Russian police are reported to have arrested hundreds of protesters rallying against the Kremlin's decision to call up thousands of extra troops to fight in Ukraine.

Russian human rights group OVD-Info put the total at more than 1,300. The largest numbers arrested were in St Petersburg and Moscow.

In Russia, unsanctioned rallies are illegal under anti-protest laws. Yesterday, the Moscow prosecutor's office warned that calls on the internet to join unauthorised street protests, or participation in them, could incur up to 15 years in jail.

Image source, Reuters

Image source, Getty Images

Russia is "likely to struggle with the logistical and administrative challenges" of drafting up 300,000 military reservists to fight in Ukraine, according to the British Ministry of Defence.

In its latest intelligence update, external, following President Putin's announcement yesterday morning, it said most of those being mobilised are "unlikely to be combat effective for months".

Politically, the MoD describes Putin's decision as "highly unpopular" among the Russian population, with protests already taking place across the capital.

The Kremlin's decision to draft more people into the war in Ukraine is "effectively an admission that Russia has exhausted its supply of willing volunteers to fight in Ukraine", the MoD concludes.

Hugo Bachega
Ukraine correspondent in Kyiv

Image source, Reuters/State Security Service of Ukraine

Amid rising tensions, Ukraine and Russia have carried out an unexpected prisoner exchange, the largest since the war started.

Russia freed 215 prisoners of war, including the commanders of the Azov Battalion. For weeks, they led the resistance in the city of Mariupol, holed up in the bunkers and tunnels of the giant Azovstal steelworks, and are seen as heroes in Ukraine.

Ten foreigners captured in Ukraine were also freed.

In return, Ukraine sent back 55 Russian fighters and the pro-Russian Ukrainian politician Viktor Medvedchuk, who was facing treason charges.

Andriy Yermak, the head of the office of President Zelensky, celebrated the “tremendous success” of the negotiations after “titanic work”, which happened with the help of Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

The timing of the exchange is interesting. It happened hours after the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, gave a televised address announcing a partial military mobilisation and as so-called referendums on joining Russia are planned by Russian-backed forces in occupied areas of Ukraine.

The developments are seen as an escalation by Russia as it faces losses on the battlefield amid an offensive by Ukrainian forces to take back territory.

The swap raised the question: why now?

Image source, Reuters/State Security Service of Ukraine

Good morning. Thanks for joining us. We’re resuming our live coverage of the war in Ukraine.

Here's the latest:

• A prisoner exchange saw more than 200 prisoners of war released by Russia, including fighters who led the defence of Mariupol's Azovstal steelworks
• In return, Ukraine sent back 55 Russians

• Five British nationals held by Russian-backed forces in Ukraine were also freed. Saudi Arabia said it had brokered an exchange between Russia and Ukraine of 10 detainees, including five Britons.
• Aiden Aslin, John Harding and Shaun Pinner, who were captured while fighting with Ukraine forces, are now expected to return to the UK
• The UN General Assembly in New York continues. Later today, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will attend the UN Security Council where he will face off with his Ukrainian and Western counterparts, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke at the General Assembly and said a special UN tribunal should be created to punish Russia
• More than 1,300 people were arrested last night in protests against Vladimir Putin's announcement that partial mobilisation of reservists would start in Russia
• So-called referendums on joining Russia will be held tomorrow in several areas of Russia-occupied Ukraine

Image source, EPA

That concludes our coverage on what has been a momentous day. Here's a recap:

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told the UN General Assembly that Russia deserved to be punished for stealing Ukrainian territory and murdering civilians

• He called for sanctions against Russian individuals to be tightened, arguing that Russian officials valued money above anything else and citizens of an aggressor state should not be allowed to go on shopping trips abroad

• Earlier, US President Joe Biden told the UN that Russia had tried to "extinguish Ukraine's right to exist" and had committed an "extremely significant violation of the UN charter"
• His comments came after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered partial mobilisation of Russian forces - calling up some 300,000 military reservists to fight in Ukraine
• Putin accused the West of "nuclear blackmail" and vowed to "use all means at its disposal to defend Russia if its territorial integrity was threatened"
• Moscow has announced plans to hold urgent referendums in parts of Ukraine that are currently under Russian control

• The EU accused Putin of a “very dangerous nuclear gamble” and said he was “not interested in peace"
• Five British nationals held captive by Russian-backed forces in eastern Ukraine have been released as part of a prisoner swap of 10 detainees following mediation by Saudi Arabia
• Aiden Aslin, John Harding and Shaun Pinner, who were captured while fighting with Ukraine forces, were among those released

Reality Check

Image source, Twitter

Following Vladimir Putin’s announcement earlier of a call-up for thousands of extra troops to fight in Ukraine, rumours have been circulating online that people are fleeing Russia and crossing the border to neighbouring Finland.

A Twitter post, external that purports to show a border queue stretching “over 35km” (16 miles) has been liked and retweeted many thousands of times.

However, the video embedded in the tweet was originally posted two days ago on a TikTok account and is unconnected with Mr Putin’s speech.

Such has been the attention caused by the tweet that a senior official from the Finnish border authority, Matti Pitkäniitty, has posted his own tweet, external denying there is anything abnormal about the situation at the border.

Frank Gardner
BBC News, Security Correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

The sudden announcement by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the release of 10 prisoners held by Russia came as a surprise to many, including their families.

It’s been welcomed by Prime Minister Liz Truss and the British government has thanked both Ukraine and Saudi Arabia for their role in securing the men’s release.

It’s believed to have been a personal initiative of the Saudi Crown Prince and de facto ruler Mohammed Bin Salman.

The Saudi role is also something of a surprise.

Until now, the Saudis have kept a low profile over the Ukraine conflict. They may be a strategic ally of the US, but they have a strained relationship with the Biden administration and they are reluctant to upset Russia.

When the Saudi crown prince attended the G20 summit in Buenos Aires four years ago he was shunned by Western leaders who suspected him of authorising the murder of the Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, which he denied.

However, one leader there greeted the Saudi crown prince effusively with a high-five gesture. That leader was Vladimir Putin, and the Saudi prince won’t have forgotten that.

As he now seeks to shake off something of a pariah status in the West he appears to have leveraged his Russian connection to good effect and to Western gratitude.

Biden appeals to Global South as he rebukes Putinpublished at 23:41 British Summer Time 21 September 2022

23:41 BST 21 September 2022

Barbara Plett Usher
State Department Correspondent, BBC News

Earlier today, US President Joe Biden delivered a sharp rebuke of Vladimir Putin for his country's invasion of Ukraine.

The president framed his criticism in the language of the UN charter, which prohibits member states from taking countries by force.

Calling the conflict a “shameless” and “significant” violation of core tenets, Biden said “if nations can pursue imperial ambitions then we put at risk everything this institution stands for”. He called for reform of the UN Security Council to protect those values.

UN member states have previously overwhelmingly condemned the invasion. And they’re permitting the Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky to address the assembly remotely, despite Russian objections.

But leaders of some smaller poorer nations feel the focus on the war has taken global attention away from crises they face, such as food shortages.

Biden promised $2.9bn to tackle the food crisis “head on”. He said Russia was “pumping out lies” by blaming it on Western sanctions, engaging in a battle of narratives aimed at winning the hearts and minds of the Global South.

Image source, PA Media

UK Prime Minister Liz Truss and US President Joe Biden have condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin's "recent belligerent statements" on Ukraine, a Downing Street spokesperson has said.

In a meeting at the UN General Assembly, the leaders agreed that Putin's actions highlight the "need for allies to continue their economic and military support to Ukraine".

Truss updated Biden on her recent announcement that the UK will recommit to at least the same level of defensive support for Ukraine next year, the spokesperson said.

"The leaders stressed the need to end over-reliance on authoritarian states in terms of our energy, technology and manufacturing supply chains" and "agreed to redouble bilateral efforts to reduce energy dependence on Russia".

A White House spokesperson said: "The leaders committed to continuing their governments’ close co-ordination on global challenges, including support for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russian aggression, addressing challenges posed by China, and securing sustainable and affordable energy supplies."

Earlier, Putin accused the West of "nuclear blackmail" and said a threat to retaliate was "not a bluff" and announced a partial mobilisation of reservists to fight in Ukraine.

Earlier in Zelensky's remarks he referred to a Russian military attack that he said nearly struck a Ukrainian nuclear plant's reactor on the eve of the UN General Assembly.

He told world leaders that attacks on nuclear power plants are Russia's way of using "radiation blackmail" against the world.

Rockets struck the grounds of the Pivdennoukrainsk nuclear plant in Ukraine's southern Mykolaiv region on Monday. The blast, Ukrainian officials say, was less than 300 metres (980ft) from the plant's nuclear reactors.

The explosions were heard shortly after midnight on Monday, according to state nuclear company Energoatom. A nearby hydroelectric plant was also damaged in the attack.

The plant is the second largest nuclear power station in Ukraine.

Officials published photos of a man standing inside the crater left by what they said were Russian rockets.

Image source, Getty Images

Before concluding his speech, Zelensky called out seven countries who voted against his video address to the UN, which were Russia, Belarus, Cuba, North Korea, Eritrea, Nicaragua and Syria.

"Seven who are afraid of the video address, seven who respond to principles with a red button," Zelensky says.

He thanked 101 countries who voted for his video address to take place, saying it was a vote for principles.

"If this coalition is against our determination then I congratulate you all because this means peace will prevail over any aggression."

Image source, Getty Images

"Look at how many elements of global security Russia has undermined with its war," continues Zelensky.

"Maritime safety, food safety, radiation safety and safety from weapons of mass destruction," he says, adding that Ukraine is already making progress on securing the sea again.

He says that on the eve of the General Assembly meeting Russian rockets struck a nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine.

"The explosion hit the station building. Windows were broken. Walls were damaged.

"The rockets exploded only 300 metres from the walls of the reactors."

He says that Russia's targeting of Ukraine's nuclear energy plants "makes all of you a target.

"Russian radiation blackmailing should concern each and everyone of you because you will not find a vaccine against radiation sickness," he tells world representatives.

Zelensky lays out what he says are five non-negotiable conditions for peace.

They are punishment for aggression, protection of life, restoration of security and territorial integrity, security guarantees and determination.

He says these "must be in place until the aggressor stops".

Zelensky says a special tribunal should be set up to "punish Russia for aggression against the Ukrainian state to signal they must value peace or be brought to responsibility by the world".

"We've prepared precise steps to establish such tribunals," he adds.

"The fifth item is determination, something without which the other four items will not work.

"Our determination to fight, determination of partners to help us and themselves and determination of the world to unite around the one who fights against us and call to order the one who threatens all.”

He adds that neutrality "is not in our formula". It has been a key demand of Russia that Ukraine abandon any aspirations of joining Nato.

Zelensky alleges evidence of torture uncovered in areas that Ukraine has recaptured from Russia.

"Why is the Russian army so obsessed with castration?" he says.

He says one man was castrated before being killed by Russian forces.

Zelensky goes on to describe the "the bodies of the killed people [who] were burned".

"How could we allow the Russian army somewhere on Ukrainian soil knowing that they are committing such mass murders?" he asks rhetorically.

"The world must protect life," he tells world leaders and UN representatives.

Image source, UN

"We didn't provoke this war," continues President Zelensky, adding: "We held 88 rounds of talks in various formats to prevent this war."

He says that Russia began aggressions in 2015 with incursions in eastern Ukraine, before the "full scale invasion" launched seven months ago.

"We had no choice but to defend ourselves," he says.

He goes on to ask that the world community punish Russia with sanctions, and to put in place visa restrictions on Russian tourists.

"Russia should pay for its war with its assets," he says, adding that going after Russia's cashflow will have an outsized impact on its officials "who value money above anything else".

President Zelensky says that "Ukraine wants peace, Europe wants peace, the world wants peace.

"We've seen who is the only one who wants war - there is only one entity... who would say now, if he could interrupt my speech, that he's happy with this war, with his war.

"We will not let this entity prevail over us, even though it's the largest state in the world."

Image source, Getty Images

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is now speaking to the General Assembly.

He begins by accusing Russia of sparking "catastrophic turbulence" for Ukraine and the world with its "illegal war".

"A crime has been committed against Ukraine and we demand just punishment," he says to representatives from 193 countries at the annual UN General Assembly

"A crime was committed against our state borders, against the lives of our people."

He is the only world leader addressing the chamber remotely, in a pre-recorded message.

His speech comes only hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin made a nationally televised address, announcing that reservists will be called up to aid in Russia's war effort.

Putin is not attending this year's General Assembly.

Jessica Parker
Reporting from Brussels

The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says the latest moves by the Kremlin calls for further EU sanctions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced earlier that military reservists were to be sent to Ukraine in a partial mobilisation of Russian forces.

Speaking to CNN, von der Leyen said measures previously agreed by the EU had been "very successful" and were "biting" both Russian industry as well as its military capabilities.

Momentum is building in Brussels for a fresh package of sanctions but there may well be disagreement on how far the bloc should go.

Diplomats suggest that measures under discussion centre around aligning the EU’s impending embargo on Russian oil with the G7’s proposed price cap.

Some member states are also said to be pushing for tightening the rules around luxury goods - and banning the import of Russian diamonds.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, CBS/Reuters

More details now on the American prisoners of war who have reportedly been freed along with five British nationals after being held by Russian-backed forces in Ukraine.

Ten prisoners of war were transferred to Saudi Arabia as part of a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, Saudi officials have said.

Among those reportedly released were two Americans who had been held captive for more than three months - Andy Tai Ngoc Huynh, 27, and Alexander Drueke, 39, who had travelled from Alabama to join a Ukrainian volunteer unit.

The two men are currently in the custody of the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia, their families said in a joint statement, according to US media.

Russian police are reported to have arrested hundreds of protesters rallying against the Kremlin's decision to call up thousands of extra troops to fight in Ukraine.

This footage shows protesters being taken away by police in Moscow - with one of them shouting "no to war".

The Moscow prosecutor's office has warned that calls on the internet to join unauthorised street protests, or participation in them, could incur up to 15 years in jail.