This article discusses the weekly Monday crossword puzzle by Daniel Hrynick, highlighting its construction, a specific clue about MOOG, and the submission guidelines for future puzzles, noting that submissions are closed until July 31.
A former Ukrainian anti-organized crime official was found dead in a Spanish resort, near where a Russian military defector was previously killed, raising suspicions and prompting an investigation into the circumstances of his death.
A North Korean defector made a daring 20-hour journey across a heavily mined border to South Korea, avoiding armed guards and landmines, and was subsequently detained for investigation.
A Defector staff member recounts the amusing mystery of a lost cup of coffee, which disappeared during a brief video call. The incident sparked a lighthearted investigation among colleagues, as shared through an edited Slack transcript.
Normal Gossip, a popular podcast, is undergoing a transition as Rachelle Hampton takes over as the new host, with Kelsey McKinney stepping down but remaining involved. The change is described as a "peaceful transfer of power," with Hampton and new producer Se'era Spragley-Ricks bringing fresh perspectives to the show. Fans are encouraged to support the transition and continue sharing gossip stories for future episodes. The next season is expected in spring 2025, with bonus content available in the meantime.
Russia is contemplating its response to U.S. President Joe Biden's recent missile strategy, amid a backdrop of geopolitical tensions. This includes the assassination of a prominent Russian defector in Spain, increased North Korean academic presence in Russia following a military cooperation treaty, and European defense discussions highlighting the Russian threat. Additionally, the Kremlin is pressing for tangible outcomes from the U.S. following Trump's election victory, indicating that mere promises won't suffice for improved relations.
Marshal Herrmann's crossword puzzle, edited by Hoang-Kim Vu, debuts at Defector, combining his love for sports and crossword construction, with the puzzles running every Monday in partnership with AVCX.
Russian security chief Dmitry Medvedev disparaged murdered defector Maksim Kuzminov, calling him a "dog" and celebrating his death, following similar comments from spy chief Sergei Naryshkin. Kuzminov, a former Russian pilot who defected to Ukraine, was found dead in Spain after publicly condemning Moscow's actions. Spanish media reported that he was killed by a "group of professionals," with evidence suggesting Russian-made ammunition was used. Russian state media has portrayed Kuzminov as a "traitor" and an "example" to others, while also revealing that Russian military intelligence had orders to assassinate him.
A man shot dead in Spain is suspected to be Maksim Kuzminov, a Russian army defector who fled to Ukraine last year. Kuzminov, who opposed Russia's war in Ukraine, was found dead in Alicante, Spain, with reports suggesting Russian involvement. The Spanish government is investigating the incident, while the Ukrainian community in Alicante is left in shock and fear.
Spanish intelligence services believe that the Kremlin orchestrated the assassination of Russian defector Maxim Kuzminov in Alicante, with the involvement of Russian authorities suspected. The murder, a warning to potential defectors, marks the first such killing on Spanish soil and has prompted diplomatic caution from the Spanish government. The operation, likely carried out by professional hitmen from outside Spain, has raised concerns about the involvement of Russian citizens living in Spain and mafia organizations. The decision to settle in an area with a significant Russian and Ukrainian population may have contributed to Kuzminov's exposure, as he lacked official protection from Spanish authorities.
The killing of Russian pilot Maksim Kuzminov in Spain serves as a menacing signal from Moscow that those who oppose the Kremlin, even in exile, are not safe. The attack, resembling a mob hit, suggests that Russia may be using criminal networks to carry out assassinations in Europe. Kuzminov, who defected to Ukraine, fell into a category of traitors that Putin particularly disdains. The incident raises questions about the security of defectors and the Western response to Russian aggression.
The body of Russian defector Maksim Kuzminov, who fled to Ukraine last year, was found with multiple gunshot wounds in Spain. Ukrainian military spokesperson Andrii Yusov confirmed Kuzminov's death, while Russian Foreign Intelligence Service chief Sergei Naryshkin labeled him a "traitor and criminal." Kuzminov's body was initially identified as that of an unrelated Ukrainian citizen, but Spanish authorities suspect it to be the defector. The circumstances surrounding his death are under investigation.
Spanish police suspect that a bullet-riddled body found in Spain may belong to a Russian defector, Maksim Kuzminov, who escaped to Ukraine last year with the help of Ukrainian intelligence. The body was discovered in La Cala, near Alicante, and had been shot multiple times and run over by a car. Russian authorities have labeled Kuzminov a "traitor and criminal," while Ukrainian officials claim they had offered him protection in Ukraine. The circumstances of his presence in Spain remain unclear, and the investigation is ongoing.
Moscow's spy chief has referred to the Russian pilot who defected to Ukraine and was found dead in Spain as a "moral corpse" and a "traitor and criminal." The pilot, Maksim Kuzminov, had defected to Ukraine last year with his helicopter and was found shot dead in Spain with false documents and signs of a violent attack. The circumstances surrounding his death have raised suspicions and tensions between Russia, Ukraine, and Spain.
Today's crossword puzzle, constructed by Kelsey Dixon and Kate Chin Park and edited by Hoang-Kim Vu, is featured in Defector's crossword series in partnership with AVCX, with puzzles running every Monday. Kelsey and Kate, both crossword constructors and puzzle editors, have had their puzzles published in various prestigious venues. If you're interested in submitting a puzzle, you can find the guidelines on Defector's website.