September 21, Wednesday, 2022 (1:30 p.m.) Newsline

1.Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has said that he had signed a decree on partial mobilization beginning on Wednesday to bolster forces in Ukraine. Putin made the announcement in a televised address to the nation on the day. He accused Western countries of trying to weaken, divide and ultimately destroy Russia.
2.China has urged efforts toward a peaceful end to the fighting in Ukraine, after pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine unilaterally decided to hold referendums on joining Russia. China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin told reporters on Wednesday that China respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries.
3.A panel of experts at Japan’s health ministry has expressed concerns over a possible simultaneous outbreak of seasonal influenza and COVID-19 this autumn or later. The experts proposed on Wednesday that necessary measures be taken on the assumption that the flu may spread earlier than usual and prevail along with coronavirus infections.