Kremlin’s Baltic Sea sabotage ship was reportedly loaded with spy gear
A Russian-linked tanker called the Eagle S, which is suspected of intentionally cutting Baltic Sea power and data cables, was also loaded with “spy equipment.” That’s what a source close to Finnish authorities, who seized the ship, told The Telegraph on Saturday, Dec. 28.
The Finnish coast guard crew that inspected the Cook Islands-registered vessel reportedly found evidence of equipment used to monitor NATO’s naval ships and aircraft.
According to the anonymous source, the ship was full of “huge portable suitcases” and “many laptops,” revealing the Eagle S dropped “sensor type devices” in the English Channel, and would unload the recording equipment once it reached Russia.
However, the anonymous source could not confirm if the recording equipment was still onboard when the Finnish coast guard seized the vessel.
The source did say that the Eagle S crew members would have been aware of Russian spying, but most likely kept quiet because of threats to their lives from Moscow. After the ship’s seizure, the Helsinki Police Department moved the Eagle S from the Gulf of Finland to a better location for a more thorough investigation.
NATO also announced it is increasing its presence in the region in response to the suspected Russian sabotage of Estlink-2 and other undersea cables recently.
Finland reportedly believes the Eagle S is part of a “shadow fleet” of old tankers being used to escape sanctions on Russian oil and now potentially spying.
The Kremlin denied it had anything to do with damage to any of the telecommunication lines in the Baltic Sea, and said Finland’s capture of the Eagle S is of little concern to Russia.
Russia issues mass grave manual, highlighting heavy toll in Ukraine war
Russia’s Emergency Ministry has issued a manual instructing its troops on digging mass graves as casualties in Ukraine escalate. Distributed in early November, the 20-page manual includes step-by-step diagrams for constructing graves capable of holding up to 100 bodies.
The manual is called the “Civil Defense: Urgent Burials of Corpses in Wartime.” It specifies grave dimensions of more than 60 feet in length and six feet in depth. The mass graves require over 360 man-hours to complete, according to the manual.
The publication includes guidelines on when mass cremation is permissible and measures to prevent contamination from biological or chemical materials.
Reports indicate that Russian casualties in the war have reached over 700,000 dead and wounded. The figure is linked to Russia’s high-casualty “meat-wave” assault tactics.
These tactics send successive waves of troops to overwhelm Ukrainian positions, which has resulted in significant losses on the Russian side.
In response to personnel shortages, Russia has increased financial incentives. Russian officials have targeted migrant workers for recruitment, and enlisted individuals from economically struggling regions.
Russia’s ally, North Korea, has reportedly sent up to 12,000 soldiers to bolster Russian efforts in eastern Ukraine, where one of Moscow’s strongest offensives since the start of the war is currently underway.
Military analysts suggest the new manual on mass casualty management reflects Moscow’s resolve to continue its campaign, despite the significant human cost involved.
Freed American Paul Whelan describes years inside Russian prison
Former Marine Paul Whelan has shared new details about his over five-year imprisonment in Russia, including allegations of psychological and physical abuse. Whelan, who was released in August as part of a multination prisoner swap, credits WNBA star Brittney Griner for helping keep his case in the public eye.
Whelan was arrested in 2018 on charges of espionage that he and U.S. officials have repeatedly denied.
For more than five years, Whelan endured what he described as dire conditions, including insufficient food, medical neglect, and continuous pressure from Russian authorities to confess to spying for the U.S. government.
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Among those advocates was Griner, who herself was detained in Russia in 2022 on drug charges. After her release in a high-profile swap for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, Griner became a vocal supporter of Whelan, using her platform to raise awareness about his continued imprisonment.
Whelan was not part of the 2022 prisoner swap that freed Griner, a decision that left him fearing for his life.
He said he believed being left behind meant the U.S. had effectively signed a “death warrant” for him. However, in August, Whelan’s long-awaited release was secured in a multination agreement, which also freed Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and several other prisoners.
Now back home in Michigan, Whelan is struggling to reintegrate into civilian life. He has described dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder and concerns about finding work after his long absence.
Whelan remains committed to advocating for other Americans who remain detained overseas, much like Griner did for him.
Putin orders major expansion of Russian military by 180,000 troops
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to expand the size of the country’s armed forces by 180,000 troops, increasing the total military personnel to nearly 2.4 million. The decision comes as Moscow continues its protracted military campaign in Ukraine, which began in February 2022.
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The new decree will increase the number of combat troops to 1.5 million, a move designed to bolster Russian forces as they face increasing pressure from Ukrainian counteroffensives. The expansion will officially take effect on Dec. 1, 2024.
This is the third major troop increase since the start of the war. Last year, Putin ordered a mobilization of 300,000 reservists after Ukrainian forces made significant territorial gains in eastern Ukraine. That mobilization sparked protests and led to a mass exodus of Russians fleeing the draft. Since then, the Kremlin has shifted its recruitment efforts toward volunteer soldiers, offering high wages to fill the ranks.
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The latest troop boost follows a recent incursion by Ukrainian forces into Russia’s southern Kursk region, marking the first foreign invasion of Russian territory since World War II. Russian officials have also reported ongoing efforts to push back Ukrainian forces in the eastern Donbas region, where fighting has intensified in recent months.
While Moscow has not disclosed official casualty figures, reports suggest that personnel shortages have been a key challenge for the Russian military. Despite the increase in manpower, the conflict shows no signs of stopping.
Russian-American ballerina sentenced to 12 years for treason in Russia
A Russian court has sentenced a Russian-American ballerina to 12 years in prison for treason. Ksenia Karelina was arrested in February 2024 while visiting family in Russia.
Russian authorities took her into custody because she donated about $50 to a New York-based nonprofit organization that provides humanitarian assistance to Ukraine in its war with Russia.
Karelina became a U.S. citizen in 2021 and made the donation in 2022.
Russian authorities argued her funds were used to purchase tactical medical supplies, equipment, weapons and ammunition for the Ukrainian military, framing it as a threat to national security.
Activists have condemned the charges, arguing they stem from an act of charity rather than any intention to undermine the state.
Karelina pleaded guilty on Thursday, Aug. 15, following a closed-door trial earlier in August.
Since invading Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has sharply cracked down on dissent and has passed laws that criminalize criticism of the operation in Ukraine.
Karelina’s sentencing has exacerbated tensions between the United States and Russia, further straining diplomatic relations.
Her conviction follows a notable prisoner exchange that saw the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, in exchange for Russian agents imprisoned in other countries.
Russia sentences US journalist Evan Gershkovich to 16 years in penal colony
A Russian judge sentenced Evan Gershkovich, an American reporter jailed in Russia and charged with spying on a tank factory, to 16 years in a maximum security penal colony. The 32-year-old journalist’s sentence came down on Friday, July 19, after a fast, closed-door trial.
Gershkovich was working in Russia for The Wall Street Journal when he was arrested in March of 2023. Russia accused him of working for the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. Moscow said he tried to gather sensitive information on a tank factory that makes T-90Ms. Those are what Vladimir Putin called the “best tank in the world.”
The Wall Street Journal called the decision a “disgraceful sham conviction,” and that Russia wrongfully detained Gershkovich and kept from his family simply for doing his job.
“We will continue to do everything possible to press for Evan’s release and to support his family,” the WSJ said in a statement. “Journalism is not a crime, and we will not rest until he’s released.”
The U.S. State Department also rejected the allegations against Gershkovich, who is the first American journalist accused of spying in Russia since the Cold War. His trial moved quickly compared to most espionage cases there, leading some foreign affairs and national security experts to speculate that the journalist is part of a prisoner exchange.
Russian officials typically wrap up legal cases against foreign nationals before considering any sort of deals.
The Kremlin declined to comment on whether any negotiations to free Gershkovich, or any other Americans held in Russia, are taking place. However, Putin did previously state Russia is open to the idea of a prisoner exchange involving Gershkovich and another jailed American, former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan. Putin said contact with the U.S. had taken place, but must remain secret. The U.S. State Department does not speak publicly about ongoing negotiations on prisoner exchanges.
US pauses shipment of bombs to Israel amid concerns over Rafah operation
The U.S. paused a shipment of bombs to Israel amid concerns over an invasion in Rafah. Stormy Daniels testifies in the criminal trial of former President Donald Trump, prompting a bid for a mistrial by his legal team. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Wednesday, May 8, 2024.
US pauses shipment of bombs to Israel amid concerns over Rafah operation
The Biden administration confirmed Tuesday, May 7, that it paused ammunition shipments to Israel last week due to concerns about a major ground operation in Rafah, a Gaza border city. U.S. officials said the shipment included 3,500 bombs, some weighing 2,000 pounds, others weighing 500 pounds. This marks the first time the administration has delayed an arms delivery to Israel since the war began following Hamas’ terror attack in October.
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The pause in arms shipments occurred hours after the Israeli military sent tanks into Rafah in what the U.S. and Israel described as a “limited” operation. Israel forces seized control over the crossing with Egypt, a vital corridor for humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. The U.S. has repeatedly warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against a major offensive in Rafah, where over one million Palestinians have relocated.
House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized, R-La., the decision to withhold weapons, stating it does not reflect the “will of Congress” following the passage of the latest foreign aid bill last month.
President Joe Biden, speaking at a Holocaust remembrance ceremony at the Capitol, did not mention the delay but addressed the surge of antisemitism in America and around the world. He reaffirmed America’s support for Israel.
“To the Jewish community, I want you to know,” Biden said. “I see your fear, your hurt and your pain. Let me reassure you. As your president, you’re not alone. You belong. You always have, and you always will. And my commitment to the safety of the Jewish people, the security of Israel and its right to exist as an independent Jewish state is ironclad even when we disagree.”
Wednesday, May 8, is the deadline for the State Department to report to Congress on whether Israel’s use of U.S. weapons in Gaza is violating international humanitarian laws. Reuters reports the department is likely to miss this deadline. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is also expected to testify before the Senate Appropriations Committee today, where he will likely face questions about the administration’s policies.
Russian airstrikes damage Ukrainian energy facilities
Russian missiles and drones struck nearly a dozen Ukrainian infrastructure sites early Wednesday, May 8, damaging three Soviet-era thermal power plants. Ukrainian officials reported that the strikes injured three people and impacted energy facilities, homes and public transportation across several regions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strikes, which occurred on the same day Ukraine celebrates Victory Over Nazism in World War II. He called for global recognition of the threat posed by modern Nazism.
Russia has not immediately responded to these latest strikes.
Judge denies Trump’s motion for mistrial after Stormy Daniels’ testimony
The judge presiding over Donald Trump’s criminal trial in New York denied the former president’s legal team’s motion for a mistrial on Tuesday, May 7. Trump’s attorneys called for a mistrial as they argued that testimony by adult film star Stormy Daniels was “extraordinarily prejudicial.”
During her testimony, Daniels detailed an alleged sexual encounter with Trump, leading to numerous objections from the former president’s team. Trump’s attorneys argued her testimony was not relevant to the case, where Trump is accused of falsifying business records to hide hush money payments his former lawyer made to Daniels amid the 2016 presidential election.
While dismissing the motion for a retrial, the judge noted, “It would have been better if some of these things had been left unsaid,” but argued that Trump’s team should have raised more objections. Trump has denied the encounter with Daniels ever happened and has pleaded not guilty in the case.
Daniels is scheduled to return to the stand for further cross-examination on Thursday, May 9, when the trial resumes.
Body of 6th victim in Baltimore bridge collapse recovered
Crews have recovered the body of the final missing worker from the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge in March, as they prepare to demolish the wreckage.
The worker was among six killed when the container ship Dali lost power, struck a support column, and caused the bridge to collapse, halting most maritime traffic through Baltimore’s port.
Panera discontinuing Charged Lemonade following wrongful death lawsuits
Panera Bread announced it will discontinue its Charged Lemonade beverages nationwide following lawsuits linking the drink’s high caffeine content to at least two deaths.
A company spokesperson confirmed the decision on Tuesday, May 7, stating the drink is being discontinued as part of Panera’s “menu transformation,” but did not address the wrongful death lawsuits.
In October, the family of a 21-year-old University of Pennsylvania student with a heart condition filed a lawsuit alleging she died after consuming the beverage. In December, the family of a Florida man with a chromosomal deficiency disorder also filed a lawsuit after his death, which they claim was caused by the drink.
Following reports of the lawsuits, Panera updated its warnings, advising that the lemonade was not recommended for children, pregnant or nursing women, or people sensitive to caffeine.
Panera has previously stated it stands by the safety of its products.
OpenAI partners with publisher of People magazine
OpenAI has partnered with Dotdash Meredith, the publisher of People magazine, to enhance its ChatGPT system. Dotdash Meredith said the collaboration will incorporate “trusted content” from the company’s array of brands — including “Better Homes and Gardens,” “Food and Wine,” and “InStyle” — providing ChatGPT with access to recipes, health information, entertainment coverage and product reviews.
As part of the licensing agreement, ChatGPT users will soon find links to the publisher’s various sites in relevant responses. Additionally, OpenAI will collaborate with Dotdash Meredith to develop new AI products for its readers and improve its ad-targeting tools.
China upholds death sentence for wrongly detained American Mark Swidan
China upheld the death sentence of American businessman Mark Swidan on Thursday, April 13. Swidan was arrested on drug-related charges back in 2012. He has been detained in China ever since, despite a United Nations working group concluding in 2020 that Swidan had been arbitrarily detained in violation of international law.
“In its 28-year history, the working group has found China in violation of its international human rights obligations in about 90 cases,” the group wrote in its conclusion. “The working group is concerned that this indicates a systemic problem with arbitrary detention in China, which amounts to a serious violation of international law.”
Swidan was convicted of manufacturing and trafficking drugs in 2019. The American received the death penalty from China with a two-year reprieve, meaning his sentence could be commuted to life in prison in two years.
“We are disappointed by this decision and will continue to press for his immediate release and return to the United States,” State Department Principal Deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said in a statement responding to the ruling. “U.S. officials have repeatedly expressed their concerns to senior PRC officials about Mr. Swidan’s treatment, medical care, and his inability to send or receive mail in a timely manner. President Biden and Secretary Blinken continue to remain personally focused on the release of Mark Swidan and other U.S. nationals wrongfully detained or held hostage across the world.”
State Department says WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich is wrongfully detained
The State Department officially determined Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich is wrongfully detained by Russia. Gershkovich was arrested in March and accused of espionage by Russia’s Federal Security Bureau.
“Journalism is not a crime. We condemn the Kremlin’s continued repression of independent voices in Russia, and its ongoing war against the truth,” State Department Principal Deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said in a statement.
Because there is now an official determination that Gershkovich is wrongfully detained, the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs will start working for his release. Special Envoy Roger Carstens will lead the negotiation efforts to bring him back. The U.S. brought home WNBA star Brittney Griner in December after a prisoner swap for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, who is called the “merchant of death.”
Countries like Russia, Venezuela and Iran have increasingly taken Americans prisoner to use as leverage for something else they want. As the Wall Street Journal reported, more Americans in recent years have been detained by foreign governments than those who have been taken captive by terrorist groups or criminal gangs. It’s a tactic known as “hostage diplomacy.”
“There is a balance to be done between trying to bring home people who are unjustly detained, one way or another, and what it takes to do that,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said when asked about negotiations to bring Gershkovich home. “Even as we engage in the efforts to bring people home, we can also increase the pressure and increase the penalties of those who would engage in the practice of unlawful, arbitrary detention of American citizens.”
The State Department is also calling on Russia to release Paul Whelan who was detained in 2018 and accused of taking part in an intelligence operation. The U.S. has made an offer to bring him home which Russia has not accepted.
We have an update on Brittney Griner since her return to the U.S. three days ago; a bombing suspect finally in custody; and a winter storm warning. These stories and more highlight your morning rundown for Monday, Dec. 12, 2022.
Update on Griner return, Whelan detainment
“She’s at SA getting appropriate mental and physical healthcare to make sure she’s ready to reintegrate back into American society. Our initial reports are that she is in very good spirits and in good health,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Sunday.
Kirby announced Griner is in good health as she recovers from Russian detainment before going home.
When she will be released from the medical center is still unknown. Kirby says the family and doctors will work through those details.
Kirby also clued America in on why American Marine Paul Whelan wasn’t on the plane ride home with Griner but said their work to bring wrongfully detained Americans home will continue. One report has as many as 60 Americans in prisons abroad.
“They were treating Paul very separately because of these sham espionage charges they levied against him and it kind of came together last week in the end game just a bout for Griner deal,” Kirby said. “We’re better informed with where the Russians’ expectations are and we’re just going to keep working at it.”
Zelenskyy, Biden phone call on U.S. support
On Sunday, President Joe Biden had a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The phone call revolved around the amount of support the U.S. has provided Ukraine since the invasion.
President Zelenskyy thanked Biden for the “unprecedented support.”
The U.S. has sent $20 billion to Ukraine since the start of the war. Last week the White House announced another $275 million will go toward Ukraine’s air defense. And an additional $53 million toward their power grid battered by Russian air strikes.
Winter storms stretch across the U.S.
Five feet of snow in just 48 hours. That’s what a winter storm has produced for some parts of California. New video shows some of the snowfall in nearby Reno, Nevada.
Blizzard conditions reported across the Sierras and is expected to continue today and into tomorrow.
The system is on the move, from Arizona to Montana over to Minnesota. Fourteen states, including 15 million people, are under some sort of winter weather alert today.
Snowy, windy, and icy conditions are expected for the next several days in the south and central U.S.
Suspect in Lockerbie bombing in U.S. custody
In 1988, a plane exploded over Scotland in a terrorist attack, killing all 259 people on board the flight to America, along with 11 people on the ground.
Thirty-four years later, the man suspected of making the bomb used in the explosion is now in U.S. custody.
The U.S. Justice Department confirmed his arrest. It remains the deadliest terror attack on British soil.
While just three mannequins were on board this one, the Artemis program is aimed at putting more astronauts on the moon, which could come as early as 2024.
“The spacecraft performed so well that we were able to start looking at Artemis 2 and thinking through how else we can push the boundaries on this flight,” NASA chief flight director Emily Nelson said.
“I think we’ve learned a lot from one, TBD if there’s changes. so that some of the work will be going through and then kind of get that final assessment on a date for two,” NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free said.
The landing of Orion comes 50 years after Apollo 17’s moon landing. The last time people walked on the moon.
