The notorious Russian jail holding U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich
For decades, Lefortovo prison has been a symbol of oppression and control in Russia, especially for those who dare to challenge power. It is within these walls that American journalist Evan Gershkovich, arrested in March, remains detained, awaiting trial on espionage charges — which he, the White House and Gershkovich’s employer, the Wall Street Journal, strongly deny.
Lefortovo serves as a pretrial detention center. Still, prisoners can spend years there. Paul Whelan, a former U.S. Marine, was at the prison for two years before being convicted on charges of espionage and is now serving 16-year sentence at a penal colony.
Based on descriptions from inmates, lawyers and prison monitors, including letters and sketches, as well as documentaries and photos of Lefortovo, The Post built a portrait of what life is like inside the prison.
Read the full story here.
For decades, Lefortovo prison has been a symbol of oppression and control in Russia, especially for those who dare to challenge power. It is within these walls that American journalist Evan Gershkovich, arrested in March, remains detained, awaiting trial on espionage charges — which he, the White House and Gershkovich’s employer, the Wall Street Journal, strongly deny.
Lefortovo serves as a pretrial detention center. Still, prisoners can spend years there. Paul Whelan, a former U.S. Marine, was at the prison for two years before being convicted on charges of espionage and is now serving 16-year sentence at a penal colony.
Based on descriptions from inmates, lawyers and prison monitors, including letters and sketches, as well as documentaries and photos of Lefortovo, The Post built a portrait of what life is like inside the prison.
Read the full story here.
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Here is the latest from Ukraine:
- Russian President Vladimir Putin blamed Kyiv for the drone attacks on Moscow, accusing officials of retaliating for a Russian strike on a Ukrainian military site.
- In Kyiv, Ukrainians woke up Wednesday to destruction in parts of their capital following back-to-back Russian airstrikes.
- Later Wednesday, the Biden administration said it approved transferring another $300 million in security assistance for Ukraine.
- A Ukrainian official denied that Ukraine was involved in the drone strikes but said Moscow residents deserved whatever came at them.
- French President Emmanuel Macron said Ukraine is “preparing very well” for its much-anticipated counteroffensive in “the next weeks and months.”
- The head of the Wagner mercenary group called on Russian authorities to investigate top Defense Ministry officials for their conduct of the war in Ukraine.
More live updates here.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin blamed Kyiv for the drone attacks on Moscow, accusing officials of retaliating for a Russian strike on a Ukrainian military site.
- In Kyiv, Ukrainians woke up Wednesday to destruction in parts of their capital following back-to-back Russian airstrikes.
- Later Wednesday, the Biden administration said it approved transferring another $300 million in security assistance for Ukraine.
- A Ukrainian official denied that Ukraine was involved in the drone strikes but said Moscow residents deserved whatever came at them.
- French President Emmanuel Macron said Ukraine is “preparing very well” for its much-anticipated counteroffensive in “the next weeks and months.”
- The head of the Wagner mercenary group called on Russian authorities to investigate top Defense Ministry officials for their conduct of the war in Ukraine.
More live updates here.
Here is the latest from Ukraine:
- An early-morning airstrike on Kyiv killed three people, including a child, Ukrainian officials said.
- The town of Shebekino in Russia’s Belgorod region was shelled multiple times in the early morning hours, regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said on Telegram, blaming Ukraine’s armed forces.
- The United States does not support or encourage attacks inside Russia, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said Wednesday, a day after a drone attack in a civilian area of Moscow.
- The United States announced a fresh $300 million military package for Ukraine on Wednesday, which includes support to bolster Ukraine’s air defense systems.
Follow our live updates here.
- An early-morning airstrike on Kyiv killed three people, including a child, Ukrainian officials said.
- The town of Shebekino in Russia’s Belgorod region was shelled multiple times in the early morning hours, regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said on Telegram, blaming Ukraine’s armed forces.
- The United States does not support or encourage attacks inside Russia, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said Wednesday, a day after a drone attack in a civilian area of Moscow.
- The United States announced a fresh $300 million military package for Ukraine on Wednesday, which includes support to bolster Ukraine’s air defense systems.
Follow our live updates here.
Amid unease in Moscow, Putin seeks to project calm after drone attack
Several hours after dozens of enemy drones infiltrated the Russian capital, damaging two residential buildings, Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared unfazed before reporters, acting as if nothing unusual had happened.
Fielding a question that was clearly scripted, at an event to promote “creative” industries such as fashion, filmmaking, video game development and jewelry design, Putin played down the attack, saying that Moscow’s air defense system had worked “properly.”
“Although there is still work to be done,” he added, noting that Russian forces had faced “the same problems” at Hmeimim air base in Syria.
Read the full story here.
Several hours after dozens of enemy drones infiltrated the Russian capital, damaging two residential buildings, Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared unfazed before reporters, acting as if nothing unusual had happened.
Fielding a question that was clearly scripted, at an event to promote “creative” industries such as fashion, filmmaking, video game development and jewelry design, Putin played down the attack, saying that Moscow’s air defense system had worked “properly.”
“Although there is still work to be done,” he added, noting that Russian forces had faced “the same problems” at Hmeimim air base in Syria.
Read the full story here.
U.S. to Turkey: It’s time for Sweden to join NATO
LULEA, Sweden — Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Turkey on Tuesday to take immediate action on Sweden’s bid to join NATO, saying there was no reason for further delay in bolstering the transatlantic alliance at a time of profound tension with Russia.
Blinken, speaking to reporters in northern Sweden, pointed to the strength of the Swedish armed forces and the country’s history of close partnership with NATO, even before it became a candidate for membership in the alliance last year. While NATO members cemented the accession of neighboring Finland this spring, Turkey and Hungary have so far declined to ratify Sweden’s membership.
“We’ll be better off when that process is finalized. And so we urge both Turkiye and Hungary, who also has not yet ratified, to ratify their accession as quickly as possible,” Blinken told reporters. “There is no reason for any further time; Sweden is ready now. … The time is now.”
Read the full story here.
LULEA, Sweden — Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Turkey on Tuesday to take immediate action on Sweden’s bid to join NATO, saying there was no reason for further delay in bolstering the transatlantic alliance at a time of profound tension with Russia.
Blinken, speaking to reporters in northern Sweden, pointed to the strength of the Swedish armed forces and the country’s history of close partnership with NATO, even before it became a candidate for membership in the alliance last year. While NATO members cemented the accession of neighboring Finland this spring, Turkey and Hungary have so far declined to ratify Sweden’s membership.
“We’ll be better off when that process is finalized. And so we urge both Turkiye and Hungary, who also has not yet ratified, to ratify their accession as quickly as possible,” Blinken told reporters. “There is no reason for any further time; Sweden is ready now. … The time is now.”
Read the full story here.
Border towns in western Russia report heavy shelling and rocket fire
Shebekino, a town four miles from the Ukrainian border in Russia’s Belgorod region, came under intense rocket fire and shelling Thursday, local officials and residents said — the latest in a series of attacks on Russian soil in recent days.
Amid the reports of heavy cross-border fire, a powerful explosion, reportedly from a drone strike, shook a residential neighborhood on Thursday afternoon in Belgorod city, the regional capital. Reports said two people suffered minor injuries. Videos on social media showed plumes of dark smoke floating up from a block of apartments.
Belgorod governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said Thursday that at least two people had been wounded in the attacks on Shebekino, which began overnight and appeared to continue throughout the day.
Read the full story here.
Shebekino, a town four miles from the Ukrainian border in Russia’s Belgorod region, came under intense rocket fire and shelling Thursday, local officials and residents said — the latest in a series of attacks on Russian soil in recent days.
Amid the reports of heavy cross-border fire, a powerful explosion, reportedly from a drone strike, shook a residential neighborhood on Thursday afternoon in Belgorod city, the regional capital. Reports said two people suffered minor injuries. Videos on social media showed plumes of dark smoke floating up from a block of apartments.
Belgorod governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said Thursday that at least two people had been wounded in the attacks on Shebekino, which began overnight and appeared to continue throughout the day.
Read the full story here.
Here is the latest from Ukraine:
- A series of attacks rocked a Russian town four miles from the Ukrainian border throughout the day Thursday.
- The developments in Russia unfolded after an early-morning airstrike on Ukraine’s capital killed three people, including a child, officials said.
- President Biden said “NATO is more energized and more united than it’s been in decades.”
- The town of Shebekino in Russia’s Belgorod region was shelled multiple times in the early-morning hours, regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said on Telegram.
- The United States “fully anticipate[s]” that Sweden’s accession to NATO will be complete by next month, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday in Oslo.
- Opposition figures within Russia may increasingly feel emboldened to speak out against the Kremlin, according to Britain’s Defense Ministry.
More live updates here.
- A series of attacks rocked a Russian town four miles from the Ukrainian border throughout the day Thursday.
- The developments in Russia unfolded after an early-morning airstrike on Ukraine’s capital killed three people, including a child, officials said.
- President Biden said “NATO is more energized and more united than it’s been in decades.”
- The town of Shebekino in Russia’s Belgorod region was shelled multiple times in the early-morning hours, regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said on Telegram.
- The United States “fully anticipate[s]” that Sweden’s accession to NATO will be complete by next month, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday in Oslo.
- Opposition figures within Russia may increasingly feel emboldened to speak out against the Kremlin, according to Britain’s Defense Ministry.
More live updates here.
Here's the latest from Ukraine:
- Civilians being locked out of a shelter is a situation that “should never happen again,” Zelensky said in his nightly address.
- Air raid sirens blared across Ukraine early Friday. Kyiv, Kherson and Odessa were among the regions to activate warnings. No casualties were immediately reported. Kyiv officials warned the city’s residents about debris on the road.
- Senior U.S. officials say they expect Sweden to join NATO soon. President Biden, speaking at the Air Force Academy, said he expects Sweden to become the organization’s newest member “as soon as possible.”
- Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) said the debt limit deal will not prevent Congress from pursuing more aid to Ukraine.
- The Pentagon signed a contract to provide SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service in Ukraine, it disclosed Thursday, early eight months after SpaceX owner Elon Musk threatened to terminate access unless the U.S. government paid for it.
More live updates here
- Civilians being locked out of a shelter is a situation that “should never happen again,” Zelensky said in his nightly address.
- Air raid sirens blared across Ukraine early Friday. Kyiv, Kherson and Odessa were among the regions to activate warnings. No casualties were immediately reported. Kyiv officials warned the city’s residents about debris on the road.
- Senior U.S. officials say they expect Sweden to join NATO soon. President Biden, speaking at the Air Force Academy, said he expects Sweden to become the organization’s newest member “as soon as possible.”
- Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) said the debt limit deal will not prevent Congress from pursuing more aid to Ukraine.
- The Pentagon signed a contract to provide SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service in Ukraine, it disclosed Thursday, early eight months after SpaceX owner Elon Musk threatened to terminate access unless the U.S. government paid for it.
More live updates here
As missiles exploded over Kyiv, they raced for a shelter. It was locked.
KYIV, Ukraine — When the air raid alarm rang across the capital at 2:49 a.m. on Thursday, Yaroslav Riabchuk and his wife and daughter rushed outside to find shelter, as they often did, in the nearest basement: a medical clinic in front of their apartment building.
But on this morning, for some reason, the clinic’s doors were locked shut.
In the darkness, a group of 10 families with children banged on the doors with their hands and feet, pleading to be let inside, Riabchuk said. He ran to the other side of the building to find another entrance. Then he felt the blast.
Ukraine’s air defenses had intercepted an attack, and the explosive force was powerful enough to blow out the windows of nearby apartment buildings. Debris crashed down around the clinic.
“It was chaos, my daughter was screaming, everyone was screaming,” Riabchuk said. “I was hoping it was not my wife.”
Read the full story here.
KYIV, Ukraine — When the air raid alarm rang across the capital at 2:49 a.m. on Thursday, Yaroslav Riabchuk and his wife and daughter rushed outside to find shelter, as they often did, in the nearest basement: a medical clinic in front of their apartment building.
But on this morning, for some reason, the clinic’s doors were locked shut.
In the darkness, a group of 10 families with children banged on the doors with their hands and feet, pleading to be let inside, Riabchuk said. He ran to the other side of the building to find another entrance. Then he felt the blast.
Ukraine’s air defenses had intercepted an attack, and the explosive force was powerful enough to blow out the windows of nearby apartment buildings. Debris crashed down around the clinic.
“It was chaos, my daughter was screaming, everyone was screaming,” Riabchuk said. “I was hoping it was not my wife.”
Read the full story here.
NATO nations look past Ukraine offensive to long-term deterrence pacts
OSLO — The Biden administration and its NATO allies are developing plans for securing ongoing military support to Ukraine beyond the country’s current offensive, hoping that long-term security pacts will create a strong deterrent against future Russian aggression and potentially alter the battlefield calculus of President Vladimir Putin.
The evolving proposals represent an alternative to granting Ukraine admission into NATO in the near term, a prospect that has divided member states between those who support Kyiv’s request for immediate entry into the Western military alliance and those who fear it could plunge the bloc into direct conflict with Russia.
Read the full story here.
OSLO — The Biden administration and its NATO allies are developing plans for securing ongoing military support to Ukraine beyond the country’s current offensive, hoping that long-term security pacts will create a strong deterrent against future Russian aggression and potentially alter the battlefield calculus of President Vladimir Putin.
The evolving proposals represent an alternative to granting Ukraine admission into NATO in the near term, a prospect that has divided member states between those who support Kyiv’s request for immediate entry into the Western military alliance and those who fear it could plunge the bloc into direct conflict with Russia.
Read the full story here.
U.S. rebuffs cease-fire calls in its strategy for Ukraine resilience
HELSINKI — Proposals to impose cease-fires or territorial concessions as means to halt the war in Ukraine would serve only to legitimize President Vladimir Putin’s aggression and encourage future assaults, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday as he laid out U.S. strategy for hardening Ukraine against long-term Russian threats.
Blinken, in what officials described as a signal address in the Finnish capital, made a case for Putin’s massive “strategic failure” in Ukraine, one he said that had isolated Moscow, weakened its economy and exposed the weakness of Russia’s once-feared military.
The speech comes as the government of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attempts to recapture Russian-controlled territory in a new offensive and President Biden seeks to head off any erosion of Western support for Kyiv’s existential fight.
Read the full story here.
HELSINKI — Proposals to impose cease-fires or territorial concessions as means to halt the war in Ukraine would serve only to legitimize President Vladimir Putin’s aggression and encourage future assaults, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday as he laid out U.S. strategy for hardening Ukraine against long-term Russian threats.
Blinken, in what officials described as a signal address in the Finnish capital, made a case for Putin’s massive “strategic failure” in Ukraine, one he said that had isolated Moscow, weakened its economy and exposed the weakness of Russia’s once-feared military.
The speech comes as the government of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attempts to recapture Russian-controlled territory in a new offensive and President Biden seeks to head off any erosion of Western support for Kyiv’s existential fight.
Read the full story here.
Here is the latest from Ukraine:
- In Ukraine, the army’s commander said air defenses shot down more than 30 missiles and drones in a new round of Russian air attacks overnight.
- The United States “won’t let President [Vladimir] Putin impose his will on other nations,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday in Finland, where he delivered an address on Russia’s war in Ukraine.
- U.S. officials say they expect Sweden to join NATO soon, after the admission of Finland into the military alliance in April.
- U.S.-led training for Ukrainians on the operation of U.S. Abrams tanks began in Germany last weekend, Gen. Mark A. Milley, the chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, told journalists.
- Ukraine shelled Berdyansk, a city in the Russian-occupied part of Zaporizhzhia, on Friday, Russian-backed official Vladimir Rogov said Friday.
- Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner mercenary group, said Friday “almost 99%” of Wagner units have left Bakhmut.
More live updates here.
- In Ukraine, the army’s commander said air defenses shot down more than 30 missiles and drones in a new round of Russian air attacks overnight.
- The United States “won’t let President [Vladimir] Putin impose his will on other nations,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday in Finland, where he delivered an address on Russia’s war in Ukraine.
- U.S. officials say they expect Sweden to join NATO soon, after the admission of Finland into the military alliance in April.
- U.S.-led training for Ukrainians on the operation of U.S. Abrams tanks began in Germany last weekend, Gen. Mark A. Milley, the chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, told journalists.
- Ukraine shelled Berdyansk, a city in the Russian-occupied part of Zaporizhzhia, on Friday, Russian-backed official Vladimir Rogov said Friday.
- Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner mercenary group, said Friday “almost 99%” of Wagner units have left Bakhmut.
More live updates here.
Here is the latest from Ukraine:
- Austin said Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov’s presence at the talks in Singapore “reminds us that we can never take our peace and security for granted.”
- A senior Chinese diplomat called for an end to the provision of weapons for the war in Ukraine to prevent escalation of the conflict, after concluding a tour of European capitals aimed at positioning China as a mediator.
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spent Friday shoring up relations with counterparts in the BRICS bloc and “friends of BRICS” countries.
- U.S.-led training for Ukrainians on operating U.S. Abrams tanks began in Germany last weekend, Gen. Mark A. Milley, the chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters Friday, the Associated Press reported.
More live updates here
- Austin said Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov’s presence at the talks in Singapore “reminds us that we can never take our peace and security for granted.”
- A senior Chinese diplomat called for an end to the provision of weapons for the war in Ukraine to prevent escalation of the conflict, after concluding a tour of European capitals aimed at positioning China as a mediator.
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spent Friday shoring up relations with counterparts in the BRICS bloc and “friends of BRICS” countries.
- U.S.-led training for Ukrainians on operating U.S. Abrams tanks began in Germany last weekend, Gen. Mark A. Milley, the chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters Friday, the Associated Press reported.
More live updates here
Biden shows growing appetite to cross Putin’s red lines
President Biden’s decision last month to help Ukraine obtain F-16 fighter jets marked another crossing of a Russian red line that Vladimir Putin has said would transform the war and draw Washington and Moscow into direct conflict.
Despite the Russian leader’s apocalyptic warnings, the United States has gradually agreed to expand Ukraine’s arsenal with Javelin and Stinger missiles, HIMARS rocket launchers, advanced missile defense systems, drones, helicopters, M1 Abrams tanks and, soon, fourth-generation fighter jets.
A key reason for brushing aside Putin’s threats, U.S. officials say, is a dynamic that has held since the opening days of the war: Russia’s president has not followed through on promises to punish the West for providing weapons to Ukraine.
Read the full story here.
President Biden’s decision last month to help Ukraine obtain F-16 fighter jets marked another crossing of a Russian red line that Vladimir Putin has said would transform the war and draw Washington and Moscow into direct conflict.
Despite the Russian leader’s apocalyptic warnings, the United States has gradually agreed to expand Ukraine’s arsenal with Javelin and Stinger missiles, HIMARS rocket launchers, advanced missile defense systems, drones, helicopters, M1 Abrams tanks and, soon, fourth-generation fighter jets.
A key reason for brushing aside Putin’s threats, U.S. officials say, is a dynamic that has held since the opening days of the war: Russia’s president has not followed through on promises to punish the West for providing weapons to Ukraine.
Read the full story here.
To liberate territory, Ukraine must smash fortified Russian defenses
ZAPORIZHZHIA, Ukraine — As Ukraine prepares to launch a long-trumpeted counterattack, the first obstacle its soldiers must push through isn’t Russia’s defenses. It’s their own.
Like Russia, Ukraine has laid thousands of mines along its front line. And to advance into occupied territory, its troops now need to get through these lines without tipping off the Russians, who would notice if heavy machinery were brought in or explosions were set off. This means sappers must go out to the fields and quietly remove the mines.
They do it by hand. At night.
“Everyone’s hands shake,” said the 42-year-old commander of engineers in the 1st Tank Brigade, whom The Washington Post is identifying only by his call sign, Klimat, for security reasons.
Read the full story here.
ZAPORIZHZHIA, Ukraine — As Ukraine prepares to launch a long-trumpeted counterattack, the first obstacle its soldiers must push through isn’t Russia’s defenses. It’s their own.
Like Russia, Ukraine has laid thousands of mines along its front line. And to advance into occupied territory, its troops now need to get through these lines without tipping off the Russians, who would notice if heavy machinery were brought in or explosions were set off. This means sappers must go out to the fields and quietly remove the mines.
They do it by hand. At night.
“Everyone’s hands shake,” said the 42-year-old commander of engineers in the 1st Tank Brigade, whom The Washington Post is identifying only by his call sign, Klimat, for security reasons.
Read the full story here.
Here is the latest from Ukraine:
- A child was found dead in the rubble of the Dnipro blast, regional governor Serhii Lysak said on Telegram. The girl, who had just turned 2 years old, was found overnight, he said. Of the at least 20 injured in the attack, 17 were hospitalized.
- Ukrainian air defenses successfully repelled a series of missiles aimed at Kyiv overnight, the head of the capital’s military administration said on Telegram.
- China’s defense minister said Beijing was doing its “best to mediate” the war in Ukraine, encouraging peace talks and diplomacy.
- Ukraine is ready to launch its highly anticipated counteroffensive, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with the Wall Street Journal.
- Air-raid shelters in Kyiv are being audited after residents were unable to enter some sites during overnight attacks on the capital last week.
More live updates here
- A child was found dead in the rubble of the Dnipro blast, regional governor Serhii Lysak said on Telegram. The girl, who had just turned 2 years old, was found overnight, he said. Of the at least 20 injured in the attack, 17 were hospitalized.
- Ukrainian air defenses successfully repelled a series of missiles aimed at Kyiv overnight, the head of the capital’s military administration said on Telegram.
- China’s defense minister said Beijing was doing its “best to mediate” the war in Ukraine, encouraging peace talks and diplomacy.
- Ukraine is ready to launch its highly anticipated counteroffensive, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with the Wall Street Journal.
- Air-raid shelters in Kyiv are being audited after residents were unable to enter some sites during overnight attacks on the capital last week.
More live updates here
Britain’s defense chief, a contender to run NATO, lays out his vision
LULEA, Sweden — NATO must compel its member nations to grow their military spending if the alliance is to deter Russia effectively beyond the war in Ukraine and manage other threats to transatlantic security, Britain’s defense chief said, outlining his ambitions for the bloc’s future as it considers its next leader.
“The world is getting more dangerous, more insecure and more anxious, and the next secretary general has to be able to deliver that funding to make sure that that is never taken off the boil,” Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said in an interview this week.
Wallace, who has guided Britain’s efforts to arm Ukraine, most recently by expanding Kyiv’s battlefield reach with Storm Shadow cruise missiles, called for a more informative NATO, one that more persuasively educates voters about threats such as Russian President Vladimir Putin’s willingness to defy international borders.
Read the full story here.
LULEA, Sweden — NATO must compel its member nations to grow their military spending if the alliance is to deter Russia effectively beyond the war in Ukraine and manage other threats to transatlantic security, Britain’s defense chief said, outlining his ambitions for the bloc’s future as it considers its next leader.
“The world is getting more dangerous, more insecure and more anxious, and the next secretary general has to be able to deliver that funding to make sure that that is never taken off the boil,” Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said in an interview this week.
Wallace, who has guided Britain’s efforts to arm Ukraine, most recently by expanding Kyiv’s battlefield reach with Storm Shadow cruise missiles, called for a more informative NATO, one that more persuasively educates voters about threats such as Russian President Vladimir Putin’s willingness to defy international borders.
Read the full story here.