Putin Meets With Commanders in Russia-Occupied Ukraine After Military Shakeup
Russian President Vladimir Putin made a rare visit (WaPo) to meet with military commanders in the Kherson and Luhansk regions in Ukraine, the Kremlin said, months after a shakeup in Russia’s military leadership. News of his visits came as jailed Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich appeared in a Moscow court (BBC) for the first time. The court denied the appeal of his arrest on espionage charges, which the U.S. government and his employer reject.
“Putin’s visit also provided an opportunity for him to demonstrate the Kremlin’s support for recent high-profile appointments within Russia’s military ranks—the latest in a series of reshuffles that experts say is indicative of a dysfunctional chain of command and a core reason that Russia so far has failed to achieve the key goals of its brutal invasion,” the Washington Post’s Mary Ilyushina writes.
Report: Taiwan to Buy Four Hundred Land-Launched Missiles From U.S.
Taiwan had previously purchased (Bloomberg) ship-launched versions of the same missile. The $1.7 billion deal comes amid a period of heightened tensions between the United States and China.
U.S./China: U.S. prosecutors unsealed criminal charges (NYT) against two men accused of running a clandestine Chinese police outpost in New York that was used to harass Chinese dissidents.
South and Central Asia
India’s Top Court Begins Hearing on Same-Sex Marriage
A five-judge panel will begin hearing petitions (Mint) today seeking the legalization of same-sex marriages. India’s central government has opposed legalizing same-sex marriage, saying it would wreak “complete havoc” on the country.
Bangladesh: Bangladesh will use the Chinese yuan (Bloomberg) to repay about $300 million worth of debt to Russia for building a power plant in the capital, Dhaka. The deal comes as some countries, such as China and India, seek to reduce their reliance on the U.S. dollar.
Middle East and North Africa
Leaked Documents: Egypt Gave Ukraine Weapons
Egypt halted a plan to supply rockets to Russia last month, instead choosing to send artillery ammunition to Ukraine, according to leaked U.S. intelligence documents seen by the Washington Post. The reversal came after talks between U.S. and Egyptian officials.
Saudi Arabia/Syria: Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister visited Syria (The National) today for the first time since the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad began in 2011, resulting in Syria’s suspension from the Arab League.
Sub-Saharan Africa
Sudan Death Toll Surpasses One Hundred
At least 185 people have been killed (Al Jazeera) and more than one thousand injured amid fighting between Sudan’s military and the paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces, the UN envoy to Sudan said.
Uganda: The country’s assistant finance minister was charged with corruption (Reuters) related to an embezzlement of funds meant for an aid project in northeast Uganda. He is the second minister to be charged in the matter.
Europe
U.S. Approves Sale of Jet Software Upgrade to Turkey While Larger Sales Remain on Hold
The sale, valued at up to $259 million, will help Turkey upgrade its fleet of F-16 fighter jets (Reuters). U.S. lawmakers have stopped short of approving a larger request from Turkey for new jets due to issues relating to Greece, Russia, and Syria.
Americas
NYT: Mexico Is Most Prolific User of Pegasus Spyware
Mexico’s government has continued to use the spyware on human rights defenders in recent months despite pledging to stop, the New York Times reported.
Canada: The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) paused its use of Twitter (AP) after the social media platform labeled the company as “government-funded media.” CBC says the label aimed to undermine its credibility.
