Ukraine war: Zelensky calls for 'just punishment' for Russia

Russia must face "just punishment" over its invasion of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky has told the UN General Assembly in New York.

In a pre-recorded video, the Ukrainian leader called for the creation of a special war tribunal and detailed alleged war crimes by Russia.

He also set out a "formula", including more military support and to punish Russia on the world stage.

Russia's Vladimir Putin had earlier called up 300,000 reservists for duty.

The move prompted rare protests in dozens of Russian cities and Mr Zelensky said the partial mobilisation showed his enemy was not serious about peace talks. Monitoring group OVD-Info said 1,315 Russians had been arrested.

The Kremlin said the call-up would be limited to those who had completed military service and had important skills and combat experience. But some of those arrested during protests in Moscow were also told they would have to sign up, reports say.

The Ukrainian leader said creating a special tribunal would help hold Moscow to account for stealing territory and murdering thousands of people. His address on Wednesday received a standing ovation from many of the session's attendees.

Despite Russia's decision to bolster its military campaign, the two sides took part in the biggest exchange of prisoners since the start of the war.

In a deal brokered by Saudi Arabia, 215 fighters were returned to the Ukrainian side, including 10 foreigners - while Russia took back 55 soldiers. Pro-Russian politician Viktor Medvechuk was also part of the swap. He has been seen as President Putin's closest ally in Ukraine and faced treason charges.

Ukraine said that among those released were 108 members of the Azov battalion who for weeks defied Russia's bombardment of Mariupol and the city's steel plant.

Battalion commander Denys Prokopenko and his deputy were among five senior officers freed. So too was Ukrainian military medic Mariana Mamonova, who is more than eight months pregnant and was being held in the notorious Olenivka prison in an area of eastern Ukraine held by Russian-backed separatists.

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