Vladimir Putin grants full Russian citizenship to Edward Snowden

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security Nalin Fernando said that relevant officers have been instructed to check the proper weight of a loaf of bread.The Minister said that a loaf of bread should be 450g.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Meteorological Department has issued an Amber alert for strong winds and rough seas, especially for multi-day boats in the deep of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea areas. According to the Meteorology Department, the depression over north Andaman Sea has concentrated in to a deep depression and located near latitude 15.60N and longitude 88.40E (East central Bay of Bengal) Sunday (23) morning.It is very likely to move northwestward and intensify further into a cyclonic storm over central Bay of Bengal.Subsequently, it is also very likely to move North-northeastwards and cross Bangladesh coast around 25th October.Wind speeds will be (60-70) kmph and can increase up to 80 kmph in sea areas between (12N – 20N) and (85E – 100E).

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Minister of Justice has imposed further restrictions on the rights of imprisoned persons under a gazette issued on 12th July 2022.Former Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Ambika Satkunanathan Tweeted concerns in this regard today.According to the former HRCSL Commissioner, as per the new prison rules under the Second 94 of the Prisons Ordinance, most concerning are the reduction of visits to remanded imprisoned persons from 6 days a week to 1 a week. She added that they have also reduced the time outside cell from 4 hours to 1 hour.Some of the provisions underlined in the gazette is as follows:RIGHT TO RECEIVE VISITSAn unconvicted person to receive visits 6 days a week, is repealed by the gazette, which replaces it with a rule that limits such visits to once a week.The new rule also sets out reasons for which visits can be restricted.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Seven people have been arrested for taking pictures without  permission in the high security zone around the Victoria Dam with the use of a drone.Police stated that the security forces have informed the concerned suspects not to take photographs in that area.However, they have taken photographs despite the order, which led to their arrest.Accordingly a camera and a drone were found in the possession of the suspects and were taken into police custody.The suspects are aged 31 and 32 and were identified as residents of Dehiwala and Weligama areas.

Hibernian have announced that Easter Road hero Frank Sauzee has had to withdraw from a charity match set to take place next month.

ROBBIE Coltrane's causes of death reveal the Harry Potter star suffered painful health problems leading up to his passing at the age of 72. The Brit acting legend died from a number of conditions including multiple organ failure, his death certificate has shown. It's understood the Harry Potter star had been unwell for some time and battled diabetes and obesity.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Police Special Task Force has seized 95 kg of Kerala Cannabis worth Rs. 16,000,000.00 which were brought to the country via sea routes.The consignment of Kerala Cannabis has been brought into the country from India. A team of STF personnel and combat motorcycle team personnel have conducted a raid at the Maadagal East Coast in the Ilawale Police Domain on Sunday (23), in line with information received from the Army Intelligence Division.The raid has been carried out under the guidance and supervision of SSP Hettiarachchi, SSP Nishantha, the commanding officers of Special Task Force Jaffna Camp, and as per the orders and instructions of STF Commanding Officer Varuna Jayasundara and Chief Inspector  Mendis.A consignment of 95.691 kg of Kerala Cannabis was found in a motorboat at 03:30 a.m., without any suspects. Police suspects that the Kerala Cannbis smuggling has been secretly carried out by boats for a significant period of time.

Sri Lanka commenced their Super 12 campaign with an impressive nine-wicket triumph over a disappointing Ireland in Hobart on Sunday.Namibia slip-up long forgottenThere were many fears for Sri Lanka when they were thrashed by Namibia in the opening match of the First Round, but the reigning Asia Cup champions are slowly gathering some momentum.While the nine-wicket victory over Ireland was expected by most, the way the island nation went about it was ultra-impressive as they clinically dispatched of their opponents in clinical style with plenty of improvement to come.Star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga (2/25) took his eighth and ninth scalps of the tournament thus far and he was well supported by fellow spinner Maheesh Theekshana (2/19), who was thrust into the bowling crease during Ireland's batting Powerplay.Not only did Sri Lanka take wickets at regular intervals, but they also kept the run rate down as Ireland's batters were unable to gather much momentum and were restricted to 128/8 from their 20 overs.Sri Lanka's run chase was a mere formality, with in-form opener Kusal Mendis (68 from 43 balls) continuing his excellent tournament thus far with another half-century .Ireland struggle for fluencyMuch of the good Ireland managed from eye-catching victories over Scotland and the West Indies was undone against Sri Lanka, with the European side unable to back-up their strong showings from the First Round.Veteran opener Paul Stirling (34 from 25 balls) got a handful of big shots away early, but young gun Harry Tector (45 off 42) was the only other player to look assured at the crease.Their bowling didn't fare much better, with spinner Gareth Delany (1/28) the only wicket-taker as Ireland started their Super 12 campaign in

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Inter University Students' Federation organized a demonstration demanding the release of student activists detained under the PTA.The protest was held under the theme, "People's wave for Justice". The demonstration was held in a train plying from Jaffna to Colombo.Our correspondent said that the group has arrived at the Beliatta station a short while ago, and heavy security has been observed around the area.The protest started from Anuradhapura railway station.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Employees' Provident Fund has amassed more than 28 million members.However, this number also includes those who are deceased. The Deputy General Manager of the Employee's Trust Fund, Kitsiri Ratnayake, stated that 10 welfare programs are currently in place for the said members.He stated that many do not avail the benefits of these welfare programs due to being unaware of them.Deputy General Manager Ratnayake added that a loan program is also in place for conducting the repair work of members' houses.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Minister of Justice, Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the robbery of Rs. 2.1 million in Moratuwa.The suspects were arrested during an operation carried out by the Mt.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – According to the National Road Safety Council, 40% of the current road accidents are related to motorcycles.Its Chairman, Anton de Mel stated that a research conducted in collaboration with the Moratuwa University regarding measures which can be taken to reduce motorcycle accidents, resulted in this. He further stated that much of the youth is used to using high-fuel consumption motorcycles, which has overtaken the generation as a trend.De Mel added that the steps will be taken to introduce legislation to reduce such accidents in the future, in line with the Motor Traffic Department.

Covid-19 update: The death toll due to the viral disease has gone up to 5,28,961 with four more fatalities. With 1,994 fresh cases, India's Covid-19 tally has climbed to 4,46,42,742, while the number of active cases of the infection has declined to 23,432, the Union health ministry said on Sunday. The death toll due to the viral disease has gone up to 5,28,961 with four more fatalities, according to the ministry's data updated at 8 am.

PHILADELPHIA - The sun is out in full force on this beautiful Saturday!Sunshine will stick around most of the day, bringing temperatures up to a high of 68 degrees.Clouds will start to roll Saturday evening, dropping temperatures to 62 degree as the Phillies Game 4 against the Padres begins at 7:45 p.m. at Citizens Bank Park.The evening's weather stay pleasant, and less chilly than last night's game with a low in the mid-50s by the end of the game.Sunday will see show showers as Game 5 starts in Philadelphia, but FOX 29's Drew Anderson says its should only be a nuisance! Those showers hang on throughout the rest of the week, with no dry weather until Friday.___SATURDAY: Nice day. High: 68, Low: 44SUNDAY: A few showers. High: 64, Low: 52MONDAY: A shower. High: 72, Low: 58TUESDAY: A shower. High: 74, Low: 60 WEDNESDAYS: A shower. High: 72, Low: 60THURSDAY: Passing shower. High: 74, Low: 60FRIDAY: Sunny and dry. High: 68, Low: 56

MARION COUNTY, Fla. - The Marion County Sheriff’s Office says a 14-year-old student at Lake Weir Middle School broke into her grandparents’ safe and stole about $13,500 in cash – half her grandmother’s life savings left over after she’d sold her house. Then, the sheriff’s office says the girl started handing the cash out to people at school.Parents got a voicemail from Lake Weir Middle School’s principal about that incident Thursday, asking the adults to give their kids a call.  Michelle Spaulding obliged."That’s when she was like, ‘Yeah, mom! The child did come up to me and ask me if I wanted $100,'" said Spaulding.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera says that proposals for the restructuring of the power sector are expected to be submitted to the Parliament next month.In a Twitter message, the Minister said that he has received the report of the Cabinet Appointed Committee on Power Sector Reforms.The Minister added the report will be handed over to the President and the Cabinet of Ministers.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Meteorology Department says that showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-Western and Northern provinces and in Galle and Matara districts on Saturday (22).Accordingly, fairly heavy showers above 75 mm may be expected at some places.Showers or thundershowers may occur elsewhere over the Island during the afternoon or night, and the general public has been kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The All Ceylon Poultry Businessmen's Association says that steps have been taken to reduce the price of one kilogram of chicken by Rs. 250/-.Its Chairman Ajith Gunasekara said that the new price of a kilogram of chicken is Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Two people have died from drowning in the Nawalapitiya and Kuliapitiya areas.Police said that a 58-year-old man died on Friday (21) afternoon after falling into the Edandewela Canal and being swept away by the currents.It occurred when a van transporting 5 people has been driving from Kuliyapitiya Diyawala to Aruvpola.Police said that the van driver stepped out of the vehicle to check the water level near the Edandewela Canal, when he fell into the canal and got swept away.Meanwhile, another person died after falling into a canal in Galabadawatta area in ​Nawalapitiya.Police said the victim was a 65-year-old resident of Kegalle.Police added that the victim had visited his relative's residence when he met with this tragic accident.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera informed the National Council that the report of the committee on to the restructuring of the energy sector will be submitted to the National Council within two weeks.At the same time, the Minister informed that the National Council is also expected to be informed about the proposed measures to be taken for the various energy generation projects proposed to be launched by the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority and the Ceylon Electricity Board.The National Council met on 20th October under the Chairmanship of the Speaker of the Parliament, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and the Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella.Institutions such as the Sri Lanka Electricity Board and Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority were called before the National Council where the officials presented ideas and proposals related to the progress of the energy sector.MP Namal Rajapaksa, as the Chairman of the National Council sub-committee on identifying short and medium-term programs related to National Policy, and the Chairman of the National Council sub-committee on identifying short and medium-term programs related to Economic Stabilization, Patali Champika Ranawaka informed the National Council about the progress and the expected future work of the committees.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Disaster Management Center says that 4,929 people from to 1,296 families have been affected due to the severe weather conditions being experienced over the island over the course of the last few days.The Disaster Management Center also stated 116 people belonging to 31 families have been moved to safe shelters.Senior geologist at the National Building Research Organization Wasantha Senadeera says landslide warnings issued to several districts continues to remain in effect.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministry of Health says that no final decision has been taken so far with regard to the COVID-19 vaccines which are due to expire.A senior official of the Ministry said that the vaccines are due to expire on October 31st.The consignment of vaccines which is due to expire amounts to over a million, the Health Ministry added.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – An Army Captain has died while three others have been injured in an accident involving a Defender on Saturday (22).Police said that the driver of the Defender bearing number 8806 of the Sri Lanka Army lost control of the wheel and crashed on to a tree in Muthuwella. The Defender was travelling from Trincomalee to Maduru Oya early on Saturday (22) morning.The deceased has been identified as Captain Devinda Woodward from 4 Special Forces.

India reported 2,112 new infections raising the COVID-19 tally to 4,46,40,748, while the number of active cases declined to 24,043, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Saturday. The death toll climbed to 5,28,957 with four fatalities which includes three deaths reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated. One death has been reported from West Bengal in a span of 24 hours.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Criminal Investigation Department has been requested to conduct an investigation into the case of an illegally imported Hummer vehicle being given to the same person who imported it at an auction held after it was impounded.This investigstion is being conducted based on a notification by the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance to the Inspector General of Police on the advice of the State Minister of Finance, Ranjith Siambalapitiya.The vehicle in question was illegally imported to Sri Lanka on February 22nd, 2021.The State Minister of Finance, Ranjith Siambalapitiya had previously called for a report from the Director General of Customs regarding the incident, and the Ministry of Finance announced that this step was taken based on the recommendations of the report.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Meteorology Department says that showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-Western and Northern Provinces and in Galle and Matara Districts on Saturday (22). Accordingly, fairly heavy showers above 50 mm may be expected at some places.Showers or thundershowers will occur at several palaces in the Eastern and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district during the afternoon or night.General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

PHILADELPHIA - Kyle Schwarber's first inning solo home run sent Citizens Bank Park into a frenzy, but it was Jean Segura's roller coaster game the served as the subplot to the Phillies' NLCS game 3 win. With the Phillies up 1-0 in the 4th, Segura whiffed a catch while covering second on what would have been an inning-ending double play to allow the tying run to score from third. He redeemed himself in the bottom of the inning, looping a 2 out single to right field that scored two runs to retake the lead. The inning ended less than a pitch later when Segura got picked off first base.Alec Bohm added a run two innings later a line drive double that Padres' right fielder failed to catch on a diving attempt.PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 21: Jean Segura #2 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates with Nick Castellanos #8 after making a diving stop and throwing out Ha-Seong Kim #7 of the San Diego Padres (not pictured) at first base during the seven Ranger Suarez was solid for five innings, allowing just two hits and two runs; one of which was unearned.

Elijah Jennings (Philly's Most Wanted)BROOKHAVEN, Ga. - A high-speed chase through metro Atlanta led to the arrest of a man wanted for murder in Pennsylvania.Elijah Jennings, 28, of Philadelphia, was wanted for the shooting death of a man inside his car in May 2022. Warrants for murder and firearms possession were obtained the following month.Jennings caught the eye of federal authorities earlier this month when warrants were issued for him by the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for fleeing prosecution.Last Friday, Jennings was arrested near Lenox Square mall after a high-speed chase through Brookhaven.

People in Lanarkshire are being encouraged to tackle mental health stigma and discrimination through the arts.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Samagi Jana Balawegaya achieved a major victory at the Kolonna Cooperative Office Election in the Ratnapura District, which was held on Friday (21).The Samagi Jana Balawegaya won 115 out of 119 candidates, which is a 5/6 majority, which comes 35 years after the party last held the power at the cooperative election in the Kolonna Constituency, which is known as a stronghold of Sri Lanka Freedom Party and the SLPP.The SJB has won the vast majority of cooperative elections nationwide, which is more than 98%. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Indian Navy on Friday (21) intercepted a 'suspicious' boat on Palk Bay, reports PTI.According to the report, the boat was observed by the Indian Navy ship on patrol in Palk Bay near the India-Sri Lanka International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) in the early hours of Friday."Despite repeated warnings, the boat did not stop. The (Navy) ship, as per standard operating procedures, fired warning shots to stop the boat.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology has issued an Amber alert with regard to strong winds and rough seas on Friday (21).The Meteorology Department says that the low-pressure Area over north Andaman Sea and adjoining areas of south Andaman Sea and the Southeast Bay of Bengal persisted over the same region in the today, the 21st October, 2022.It is very likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a Depression over same region around 22nd October.It is very likely to intensify into a Deep Depression on 23rd October and subsequently into a cyclonic storm by 24th October.Thereafter, it is likely to move gradually north-northeastwards and reach near West Bengal – Bangladesh coasts on 25th October.Wind speeds will be (40-50) kmph and can increase up to (60-70) kmph in sea areas between (05N – 17N) and between (85E – 100E). Heavy showers or thundershowers and very rough or rough seas can also be expected in above sea areas.

The 22nd Amendment to the Constitution was passed in Parliament with amendments by majority vote.It will be added to the constitution of Sri Lanka as the 21st Amendment.   174 votes were cast in favor of the amendment during the third reading in Parliament, while no one voted against it.However, during the second reading of the amendment 179 votes were cast in favor, and Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Criminal Investigation Department has been requested to conduct an investigation into the case of an illegally imported Hummer vehicle being given to the same person who imported it at an auction held after it was impounded.This investigstion is being conducted based on a notification by the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance to the Inspector General of Police on the advice of the State Minister of Finance, Ranjith Siambalapitiya.The vehicle in question was illegally imported to Sri Lanka on February 22nd, 2021.The State Minister of Finance, Ranjith Siambalapitiya had previously called for a report from the Director General of Customs regarding the incident, and the Ministry of Finance announced that this step was taken based on the recommendations of the report.

PHILADELPHIA - Investigators with the Philadelphia Police Departments Shooting Investigation Group are working on learning more about a shooting that left a man injured early Friday morning. Authorities say the shooting took place on the 700 block of West Bristol Street in the city's Hunting Park neighborhood. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESAccording to officials, a man believed to be between 30 and 35 years of age was found with multiple gunshot wounds to his torso and both legs. Police transported him to Temple University Hospital, where he is listed din critical condition. Authorities say the investigation is active and ongoing. 

PHILADELPHIA - Police are investigating after a man was found inside a car in West Philadelphia injured from a shooting. According to authorities, police responded to 38th Street and Girard Avenue for reports of a person with a gun on Thursday night around 10:15 p.m.Officials say a 53-year-old man was found inside a Chrysler Pacifica suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his chest, abdomen and left arm. The man was transported to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where he is listed in critical condition, according to police. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESAuthorities say the shooting took place near where the victim was located, on the 3800 block of Cambridge Street. The investigation is ongoing and active, police say. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Education Ministry had announced the days when schools will commence for the second, and third terms for 2022.Sinhala and Tamil Schools – Second Term: 13th September 2022 to 1st December 2022Second Term Holiday:2nd December 2022 to 4th December 2022Third Term (Phase 1):5th December 2022 to 22nd December 2022Third Term (Phase 1) Holidays:23rd December 2022 to 1st January 2023Third Term (Phase 2):2nd January 2023 to 20th January 2023Third Term (Phase 2) Holidays:21st January 2023 to 19th February 2023Third Term (Phase 3):20th February 2023 to 24th March 2023Muslim Schools – Second Term: 13th September 2022 to 1st December 2022Second Term Holiday:2nd December 2022 to 4th December 2022Third Term (Phase 1):5th December 2022 to 22nd December 2022Third Term (Phase 1) Holidays:23rd December 2022 to 1st January 2023Third Term (Phase 2):2nd January 2023 to 15th January 2023Third Term (Phase 2) Holidays:16th January 2023 to 28th February 2023Third Term (Phase 3):1st March 2023 to 21st March 2023

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The cooperation between Sri Lanka and India in the sphere of Defense was hailed by State Minister of Defence, Pramitha Banadara Tennakoon at the biennial global defence exhibition DefExpo2022.The exhibition was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 19 October 2022 at Gandhinagar, Gujarat, and a three-member official delegation from Sri Lanka, led by State Minister of Defense Premitha Bandara Tennakoon and comprising Army and Navy officers, is currently on a visit to India for attending the exhibition. State Minister of Defense Tennakoon highlighted the importance of defense industrial base in augmenting Security policy and noted that DefExpo 2022 provided a great avenue for a deeper understanding of the nature of transformation in modern warfare across five dimensions.The Sri Lankan dignitary met the Minister of State for Defense and Tourism of India Shri Ajay Bhatt on 17 October 2022 along the sidelines of DefExpo2022.During the meeting, India’s readiness to continue to support Sri Lanka in the defence sphere was reiterated. The Sri Lankan delegation also had cordial interactions with Defense Minister, Defense Secretary, Chief of Defense Staff and all three Service Chiefs of India during the visit.Experience sharing and capacity building has been a key pillar of India-Sri Lanka defense cooperation, which is marked by camaraderie and mutual benefit in enhancing our shared security. Indian military establishments including NDC have been the preferred choice of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces for decades and have produced leaders of Sri Lankan Armed forces.

Zimbabwe bowlers keep the Scotland batting unit quietZimbabwe registered a comprehensive five-wicket win over Scotland in their ICC Men's T20 World Cup encounter in Hobart on Friday to book their berth in the Super 12 stage of the mega event.Richie Berrington's decision to bat first after winning the toss didn't turn out well for Scotland as they lost the wickets of Michael Jones and Matthew Cross quite early in the innings.The likes of George Munsey, Berrington and Calum MacLeod tried their best to resurrect the innings but they never got the momentum and acceleration they required. Munsey and Berrington put on a 40-run stand between themselves followed by a 34-run stand between MacLeod and Munsey.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – ASP Naleen Dilruk and SSP Roshan Dias were issued summon on Friday (21) to appear in court on 08th November.They were issued summons when a personal complaint filed by the president of the Young Journalists' Association, journalist Tharindu Jayawardena, was called before Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage.Summons were issued to ASP Naleen Dilruk and SSP Roshan Dias, who were suspected of disrupting a protest march from Galle Face towards Hultsdorf.Attorneys-at-law Manujaya de Silva and Jayantha Dehiyattage, in addition to Saliya Peiris PC presented facts on behalf of the plaintiff, Tharindu Jayawardena.

Since Russian forces invaded Ukraine in February, the war-torn country has continued to fight back, reclaiming areas once taken by Russian troops and further working to push out the offensive. Ukrainian forces recently scored significant gains in the south, raising flags over the villages of Arkhanhelske, Myroliubivka, Khreshchenivka, Mykhalivka and Novovorontsovka. Speaking late Tuesday in his nightly video address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said dozens of settlements had been retaken "from the Russian pseudo-referendum this week alone" in the four annexed regions. In the Kherson region, he listed eight villages that Ukrainian forces reclaimed, "and this is far from a complete list.

Russia faces a series of setbacks on the battlefield against Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin only knows how to do one thing, according to one of his most prominent critics: “escalate.”That’s because Putin views the prospect of losing power as an “existential threat,” according to Bill Browder, a U.S. investment fund manager who has influenced Western governments into clamping down on corrupt Russian officials.“If Putin were ever to lose power in Russia, he would lose all the money that he’s stolen over the last 22 years.

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis on Sunday appealed to Russian President Vladimir Putin for a cease-fire, imploring him to "stop this spiral of violence and death" in Ukraine and denouncing the "absurd" risk of the "uncontrollable" consequences of nuclear attack as tensions sharply escalate over the war.Francis uttered his strongest plea yet about the seven-month-old conflict, which he denounced as an "error and a horror."It was the first time in public that he cited Putin's role in the war. The pontiff also called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to "be open" to serious peace proposals.Francis told the public, gathered in St.

Russia said Saturday it has withdrawn its troops from the once-occupied city of Lyman, as Ukraine’s eastern counteroffensive recaptures more territory.

Canada slapped new sanctions on Russian officials and elites Friday after President Vladimir Putin formally annexed four regions of Ukraine.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Friday Ukraine was formally applying for fast-track membership of the NATO military alliance and that Kyiv was ready for talks with Moscow, but not with President Vladimir Putin.

Vladimir Putin proclaimed Russia’s annexation of a swath of Ukraine on Friday in a speech at the Kremlin but the event was overshadowed by one of Russia‘s worst battlefield defeats of the war, with one of its main garrisons surrounded.“People living in Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson region and Zaporizhzhia region are becoming our compatriots forever,” Putin told a crowd of officials in a ceremony in an ornate hall.“We will defend our land with all our strength and all our means,” he said, calling on “the Kyiv regime to immediately cease hostilities and return to the negotiation table.” Assaults on annexed Ukrainian territory will be an attack on Russia: Kremlin Putin’s proclamation of Russian rule over 15 per cent of Ukraine – the biggest annexation in Europe since the Second World War- has been firmly rejected by Western countries and even many of Russia’s close allies. UN General Secretary Antonio Guterres called it an illegal violation of the UN charter.It comes as Russian forces have faced setbacks on the battlefield, with one of the worst so far looming even as Putin spoke.