A Russian has been charged with conspiring to hack and destroy computer systems and data in Ukraine and allied countries including the US, the US justice department announced on Wednesday, offering a $10m reward for information. Amin Timovich Stigal, 22, remains at large and is accused of targeting Kyiv’s government systems before the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich went on trial in Ekaterinburg on espionage charges that he, his employer, and the US government deny. The 32-year-old was arrested in March 2023 while on a reporting trip, accused of gathering secret information for the US.
The EU is set to sign a security agreement with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, committing to providing weapons, military training, and aid for years to come. European Union countries also agreed on a sanctions package against Belarus to prevent circumvention of sanctions on Russia.
President Zelenskiy made an unannounced visit to Donetsk to boost morale among troops facing Russian advances, signaling a crackdown on officials neglecting duties. Five Lithuanians delivering aid in eastern Ukraine were wounded in shelling, while human rights representatives from Russia and Ukraine met during a prisoner exchange.
NATO appointed outgoing Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte as the alliance’s next head, succeeding Jens Stoltenberg on 1 October.