On Sept. 23, 2022, Russia begins elections to annex portions of Ukraine; the U.S. and South Korea strengthen relationship following North Korean nuclear threats; and the GOP will unveil their midterm election agenda.

Russia votes to annex areas of Ukraine – Voting began Friday in four Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine on referendums to join Russia. Ukraine has called the voting, which is projected to go in Russia’s favor, a sham. Western allies have also expressed concern while the U.S. said the results would not be recognized. The fear is the referendums would escalate the war by giving Russia a pre-text that Ukrainian attempts to take back the regions could be considered attacks against Russia itself.

U.S., South Korea strengthen show of unity – The USS Ronald Reagan arrived in a South Korean port on Friday ahead of joint military exercises scheduled between the two countries. Earlier this month, North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un said he would never abandon nuclear weapons that are needed to counter what he perceives to be U.S. hostility.

GOP to unveil midterm election agenda – House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., will unveil the House GOP’s midterm election agenda on Friday in Pennsylvania. The plans of the Republican Party are expected to give a nod to an earlier era of Republicans while economic and social policies will align with former President Donald Trump’s agenda in order to urge his base to go to the polls. Republicans only need to flip a few seats in order to take back control in the House after two terms of being the minority party. Control of both the House and the Senate are up in the air this November.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.