US and Russia complete biggest prisoner swap in post-Soviet history, freeing Gershkovich and Whelan
WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States and Russia have completed their largest prisoner swap in post-Soviet history. Moscow released U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich and Michigan corporate security executive Paul Whelan, along with dissidents such as Vladimir Kara-Murza, in a multinational deal that has resulted in the freedom of two dozen individuals. Despite the strained relations between Washington and Moscow, the trade follows years of back-channel negotiations, with Russia invading Ukraine. One of the individuals Russia received was Vadim Krasikov, convicted in Germany for killing a former Chechen rebel in a Berlin park. President Joe Biden is praising this diplomatic achievement in the final months of his administration.
Who participated in the massive prisoner swap between Russia and the West?
TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — One prisoner has been imprisoned in Russia for over 5½ years, while others were released before him. The detainees include journalists, veteran political activists, and those opposing the war in Ukraine. The individuals jailed in the West included alleged sleeper agents, hackers, and individuals involved in criminal activities, such as the daytime shooting of a man in a Berlin park. The age range of those released is between 19 and 71. This exchange marks the largest East-West prisoner swap in post-Soviet history.
Prisoner Swap Latest: US reporter Evan Gershkovich freed in prisoner swap
WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States and Russia have completed a 24-person prisoner swap, the largest in post-Soviet history. Moscow released journalist Evan Gershkovich and American Paul Whelan as part of a multinational deal that has freed approximately two dozen individuals. This exchange, which took place on Thursday, is the latest in a series of swaps, including one in December 2022 that brought WNBA star Brittney Griner back to the U.S. The trade also saw Russia securing the release of its nationals convicted of serious crimes in the West.
Israel confirms chief of Hamas’ military wing was killed in July Gaza strike
JERUSALEM (AP) — The Israeli military has confirmed the death of Mohammed Deif, the head of Hamas’ military wing, in an airstrike in Gaza in July. This announcement comes after the assassination of Hamas’ political chief in an airstrike in Iran. The U.S., Qatar, and Egypt are working to salvage talks for a cease-fire deal in Gaza, while international officials are trying to prevent a regional war. Hamas has not yet commented on Israel’s announcement regarding Deif’s death, having previously stated that he survived the airstrike.
Iran and Hezbollah face challenge in responding to strikes attributed to Israel
BEIRUT (AP) — Strikes in Beirut and Tehran targeting high-ranking figures in Hezbollah and Hamas have left Hezbollah and Iran in a difficult position. Both attacks are seen as demanding a response, but the challenge lies in calibrating that response to restore deterrence without escalating the situation further. This delicate balance is crucial as the region teeters on the brink of a potential regional war.
British prime minister announces measures to address violent clashes after fatal stabbings
LONDON (AP) — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to implement a national policing capability to address violent protests following clashes with police across England. Starmer condemned the violence and pledged to end it. The announcement came after incidents involving “marauding mobs” reacting to a stabbing that killed three and injured 10 at a children’s dance class. The attack, which occurred at a Taylor Swift-themed summer holiday dance class, has shocked the country, where knife crime is a persistent issue, though mass stabbings are rare.
Japan Osprey crash caused by gear cracks and pilot decision to continue flying, says Air Force
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Air Force has determined that a deadly Osprey aircraft crash off Japan last November was caused by cracks in a metal gear and the pilot’s decision to keep flying despite multiple warnings to land. The crash resulted in the death of eight Air Force Special Operations Command service members and led to a temporary grounding of the Osprey fleet. The incident has prompted congressional investigations into the Osprey’s safety record and sparked debates within the military about the future role of this unique aircraft.
What polling reveals about the top VP contenders for Kamala Harris
As Vice President Kamala Harris prepares to announce her running mate, a poll shows that several of the top contenders are relatively unknown to voters. The survey conducted by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research highlights the strengths and weaknesses of different potential candidates. Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly stands out due to his higher name recognition and favorability, while others like Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro have lower national visibility but strong support in their home states.
Trump defends Vance amid controversy surrounding VP pick
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is defending his running mate JD Vance amidst controversy over Vance’s past comments criticizing childless Americans. Trump emphasized Vance’s family-oriented values, following a turbulent rollout that included reports of Vance’s controversial statements. Despite the challenges, there are no discussions within Trump’s team about replacing Vance as his running mate.
India grapples with growing issue of elders abandoned by their children
GARHMUKTESHWAR, India (AP) — In a country known for revering its elderly, India is facing a hidden shame: a rising number of older people abandoned by their families. Shelters have emerged across Indian cities to accommodate this growing population of neglected elders, driven by economic factors as most older individuals don’t receive government support or financial assistance. This trend highlights the challenges of caring for the elderly in a country experiencing economic growth but struggling with social issues.
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