Latest news on Russia and the war in Ukraine

Gasum, Finland’s state-owned gas wholesaler, said in a statement that natural gas imports from Russia will be halted on Saturday.

“Starting from tomorrow, during the upcoming summer season, Gasum will supply natural gas to its customers from other sources through the Balticconnector pipeline. Gasum’s gas filling stations in the gas network area will continue in normal operation,” Gasum’s CEO Mika Wiljanen said in a statement.

“It is highly regrettable that natural gas supplies under our supply contract will now be halted. However, we have been carefully preparing for this situation and provided that there will be no disruptions in the gas transmission network, we will be able to supply all our customers with gas in the coming months.”

It gave no reason for the move but it comes just two days after Finland formally applied to join NATO. Russia had warned of retaliation if the traditionally-neutral nation decided to sign up to the Western military alliance.

—Matt Clinch

Russia’s Parliament has reportedly laid the ground for new legislation that would allow those over 40 to sign up for the military.

“For the use of high-precision weapons, the operation of weapons and military equipment, highly professional specialists are needed. Experience shows that they become such by the age of 40–45,” the State Duma said, according to a Reuters translation.

The move is seen as Moscow attempting to bolster its armed forces after multiple setbacks and casualties in the war in Ukraine.

Foreigners over 30 would also be allowed to sign up for the military if the bill is passed.

—Matt Clinch

Meg O’Neill of Woodside Energy says Europe had become heavily dependent on gas from Russia, and now has to scramble to figure out how to wean itself off the country’s hydrocarbons.

The governor of Ukraine’s eastern Luhansk region said 12 people have been killed in Severodonetsk as a result of Russian attacks, with more than 60 homes destroyed.

Serhii Haidai, head of the Luhansk regional military administration, said via Telegram that at least five high-rise buildings were destroyed in Severodonetsk.

— Sam Meredith

Once Russian forces have secured Ukraine’s Mariupol, the U.K. Defense Ministry says it is likely the Kremlin will quickly move its forces to operations in the Donbas region.

The U.K. said as many as 1,700 Ukrainian soldiers are likely to have surrendered from the Mariupol Azovstal steel factory, according to its daily intelligence update.

“Staunch Ukrainian resistance in Mariupol since the start of the war means Russian forces in the area must be re-equipped and refurbished before they can be redeployed effectively. This can be a lengthy process when done thoroughly,” the ministry…