Police in Russia moved quickly to disperse peaceful protests against President Vladimir Putin's military mobilisation, arresting hundreds, including some children, in scores of cities across the vast country

Just days after ordering a partial mobilisation, Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed amendments toughening punishments for those who refuse to fight, with penalties now including up to 10 years prison time

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has fled Sri Lanka in a military jet, amid mass protests over the island's economic crisis. The country's air force confirmed the 73-year-old flew to the Maldives with his wife and two security officials.