One of the five men freed in a prisoner swap says Russian-Israeli oligarch identified himself after they boarded their flight to Saudi Arabia: 'He's well respected by Ukrainians'

Separatist Donetsk leade calls referendum widely denounced as pretense 'a historical milestone'; vote clears way for Moscow to claim Ukrainian forces are attacking Russia itself

US secretary of state urges countries to speak out against alleged Russian war crimes in Ukraine at charged council session

Immigration minister says readying for potential 'mass absorption' of Russians seeking to flee country over Putin's declaration of major military mobilization

Kyiv says it secured freedom for hundreds who fought at Azovstal in exchange for Ukrainian pro-Russian opposition leader Viktor Medvedchuk; deal mediated by Saudi Arabia, Turkey

Rights group says over 1,300 detained in dozens of cities after Putin orders partial mobilization, sparking largest demonstrations in Russia since start of war

Five British also transferred to Saudi Arabia in deal brokered by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

Senior official says military mobilization 'deepens a war that didn't need to happen,' expresses concern for Jews in Russia

US president says proposed peace strategy is best for both peoples; accuses Russia of violating tenets of global body's charter with 'brutal, needless' invasion of Ukraine

US astronaut and two Russian cosmonauts head for orbiting international facility after launch from Russia's Baikonur cosmodrome