Diplomacy
Russian President Vladimir Putin met a number of world leaders during a Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. During his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Putin acknowledged Xi’s “questions and concerns” about the war in Ukraine. In a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Putin noted “concerns that [Modi] constantly express[es],” while Modi said that “today’s era is not of war.” Some leaders also kept Putin waiting, turning the tables on a leader who famously usually keeps others waiting.
President Joe Biden met with the families of detained Americans in Russia, including WNBA superstar Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan.
Sanctions
Senior U.S. officials expressed frustration to CNN that sanctions haven’t bitten as hard as they thought they would, saying that the harshest effects probably won’t materialize until early next year.
Consequences
Russia’s Central Bank made its sixth straight interest rate cut, signaling that it may be the last of the year.
Germany will take control of three refineries owned by two Rosneft subsidiaries.
Ukraine Sitrep
A mass grave with over 400 bodies was found in a mass grave near the liberated city of Izyum. Ukrainian officials say that 99% of the bodies show signs of a violent death, some with hands tied behind their backs. Reuters reports a potential second mass grave with 200 wooden crosses was found today near Izyum. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the mass graves are a part of a continuum of war crimes.
The U.S. announced $600 million in additional military aid for Ukraine.