Ukraine war round-up: Disputed referendums and gas leak allegations

Voting in four disputed referendums in Russian-held parts of Ukraine ended on Tuesday, as indications grew that Moscow intended to use the exercise as grounds to annex more territory.

The votes in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia were denounced as a sham by Ukraine's government and its Western allies, who regard them as stage-managed by the Kremlin.

But Russian President Vladimir Putin defended the referendums, saying they were designed to stop the persecution of ethnic Russians and Russian-speakers by Ukraine - a charge the Ukrainian government denies.

There is speculation that Mr Putin may announce the four regions' annexation in a speech to a joint session of Russia's parliament on Friday.

Up to four million people were asked to vote in the war-torn regions, which make up about 15% of Ukraine's territory.

Refugees scattered across Russia were also able to take part at dozens of polling stations, including in annexed Crimea. Early votes from those areas were said by Russian media to show huge majorities in favour of joining Russia.

If Russia annexes the four regions, it could take the war to a new and more dangerous level, with Moscow portraying any attempt by Ukraine to regain them as an attack on its sovereign territory.

Our Kyiv correspondent James Waterhouse says the outcome will be of little surprise to anyone - find out why here.

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Military enlistment centre to open on Russian border with Georgia
Meanwhile, Russia said it intended to open an army enlisting centre on the border with Georgia, where massive queues have formed as Russian men try to flee the country to avoid being sent to fight in Ukraine.

Officers at the Verkhniy Lars crossing will be tasked with serving summons to "citizens of the mobilisation age", the authorities say.