EM Special Alert
UNGA 77: Who said from what from Europe?
By Padmashree Anandhan and Rishma Banerjee

On 13 September, the UNGA 77 which takes place every September opened the discussion, for 2022 the session was held under the theme of “A watershed moment: transformative solutions to interlocking challenges.” The agenda for UNGA 77 focused on “Ukraine war, energy crisis, climate action, COVID-19, humanitarian challenges, Transforming Education Summit, and threats to global economy.” On 14 September, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in his briefing urged the G20 countries should take the lead in addressing the climate issues, plauded the success of the Ukraine-Russian grain deal in reducing the global food prices and stressed on the importance of removal of barriers to export of Russian fertilizers. The EU’s agenda in the UNGA 77 is to discuss on keeping the UN charter, rule of law, global challenges from the Ukraine war, support to quality education, battle against climate change, global health security and helping in global digital agenda.

Ukraine War
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine took primacy in this year’s general debate, with almost all states referring to it, and condemning Russia’s offensive in the country. On 24 September representing the EU in its observer capacity, President of the European Council, Charles Michel said: “It is a hybrid war. It combines the violence of weapons with the poison of lies.” He pointed out several lies propagated by Russia. For example, how the west threatened Russia’s security, how Russia was preventing a genocide in Ukraine, how the invasion was not a war but a “special military operation” and that Western sanctions were causing food and fertilizer shortages. 

On 21 September, Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the meeting via a pre-recorded video. He reiterated that Ukraine did not instigate the war and has conducted 88 meetings in various formats and levels to prevent escalation. He presented a peace formula with five elements- punishing the aggressor and increasing the sanctions; protecting lives; restoring security and territorial integrity; ensuring security guarantees; and maintaining the determination to keep increasing pressure on Russia. 

On 24 September, Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov however denied any wrongdoings in Ukraine and said that it was a necessary step to protect Russian people. He accused the West of trying to change the narrative regarding the war against Russia to wage a proxy war against it. He criticized the West’s backsliding on the promise of not expanding the NATO eastwards. The only country from Europe to support Russia was Belarus. Belarus’s Foreign Minister, Vladimir Makei, said that the crisis is Ukraine was being exacerbated by the West’s aspiration for a unipolar world, which he termed as neo-colonial. 

On 21 September, UK’s Prime Minister, Liz Truss reaffirmed her state’s support of Ukraine and promised that they “will not rest until Ukraine prevails.” She appreciated the speedy and efficient international response to Ukraine in supplying weapons, providing financial aid and installing sanctions and other diplomatic actions. On 20 September, France’s President Emmanuel Macron criticized the countries who have taken a non-aligned stance and said that they were complicit in new imperialism. He called on the member-states to adhere to the charter, extended his support to the IAEA, and emphasised that peace in Ukraine could be brought by agreements that respect international law. On 20 September, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz highlighted that a permanent member of the UN Security Council violating international law as Russia was doing in Ukraine was unjustifiable, and a disaster for Europe and the global world order. On 24 September, Belgium’s Prime Minister, drew attention to how the Crisis in Ukraine was not just affecting Europe, but also exacerbating the food crisis in Africa, Asia and Latin America and global energy crisis. 

On 24 September, Sweden’s Foreign Minister, Ann Christin Linde defended Sweden’s NATO membership by saying that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has “fundamentally changed Sweden’s security environment.” On 20 September, Finland’s President, Sauli Niinisto highlighted a similar viewpoints and said: “We can’t accept, condone or normalize grave violations of international law and human rights.” Referring to attacks on or near nuclear power plants in Ukraine, the two Scandinavian states said that nuclear security and an arms control architecture should be brought back to the top of the international agenda again. Sweden mentioned the Stockholm Initiative for Nuclear Disarmament presenting the Secretary-General with ideas to promote disarmament and non-proliferation.  

The Baltic States, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia also highlighted how Russia’s aggression in Ukraine was threatening world peace. Latvian President, Eglis Levits said: “In the twenty-first century, Russia maintains a nineteenth century ideology of imperialism, colonialism and racism.” He highlighted the migration crisis catalyzed by the war and called on the member states to reinforce the sanctions regime to further destabilise Russia’s economy. Estonia’s President Alan Karis recounted the dire on-ground situation in Ukraine. He criticized the Security Council for not doing much since its 02 March resolution condemning Russia’s aggression and said: “Helping Ukraine to protect its right to exist is our collective obligation.” 

From central Europe, Hungary’s president Katalin Novak condemned Russia’s war in Ukraine saying that not only citizens from Ukraine and Russia, but people belonging to other countries like Hungary were getting stuck in the cross-fire. Like many leaders, Czech Republics Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky urged the International Criminal Court’s prosecutor to open investigation into the war crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine. Historically neutral, Switzerland reaffirmed their stance about the Ukraine war, criticised Russia and called for better mechanisms to hold aggressors accountable to the international community. 

From the Balkan region, Bulgaria supported a comprehensive reform of the Security Council and said: “We have come to a critical juncture where further keeping the status quo is untenable.” Condemning the recent sham referenda, Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama said: “It is an open battle between an aging cynical tyranny and a young growing democracy.” Greece’s Prime Minister, Kryiakos Mitsotakis noted how Russia has weaponized natural resources to “destabilize democratically elected European Governments.” Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan highlighted Turkey’s role in the mediation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, and was appreciated by several members for its contribution.

Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law
On 20 September, President of Finland, Sauli Niinistö assured Finland’s sturdy support to the ICC in examining the human rights violations in Ukraine and questioned “Have we done all we can to avert violence?” He urged the UN member states to unite in promoting peace and preventing conflict. German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz highlighted how Germany has been providing humanitarian assistance being “second-biggest donor” and taking in refugees in past years. He urged for humanitarian action for those people who are ill-treated in prison camps in North Korea, Syria, Iran, Belarus. Apart from this, the plight situation of women and girls in Afghanistan was also indicated, with Scholz stressing on China to adhere to the recommendations given by the High Commission of Human Rights in Xinjiang duly. On the same, on 23 September, European Council President, Charles Michel highlighted the humanitarian crimes in Xinjiang province.

On 22 September, President of Spain, Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón focused on the gender equality and empowerment, where globally women are threatened to gain their sexual and reproductive freedom. He said how the such threats have increased in the advanced democracies and women have become the fatalities of backsliding. Pedro stated how Spain’s legislation aid in public-health service, especially women’s health. He announced to contribute EUR 100 million for three years to the organization working on gender equality. Prime Minister of Ireland, Micheál Martin highlighting the worsening humanitarian conditions, stated the increase in the aid of EUR 78 million for Horn of Africa, Yemen, Afghanistan and the Sahel, along with this, he announced an additional fund of EUR 50 million to address the child malnutrition. He repeated Ireland’s support in civilian protection and recalled “Political Declaration on the use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas,” as an important milestone.

Nuclear Threat
On 20 September, on the increasing challenges over international arms control, President of Finland, Sauli Niinistö expressed concern over the US and Russia’s state of nuclear weapons and how it demanded for both to take responsibility for arms control and disarmament. He urged for the continuity of the New START treaty and dialogue to target down the nuclear arsenals.
On 21 September, President of Estonia, Alar Karis indicated his fear on the situation in  Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, and urged for immediate demilitarization, giving back the control to Ukraine and providing of access to IAEA authorities. He accused Russia for blocking the agreement towards “outcome document in the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Review Conference. Similarly, the Czech Republic Minister of Foreign Affairs accused Russia for the attacks on the plant and also asked Iran to meet the legal standards set under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement.

On 23 September, Sweden’s Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke on the nuclear security where she urged to prioritize the ideas provided by the countries under Stockholm Initiative for Nuclear Disarmament to put non-proliferation in international agenda.

Food Crisis
On the food insecurity, all the European countries expressed their concerns for countries which are going through food crisis, particularly, on 20 September, President of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, key highlight was accomplishing the Black Sea Grain deal and how the exports from Ukraine have helped meet the food crisis. President of Romania objected the “weaponizing of food access” and stated how Romania has helped more than four million tonnes of Ukraine grain to be exported and appreciated the Black Sea Grain deal. On the same day, President of Poland, Andrzej Duda spoke on war induced famine situation, where he highlighted the decreased capacity of Ukrainian harvests by 35 per cent and how it has become a “economic weapon.” He also said the impact the shortage is causing in Africa and Middle-east, pushing more than 47 million people into “chronic hunger.”

On 24 September, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Sergey V. Lavrov stated the persisting blockade over Russian grain and fertilisers despite the signing of the grain deal. He proposed for the movement of the stocked grains which weigh to 300,000 tonnes to countries in Africa without charge.

Peace Agenda
On 20 September, President of Switzerland Ignazio Cassis, assured Switzerland’s commitment to peace and security. He proposed to prove in the 2023-24 Security council that “neutrality does not mean indifference,” and will stand for the promotion of peace, engaging women in peace process, civilian protection and prioritise peace agenda. On the same, President of Romania referring to frozen conflicts said that if a war is absent does not imply the presence of peace and “protracted conflicts” in Black Sea has to be responded with rapidness. He appreciated UN’s peacekeeping which acts as tool for peace and security and assured Romania’s role in it.

On 22 September, Prime Minister of Norway assured to promote involvement of women under their “Women, peace, and security agenda.” He said: We talk to all parties as we work to achieve peaceful conflict resolution.  Without dialogue, we have no opportunity to influence the parties and encourage them to move in a more positive direction.” Prime Minister of Portugal, António Costa spoke on the UN’s New Agenda for Peace, where he focused on the global security, conflict prevention, and need for funding towards peacebuilding. He identified African nations, the Sahel, the Gulf of Guinea, particularly Mozambique and urged to address the growing radicalization. He reiterated Portugal’s support in four peacekeeping operations of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) and thanked for the international recognition on the same.

Climate Change and Sustainable Development
Macron brought up the various climatic disasters plaguing the world now, like the floods in Pakistan, the droughts in the Horn of Africa. Finland’s President Sauli Niiinisto called on the international community to change its course and action plan to deal with climate change before it was too late. He pointed out that fighting climate change could also lead to creation of job and further innovation and economic growth. Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz also took a similar stance calling climate change as the “biggest challenge of our generation.” Norway’s Prime Minister, spoke about the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, and committed that Norway will aim to triple its funding for climate adaptation and resilience. Netherlands brought up the issue of water crises across the world and stated that it along with Tajikistan will host the 2023 United Nations Water Conference, to discuss in mitigation of the same. The upcoming Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) in Egypt was highlighted and member states reiterated that positive action must be taken.

Disputes, Integration and Partnership in Europe
Many leaders referred to the several countries vying for EU membership and reiterated how important regional integration was, especially given the current geopolitical situation in the continent. For example, Croatia’s Prime Minister, Andrej Plenkovic supported Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU bid on the condition that the Bosnian Croats in the country are granted equality. North Macedonia appreciated the beginning of their accession process to the EU and said that the membership was of essential importance to the country and to the EU itself. North Macedonia, along with Albania and Serbia spoke about the Open Balkan initiative, that aims to make movement of people trade and good and services easier across borders. Albania’s president referred to the dispute between Serbia and Kosovo and said that both the countries, the UN and the EU should work towards a comprehensive peace agreement. Regarding the same issue, Serbia’s president Aleksandar Vucic mentioned that he is open to a compromise, but it has to ensure long-lasting peace for the Serbs and Albanians in the region. Bulgaria’s interim Foreign Minister brought forward ‌stability and prosperity of the Western Balkans and reaffirmed his faith on the transformative power of the EU to enhance regional cooperation. Greece mentioned Turkey’s efforts to destabilize peace in the astern Mediterranean, the Middle East and the Caucasus and urged it cooperate regarding the mutual territorial disputes in the Aegean Sea. But Turkey defended this criticism by pointing out its efforts to mediate in conflicts, like the Black Sea Grain deal, the disputes in Syria, Iraq, Palestine, Armenia and Azerbaijan. On regional partnership, UK’s Liz Truss said that the UK is fortifying their security alliances in Europe and NATO, and building new partnerships with countries in the Indo-Pacific and gulf regions. 

References
“‘Don’t flood the world today; don’t drown it tomorrow’, UN chief implores leaders,” un.org, 14 September 2022
“General Debate of the 77th Session: 20 September - 26 September 2022,” gadebate.un.org

IN BRIEF
By Madhura S Mahesh

LATVIA
Early voting begins for the Saeima elections
On 26 September, early voting for the Saeima elections began, The elections are to be held on 01 October. The early voters will be given an option to change their vote on Saturday if they wish to reconsider. Available in 66 polling stations across the country, early voting will be held on three days, before the voting. Saeima elections or parliamentary elections are held every four and the 2022 elections is the 14th Saeima elections. Latvia’s parliament has 100 seats and representatives are elected through a secret ballot system. (“Early voting for Saeima election begins in Latvia,” eng.lsm.lv, 26 September 2022)
 
RUSSIA
School shooting in Izhevsk claims at least 15 lives
On 26 September, Izhevsk in Russia, witnessed a school shooting. At least 15 people were killed and 24 were wounded. This adds to the rising cases of school shootings in Russia over recent years. Authorities have reported that of the 15 dead, 11 victims were children and 4 were adults. According to Deutsche Welle, the shooter has committed suicide and his body has now been found by the police. He was reportedly a student at the school and was armed with two pistols and significant ammunition. Investigations are underway to determine the motive and if he harbored neofascist views and the Nazi ideology. (“Russia: Children killed in shooting at school in Izhevsk,”  Deutsche Welle, 26 September 2022)
 
THE UK
Pound hits record low against the dollar
On 26 September, Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng, announced sweeping tax cuts as the pound sterling hit a record low close to USD1.08. The fall which comes at a time when there is growing concern about the increasing strength of the dollar will not only increase the cost of imports like oil which are pegged to the dollars oil but also have a raise inflation rates. The market has reacted by speculating an emergency increase in borrowing interest rate up to 5.5 per cent with reports of increasing costs of the UK government. UK’s Prime Minister Liz Truss, the chancellor, and the Bank of England have refused to comment on the same. (“Pound hits record low after tax cut plans,” BBC, 26 September 2022)
 
Kwarteng to keep cutting taxes to boost economic growth
On 26 September, Kwasi Kwarteng announced the intention to cut more taxes to boost UK’s economic growth. Kwarteng also proposed tax cuts across the board and emphasised the intention to review the tax system to make it simpler. The biggest package of tax cuts in 50 years was presented to the parliament, and marked as a “new era” of the UK economy. Kwarteng believes that a major change of direction was needed to revive economic growth. According to the plan, income tax and stamp duty on house purchases will be cut and planned rises in business tax will be scrapped. The cuts are introduced as measure against the recession in UK’s economy. (Tom Espiner, “Kwasi Kwarteng: I want to keep cutting taxes,” BBC, 26 September 2022)
 
REGIONAL
The EU president pledges funding for food security, fighting diseases, biodiversity and women and youth rights
On 26 September, after a week of discussions with world leaders and international partners, President Ursula von der Leyen pledged additional funds to fight against the socio-economic challenges that have aggravated because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and rising climate and natural crisis. To step up the fight against diseases. EU has pledged EUR15 million to the Global Fund for fighting AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, EUR600 million for the global food security crisis, EUR45 million over 6 years to support sexual and reproductive health and rights worldwide. (“Global Gateway: President von der Leyen announces funding for women and youth's rights, food security, fight against disease, and biodiversity,” ec.europa.eu, 24 September 2022)
 
Poland becomes a target of Belarusian propaganda
On 26 September, Deutsche Welle reported that the authoritarian regime under President Alexander Lukashenko was Poland in its latest propaganda by bringing up historical resentments. He believes that Warsaw-based media outlet, Nexta, founded by the Belarusian activist Stsiapan Putsila is behind the protests that erupted in August 2020 against his elections. Polish journalist Michal Potocki alleges that Lukashenko views the Polish ruling class Polish ruling class as exploitative and demands for reparations from when parts of Belarus were under Polish rule during the Soviet era. The Belarusian government has also taken steps to suppress any Polish organization in Belarus and has also shut down Polish schools. Moreover, any Belarusian citizen holding an identity card issued by the Poland  has been ordered to report to the Belarusian authorities. (Tatiana Gargalyk, “Belarusian propaganda targets Poland,” Deutsche Welle, 25 September 2022)
 
Nord Stream 2 pipeline leaks into the sea off the Danish coast
On 26 September, the Danish maritime traffic agency suspects a gas leak overnight from the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. A large bubble field was spotted near Bornholm and the pressure in the pipeline dropped from 105 bars to seven bars. Ships have been asked to steer clear of a five-nautical mile radius off of Bornholm. Completed in late 2021, the pipeline was never in use but was filled with gas for technical operation. The reason behind the drop in pressure has not yet been provided and an.investigation is underway regarding the same. (“Nord Stream 2 pipeline leaks gas into sea off Danish coast,” Deutsche Welle, 26 September 2022)
 
CLIMATE CHANGE
Soodla reservoir drying up due to climate change
On 26 September, ERR News, cited the findings by the Tallinn University Institute of Ecology regarding the drying up of the Soodla water reservoir. The drying up is the effect of climate change on rainfall. While Estonia is known for heavy rainfall, in 2022 precipitation dropped to 300 millimetres from the usual 500 millimetres. The timing of the rainfall has also affected the water retention of the reservoir. These led to a lessening of water flow from the Soodla river which feeds the reservoir.. A professor of eco-hydrology at the University, Jaanus Terasmaa said that the dryiong up is of great concern as water is becoming increasingly scare. She also mentioned that newer ways of conservation should be considered. (“Tallinn Soodla water reservoir drying up due to climate change,” new.err.ee, 26 September 2022

INTERNATIONAL
Estonia submits a declaration of intervention concerning claims of Russian genocide
On 24 September, Estonia submitted a declaration of intervention to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), regarding Russia’s non-compliance with the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. US, UK, Germany and Sweden are amongst other nations who have filed an intervention at the ICJ regarding the same. Justifying the reason behind the submission, Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu said: “Russia's aggression on the pretext of preventing and punishing genocide has seriously undermined the meaning of such a horrible crime as genocide.” (“Estonia submits ICJ declaration over Russian genocide in Ukraine,” news.err.ee, 24 September 2022)

War in Ukraine: Day 215
By Sai Pranav 

War on the Ground
Melitopol Mayor, Ivan Fedorov, during a nationwide telethon, said in a statement that the Russian forces forced only 20 per cent of the current population of 60000 in Melitopol to vote in the referendum conducted in the city. Out of the 20 per cent, only ten per cent voted unwillingly in favour of Russia under pressure from the Russian soldiers’ threat. The pseudo-referendums started on 23 September 2022.
 
According to a report posted on Facebook by Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence’s Main Directorate of Intelligence, Russia is planning to carry out a huge cyberattack on vital Ukrainian infrastructures and facilities, of energy companies in Ukraine. The attacks will be distributed denial-of-service attacks, and will also target Ukraine’s allies, Poland and the Baltics. As per the report, Russian military also plans to conduct a missile strike on Ukrainian electrical supply facilities to slow its offensive attacks.

On 26 September, Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s office reported that since the beginning of the war, Russia has committed 36281 war crimes, including violations of the laws and customs of warfare, planning or preparation or the initiation of aggressive war, war propaganda and other crimes. Ukraine’s law enforcement also registered 16315 crimes against national security for encroachment on Ukraine's territorial integrity and inviolability of Ukraine, treason, collaborative activities, assistance to Russia, sabotage and other crimes. The total number of charges relating to the war in Ukraine amounted to 52596 crimes. Additionally, The Prosecutor General’s Office also reported ona torture chamber used by Russian troops in the liberated village of Lyptsi. 
 
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, warned the citizens about the ‘criminal mobilization’ taking place within Russia and its occupied territories. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin is using indigenous people, especially from Crimea, Siberia, Caucasus and Dagestan, for conscription into the army to fight against Ukraine. According to Zelenskyy, using indigenous people in the war against Ukraine will destroy their identities. He called the people to either flee or surrender to the Ukrainian forces to be freed from the Russian grip.

The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 26 September, Putin met Belarus’ President Alexander Lukashenko at the Bocharov Ruchei residence in Sochi. They discussed various bilateral issues, such as the economy and security. West’s sanctions on Belarusian fertilizers, the blockade on food and fertilizers and the large number of people fleeing both countries were the other issues discussed. Lukashenko said that Belarus would find a way out of the sanctions imposed by the West and grow stronger.
 
On 26 September, TASS reported that the voter turnout for the referendum in the Zaporizhzhia region on joining Russia exceeded 50 per cent. The Chairman of the “We Are Together With Russia civil society group,” Vladimir Rogov, said that he had never seen the eagerness to vote by the local people over the years following the independence of Ukraine. He expects more of the local people to vote in the referendum which will continue till 27 September.
 
On 25 September, Russia’s Defence Ministry announced that it had destroyed two Ukrainian MiG-29 soviet era warplanes modified to handle US-made anti-radar weapons. The warplanes were capable of carrying AGM-88 High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missiles ((HARM), which are used to attack radar stations on the ground. The Ministry also reported that they destroyed 12 Ukrainian drones and 21 missiles, mainly US-made HIMARS launchers, stopped mid-air.

Russian hacking group RaHDIt published data of 1500 Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service employees in the public domain. The data containing a list on officers working in various embassies across 20 countries and international organizations like the EU, the UN and NATO was published on the Nemesis website. The data also included intelligence officers working in the UN, the EU and NATO offices.

The West View
Responses from the US and Europe 
Land traffic at the border of Georgia increased following the partial mobilization decree by Putin. On 25 September, there had been a 48-hour delay to enter Georgia after Russians were  seen fleeing their country. Around 3000 vehicles were queued at the frontier to cross Georgia. Prices of commodities and apartments in Tbilisi are rising due to the Russian influx, and leading to resentment in Georgia. Other than Georgia, there has been a large influx of Russians fleeing to Georgia and neighbouring Kazakhstan, Finland and Mongolia.

On 26 September, the US provided National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) to Ukraine as military aid. Ukraine had requested for the US-made air defence systems for a long time and was approved for shipment in August.

On 26 September, the UK’s Defence intelligence reported in its update that the first batch of men who received military conscription under Russia’s partial mobilization had started to arrive at military bases. According to the report, the men that were called up lack military training and will be sent to the front line. Russia will also face administrative and logistical challenges in providing military training for the reservists.

The Global Fallouts
Implications of the Ukraine war
On 26 September, Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry said that it would not recognize the referendums conducted in the four regions in Ukraine. The Ministry’s spokesperson, Aibek Smadiyarov, said, “As for the holding of referendums ... Kazakhstan proceeds from the principles of territorial integrity of states, their sovereign equivalence and peaceful coexistence.” Kazakhstan also denounced the annexation of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson with Russia through the illegal referendums conducted in these regions. Kazakhstan called for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

On the same day, South Korea’s government called upon 30 companies that consume large amounts of energy to discuss methods of tackling the energy supply crisis brought forth by the war in Ukraine. The government aims to sign a deal with the 30 companies such as Samsung electronics, SK Hynix and Posco in October to demand them use energy more efficiently. The government is also planning to turn off lights earlier at tourist attractions and decrease the recommended room temperature at state-funded agencies.

Orthodox Hasidic Jewish pilgrims travel to the city of Uman in Ukraine amid the ongoing war to celebrate the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashana. The orthodox Jews are followers of an 18^th-century rabbi, Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, whose grave is in Uman. Even though Ukraine, Israel and the US warned the pilgrims not to travel to Ukraine amidst the war, the warnings were unheeded by the pilgrims as they are flying to Poland or Moldova to cross to Ukraine. Although the city is not on the frontline, Israel’s Prime Minister Yair Lapid cautioned the pilgrims of “life-threatening danger”.

On 26 September, Japan imposed new sanctions on exporting chemical weapon-related goods to Russia, adding to the existing sanctions. Japan is concerned about the possibility of threats by nuclear weapons by Russia following the announcement made by Putin about the usage of atomic weapons.

References
“Russians Managed To Force Just 20% Of Melitopol Residents To Vote At Pseudo-referendum,” Kyiv Post, 26 September 2022
The Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, “The occupiers are preparing massive cyberattacks on the critical infrastructure of Ukraine and its allies.” Facebook, 26 September 2022
“Russian invaders commit more than 52,500 crimes in Ukraine - PGO,” Ukrinform, 26 September 2022
“Criminal mobilization is used by Russia not only to continue the suffering of Ukrainians, but also to destroy representatives of indigenous peoples - address of the President of Ukraine,” president.gov.ua, 25 September 2022
“Referendum in Zaporozhye Region successful, turnout surpassed 50% — activist,” TASS, 26 September 2022
“Soviet planes modified for US missiles destroyed in Ukraine – Russia ,” RT, 25 September 2022
“Russian hackers posted data of 1500 Ukrainian spies,” LENTA.RU, 26 September 2022
“Meeting with President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko,” en.kremlin.ru, 26 September 2022
“Russians flee to Georgia after Putin's mobilisation order,” Reuters, 27 September 2022
“Norway oil safety regulator warns of threats from unidentified drones,” Reuters, 26 September 2022
“Ukraine receives U.S. air defense system,” Reuters, 25 September 2022
The UK Ministry of Defence, “Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 26 September 2022,” Twitter, 26 September 2022
“Kazakhstan says it won't recognise referendums in eastern Ukraine,” Reuters, 26 September 2022
Kim So-hyun, “Seoul braces for energy crisis this winter,” Korea Herald, 26 September 2022
Aaron Boxeerman, “Ukrainian City Attracts Thousands of Jewish Pilgrims Despite War,” wsj, 25 September 2022
“Japan bans chemical weapons-related goods to Russia, concerned by nuke threats,” Reuters, 26 September 2022