Updates from Ukraine
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⚡️Apple removes Russian VK, https://t.co/CF7o5Fn99k apps from App Store.
— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) September 28, 2022
As of Sept. 28, Russia's popular homegrown social network VK (formerly VKontakte) and email service https://t.co/CF7o5Fn99k are no longer available for download on the App Store in any country.
In a statement, Apple cited conflicts with British sanctions as the reason for the removal. Apps that are already downloaded can continue to be used, according to Apple.
— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) September 28, 2022
Shortly after Russia launched a military offensive in Ukraine, the Ukrainian government successfully sustained its civil service provision by acting quickly to disburse its digital infrastructure into the public cloud. https://t.co/boNsCHSqFs
— Nika Melkozerova (@NikaMelkozerova) September 29, 2022
Government Statements
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Today 🇺🇸 @DeptofDefense announced a new $1.1 billion security support package for 🇺🇦. We'll get 18 more HIMARS, other critical equipment that'll bring 🇺🇦 victory closer. A very timely decision showing that Russian blackmail does not work. Gratitude to @POTUS & all our 🇺🇸 friends!
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) September 28, 2022
Until recently, russians have been enjoying the “Squid Game" series on @netflix
— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) September 28, 2022
After russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Netflix left the russian market, but "Squid Game" remains.@squidgame pic.twitter.com/GRmO7AwvvO
Prominent global media have played into the Kremlin's hands by using disinformation rhetoric while covering enforced pseudo-referendums in the occupied territories of Ukraine. These headlines give an impression of a legitimate electoral process rather than a coerced armed show. pic.twitter.com/Ntqm0OUQsg
— Stratcom Centre UA (@StratcomCentre) September 28, 2022
.@Reuters claims in the headline that 96% of people in the occupied areas have voted to join Russia without any mention that the "voting" took place at a gunpoint, with intimidation and coercion by Russian troops.
— Stratcom Centre UA (@StratcomCentre) September 28, 2022
.@AFP, while it does use the word "annexation," uses the phrase "pro-Russian officials" rather than the actual designation, which would be "occupiers" or "collaborators."
— Stratcom Centre UA (@StratcomCentre) September 28, 2022
.@AP writes that "five days of voting is taking place to determine the future…" which gives the impression of a genuine referendum where people vote for their future, rather than a staged process to legitimize occupation of Ukraine's territories.
— Stratcom Centre UA (@StratcomCentre) September 28, 2022
The phrasing of @CBSNews goes even farther, not only legitimizing the fake vote and calling collaborators "pro-Moscow officials," but also calling out the West for "dismissing" the results, simultaneously stripping Ukraine of agency and disregarding its territorial integrity. pic.twitter.com/Obig1dVjQf
— Stratcom Centre UA (@StratcomCentre) September 28, 2022
We do hope that these phrases represent genuine mistakes rather than editorial policies of these outlets. As Russian propaganda is gradually becoming less outrageous and more subtle, it is more important than ever to pay attention to words used and the way things are phrased.
— Stratcom Centre UA (@StratcomCentre) September 28, 2022
International Opinions
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'The only credible culprit is Russia'
— Sky News (@SkyNews) September 28, 2022
Professor Michael Clarke says "this week the war in Ukraine has come to the Baltic" following Germany gas pipeline blasts – an act that has been called sabotage.
Latest: https://t.co/HS843Yufun pic.twitter.com/fuvOyvYbLx
Russian Olympian flees country with 'no plans to return' amid anger at Putin's war https://t.co/s8xhfcwgZT
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) September 28, 2022
One thing is "clear and obvious" for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
— POLITICOEurope (@POLITICOEurope) September 28, 2022
As long as Putin stays in office, there will be no peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. https://t.co/xk6Kr4bgJY
#BREAKING Germany will 'never recognise' Russia's 'sham' votes in Ukraine, Chancellor Scholz tells Zelensky: spokesman pic.twitter.com/FsGIGQgLWX
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) September 28, 2022
Europe’s energy crisis appears to be entering a dangerous new phase.
— POLITICOEurope (@POLITICOEurope) September 28, 2022
Fears that the EU's undersea energy and communications infrastructure are now a Russian target has the Continent teetering on the edge of a direct showdown with Russia's navy. https://t.co/JdhsMlGhLY
Correcting Misinformation
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A large-scale propaganda push accompanied widely discredited votes argues @joeabodnar, an analyst at @securedemocracy.https://t.co/mNQb2u8JPH
— UK Defence Journal (@UKDefJournal) September 29, 2022
International Governments and Parliaments
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.@USAMBUN: The United States will never recognize any territory Russia attempts to seize or allegedly annex as anything other than part of Ukraine. We reject Russia’s actions unequivocally. #UnitedWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/W8PiU40mMf
— Department of State (@StateDept) September 28, 2022
Canada will continue to support Ukraine against Putin’s attacks on its territorial integrity and the rules-based international order. Read PM Trudeau’s statement on the results of Russia’s sham referendums in occupied regions of Ukraine: https://t.co/DMqjBEJXvq
— CanadianPM (@CanadianPM) September 28, 2022
Ireland will never recognise the results of Russia’s sham referendums in Eastern Ukraine.
— Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) September 28, 2022
They are illegal and illegitimate.
🇮🇪🇺🇦
Inauguration by @MinColonna of the Hostomel reconstruction project conducted by the French company @neoecoukraine and financed by 🇫🇷, attended by Governor @OleksiiKuleba.
— France Diplomacy🇫🇷🇪🇺 (@francediplo_EN) September 28, 2022
An example of French excellence in transformation, for the reconstruction of #Ukraine. https://t.co/nPT0BlF6qK