Bulletin world briefing: Russia and Ukraine ‘frustrated’ and Philippines school shooting kills one Here are five stories from across the globe you may have missed The Independent UK · Sep 18
Russian man swims from Kaliningrad to Lithuania in failed asylum attempt A 68-year-old Russian man swam down the Nemunas River from Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave to neighbouring Lithuania to seek asylum, only to be returned to Russia. Euronews · Sep 18
U.S. Weighs Withdrawing Tens of Thousands of Troops From Europe Despite Russian Threat Current and former U.S. and Western officials report that the Pentagon is considering options to withdraw between 25,000 and 40,000 troops from Europe, shifting focus to other global priorities as NATO allies voice concern over Russian aggression. Latin Times · Sep 18
New US sanctions bill on Russia puts Modi in a bind India faces a difficult energy policy choice regarding Russian oil imports. Potential US tariffs threaten Indian exports and bilateral trade relations. Maintaining Russian oil purchases could increase domestic fuel prices before elections. New Delhi emphasizes ensuring energy security for its large population. This situation complicates ongoing trade talks with Washington. The Economic Times · Sep 18
Macron to convene G7 on energy, warning of 'Russian aggression' Emmanuel Macron is calling for a "protection plan" against "Russian hybrid attacks". According to the French president, "the nature of Russian aggression and threats in Europe is changing". Euronews · Sep 18
Russia lodges protest with Japan over US Typhoon missile deployment Russia’s Foreign Ministry says that it has sent a note to Japan over its hosting of U.S. medium-range missile systems The Independent UK · Sep 18
Putin’s Russia threatens British targets in Ukraine over support for Kyiv The Russian foreign ministry summoned the UK’s deputy head of mission in Moscow to complain about British support for Ukraine. Evening Standard · Sep 18
Kremlin orders businesses seized The Kremlin ordered the Russian businesses of Swiss-based food and beverage company Nestle and French retailer Auchan placed in temporary administration, in a procedure that previously has led to the sale of Western businesses at knockdown prices The Independent UK · Sep 18
Alex Ovechkin claims he’s ‘not in politics’. His pro-Putin video says the opposite After the NHL star appeared in an ad campaign for United Russia, it’s fair to start pressing about the impact of his stances – even if he doesn’t want to talk about it The Guardian - US · Sep 18
Drones targeting UK military sites nearly every day as threat from Putin grows Exclusive: Stark figures intensify calls for the UK to prioritise national security as government accused of being ‘asleep’ to threats The Independent UK · Sep 18
Russia to make Fifa tournament return after Infantino claimed ban had ‘not achieved anything’ IN FULL The Independent UK · Sep 18
Russia to play in first Fifa tournament since Ukraine invasion Russia is set to compete in the Under-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan next month The Independent UK · Sep 18
Poland won’t give up ‘a single inch’ of territory says Tusk after warning over Russian drones Tusk warned that there is a ‘real risk’ that a drone or projectile could hit a Nato country The Independent UK · Sep 18
The Independent UK · Sep 18 Putin will have Trump to thank for election victory in Russia’s rubber-stamp parliament ANALYSIS: Sam Kiley, world affairs editor, explains the significance of the insignificant Russian Duma elections
Euronews · Sep 18 Russians vote in elections with no party opposing Putin or war in Ukraine The three-day vote will fill 450 Duma seats and 11 regional governorships, with only parties backing Putin and Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine on the ballot. Despite official denials of a new draft, fears of mobilisation are overshadowing the vote.
Radio France Internationale · Sep 18 Russians vote for new parliament after campaign marked by near silence Russians began voting on Friday in three days of parliamentary elections to choose the 450 members of the State Duma, after a campaign with little public debate or television coverage. More than four years into the war in Ukraine, candidates have also had few opportunities to challenge Kremlin policies.
Euronews · Sep 18 Russia seizes control over assets of Nestle, French firms Russia has placed the local businesses of Nestlé, Auchan and other Western-linked companies under temporary administration. Nestlé is weighing its options, while Auchan and Lemana Pro say their Russian operations continue as normal.
France 24 · Sep 18 Russian elections a ‘veneer of democracy’ with opposition barred from running PRESS REVIEW – Friday, September 18: Russia holds its first parliamentary elections since the Ukraine war. Since only parties loyal to Vladimir Putin are running, the elections are seen as nothing but a veneer of democracy. In sports: Zinedine Zidane will unveil his first selection as coach of the French…
Euronews · Sep 18 Russia holds nationwide Duma elections as war in Ukraine reshapes vote Russia’s parliamentary election is under way, with voting beginning in the Far East on Friday, 18 September before spreading across the country for three days. Polls will remain open until Sunday evening, when voters will have chosen all 450 members of the State Duma.
France 24 · Sep 18 Russia seizes assets of Swiss food giant Nestle and three French firms Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree Thursday to take control of the Russian assets of Swiss food giant Nestle and three French groups, citing hostile actions by "unfriendly" countries. France responded by calling on Russia to "reverse this decision". While most Western companies sold their Russian operations and holdings…
The Economic Times · Sep 18 Russia seizes Nestle, Auchan, Lemana Pro and FM Logistic assets in latest Western corporate takeover Russian authorities have seized assets of Nestle and three French groups. A decree signed by President Vladimir Putin transferred these Russian operations. These companies' Russian subsidiaries were transferred to LEV Management. Most Western firms had already sold or isolated their Russian holdings. This seizure echoes Moscow's previous takeover of Danone's…
Evening Standard · Sep 18 Nestle reviewing options after Russia business seized by Putin Vladimir Putin made a presidential decree to take control of Nestle’s Russian assets, alongside those of French supermarket chain Auchan.
The Conversation · Sep 18 Houthi rebel offensive fuels fears of escalation in the Middle East and Europe In this extraordinary and deeply worrying year for international security, some weeks nevertheless stand out as particularly momentous.
The Times of India · Sep 18 Nestle 'assessing options' after Putin places Russian assets under state control Russian president Vladimir Putin has placed the Russian assets of Swiss food giant Nestle and French supermarket group Auchan under temporary administration, according to a presidential decree published on Thursday. Nestle has said that they are assessing the situation and their options.