ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - September 3, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - September 3, 2024

ZeroFox physical security experts collect, curate, and analyze information derived from open and proprietary sources for comprehensive context of the circumstances surrounding global events. Here is today’s daily roundup of major developments.

Brief Highlights

• Ukraine to Halt Transit of Russian Gas Effective January 2025
• Putin Arrives in Mongolia in Defiance of ICC Arrest Warrant
• U.S. Seizes Venezuelan President's Plane in Dominican Republic

Ukraine to Halt Transit of Russian Gas Effective January 2025

Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, revealed that Ukraine plans to halt the transit of Russian gas and oil via the Druzhba pipeline effective January 1, 2025. However, Podolyak said Ukraine would allow volumes from other countries - such as Azerbaijan or Kazakhstan - to transit the Druzhba. Ukrainian officials have previously insisted they would not extend the agreement that regulates the transit of Russian gas through the Druzhba, which is set to expire at the end of 2024. Podolyak's comments are an indication that Ukraine intends to follow through on this policy.

Putin Arrives in Mongolia in Defiance of ICC Arrest Warrant

Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Mongolia, which marks Putin's first visit to a signatory to the International Criminal Court (ICC) since the ICC issued a warrant for his arrest. An ICC signatory country is obliged to detain any individual with an ICC warrant out for their arrest. Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said the Kremlin has "no worries" about Putin's visit. This statement indicates the Kremlin has likely received assurances from the Mongolian government that Putin will not face arrest upon his arrival to Mongolia.

U.S. Seizes Venezuelan President's Plane in Dominican Republic

The U.S. Justice Department has seized a Dassault Falcon 900EX aircraft used by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, transporting it from the Dominican Republic to Florida. The aircraft was reportedly purchased illegally for USD 13 million through a shell company, violating U.S. sanctions. This seizure occurs amidst ongoing international and domestic pressure on Maduro over a disputed election. The Venezuelan government, which confirmed Maduro's use of the aircraft, condemned the seizure as "piracy," illegal, and part of a "repeated criminal practice" by the United States.