Ukraine regions to be annexed; Harris in Korea; fourth Nord Stream leak reported

On Sept. 29, 2022, Russia announced its plan to annex regions of Ukraine; Vice President Kamala Harris visited the Demilitarized Zone separating North and South Korea; and a fourth leak in the Nord Stream pipelines has been reported.

Russia to annex regions of Ukraine – Russia announced Thursday it will formally annex four regions of Ukraine on Friday. The news came two days after voting on referenda to leave Ukraine wrapped up. Moscow said the votes were overwhelmingly in Russia’s favor, touting results upwards of 87% for the annexation. However, the elections have been declared a sham by the U.S. and other Ukrainian allies. A state department official said the U.S. would not recognize the annexation.

Kamala Harris visits border of Koreas – Vice President Kamala Harris is on her last day of a four-day trip to Asia. She visited the Demilitarized Zone separating North and South Korea. Harris emphasized America’s commitment to the security of its Asian allies in the face of increased threats from Pyongyang. The country has conducted two missile tests this week. One missile was fired before Harris left Washington on Sunday and again when she was in Japan on Wednesday.

A fourth leak reported in Nord Stream pipelines – Sweden’s Coast Guard announced Thursday the discovery of a fourth gas leak along the Nord Stream pipelines. The first three leaks were reported earlier this week with some officials concerned the leaks were an act of sabotage. The pipelines flowing from Russia are a significant energy source to Europe. On Wednesday, the EU promised a robust response to any intentional disruptions of its energy infrastructure.