotage of the gas pipelines. A reference to a statement by the latter in February: he had said that he “would end” to Nord Stream 2 (the opening of which had not yet been cancelled) if Russia intervened militarily in Ukraine.
The UN Security Council will meet on Friday, September 30 at Russia’s request, to discuss this issue.
Pro-Russian leaders of occupied regions demand annexation
The pro-Russian leaders of Ukrainian regions totally or partially occupied by Moscow have called for annexation to Russia, the day after referendums described as “illegal” by kyiv and its Western allies.
Westerners have promised to react to this geopolitical offensive, with the EU proposing in particular to cap the price of Russian oil and to add new restrictions to trade with Moscow. The United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and Canada have repeated that they will “never” recognize the results of the polls, a promise already made by the G7 a few days earlier.
Russia will no longer issue passports to those who are mobilized by the army
The Kremlin made this announcement at a time when tens of thousands of its citizens have already fled abroad. “If a citizen has already been called up for military service or received a summons [pour la mobilisation ou la conscription]the international passport will be refused”can we read on the information portal of the Russian government.
US says Russia sanctions are working
International sanctions adopted against Moscow push the Russian economy “at the edge of the precipice”, according to Washington. Russia is no longer able to obtain “critical elements” it needs for this war, assured Jim O’Brien, head of the State Department’s sanctions office. The sanctions adopted by the West since the beginning of the Ukrainian conflict “make it impossible for Russia to care about its people and pay for its wars at the same time”he said, during a hearing before the US Congress.
In addition, the United States announced that it would release $1.1 billion in additional military aid for Ukraine, in the form of arms orders from the American defense industry.
Three anti-war poets imprisoned in Moscow
Three men who had participated in a reading of poems organized in the center of Moscow against the mobilization to fight in Ukraine, were imprisoned at the request of a Russian court. According to the specialized NGO OVD-Info, Artiom Kamardine, Egor Chtovba and Nikolaï Daïneko have been remanded in custody for two months.
A ship loaded with 1,000 tonnes of French aid has left the port of Marseille
A ship carrying more than 1,000 tonnes of aid for Ukraine, the largest humanitarian shipment provided by France since the end of February, set sail at the end of the afternoon from the port of Marseille.
“This boat concretely materializes our solidarity. It would have been inconceivable for us to remain indifferent to the fate of the Ukrainian people who are suffering this war in their flesh, a war that they did not choose and against which they are resisting with so much courage”declared the French Minister of Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna who came to the port of Marseilles for the occasion.