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.
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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.
In time of war, Russia turns up aggression on transgender citizens
When Russian authorities took away Yan Dvorkin’s 10-year-old adopted son last spring, there was nothing he could do but shout in frustration. His crime? He was a transgender, nonbinary person, married to a man.
The family had fallen afoul of one of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s most vehement obsessions, his rejection of what he sees as Western “degradation and degeneration,” in particular transgender people, leading to a raft of repressive laws and, according to LGBTQ+ activists, rising street violence against transgender people.
Putin has framed the Ukraine invasion as a war against “Satanists,” liberal Western values, and “parent number one and parent number two.” His venom is echoed by everyone from state television propagandists to politicians and, as the war has ground on, Russia has witnessed increasingly harsh measures against these groups.
Read the full story here.
When Russian authorities took away Yan Dvorkin’s 10-year-old adopted son last spring, there was nothing he could do but shout in frustration. His crime? He was a transgender, nonbinary person, married to a man.
The family had fallen afoul of one of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s most vehement obsessions, his rejection of what he sees as Western “degradation and degeneration,” in particular transgender people, leading to a raft of repressive laws and, according to LGBTQ+ activists, rising street violence against transgender people.
Putin has framed the Ukraine invasion as a war against “Satanists,” liberal Western values, and “parent number one and parent number two.” His venom is echoed by everyone from state television propagandists to politicians and, as the war has ground on, Russia has witnessed increasingly harsh measures against these groups.
Read the full story here.
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Kim pledges to back Putin’s ‘sacred struggle’ during rare summit
SEOUL — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called his country’s relations with Russia his top priority and pledged full support to President Vladimir Putin and his government amid the war in Ukraine, as the leaders met Wednesday for the first time in four years at a space facility in Russia’s far east.
Their remarks underscored the apparent message of the meeting: The two leaders, regarded as outcasts by the West, will back each other to the hilt, in a rebuff to U.S.-led efforts to isolate Putin over his invasion of Ukraine and Kim over his pursuit of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles.
The meeting follows months of U.S. intelligence assessments that Russia is looking get more of North Korea’s weaponry to replenish its dwindling supplies for the war in Ukraine, while Pyongyang is seeking to boost its beleaguered economy and get Moscow to share advanced technology for its satellite and nuclear programs.
Read the full story here.
SEOUL — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called his country’s relations with Russia his top priority and pledged full support to President Vladimir Putin and his government amid the war in Ukraine, as the leaders met Wednesday for the first time in four years at a space facility in Russia’s far east.
Their remarks underscored the apparent message of the meeting: The two leaders, regarded as outcasts by the West, will back each other to the hilt, in a rebuff to U.S.-led efforts to isolate Putin over his invasion of Ukraine and Kim over his pursuit of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles.
The meeting follows months of U.S. intelligence assessments that Russia is looking get more of North Korea’s weaponry to replenish its dwindling supplies for the war in Ukraine, while Pyongyang is seeking to boost its beleaguered economy and get Moscow to share advanced technology for its satellite and nuclear programs.
Read the full story here.
Here is the latest from Ukraine:
- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un used his first meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in four years to state that his country views relations with Russia as a “first priority,” and he offered a complete endorsement of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and violation of recognized international borders.
- Drones attacked Ukraine’s Odessa region, Oleh Kiper, the Ukrainian governor of the area, said.
- Russia’s Defense Ministry said two ships undergoing repairs in Sevastopol were damaged by an attack that it blamed on Ukraine.
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Ukraine is making “great strides” toward joining the European Union.
- Romania’s Defense Ministry said that possible fragments of a Russian drone were found near Romania’s border with Ukraine.
- A representative of the Catholic pope is expected to arrive in China as part of a push to facilitate peace in Ukraine, Chinese and Vatican officials confirmed.
More live updates here.
- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un used his first meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in four years to state that his country views relations with Russia as a “first priority,” and he offered a complete endorsement of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and violation of recognized international borders.
- Drones attacked Ukraine’s Odessa region, Oleh Kiper, the Ukrainian governor of the area, said.
- Russia’s Defense Ministry said two ships undergoing repairs in Sevastopol were damaged by an attack that it blamed on Ukraine.
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Ukraine is making “great strides” toward joining the European Union.
- Romania’s Defense Ministry said that possible fragments of a Russian drone were found near Romania’s border with Ukraine.
- A representative of the Catholic pope is expected to arrive in China as part of a push to facilitate peace in Ukraine, Chinese and Vatican officials confirmed.
More live updates here.
Here is the latest from Ukraine:
- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un continues his visit to Russia’s Far East, where he is expected to visit aviation factories and inspect Russia’s Pacific naval fleet on Thursday.
- Putin accepted Kim’s invitation to visit North Korea “in the future,” according to the North’s official Korean Central News Agency. The Kremlin said Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will visit Pyongyang, the North Korean capital, next month.
- Kim was set to fly to the Russian city of Komsomolsk-on-Amur, deviating from his usual preference to travel by armored train, which he used to make the journey from Pyongyang to Vladivostok, along Russia’s eastern coast.
- Russia said it thwarted drone attacks over Bryansk Oblast, a region southwest of Moscow near the Ukrainian border.
More live updates here.
- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un continues his visit to Russia’s Far East, where he is expected to visit aviation factories and inspect Russia’s Pacific naval fleet on Thursday.
- Putin accepted Kim’s invitation to visit North Korea “in the future,” according to the North’s official Korean Central News Agency. The Kremlin said Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will visit Pyongyang, the North Korean capital, next month.
- Kim was set to fly to the Russian city of Komsomolsk-on-Amur, deviating from his usual preference to travel by armored train, which he used to make the journey from Pyongyang to Vladivostok, along Russia’s eastern coast.
- Russia said it thwarted drone attacks over Bryansk Oblast, a region southwest of Moscow near the Ukrainian border.
More live updates here.
Russia ramps up drone, guided bomb attacks to thwart counteroffensive
ZAPORIZHZHIA REGION, Ukraine —Russia’s defense of occupied territory in southern Ukraine began with dense spiderwebs of trench lines, hardened fortifications and stubby concrete dragon’s teeth. Now, months into Ukraine’s counteroffensive, the sky over the Zaporizhzhia region has become another threat for Ukraine to overcome.
Russian forces are bedeviling Ukrainian troops with attack drones and guided bombs, soldiers and analysts said, part of an evolving strategy to exploit Ukraine’s shortfalls, including limited air defense systems and having far fewer fighter jets than Moscow.
Moscow has stepped up aerial attacks in the region using two abundant weapons — self-detonating attack drones, and airplane bombs modified to make them more accurate. Together, they form a constant explosive drumbeat in the fight.
Read the full story here.
ZAPORIZHZHIA REGION, Ukraine —Russia’s defense of occupied territory in southern Ukraine began with dense spiderwebs of trench lines, hardened fortifications and stubby concrete dragon’s teeth. Now, months into Ukraine’s counteroffensive, the sky over the Zaporizhzhia region has become another threat for Ukraine to overcome.
Russian forces are bedeviling Ukrainian troops with attack drones and guided bombs, soldiers and analysts said, part of an evolving strategy to exploit Ukraine’s shortfalls, including limited air defense systems and having far fewer fighter jets than Moscow.
Moscow has stepped up aerial attacks in the region using two abundant weapons — self-detonating attack drones, and airplane bombs modified to make them more accurate. Together, they form a constant explosive drumbeat in the fight.
Read the full story here.
Analysis: Kim and Putin meeting shows just how much the leaders need each other
SEOUL — Russian President Vladimir Putin is notorious for making world leaders wait for scheduled meetings. Yet on Wednesday, Putin showed up 30 minutes early to greet North Korea’s Kim Jong Un.
Whether it was intentional or not, Putin’s unusual punctuality highlighted his keen interest in meeting with Kim — one of Putin’s only friends in the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The feeling was clearly reciprocated by the days-long train journey taken by his Korean counterpart in his first trip abroad in four years.
The meeting of the two leaders — who have become pariahs in the West — marks just how much they need each other at this time.
For Putin, it is mostly a short-term need for the Soviet-era ammunition to prosecute his war in Ukraine; Kim’s needs are more long term, including technical assistance to develop weapons, a space program and boost his economy.
Read the full analysis here.
SEOUL — Russian President Vladimir Putin is notorious for making world leaders wait for scheduled meetings. Yet on Wednesday, Putin showed up 30 minutes early to greet North Korea’s Kim Jong Un.
Whether it was intentional or not, Putin’s unusual punctuality highlighted his keen interest in meeting with Kim — one of Putin’s only friends in the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The feeling was clearly reciprocated by the days-long train journey taken by his Korean counterpart in his first trip abroad in four years.
The meeting of the two leaders — who have become pariahs in the West — marks just how much they need each other at this time.
For Putin, it is mostly a short-term need for the Soviet-era ammunition to prosecute his war in Ukraine; Kim’s needs are more long term, including technical assistance to develop weapons, a space program and boost his economy.
Read the full analysis here.
Here is the latest from UIkraine:
- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un continues his visit to Russia’s Far East, where he is expected to tour an aviation factory and inspect Russia’s Pacific naval fleet this week.
- Ukraine has claimed a number of strikes on Russian military sites on Crimea, with Ukrainian news outlets also reporting that an S-400 air defense system was destroyed on the illegally occupied peninsula on Thursday.
- The White House is monitoring developments from the Putin-Kim summit, according to White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby.
- Russia claimed to have it stopped an attempted drone assault on Crimea and an attempted attack on a patrol boat belonging to Russia’s Black Sea Fleet on Thursday.
- Russia said it thwarted drone attacks over Bryansk Oblast, a region southwest of Moscow near the Ukrainian border.
- Russian officials accused Ukraine of shelling a village in the Kursk region overnight, killing one person and injuring another.
More live updates here.
- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un continues his visit to Russia’s Far East, where he is expected to tour an aviation factory and inspect Russia’s Pacific naval fleet this week.
- Ukraine has claimed a number of strikes on Russian military sites on Crimea, with Ukrainian news outlets also reporting that an S-400 air defense system was destroyed on the illegally occupied peninsula on Thursday.
- The White House is monitoring developments from the Putin-Kim summit, according to White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby.
- Russia claimed to have it stopped an attempted drone assault on Crimea and an attempted attack on a patrol boat belonging to Russia’s Black Sea Fleet on Thursday.
- Russia said it thwarted drone attacks over Bryansk Oblast, a region southwest of Moscow near the Ukrainian border.
- Russian officials accused Ukraine of shelling a village in the Kursk region overnight, killing one person and injuring another.
More live updates here.