Ukraine received at least 20 bodies of Russian soldiers in recent exchanges
KYIV, Ukraine, June 22, (AP): Ukraine's president said that Russia repatriated at least 20 of its own dead soldiers in recent exchanges with Ukraine, describing it as a result of Moscow's disorganization in carrying out large swaps of wounded POWs and remains of troops. Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that an Israeli citizen was among the dead Ukraine had received in recent exchanges.
He spoke to journalists on Friday but his comments were embargoed until Saturday. Officials did not disclose the identities of the bodies. "They threw the corpses of their citizens at us. This is their attitude toward war, toward their soldiers. And this is already documented. Sometimes these bodies even have Russian passports,' he said.
He said the Russian side insisted the dead were all Ukrainians. Journalists were shown a Russian passport and ID belonging to one of the 20 dead Russians. According to the document, the man came from the Moscow region. The exchanges of the dead and wounded soldiers are the only tangible result of direct peace talks in Istanbul.
In June, Ukraine and Russia agreed to exchange the bodies of fallen soldiers in a 6,000-for-6,000 format during the second round of negotiations. Ukraine was concerned that the number was too high and that the sides did not have enough time for forensic examinations and checking the identities of the dead. Zelenskyy said he suspected Russia's plan was to play along with peace talks to appease the US and stave off more sanctions but without ending the war that Russian President Vladimir Putin believes he is winning.
He said that because of this, Ukraine would be "in a really difficult situation' of deciding whether to continue the talks in Istanbul. Zelenskyy said Ukraine was against Iran acquiring nuclear weapons, because of its military partnership with Russia, but stopped short of expressing explicit support for Israel's strikes. He repeated that the new war in the Middle East will affect Ukraine indirectly.
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Arab Times
an hour ago
- Arab Times
Reality of Israel's swelling ambitions and its agents
MANY people are increasingly convinced that Israel harbors expansionist ambitions beyond its current borders. These beliefs are rooted in religious ideologies, several statements by political leaders, policies implemented on the ground, and symbols adopted by various Israeli groups. The concept of 'Greater Israel' (Eretz Israel HaShlema) serves as the cornerstone of discussions about Israeli ambitions and is supported by Christian Zionists in America. Although there is no unified agreement on the precise borders of this territory, the most common narrative suggests it extends from the Nile to the Euphrates. This is referenced in Genesis 15:18, 'On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, 'To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates.' The two blue stripes on the Israeli flag are said to symbolize the Nile and Euphrates rivers, with the star between them representing the Jewish state. Many also view Israel's actual policies as the strongest evidence of its expansionist intentions, regardless of official statements. The ongoing expansion of Israeli settlements in the territories occupied since 1967, which are recognized by the international community as Palestinian land, amounts to 'creeping annexation' and represents a practical step toward realizing 'Greater Israel,' at least in its Palestinian dimension. The annexation of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights in 1981 further demonstrates that Israel is disregarding internationally recognized borders in pursuit of expanding its sovereignty. Israel has also openly expressed ambitions toward the Litani River in Lebanon, has occupied parts of it, and controlled the Sinai Peninsula for decades. The Likud Party's charter, which is the platform of Israel's most powerful political party, states that 'the right of the Jewish people to the Land of Israel is non-negotiable.' This originally included Jordan as part of the Land of Israel, though this was later amended. Nevertheless, this ideology continues to influence the party's leadership. Far-right and religious movements and parties, which have become influential components of Israeli governments, openly call for the annexation of the entire West Bank (referred to biblically as Judea and Samaria) and the imposition of Israeli sovereignty over it. These parties regard this as a religious duty. Despite denials from some of our allies, Israel's expansionist ambitions, settlement policies, and annexation of territories remain policies upheld by influential factions within the country and are evident in their actions on the ground. In light of these facts, some Israeli agents argue that Israel's relatively small population disqualifies it from ruling over Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, and the Gulf states, whose combined population is approximately 250 million. However, Zionist agents overlook the example of British colonial expansion, which reached its peak after World War I, controlled 70 territories and countries with a population of 460 million, despite Britain's own population being only around 43 million at the time. Britain's success was due to its technological, military, and intelligence superiority, coupled with the weakness and backwardness of the colonized peoples, as well as the presence of mercenaries who aided British rule in their own countries. Therefore, dismissing talk of Israeli ambitions as 'nonsense' and claiming it is impossible for seven million Israelis to occupy and rule hundreds of millions of Arabs is itself pure nonsense and a lie. Mercenaries are tasked with downplaying the Zionist threat. Meanwhile, given the exceptional circumstances the region is currently facing and in anticipation of uncertain developments, I commend the decision of the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior to close the Husseiniyas during the upcoming Ashura and relocate the ceremonies to safer venues.
Arab Times
2 hours ago
- Arab Times
AMIR HOLDS CRISIS TALKS WITH SAUDI CROWN PRINCE, UAE LEADER
KUWAIT CITY, June 22: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Sunday received a phone call from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman Al-Saud. During the telephone call, they touched on the solid ties between the two countries and the latest developments in the Middle East; particularly the ongoing conflict between Iran and the usurping Israeli entity. His Highness the Amir also received a phone call from President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al-Nahyan on the same day. The two sides reviewed the brotherly relations between the two countries; and discussed the latest developments in the Middle East, the conflict between Iran and Israel, and the regional and international developments. On the other hand, His Highness the Prime Minister and Chairman of the Supreme Defense Council Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah on Sunday presided over the meeting of the Supreme Defense Council at Seif Palace, during which they tackled the most recent regional developments. The council members followed the coordination by authorities to ensure swift action and enhance their level of preparedness. The council decided to be in session to follow up the regional developments. Meanwhile, as part of the State of Kuwait's commitment to guarantee the safety of its citizens abroad and their safe return to the homeland, the second batch of flights arrived Sunday to evacuate Kuwaiti citizens from Iran. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is implementing this evacuation plan through the Republic of Turkmenistan in coordination with the concerned authorities. The concerned authorities are working round the clock to complete the evacuation phases and provide all the necessary facilities to the evacuees, in accordance with the directives of the political leadership and the ongoing commitment to ensure the safety of citizens abroad and their safe return to the country. In addition, Kuwait expressed its deep concern over the latest developments in Iran, specifically the targeting of Iranian nuclear facilities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Kuwait's position as outlined in its statement issued on June 13, 2025; condemning the aggression against the sovereignty of Iran and the violation of international laws and conventions. It also urged the international community and the United Nations Security Council to assume their responsibilities toward halting these violations in order to maintain security and stability in the region. The ministry called for immediate halt to all forms of escalation and all military actions, and for resorting to dialogue, as well as intensifying efforts aimed at finding political solutions that can ensure regional security and stability. Kuwait National Guard (KNG) announced on Sunday that radiation levels in the air and water throughout the country remain stable, confirming that the situation is 'normal.' In a press statement, the Moral Guidance Directorate at KNG said the Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah Center for Chemical Defense and Radiation Monitoring carries out accurate and continuous radiation level readings through its monitoring networks, installed in various parts of the country. Earlier, the US launched military strikes on the nuclear facilities in Iran with President Donald Trump deeming the operation as 'successful'. Vice Chief of Staff of the Kuwaiti Army Air Vice Marshal Sheikh Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah conducted a field visit at the Amiri Guard on Sunday to personally look into the level of readiness at the Army, and ensure combative ability and bolster State security. Major General Bader Al-Sahloul and Amiri Guard Commander Major General Adel Al-Kandari welcomed Sheikh Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah during the visit. He was briefed on readiness levels and the duties of Amiri Guard units, and was taken to a number of sites to look into the latest security and preventative measures. He commended the discipline and efforts of Amiri guard personnel in performing their duties. Furthermore, Abdally border has received more than 39,000 people since Saturday -- easing their entry and departure to their countries through Kuwait, as per the directive of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah to facilitate the passage of travelers stranded in Iran due to the regional developments. Director of the border Colonel Waleed Al-Azmi confirmed that Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef issued instructions to facilitate entry and departure procedures through the border for all Kuwaiti travelers, citizens and residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, members of diplomatic missions and embassy staff. Al-Azmi disclosed in an interview with Al-Akhbar Channel that some humanitarian exceptions have been made at the border, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to overcome all difficulties for the entry of certain nationalities. He said these exceptions include granting them a seven-day transit visa to pass through the border to Kuwait International Airport and then travel to their home countries. 'This is in addition to travelers who entered the country through the airport and then crossed through Abdally border,' he stated. He added that, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, comprehensive medical services have been provided at the border; indicating ambulances are available round the clock and a doctor is on duty to examine patients arriving at the border. 'This is part of the government's emergency plan under the current circumstances. Some patients have been transferred to hospitals,' he revealed. In light of the rumors and misinformation circulating on unofficial social media, he urged the public to obtain information from official and reliable sources to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the information. Also, in a press statement Sunday, the Ministry of Finance confirmed the activation of its emergency plan to ensure financial service continuity with high efficiency and to maintain government performance under all circumstances. The ministry indicated that it has taken a number of precautionary measures; such as equipping shelters in the eastern and southern ministries complex with full technical and service capabilities to accommodate about 900 people. These shelters are classified as C4 and are in excellent condition. Storage facilities in the eastern parking lot are also allocated for use when needed. The measures include activating the financial systems (Oracle and GFMIS) using alternative devices, while enabling remote work in a secure electronic environment through specialized protection programs. In addition, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General Jassem Mohammad Al-Budaiwi stressed that targeting Iranian nuclear facilities by the US will escalate tensions and affect the security and stability in the region. He said the GCC affirmed the contents of the statement issued at the 48th Extraordinary Ministerial Meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council regarding developments in the region, and the GCC's condemnation of everything that threatens the security and stability of the region. He also underscored the need for an immediate ceasefire, for all parties to exert joint efforts to de-escalate tensions, adopt diplomacy as an effective means of resolving conflicts, and exercise the highest level of self-restraint to spare the region and its people the dangers of war. Elsewhere, Bahrain activated on Sunday a remote working policy for 70 percent of employees in ministries and government entities, citing regional tensions. The decision excludes sectors where physical presence is essential or which have specific procedures in place for emergencies, as reported by the Bahrain News Agency. The policy will be implemented in line with public safety requirements until further notice. Meanwhile, Bahrain's Interior Ministry urged the public on social media platform X to use main roads only when necessary, so as to maintain public safety and allow the relevant authorities to use the roads efficiently. Additionally, the Bahraini Education Ministry activated digital platforms for educational activities as a precautionary measure under an approved plan for all educational institutions. in oil prices as a result of the dependence of most countries -- including Europe -- on Gulf oil. He cited as evidence the role of Saudi Arabia in the 1973 War when King Faisal made his historic decision to ban the export of oil in the heat of that war, which led to the cessation of the use of cars in Europe and made the residents of European countries return to riding bicycles. Continued from Page 1 The United States inserted itself into Israel's war against Iran early Sunday by dropping 30,000-pound bombs on an uranium enrichment site buried under a mountain, a risky gambit that aimed to destroy the Islamic Republic's nuclear program after months of failed diplomacy. The attack prompted fears of a wider regional conflict as Iran lashed out at the U.S. for crossing 'a very big red line.' The U.S. also fired dozens of missiles, and President Donald Trump said in a televised address from the White House that the combination of strikes 'completely and fully obliterated' three nuclear sites. However, U.S. defense officials said an assessment of the damage wrought by the attack still was ongoing. Hours later, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the time for diplomacy had passed and that his country had the right to defend itself. Araghchi said he would immediate fly to Moscow to coordinate positions with its ally, Russia. 'The warmongering and lawless administration in Washington is solely and fully responsible for the dangerous consequences and far-reaching implications of its act of aggression,' he told reporters in Turkey in the first comments by a high-ranking Iranian official since the strikes. 'They crossed a very big red line by attacking nuclear facilities.' The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran confirmed that attacks took place on the Fordo and Natanz enrichment facilities as well as its Isfahan nuclear site, but it insisted that its nuclear program will not be stopped. Both Iran and the U.N. nuclear watchdog said there were no immediate signs of radioactive contamination around the three locations following the strikes. Countries around the globe are calling for diplomacy and no further escalation. It was not clear whether the U.S. would continue attacking Iran alongside its ally Israel, which has been engaged in a war with Iran for nine days. But U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the U.S. does not 'seek war' and that the operation would not be 'open-ended,' though Trump earlier warned there would be additional strikes if Tehran retaliated against U.S. forces. 'There will either be peace or there will be tragedy for Iran,' said Trump, who acted without congressional authorization. With the attack, the United States has inserted itself into a war it spent decades trying to avoid because of the dizzyingly high stakes. Success would mean ending Iran's nuclear ambitions once and for all and eliminating the last significant threat to Israel's security. But failure - or overreach - could plunge the U.S. into the vortex of another long and unpredictable conflict in the Middle East. For Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this is the culmination of a decades long campaign to get the U.S. to strike Israel's chief regional rival and its disputed nuclear program. For Iran's supreme leader, the 86-year-old Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, it could mark the end of a similarly ambitious campaign to transform the Islamic Republic into a regional power and counterweight to the West.
Arab Times
2 hours ago
- Arab Times
Kuwait warned to brace for $100 oil if conflict escalates
KUWAIT CITY, June 22: While the ongoing Israeli-Iranian war has led to a rise in the price of crude oil, several parties expect oil prices to reach $100 if the war escalates and the Strait of Hormuz is closed, but this possibility was ruled out by the experts that the newspaper interviewed recently. Economic expert Salah Al- Jimaz said it is in Iran's interest to continue the passage of oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz; considering its closure will cause a huge financial loss for Iran, because its tankers pass through the Strait, especially after its oil production in the first quarter of this year reached 3.5 million barrels per day. He pointed out that it is difficult for Iran to sacrifice these revenues, particularly since the current war has cost and will continue to cost it a great deal from the State treasury, and it may suffer an economic decline for several years as a result of the war. He thinks the Iranian-Israeli war could raise oil prices to more than $100 per barrel if Israel targets strategic oil sites or Iranian refineries, or if the Strait of Hormuz is closed. 'However, realistically, Israel and Iran do not want this war to take on economic dimensions that could impact the oil commodity and its prices, because the victims will not only be Iran or Israel, but all other countries throughout the world. If Israel targets Iranian oil sites, this will be a provocation of the entire world,' he explained. He advised the Kuwaiti oil sector to expand oil storage projects near countries that primarily import Kuwaiti oil, especially since the sector has numerous previous experiences in this regard. He stated that in April, the country exported the first shipment of Kuwaiti oil to South Korea under a previous agreement between Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) and Korea National Oil Company, allowing the storage of four million barrels of Kuwaiti oil. Moreover, economic expert and former advisor to Chevron Dr. Ali Al- Hababi revealed that oil prices have been gradually rising since the beginning of the Iran-Israel war. He stressed the need to take all precautions in light of the war. He warned that attacking the Iranian Bushehr reactor located in Bandar Abbas, which is overlooking the Gulf, will lead to extremely dangerous water pollution, especially since Kuwait and the rest of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries depend on its water. He underscored the importance of expanding Kuwaiti storage facilities, in cooperation with the private sector, to ensure adequate water and food supplies for use in such hot conditions. He called on the oil sector to take all the necessary measures if the Strait of Hormuz is closed, as such closure will halt Kuwaiti oil supplies to Asian countries. He added the Red Sea is not safe as well, indicating the regional developments will inevitably lead to a huge increase in oil prices as a result of the dependence of most countries -- including Europe -- on Gulf oil. He cited as evidence the role of Saudi Arabia in the 1973 War when King Faisal made his historic decision to ban the export of oil in the heat of that war, which led to the cessation of the use of cars in Europe and made the residents of European countries return to riding bicycles.
