September 9, 2023 at 1:23 a.m. EDT
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he would not reach a compromise with Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he called a liar. Zelensky made these remarks during an interview with CNN, where he discussed the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.
Zelensky expressed his willingness to engage in dialogue and compromise with those who are willing, but stated that he cannot do so with someone he considers to be a liar. He pointed to the recent death of Yevgeniy Prigozhin, the former head of the Wagner mercenary group, as proof of Putin’s untrustworthiness. Prigozhin, who had mutinied against the Kremlin but later reached a deal with Putin, died in a plane crash under unclear circumstances.
In other news, Ukraine has frozen the assets of Ihor Kolomoisky, a tycoon facing graft allegations and already under indictment and sanctions in the United States. Ukraine’s anti-graft office stated that they have frozen shares in over 300 companies under Kolomoisky’s control, along with real estate and vehicles worth over $80 million.
The war in Ukraine is set to take center stage at the upcoming Group of 20 economic summit. Russian President Putin will not be attending the summit, but Russia’s defense minister is expected to take his place.
An advisor to Zelensky criticized SpaceX owner Elon Musk for cutting off Starlink satellite internet services to Ukrainian submarine drones. Musk defended his decision, stating that he did not want SpaceX to be involved in a major act of war. Ukrainian troops heavily rely on Starlink services for various tasks, including communication and directing drones.
In a devastating attack, a Russian missile strike hit Zelensky’s hometown of Kryvyi Rih, resulting in one death and over 70 injuries. The strike destroyed a police administration building.
The CIA has released a recruitment video targeting disaffected Russian officials, highlighting the importance of truthful reporting. The video shows a Russian government official walking through the streets of a Russian city before entering a secured facility.
Cuba has arrested 17 people for allegedly recruiting Cubans to fight for Russia in Ukraine. Cuban officials have stated that Cuba is not involved in the war in Ukraine.
According to new government data, Spanish imports of Russian gas are increasing, despite EU pressure to reduce dependence on Russian gas. About 28 percent of Spain’s gas came from Russia in July, nearly doubling from the previous year.
The war in Ukraine has also had a significant impact on international adoptions. Ukrainian officials have halted international adoptions until the end of the war, leaving around 200 American families seeking to adopt from Ukraine in limbo.
Pavlo Shulha, the Ukrainian head of Kidsave, an international charity helping place orphans with families, expressed concern over the delayed adoptions, stating that it compounds the trauma of abandonment experienced by the children.
As the war in Ukraine continues, its ripple effects are felt across the globe, with tensions escalating and various geopolitical consequences arising. The international community closely watches the situation, hoping for a resolution and an end to the bloodshed.