Prigozhin confidant says fatal plane crash shows no one is safe
A close confidant of Wagner Group leader Yevgeniy Prigozhin said the plane crash that killed the mercenary boss and two top aides last month might have been an internal hit, showing that “no one [in Russian leadership] can be trusted” — and no one is safe.
Maksim Shugalei, one of Prigozhin’s trusted political influence peddlers, is the first member of his inner circle to speak publicly of possible government involvement in the Aug. 23 crash that killed all 10 passengers and crew aboard. Many in Russia’s elite are convinced it was an assassination ordered by the Kremlin. Russian authorities have strongly denied any role.
Western analysts believe President Vladimir Putin was likely to have ordered Prigozhin’s death as retribution for the rebellion his former ally led in June against Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and chief of the general staff Gen. Valery Gerasimov.
Read the full story here.
A close confidant of Wagner Group leader Yevgeniy Prigozhin said the plane crash that killed the mercenary boss and two top aides last month might have been an internal hit, showing that “no one [in Russian leadership] can be trusted” — and no one is safe.
Maksim Shugalei, one of Prigozhin’s trusted political influence peddlers, is the first member of his inner circle to speak publicly of possible government involvement in the Aug. 23 crash that killed all 10 passengers and crew aboard. Many in Russia’s elite are convinced it was an assassination ordered by the Kremlin. Russian authorities have strongly denied any role.
Western analysts believe President Vladimir Putin was likely to have ordered Prigozhin’s death as retribution for the rebellion his former ally led in June against Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and chief of the general staff Gen. Valery Gerasimov.
Read the full story here.
Here is the latest from Ukraine:
- A Russian missile strike hit Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s hometown of Kryvyi Rih early Friday, leaving at least one dead and more than 70 injured, emergency officials said.
- A top Ukrainian official criticized SpaceX owner Elon Musk after a new biography revealed details about how the company cut off Starlink satellite internet services to Ukrainian submarine drones last year.
- Ukraine on Friday froze the assets of Ihor Kolomoisky, a tycoon facing graft allegations, already under indictment and sanctions in the United States over accusations of bank fraud.
- Musk told engineers to turn off Starlink coverage near the Crimean coast after learning about the planned submarine drone attack in the fall of 2022, according to a new biography of Musk.
- Biden and other world leaders are arriving in New Delhi for the Group of 20 economic summit, with the war in Ukraine among issues taking center stage.
More live updates here.
- A Russian missile strike hit Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s hometown of Kryvyi Rih early Friday, leaving at least one dead and more than 70 injured, emergency officials said.
- A top Ukrainian official criticized SpaceX owner Elon Musk after a new biography revealed details about how the company cut off Starlink satellite internet services to Ukrainian submarine drones last year.
- Ukraine on Friday froze the assets of Ihor Kolomoisky, a tycoon facing graft allegations, already under indictment and sanctions in the United States over accusations of bank fraud.
- Musk told engineers to turn off Starlink coverage near the Crimean coast after learning about the planned submarine drone attack in the fall of 2022, according to a new biography of Musk.
- Biden and other world leaders are arriving in New Delhi for the Group of 20 economic summit, with the war in Ukraine among issues taking center stage.
More live updates here.
Here is the latest from Ukraine:
- Zelensky pointed to the death of Yevgeniy Prigozhin, the former head of the Wagner mercenary group, as proof of Putin’s untrustworthiness.
- Ukraine on Friday froze the assets of Ihor Kolomoisky, a tycoon facing graft allegations, who is already under indictment and sanctions in the United States over accusations of bank fraud.
- The Group of 20 economic summit starts Saturday, with the war in Ukraine among issues taking center stage.
- Zelensky adviser Mykhailo Podolyak criticized SpaceX owner Elon Musk for cutting off Starlink satellite internet services to Ukrainian submarine drones last year.
- Ukrainian troops rely on Starlink services for virtually any task requiring digital communication, The Washington Post reported.
- A Russian missile strike hit Zelensky’s hometown of Kryvyi Rih early Friday.
- The CIA has published a video aimed at recruiting disaffected Russian officials.
More live updates here.
- Zelensky pointed to the death of Yevgeniy Prigozhin, the former head of the Wagner mercenary group, as proof of Putin’s untrustworthiness.
- Ukraine on Friday froze the assets of Ihor Kolomoisky, a tycoon facing graft allegations, who is already under indictment and sanctions in the United States over accusations of bank fraud.
- The Group of 20 economic summit starts Saturday, with the war in Ukraine among issues taking center stage.
- Zelensky adviser Mykhailo Podolyak criticized SpaceX owner Elon Musk for cutting off Starlink satellite internet services to Ukrainian submarine drones last year.
- Ukrainian troops rely on Starlink services for virtually any task requiring digital communication, The Washington Post reported.
- A Russian missile strike hit Zelensky’s hometown of Kryvyi Rih early Friday.
- The CIA has published a video aimed at recruiting disaffected Russian officials.
More live updates here.
In northeast Ukraine, the Russians are coming — or maybe setting a diversion
KHARKIV REGION, Ukraine — As Russian invaders focus their fire on the strategic northeastern town of Kupyansk, a Ukrainian armor platoon, hidden under camouflage nets and the last embers of summer foliage, expressed nostalgia for the tank-on-tank battles last year that tested soldiers’ will and skill.
The war is different now, said a 26-year old commander with the call sign Leshyi. The enemy is farther away, probing for weak spots rather than full-on blitzing, forcing the Ukrainians to use tanks more like howitzers to fire at targets identified by reconnaissance soldiers.
In the south, Ukrainian troops are pressing a grueling counteroffensive, fighting meter by meter to retake occupied territory from Russian forces that are dug into defensive positions. In the northeast, however, it is unclear if Russia is really trying to advance or is creating a distraction hoping to divert Ukrainian resources.
Read the full story here.
KHARKIV REGION, Ukraine — As Russian invaders focus their fire on the strategic northeastern town of Kupyansk, a Ukrainian armor platoon, hidden under camouflage nets and the last embers of summer foliage, expressed nostalgia for the tank-on-tank battles last year that tested soldiers’ will and skill.
The war is different now, said a 26-year old commander with the call sign Leshyi. The enemy is farther away, probing for weak spots rather than full-on blitzing, forcing the Ukrainians to use tanks more like howitzers to fire at targets identified by reconnaissance soldiers.
In the south, Ukrainian troops are pressing a grueling counteroffensive, fighting meter by meter to retake occupied territory from Russian forces that are dug into defensive positions. In the northeast, however, it is unclear if Russia is really trying to advance or is creating a distraction hoping to divert Ukrainian resources.
Read the full story here.
Whatever the fuss over Elon Musk, Starlink is utterly essential in Ukraine
DNIPRO, Ukraine — New details about how Elon Musk limited Starlink satellite internet service to prevent Ukraine from attacking Russian ships in Crimea last year have provided a stark reminder of how vital the service is to Kyiv’s forces — and how success on the battlefield depends partly on the whims of a mercurial billionaire.
Musk’s company SpaceX dispatched Starlink terminals to Ukraine after Russia’s invasion in February 2022, when Moscow quickly cut off all other service. Ever since, the high-speed satellite terminals have formed the backbone of the Ukrainian military’s digital communications. Nestled into trenches, covered in camouflage atop armored vehicles and humming in dusty command centers, the small WiFi terminals are so essential many soldiers say not having them would put their lives at risk.
Read the full story here.
DNIPRO, Ukraine — New details about how Elon Musk limited Starlink satellite internet service to prevent Ukraine from attacking Russian ships in Crimea last year have provided a stark reminder of how vital the service is to Kyiv’s forces — and how success on the battlefield depends partly on the whims of a mercurial billionaire.
Musk’s company SpaceX dispatched Starlink terminals to Ukraine after Russia’s invasion in February 2022, when Moscow quickly cut off all other service. Ever since, the high-speed satellite terminals have formed the backbone of the Ukrainian military’s digital communications. Nestled into trenches, covered in camouflage atop armored vehicles and humming in dusty command centers, the small WiFi terminals are so essential many soldiers say not having them would put their lives at risk.
Read the full story here.
Here is the latest from Ukraine:
- Romania found new drone fragments on its territory near the Ukrainian border, the Defense Ministry said Saturday, describing the pieces as “similar to those used by the Russian army.”
- At a Group of 20 economic summit in New Delhi, world leaders adopted a declaration that avoided openly condemning Russia for the war in Ukraine.
- In an interview with CNN, Zelensky said there is no possibility of compromising with Putin to end the war.
- Putin vowed Russia would “continue to systematically build up bilateral communications in all directions” with North Korea.
- Zelensky adviser Mykhailo Podolyak criticized SpaceX owner Elon Musk for cutting off Starlink satellite internet services to Ukrainian submarine drones last year.
More live updates here.
- Romania found new drone fragments on its territory near the Ukrainian border, the Defense Ministry said Saturday, describing the pieces as “similar to those used by the Russian army.”
- At a Group of 20 economic summit in New Delhi, world leaders adopted a declaration that avoided openly condemning Russia for the war in Ukraine.
- In an interview with CNN, Zelensky said there is no possibility of compromising with Putin to end the war.
- Putin vowed Russia would “continue to systematically build up bilateral communications in all directions” with North Korea.
- Zelensky adviser Mykhailo Podolyak criticized SpaceX owner Elon Musk for cutting off Starlink satellite internet services to Ukrainian submarine drones last year.
More live updates here.
Cuba says human traffickers luring citizens to Russia’s war on Ukraine
Cuba has identified a human trafficking network originating in Russia that has been recruiting Cuban citizens to fight on behalf of Russia in Ukraine, the Cuban Ministry of Interior said.
The government said it already detected and neutralized attempts at such recruitment, targeting citizens residing in both Russia and Cuba, and has initiated criminal proceedings against those involved, but did not offer details.
“Cuba has a firm and clear historical position against mercenarism,” Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said in a statement on Monday.
Russia has been struggling to shore up its army with recruits since Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a mobilization last fall — a declaration that pushed thousands to flee or hide. Since then, a tough law that makes evading conscription more difficult has been approved, allowing electronic military summonses and travel bans on those drafted.
Read the full story here.
Cuba has identified a human trafficking network originating in Russia that has been recruiting Cuban citizens to fight on behalf of Russia in Ukraine, the Cuban Ministry of Interior said.
The government said it already detected and neutralized attempts at such recruitment, targeting citizens residing in both Russia and Cuba, and has initiated criminal proceedings against those involved, but did not offer details.
“Cuba has a firm and clear historical position against mercenarism,” Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said in a statement on Monday.
Russia has been struggling to shore up its army with recruits since Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a mobilization last fall — a declaration that pushed thousands to flee or hide. Since then, a tough law that makes evading conscription more difficult has been approved, allowing electronic military summonses and travel bans on those drafted.
Read the full story here.
What are depleted uranium rounds, and why is U.S. sending them to Ukraine?
When Britain announced it would supply Ukraine with depleted uranium rounds designed to penetrate tank armor, Russia decried the move as escalation. U.S. officials has had a simple response: If you don’t like it, leave Ukraine.
“If the Russians are very concerned about their tanks staying fully operational, they can just take them across the border back into Russia,” White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said in a March news briefing, following Britain’s move.
On Wednesday, almost six months later, the United States announced it would follow Britain in supplying Ukraine with 120mm tank ammo made of depleted uranium, setting off another flurry of criticism from Russian officials who said the rounds could cause cancer and other illnesses.
Read the full story here.
When Britain announced it would supply Ukraine with depleted uranium rounds designed to penetrate tank armor, Russia decried the move as escalation. U.S. officials has had a simple response: If you don’t like it, leave Ukraine.
“If the Russians are very concerned about their tanks staying fully operational, they can just take them across the border back into Russia,” White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said in a March news briefing, following Britain’s move.
On Wednesday, almost six months later, the United States announced it would follow Britain in supplying Ukraine with 120mm tank ammo made of depleted uranium, setting off another flurry of criticism from Russian officials who said the rounds could cause cancer and other illnesses.
Read the full story here.
Here's the latest from Ukraine:
- World leaders at the Group of 20 summit in New Delhi adopted a declaration that called on all member states to refrain from the use of force for territorial gain, but avoided directly criticizing Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.
- Romania’s Foreign Ministry summoned the chargé d’affaires of Russia’s embassy in Bucharest for a meeting after officials found drone fragments similar to those used by Russian forces near Romania’s border with Ukraine.
- There is “no way” Russian President Vladimir Putin will be arrested if he attends the G-20 summit in Rio de Janeiro next year, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said.
More live updates here.
- World leaders at the Group of 20 summit in New Delhi adopted a declaration that called on all member states to refrain from the use of force for territorial gain, but avoided directly criticizing Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.
- Romania’s Foreign Ministry summoned the chargé d’affaires of Russia’s embassy in Bucharest for a meeting after officials found drone fragments similar to those used by Russian forces near Romania’s border with Ukraine.
- There is “no way” Russian President Vladimir Putin will be arrested if he attends the G-20 summit in Rio de Janeiro next year, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said.
More live updates here.
North Korea’s Kim Jong Un to meet Putin in Russia in ‘coming days’
SEOUL — Weapons deals are expected to be top of the agenda as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is set to arrive in Russia for a meeting with President Vladimir Putin, while Moscow looks to replenish its depleted stockpiles in its war against Ukraine.
Kim was invited by Putin to arrive in the coming days, according to Russia’s Tass news agency and North Korea’s state media. South Korean media reported Monday that Kim had departed for the Russian port city of Vladivostok, citing unnamed officials.
The meeting is likely to fuel concerns in Washington and like-minded capitals about increased military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang at a critical juncture in Russia’s war in Ukraine. U.S. and South Korean officials also have warned that North Korea may seek critical technologies from Russia to boost Pyongyang’s nuclear and weapons ambitions.
Read the full story here.
SEOUL — Weapons deals are expected to be top of the agenda as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is set to arrive in Russia for a meeting with President Vladimir Putin, while Moscow looks to replenish its depleted stockpiles in its war against Ukraine.
Kim was invited by Putin to arrive in the coming days, according to Russia’s Tass news agency and North Korea’s state media. South Korean media reported Monday that Kim had departed for the Russian port city of Vladivostok, citing unnamed officials.
The meeting is likely to fuel concerns in Washington and like-minded capitals about increased military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang at a critical juncture in Russia’s war in Ukraine. U.S. and South Korean officials also have warned that North Korea may seek critical technologies from Russia to boost Pyongyang’s nuclear and weapons ambitions.
Read the full story here.
Here is the latest from Ukraine:
- A pair of volunteer aid workers killed near Ukraine’s front line have been identified as 32-year-old Spanish national Emma Igual and Canadian Anthony “Tonko” Ihnat, according to the Spanish government and the international aid group they worked for.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin invited North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for an official visit set to take place in the next few days, the Kremlin announced. It would mark their first meeting since 2019.
- Ukrainian forces recaptured a group of oil and gas drilling platforms off the coast of the Crimean Peninsula, Kyiv’s military intelligence agency said Monday.
- Poland said it is ready to impose a unilateral ban on the import of Ukrainian grain if the European Commission refuses to extend the current restrictions past Sept. 15.
More live updates here.
- A pair of volunteer aid workers killed near Ukraine’s front line have been identified as 32-year-old Spanish national Emma Igual and Canadian Anthony “Tonko” Ihnat, according to the Spanish government and the international aid group they worked for.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin invited North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for an official visit set to take place in the next few days, the Kremlin announced. It would mark their first meeting since 2019.
- Ukrainian forces recaptured a group of oil and gas drilling platforms off the coast of the Crimean Peninsula, Kyiv’s military intelligence agency said Monday.
- Poland said it is ready to impose a unilateral ban on the import of Ukrainian grain if the European Commission refuses to extend the current restrictions past Sept. 15.
More live updates here.
Here is the latest from Ukraine:
- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has arrived in Russia with a rare bargaining chip ahead of his meeting with President Vladimir Putin. (His mode of transport? A luxurious, exceptionally slow-moving armored train).
- Washington expects the two leaders to discuss a possible weapons deal to bolster Russia’s fighting forces in Ukraine. Here’s why they are meeting and what Putin and Kim may want.
- Ukraine’s military intelligence agency said their forces recaptured a strategic group of oil and gas drilling platforms off the coast of the Crimean Peninsula, which were seized by Russia in 2015 and used for military purposes.
- Britain’s Defense Ministry said Russia has in recent weeks “recalibrated” the air defense system protecting Moscow. The move is “almost certainly” designed to “allow the system to detect and engage” drones, which have been used in near-daily attacks against the Russian capital, the ministry said.
More live updates here.
- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has arrived in Russia with a rare bargaining chip ahead of his meeting with President Vladimir Putin. (His mode of transport? A luxurious, exceptionally slow-moving armored train).
- Washington expects the two leaders to discuss a possible weapons deal to bolster Russia’s fighting forces in Ukraine. Here’s why they are meeting and what Putin and Kim may want.
- Ukraine’s military intelligence agency said their forces recaptured a strategic group of oil and gas drilling platforms off the coast of the Crimean Peninsula, which were seized by Russia in 2015 and used for military purposes.
- Britain’s Defense Ministry said Russia has in recent weeks “recalibrated” the air defense system protecting Moscow. The move is “almost certainly” designed to “allow the system to detect and engage” drones, which have been used in near-daily attacks against the Russian capital, the ministry said.
More live updates here.
The Russian and North Korean leaders are set to meet. Why, and why now?
SEOUL — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to meet in Vladivostok this week, their first summit since 2019, amid warming relations between the two countries.
The encounter is expected to take place on the sidelines of the annual Eastern Economic Forum in the Russian port city, which continues through Wednesday. Putin’s summit with Kim is likely to take place that day, according to South Korean analysts.
This will be Kim’s first known international trip since imposing a strict pandemic border closure in early 2020.
The two leaders are expected to discuss weapons, laborers and food transfers as both countries’ mutual interests align in their efforts to reduce U.S. influence in the region.
Here's what you need to know.
SEOUL — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to meet in Vladivostok this week, their first summit since 2019, amid warming relations between the two countries.
The encounter is expected to take place on the sidelines of the annual Eastern Economic Forum in the Russian port city, which continues through Wednesday. Putin’s summit with Kim is likely to take place that day, according to South Korean analysts.
This will be Kim’s first known international trip since imposing a strict pandemic border closure in early 2020.
The two leaders are expected to discuss weapons, laborers and food transfers as both countries’ mutual interests align in their efforts to reduce U.S. influence in the region.
Here's what you need to know.
George W. Bush recalls dinner served by Wagner’s Prigozhin: ‘I survived’
Former president George W. Bush was recently surprised to realize he was served by Wagner mercenary group boss Yevgeniy Prigozhin during a dinner with Russian President Vladimir Putin years ago.
Bush, 77, was asked during a conference over the weekend whether he was shocked to learn of the recent death of Prigozhin in a plane crash months after he led a failed rebellion against the Russian military leadership.
“No,” Bush replied. “What’s shocking to me is I saw a picture the other day of a G-8 summit in St. Petersburg, where he was the guy serving me the food,” Bush said. “He was Putin’s chef.”
The image was taken as Bush and his wife, Laura, attended a dinner with Putin and his then-wife, Lyudmila, in 2006, during a Group of Eight summit. Prigozhin is seen leaning close to Bush’s shoulder while holding out a drink bottle.
Read the full story here.
Former president George W. Bush was recently surprised to realize he was served by Wagner mercenary group boss Yevgeniy Prigozhin during a dinner with Russian President Vladimir Putin years ago.
Bush, 77, was asked during a conference over the weekend whether he was shocked to learn of the recent death of Prigozhin in a plane crash months after he led a failed rebellion against the Russian military leadership.
“No,” Bush replied. “What’s shocking to me is I saw a picture the other day of a G-8 summit in St. Petersburg, where he was the guy serving me the food,” Bush said. “He was Putin’s chef.”
The image was taken as Bush and his wife, Laura, attended a dinner with Putin and his then-wife, Lyudmila, in 2006, during a Group of Eight summit. Prigozhin is seen leaning close to Bush’s shoulder while holding out a drink bottle.
Read the full story here.
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Here is the latest from Ukraine:
- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in Russia for a rare summit with President Vladimir Putin, during which Washington expects the two leaders to discuss an arms deal.
- Ukraine’s military intelligence agency said its forces recaptured a strategic group of oil and gas drilling platforms off the coast of the Crimean Peninsula, which were seized by Russia in 2015 and used for military purposes.
- Britain’s Defense Ministry said Russia in recent weeks has “recalibrated” the air defense system protecting Moscow.
- Putin said Western delivery of F-16s to Ukraine “just prolongs the conflict” and will not “change” the course of the war.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on citizens to maintain their focus on the war in his nightly address, suggesting they are gearing up for the long haul.
More live updates here.
- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in Russia for a rare summit with President Vladimir Putin, during which Washington expects the two leaders to discuss an arms deal.
- Ukraine’s military intelligence agency said its forces recaptured a strategic group of oil and gas drilling platforms off the coast of the Crimean Peninsula, which were seized by Russia in 2015 and used for military purposes.
- Britain’s Defense Ministry said Russia in recent weeks has “recalibrated” the air defense system protecting Moscow.
- Putin said Western delivery of F-16s to Ukraine “just prolongs the conflict” and will not “change” the course of the war.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on citizens to maintain their focus on the war in his nightly address, suggesting they are gearing up for the long haul.
More live updates here.
Russia’s Putin welcomes North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to spaceport
SEOUL — Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to the Vostochny Cosmodrome Wednesday with smiles and warm words, taking him on a tour of the launch complex at the start of their first meeting in four years.
The meeting, the first encounter between the two leaders since 2019, appears designed to show that the two leaders will support each other, a rebuff to American-led efforts to isolate Putin over his invasion of Ukraine and Kim over his pursuit of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles.
The two leaders put on a show of bonhomie when they met.
Putin greeted Kim as he got out of a black car at the spaceport in the far eastern Amur region, and the two men shook hands and exchanged welcome greetings, according to a video released by the Kremlin on its Telegram channel.
Read the full story here.
SEOUL — Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to the Vostochny Cosmodrome Wednesday with smiles and warm words, taking him on a tour of the launch complex at the start of their first meeting in four years.
The meeting, the first encounter between the two leaders since 2019, appears designed to show that the two leaders will support each other, a rebuff to American-led efforts to isolate Putin over his invasion of Ukraine and Kim over his pursuit of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles.
The two leaders put on a show of bonhomie when they met.
Putin greeted Kim as he got out of a black car at the spaceport in the far eastern Amur region, and the two men shook hands and exchanged welcome greetings, according to a video released by the Kremlin on its Telegram channel.
Read the full story here.