Chinese enslave Uzbeks — Weekend

Since the 19th century, the United States has slowly accumulated prestige, only to now squander it in buckets under pressure from a handful of extremist ministers entrenched in Tel Aviv and, perhaps, from powerful and influential institutions in the background. The country once followed as the standard-bearer of the world has all but disappeared. Today it is an accomplice to occupation, massacres, and other inhumane practices, providing Israel with full political and financial support. A multipolar world has already emerged. There is no longer a single dominant power on the planet. In some economic and military measures, this still appears to be the US, but its circle of sympathizers is rapidly shrinking. After all, how should one describe a state that vetoes a UN Security Council resolution demanding an “immediate” ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the lifting of all Israeli restrictions on humanitarian aid to Palestinians? On September 18, Washington took this disgraceful step for the sixth time and blocked the document. The US mission to the UN, represented by Morgan Ortagus, explained it this way:

“The United States rejects this unacceptable resolution. It is time for Hamas to release all hostages immediately and unconditionally and to surrender without conditions. The United States will continue working with its partners to end this horrific conflict.”

The draft resolution was prepared by ten of the fifteen members of the UN Security Council. Unlike the US, the remaining fourteen supported the document, which called for halting Israel’s nearly two-year-long assaults in Gaza. Morgan Ortagus, who cast the veto, immediately faced public outrage outside. Protesters shouted at her: “Shame on you for this decision!” Yet, like other US and Israeli politicians, she remained unmoved by calls for justice. Her Israeli counterpart, Danny Danon, openly stated that “resolutions against Israel will not free the hostages or ensure regional security,” once again rejecting accusations that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

Still, no matter how strongly the United States resists Palestinian statehood, the global tide appears to be shifting. Many countries, including several leading Western governments, are now closer than ever to restoring justice in the Middle East. Several states plan to recognize Palestine during the upcoming UN General Assembly session in New York. In addition, US Senator Jeff Merkley has called on President Donald Trump to formally recognize the State of Palestine. For the first time in history, such a resolution has been introduced in the US Senate. According to the statement from Merkley, elected from Oregon, the resolution has been supported by seven Democrats and one independent senator. It stresses that the President of the United States must recognize Palestine as a state. The document underlines the necessity of a two-state solution for the security and prosperity of both Palestine and Israel, referencing UN Security Council Resolution 242 on the 1967 borders. It further states that the US should recognize both a secure Israel and a “demilitarized” Palestinian state in line with international law and the principle of a two-state solution.

According to Merkley, recognizing Palestine would be not only a practical step but also the right decision. He emphasized that America must show leadership in this matter. The senator also highlighted the urgent need to stop the fighting, release captives, and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid. In his view, the only path toward lasting peace and prosperity is the two-state solution, and the establishment of a Palestinian state can no longer be delayed. The resolution was co-sponsored by Democratic senators Chris Van Hollen, Tim Kaine, Peter Welch, Tina Smith, Tammy Baldwin, Mazie Hirono, and independent senator Bernie Sanders. Sanders himself deserves special mention: he has been among the few US politicians to oppose Israel’s actions in Gaza and call them by their name — genocide. Recently, he has been actively urging Washington to end its complicity.

Russia pierces NATO borders

As noted above, the old world order is vanishing rapidly. What was once considered a red line — untouchable and non-negotiable — is now being undermined by jokes circulating on the internet, such as confusing the Russian phrases “po bolshe” and “po Polshe.” Humor aside, it highlights the disorder in today’s world. Only a few years ago, the idea of Russia violating NATO’s borders seemed unimaginable. Today, it has become almost routine. The fact that such incidents occur between the state with the world’s largest nuclear arsenal and the most powerful military alliance is dangerous for the entire planet. Yet, despite this, Russia has breached the borders of not one but two NATO states in the past ten days.

The first incident occurred on the night of September 10, when around 20 drones were launched into Polish territory. NATO responded by activating Article 4, initiating consultations. While the alliance was still discussing the Polish airspace violation, Russia committed another, more blatant breach. On September 19, three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets illegally entered Estonian airspace through the Gulf of Finland near Vaindloo Island, remaining for about 12 minutes. Reports state that the aircraft had no flight plans, their transponders were switched off, and they did not establish bilateral radio communication with Estonian air traffic control. Following the incident, Estonia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs immediately summoned Russia’s chargé d’affaires in Tallinn and delivered a note of protest.

US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly expressed frustration with Vladimir Putin this year, commented on Russia’s incursion into Estonian airspace, warning that it could lead to “serious problems.” True to his style, Trump added his usual refrain — that he “doesn’t like” such situations and is “not happy” about them.

Uzbeks enslaved in Ukraine

Thirteen citizens of Uzbekistan have been found in Kyiv region of Ukraine, forced into labor under extremely harsh and exploitative conditions. The regional prosecutor’s office reported the discovery. According to the information, two citizens of the People’s Republic of China, one Uzbek, and one Ukrainian woman were detained. They are suspected of organizing the trafficking of 13 Uzbek citizens to Ukraine for the purpose of forced labor.

Investigators say the suspects recruited vulnerable individuals through coercion and deception — people who were socially unprotected, homeless, unemployed, and in severe financial distress. Victims were sought out abroad and later brought to Kyiv region for forced labor with the aim of making profit. Violence and restrictions on freedom were used to keep the captives under control. The level of abuse was so severe that even going to the toilet was only allowed according to a strict schedule, and the smallest violation was met with harsh punishment.

On September 17, Ukrainian law enforcement authorities carried out searches at the suspects’ residences and workplaces. During the inspections, 13 Uzbek citizens were found in rooms with inhumane conditions, along with documents, cash, and vehicles. The four detainees have been charged with committing a serious crime, and the court is now considering preventive measures against them. Preliminary investigative actions are underway.

The Embassy of Uzbekistan in Ukraine has responded to the situation. To clarify the circumstances, embassy representatives visited the scene. It was confirmed that all citizens are alive and safe and have been placed in a local hospital in Kyiv region for medical treatment.

The embassy stated that the situation involving the citizens is under full control and that all necessary steps are being taken to repatriate them to Uzbekistan. Relevant notes have also been sent to Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Prosecutor General’s Office to provide legal assistance. A criminal case has been opened, and court proceedings against the suspects are ongoing. The embassy additionally advised Uzbek citizens not to travel to Ukraine at present due to potential risks to human life.

It is important to note that this case was uncovered and prevented through the initiative of Ukrainian law enforcement authorities. As mentioned earlier, the suspects are one Uzbek, one Ukrainian, and two Chinese nationals. Based on currently available information, Uzbek citizens in Kyiv were not enslaved at the state level, nor were official Ukrainian institutions involved. Therefore, this incident should not be seen as damaging to bilateral relations between the two countries, but rather as a matter of criminal responsibility.

Trump in talks with world leaders

US President Donald Trump, invited by the monarch, paid a historic visit to the United Kingdom this week and held major discussions, both in person and by phone.

Upon arrival in Britain, Trump was met with a mix of scandal and grandeur. His photos and dances with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein resurfaced, while King Charles III’s family hosted him with a royal banquet reminiscent of medieval times. During the visit, Trump also appeared to disregard diplomatic protocol, brushing against King Charles III to signal that such rules did not apply to him.

On September 19, Trump announced that he had held highly productive talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, reporting significant progress on many issues. He also confirmed that he would meet Xi again at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea. Trump’s planned visit to China in early 2026 was also discussed, while Xi promised to make a reciprocal visit to the US at a convenient time.

Trump further announced that he would meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on September 25. According to Trump, the talks will focus on aircraft sales and military agreements. The Turkish government had previously confirmed that Erdoğan would meet Trump to discuss aircraft purchases. Media outlets also suggest that the two leaders may touch on issues in Gaza and Syria. However, it should be noted that Erdoğan and Trump hold sharply different positions on the Gaza conflict.

Taliban advises Trump not to “count his chickens before they hatch”

On September 18, during a joint press conference in London with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Donald Trump announced that he was working on regaining control of the Bagram airbase in Afghanistan. According to him, Bagram is the largest airbase in the world. Trump stressed that the main reason for reclaiming the base is related to China, noting that Bagram is located just an hour’s distance from where China’s nuclear project is believed to be based. With these remarks, the US president also signaled that Washington seeks to monitor Beijing from afar.

In reality, Trump has recently kept his distance from China, realizing that Beijing is no longer yielding to US pressure. China’s defiance in recent months—its refusal to bow to tariffs and its engagement with countries less aligned with the US—has further highlighted this shift.

As for Bagram, the airbase had served US interests from 2001 to 2021. It was the largest base of the international coalition led by the United States. However, in the summer of 2021, the base fell into the hands of Afghanistan’s interim Taliban government, forcing American forces to withdraw. On April 14, 2021, US President Joe Biden officially announced the end of the US mission in Afghanistan, marking the conclusion of the country’s longest foreign military campaign, which began in October 2001. At its peak between 2010 and 2013, more than 150,000 international troops were stationed in Afghanistan. Most US and NATO units withdrew in 2014, and the last American soldiers left in early September 2021. Trump has long described this withdrawal as America’s greatest loss and most humiliating defeat. Now, with his return to the White House, he appears determined to bring the US back into Afghanistan.

But the circumstances have changed. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid delivered a blunt message to Trump: “The Taliban will never return control of the Bagram airbase to the United States.” He stressed that Kabul is open to developing political and economic ties with Washington on the basis of “mutual respect and common interests,” but that “Afghanistan will never accept foreign military presence on its soil.” According to him, Trump could “only dream of regaining Bagram.”

“We expelled the Americans from the Islamic Emirate and will never accept their presence in our country. For years they attacked us and waged war, and we will not tolerate their return,” Mujahid said.

At the same time, Michael Kugelman, an Asia specialist in Washington, noted that Taliban leaders are seeking to normalize relations with the United States and may even be willing to make concessions to achieve this. However, he emphasized that the Taliban’s “red lines” remain firm, and one of them is precisely the Bagram issue. “The Taliban have consistently and categorically rejected any proposals tied to the presence of US forces in Afghanistan,” Kugelman said.