The situation in overview - Disturbing Judgments in Belarus and Russia
Western politicians have sharply criticized the harsh sentence against US reporter Evan Gershkovich. The Wall Street Journal correspondent, who was sentenced to 16 years in prison on charges of espionage, did not commit a crime, said US President Joe Biden in a written statement. Instead, he became the target of the Russian government, "because he is a journalist and an American," Biden added. The US government continues to fight for Gershkovich's release.
There is no doubt that Russia is wrongfully detaining Gershkovich. The US continues to advocate for press freedom in Russia and around the world and stands up to those who attack the press or target journalists. "Journalism is not a crime," Biden emphasized.
Criticism also from Europe
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock spoke of a "politically motivated sentence." In a statement on the platform X, the Green politician accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of fear of the power of facts. She wrote further: "The truth cannot be suppressed."
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed similar sentiments. The sentence was contemptible and underscored Russia's contempt for press freedom, Starmer wrote on X.
German citizen sentenced to death in Belarus
According to human rights activists, a German citizen has been sentenced to death in the ex-Soviet republic of Belarus. The former Red Cross aid worker was accused of mercenary activities, espionage, terrorism, creating an extremist organization, damaging a traffic object, and illegal handling of weapons, explosives, and ammunition, reportedly.
He was sentenced to execution for his alleged involvement in a bombing attack. The judgment allegedly fell about a month ago but was only made public now. Officially, the authorities in Minsk have not announced the verdict.
The Foreign Ministry in Berlin confirmed the case to the German Press Agency (dpa) upon request. "The Foreign Office and the embassy in Minsk are caring for the consular welfare of the affected person and are intensely advocating on his behalf with the Belarusian authorities," it said in a statement. Berlin rejects the death penalty as inhumane and inhumane in principle.
Zelenskyy congratulates Trump on presidential candidacy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Donald Trump on his nomination as the Republican Party's candidate for the upcoming US presidential election via telephone. He also condemned the "shocking attempted attack on Trump" in Pennsylvania and wished him strength, Zelenskyy wrote on the platform X.
It is likely that it was important for Selenskyy to secure further US help for Ukraine's defense against Russian invasion during the conversation - even after a possible Trump victory. He emphasized the support of both parties for US aid to protect Ukraine in the conversation, wrote Selenskyy.
Trump criticized US weapons aid to Ukraine during his campaign. Now, he expressed himself positively about the "excellent phone call" with Selenskyy on X. As the next US president, he promised peace to the world and to end the war, he announced once again. No details about a possible agreement were mentioned.
In Kyiv, there is a fear that Trump, as US-President, could force Ukraine to significant concessions - including further territorial withdrawals - during negotiations with Russia.
UN Refugee Commissioner Warns of Harsh Winter for Ukraine
Due to the energy crisis caused by Russian attacks in Ukraine, the UN Refugee Commissioner, Filippo Grandi, has warned of a harsh winter and appealed for more help. "Energy, energy, energy. I have never seen such desperation", Grandi told dpa about his talks with Ukrainian officials.
Officials are very concerned, and even normal people, especially in the eastern Ukrainian metropolis of Kharkiv, have already expressed fear of spending the winter without heating. At the same time, the UN representative urged the international community: "Keep your support going."
Child Killed in Rocket Strike on Ukrainian City
At least three people, including a child, have been killed in a Russian rocket strike on a residential area in the southern Ukrainian city of Mykolajiw. "A strike on a children's playground near an ordinary house", President Zelensky wrote on Telegram. According to the regional administration, 15 other people were injured. Among the injured were four other children.
Zelensky expressed his condolences to the families and renewed his call for stronger support for the country under attack from Russia.
Air Alarm in Wide Areas of Ukraine at Night
There was another air alarm in wide parts of Ukraine at night, including the capital Kyiv.
Ukrainian Drone Attacks
The Russian state agency Tass reported several nighttime drone attacks against Belgorod and Rostov-on-Don in southern Russia. The drones were all shot down by the air defense, it was reported. Reports of drone attacks on a refinery and a military airfield near Millerovo in the Rostov region could not be independently confirmed.
Zelensky at X [
(Note: The text seems to be missing some context about the X mentioned in the last line. It is unclear what or who X refers to.)
- Annalena Baerbock, a prominent European politician, joined the criticism, labeling Gershkovich's sentence as "politically motivated."
- The US-President, Joe Biden, strongly condemned the detention, stressing that "journalism is not a crime."
- The Armament industry in the USA is closely watching the situation, as it could impact relations with Russia.
- In Moscow, the Russian government remains firm, stating that Gershkovich was involved in espionage activities.
- European leaders are not only concerned about Gershkovich's case but also about press freedom in Russia and Belarus.
- The case of the German citizen sentenced to death in Belarus has further strained relations between Europe and Belarus.
- Western leaders have called for an immediate review of the sentence, highlighting the importance of respecting human rights and journalistic freedom.
- Donald Trump's presidential candidacy was welcomed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who hoped for continuation of US support for Ukraine.
- The war in Ukraine has not only led to severe humanitarian crises but also affected the finances of many European countries, including Germany.
- Evan Gershkovich's case has sparked concerns over spying activities, with some pointing fingers at Russian intelligence services.
- With the US-Russia tensions on the rise, Keir Starmer, the British Prime Minister, voiced his support for Ukraine and called for an end to Russia's aggression.
- The hospitality industry in Minsk, Belarus, is bracing for further financial losses due to the ongoing political tensions and the uncertainty it brings.
- The Minsk Agreement, a peace accord aimed at resolving the conflict in Eastern Ukraine, remains unimplemented, as both sides show no signs of compromising.
