Morning Briefing: June 11, 2023

ISTANBUL

Here's a rundown of all the news you need to start your Sunday, including the first-ever Champions League victory of Manchester City.

TOP STORIES

• Russian official threatens strikes on European countries if they take part in Ukraine war

The deputy head of the Russian Security Council warned that if NATO troops take part in Ukraine's war against Russia, Moscow could carry out strikes on European countries.

Dmitry Medvedev was referring to earlier comments by former NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, who said some countries of the alliance may individually send troops to Ukraine.

"Well, have you asked the population of these countries (to send troops to Ukraine)? Which of them wants war with Russia? Do they really want hypersonic strikes on Europe?" Medvedev said.

• Ukrainian troops taking 'counteroffensive, defensive actions' against Russia: Zelenskyy

Ukrainian troops are taking defensive and long-awaited counteroffensive actions against Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced.

While stopping short of revealing the current stage of the actions, Zelenskyy said their effects would "definitely" be felt.

Referring to recent remarks by Russian President Vladimir Putin that Ukraine had launched a counteroffensive and was suffering "considerable losses," Zelenskyy said it is important Moscow "always feels that they don't have much time left."

• China established spy base in Cuba since at least 2019: Report

China has had a spy base in Cuba since at least 2019, according to a new report citing the White House amid allegations that Beijing is expanding efforts to gather intelligence about the US.

The Wall Street Journal reported the White House emphasized that the Biden administration has implemented measures to counter China's security presence expansion on a global scale.

While the Pentagon denied earlier claims made Thursday that China reached an agreement with Cuba to build a base on the island nation, the White House reportedly said on Saturday that China "will keep trying to enhance its presence in Cuba, and we will keep working to disrupt it," as reported by the Journal.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• At least 28 people, including women and children, died after heavy rains battered parts of Pakistan.
  
  
• ADF rebels killed 15 civilians Friday in Beni territory in North Kivu province in eastern Congo, according to an official.
  
  
• No progress is being made on removing obstacles for Russian agricultural exports under the Black Sea grain deal, said Moscow's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin.
  
  
• The death toll in major forest fires in Kazakhstan’s eastern Abai Region has risen to 14, according to local media reports.
  
  
• Ted Kaczynski, known as the Unabomber, died in a federal prison in the US state of North Carolina, according to officials.
  
  
• Shortly after the Nord Stream pipeline explosions last September, the CIA informed Belgium of possible Ukrainian involvement in the sabotage, a Belgian newspaper reported.
  
  
• A total of 290 apartments were damaged after Russia carried out a drone attack on the city of Odesa in Ukraine, according to media reports.
  
  
• Canada sanctioned 24 individuals and 17 entities, including former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych.
  
  
• A Turkish cargo ship has left for its destination in France after Italian security forces carried out a rescue operation on a Turkish cargo ship following a hijack attempt by armed stowaways.
  
  
• At least five workers died in an explosion at a rocket and explosives factory in Türkiye's capital Ankara, with authorities saying the blast was caused by a "chemical reaction."

SPORTS

• Manchester City beat Inter Milan to win UEFA Champions League title

Manchester City defeated Internazionale 1-0 to win their very first UEFA Champions League title on Saturday, clinching the final jewel for their historic treble.

City dominated the first half of the final but neither side was able to break the deadlock despite both teams having chances.

Manchester City broke the deadlock in the 68th minute when Rodrigo made a close-range finish, assisted by Bernardo Silva, followed by multiple chances missed by their Italian adversaries.

Rodrigo, who scored the winner, said it was not easy to clinch the win. "What a team we faced, the way they defend and counterattack. We gave everything," he said.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

• Istanbul Airport broke a world air traffic record with 1,594 take-offs and landings, thanks to the UEFA Champions League final, according to Türkiye's Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
  
  
• Global credit ratings agency Fitch downgraded Tunisia from a CCC+ to CCC- amid a severe economic crisis in the North African nation.
  
  
• The UK announced Saturday that it would contribute £16 million ($20.1 million) to meet broad needs in Ukraine, particularly those affected by the collapse of the Kakhovka dam.