Morning Briefing: June 27, 2023

Anadolu's recap of top stories from around the globe

By Rabia Ali

ISTANBUL (AA) – Here's a rundown of all the news you need to start your Tuesday, including Russian President Vladimir Putin's freedom assurance to Wagner Group, Ukraine's progress in war, and claims of Wagner Group head Yevgeny Prigozhin.

TOP STORIES

Putin reaffirms promise to grant freedom to Wagner Group members

Russian President Vladimir Putin gave assurances late Monday to members of the Wagner Group that his promise to set them free would be kept.

He also told them that they can to continue serve Russia by entering into a contract with the Defense Ministry or other law enforcement agencies, or to return to family and loved ones.

"Whoever wants can (also) go to Belarus," Putin said in a televised address to nation.

He thanked Russians for their "endurance, solidarity, and patriotism" in the face of the Wagner Group's mutiny.

Ukraine demonstrating 'steady tactical progress' in war: British defense chief

Ukraine is "making gradual but steady tactical progress" with major offensive operations in the south and east of the country, British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace told the House of Parliament.

"As part of their summer campaign to reclaim illegally occupied territory, Ukraine has already recaptured approximately 300 square kilometers – that's more territory than Russia seized in its winter offensive," said Wallace.

The defense secretary updated British weapons used in Ukraine and said the Storm Shadow missiles have had a "significant impact."

Wagner head Prigozhin denies plans for overthrowing Russian government

The head of the Wagner Group claimed that he had no plans to overthrow the Russian government in the group's weekend march on Moscow.

Instead they wanted to "voice protest" and prevent the paramilitary company from being disbanded.

On Telegram, Yevgeny Prigozhin said the Russian Defense Ministry had planned to sign contracts by July 1 with all Wagner fighters, making the group part of the regular army, which, according to Prigozhin, "would destroy its combat capability."

NEWS IN BRIEF

US President Joe Biden maintained that Washington "had nothing to do with the aborted rebellion by a Russian private military company, the Wagner Group, that saw paramilitary forces advance towards Moscow.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis was sworn in as the Greek premier following his conservative New Democracy party's landslide victory in Sunday's elections, local media reported.

Pakistan's army has dismissed three senior officers after an inquiry into last month's violent protests which erupted following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, a military spokesman said.

More than 600 people were killed by armed groups in the past three months in the restive eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the UN assistant secretary-general for Africa said.

Eight lawmakers from the Gaza Strip have lodged a complaint with the International Criminal Court, urging Israel to lift a blockade and provide financial compensation to those impacted by it.

The commander of the Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces announced a two-day "unilateral" cease-fire commencing Tuesday over the Muslim Eid al-Adha holiday.

The Sierra Leone Electoral Commission announced partial presidential election results, with Julius Maada Bio, 59, the incumbent president and leader of the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) leading.

A blast due to a pressure cooker occurred at a restaurant in northwestern China's Gansu province injuring two, according to local media, in the third such blast in less than a week.

More than 1,000 clergy from Spain's Catholic Church have been accused of pedophilia, according to a report published by the Spanish daily El Pais.

SPORTS

Jeddah to host 2023 Club World Cup

The 2023 FIFA Club World Cup will take place in the Saudi city of Jeddah, confirmed the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and the FIFA.

The decision came following the visit by a FIFA delegation to Jeddah to assess ongoing preparations for the tournament, which is scheduled to be held from Dec. 12-22.

This will mark the maiden FIFA Club World Cup competition held in Saudi Arabia.

Manchester City skipper Ilkay Gundogan joins Barcelona

Manchester City skipper Ilkay Gundogan has joined Barcelona on a deal until June 30, 2025, the Spanish club announced.

The 32-year-old's contract includes an option to stay for one more season and a buyout clause of €400 million.

Gundogan bagged the 2023 UEFA Champions League trophy, five English Premier League titles and two FA Cup trophies during his time with the Manchester side.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

UK to investigate alleged profiteering amid soaring inflation

UK Treasury chief Jeremy Hunt will investigate concerns of companies taking advantage of rampant inflation by raising prices, local media reported.

The decision came after the Bank of England suggested that certain retailers might be inflating prices or neglecting to pass on cost reductions to consumers to boost their profit margins amid persistent inflation.