On Friday morning, Russian cruise missiles and drones targeted major cities in Ukraine, resulting in the death of one person and the wounding of 15 more. Two Russian groups, the Free Russia Legion and the Freedom of Russia Legion, have come forward claiming to be involved in the fight against President Putin and are actively recruiting Russian soldiers and officers to join their cause.
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American journalist Evan Gershkovich has been wrongfully detained in Russia since March and his pre-trial detention has been extended until August 30th by the Lefortovsky District Court in Moscow. The U.S. State Department and international human rights groups have called for his release, while the Russian Foreign Ministry has accused him of espionage without providing any evidence.
Paul Whelan, a former U.S. Marine wrongfully detained in Russia since December 2018, has expressed his concern about the arrest of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. The U.S. Embassy in Moscow has called for the release of Whelan and other wrongfully detained Americans in Russia, and the Biden administration has yet to comment on the situation. Whelan remains hopeful that he will be released soon, expressing confidence that the wheels are turning.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held two major rounds of meetings with his biggest backers at the G7 summit in Hiroshima to build momentum for Ukraine's war effort. Biden and congressional Republicans remain far apart on budget talks, with the looming debt crisis in Ukraine adding to the urgency of the situation. The summit was seen as a chance for the leaders to discuss a range of issues, with the conflict in Ukraine a major focus of the discussions.
At the G7 Summit in Japan, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Joe Biden discussed the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, with a focus on the city of Bakhmut. Zelenskyy cast doubt on Russia's claim of full control of the city, and Biden offered new aid to Ukraine. The meeting is a positive step towards resolving the conflict and ensuring the safety of the people of Ukraine.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Japan for diplomatic talks with the G7 nations, having been invited due to his strong wish to participate. The summit is expected to focus on a range of issues, including the global economic recovery, climate change, and the coronavirus pandemic. Zelenskyy is also pushing for international support as Ukraine prepares to take back territory seized by Russia in the war that began in February last year.
Brittney Griner made her return to the WNBA on Friday night, playing for the Phoenix Mercury and impressing WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert. Despite her 18 points, six rebounds and four blocked shots, the Mercury lost the game 94-71. Griner's return was highly anticipated and her performance did not disappoint, giving the Mercury and their fans something to be excited about.
Leaders of the G-7 nations met on Friday to discuss new sanctions on Russia for its 15-month invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to make the case that his nation's survival depends on the support of the U.S. and its allies at the summit on Sunday. The G-7 has already agreed on new steps to make the war more costly for Russia, and the sanctions are expected to be announced at the summit.