Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Mongolia went smoothly despite an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for war crimes. Mongolia, an ICC member, did not detain Putin, drawing criticism from Ukraine and European allies. During the visit, Putin and Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh signed agreements on energy, petroleum supplies, and environmental protection. The Kremlin dismissed the ICC’s influence, emphasizing Russia’s strong international relationships. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the ICC would not hinder Russia’s global partnerships, highlighting significant international interest in Russia. Penelope Kingsley 04/09/2024 1:30 pm
Russian missiles struck Lviv in western Ukraine early Wednesday, killing at least seven people, including three children, and injuring over 30, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and local officials. The attack damaged residential buildings, schools, and medical institutions. Firefighters are still rescuing people from the debris. This marks Lviv’s worst strike since last year. The attack is part of a broader pattern of intensified Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities, targeting both civilian and military sites, aiming to intimidate and cause widespread destruction, Ukrainian officials said. Ava Sinclair 04/09/2024 1:30 pm
In a tent near al-Zawayda, Gaza, 35-year-old Nevin Abu al-Jidyan sat beside her youngest child, Abdul Rahman, who lay in a plastic baby seat. Once vibrant and active, Abdul Rahman, who turned one on September 1, is now bedridden after contracting polio, the first case in Gaza in 25 years. Nevin, pale and tearful, recalls his energetic past, contrasting it with his current immobility. About two months ago, he developed a high fever and began vomiting, leading to his current condition. Ava Sinclair 04/09/2024 1:30 pm
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba resigned ahead of a major government reshuffle, following a wave of Russian attacks that killed at least seven people. Kuleba, a key figure in Zelensky’s administration, is among several top officials stepping down, including two vice premiers and three ministers. Zelensky has not explained the reshuffle but emphasized the importance of the coming fall for Ukraine. The changes come as Zelensky prepares for a US visit, where he plans to present a new “victory plan” to President Biden. The reshuffle aims to inject new energy into the government. Penelope Kingsley 04/09/2024 1:30 pm
Two ballistic missiles struck a military academy and nearby hospital in Poltava, Ukraine, killing over 50 and wounding more than 200. The attack, one of the deadliest by Russian forces since the war began, caused significant damage to the Poltava Military Institute of Communication. On Wednesday, a Russian attack on Lviv killed seven, including three children. Lviv, near Poland’s border, has mostly been spared but faced recent energy infrastructure strikes. Russia also targeted Kyiv and other regions. President Zelenskyy condemned the attacks and ordered an investigation. Penelope Kingsley 04/09/2024 1:30 pm
Ukraine is undergoing a major government shake-up with the resignation of at least seven ministers and senior officials, including Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and Minister for Strategic Industries Oleksandr Kamyshin. Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna and other key ministers also resigned, leaving about a third of cabinet positions vacant. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who signaled a major reshuffle last week, emphasized the need for change to achieve critical results amid the ongoing war with Russia. Zelenskyy also fired deputy chief of staff Rostyslav Shurma. More ministerial changes are expected soon. Penelope Kingsley 04/09/2024 10:00 am
President Biden’s “no” to whether Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is doing enough to free hostages held by Hamas sparked criticism. Biden made the remark before a Situation Room meeting after the murder of six hostages, including Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin. Netanyahu denied responsibility, citing Hamas’s unwillingness to negotiate. He emphasized efforts to bring the hostages home and defended a Cabinet decision to keep the IDF along the Philadelphi Corridor. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre clarified Biden’s stance, stressing Hamas’s culpability. Caroline Glick, a former Netanyahu adviser, commented on the situation. Penelope Kingsley 04/09/2024 10:00 am
Wednesday’s papers cover various stories. The Guardian reports 12 deaths after a boat sank in the Channel, with charities urging safer migrant routes. The Daily Mail highlights pressure on the government to stop smuggling gangs. The Daily Telegraph discusses potential changes to the Right to Buy policy for council homes. Several papers report a 14-year-old’s arrest for the murder of an 80-year-old dog walker. The Times claims Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer disagrees with Washington over suspending some UK arms sales to Israel. Ava Sinclair 04/09/2024 10:00 am
Hvaldimir, a beluga whale believed to have escaped a past as a Russian spy, was found dead under unnatural circumstances. Discovered in 2019 off Norway’s coast wearing a camera harness, Hvaldimir gained fame for his friendly demeanor and interactions with humans. Despite his popularity, he faced dangers, including boat injuries and survival challenges as a solitary whale. His case inspired nonprofits like OneWhale and Marine Mind, which worked to protect him and raise marine conservation awareness. OneWhale was attempting to relocate him to a wild beluga population in the Arctic with Norway’s government’s permission. Noah Prescott 04/09/2024 6:30 am
Seven people, including three children, were killed in Lviv, Ukraine, during Russian drone and hypersonic missile attacks, according to Mayor Andriy Sadovy. This follows a deadly strike on a military institute in Poltava. Explosions were also reported in Kyiv, and five people were injured in Kryvyy Rih. Ukraine is under a nationwide air alert, with residential buildings and schools affected. President Zelensky vowed retaliation and called for more air defenses. Lviv, previously less affected by the war, faced recent energy infrastructure attacks. Moscow has not commented. Ireland plans to announce new funding for Ukraine. Penelope Kingsley 04/09/2024 6:30 am
