Return to Transcripts main page
CNN Newsroom
CNN International: Ukraine: Three Killed In Russian Strikes On Kyiv Region; WSJ Reporter Pens Memoir After16 Months In Russian Prison; Israel's Former Security Chief Says He Will Sue Netanyahu For Defamation Over October 7 Blame. Aired 4:30-5a ET
Aired September 30, 2026 - 04:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[04:30:00]
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
SALMA ABDELAZIZ, CNN ANCHOR: Welcome back. I'm Salma Abdelaziz. Russia is battering Ukraine's capital region with new air strikes. Ukrainian officials say at least three people have been killed in the overnight attack. This includes a child, while several others have been injured. Kyiv's mayor says fires have broken out, and the regional governor says a missile and drone strike has also damaged infrastructure, facilities, houses, and cars.
Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich is speaking out about his 16-month imprisonment in Russia. In 2023, Gershkovich was arrested on suspicion of espionage. This was while working as a correspondent in Moscow. He was later used as a key bargaining chip in a landmark multi-country prisoner swap between the U.S. Russia, and Germany.
In his newly published memoir, "This Cursed Beautiful Land" he explores his time in captivity as well as what the Russian population as a whole is enduring. Earlier, he spoke with CNN's Jake Tapper and reflected on his experience behind bars.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
EVEN GERSHKOVICH, AMERICAN JOURNALIST DETAINED IN RUSSIA FOR 16 MONTHS: They treated me like the sort of pristine package to be kept and swapped, so my value would stay very high, and that was a kind of known, you know, known secret from -- from day one. My first night in prison, you know, there's a -- we have a television and on state -- on state news, you know, a newscaster like you, except it's for state propaganda, says you know it might be cynical, but we've replenished our exchange fund, so to speak.
The term the Russians use for what the you know the group of people that they take capture to then trade, and so that knowing that as a reporter who was working in the country for five and a half years up to that point had reported on cases like this that really helped. You know, also having this wide support network from my newsroom to other journalists like yourself, also my family, my friends, my girlfriend, who really you know rallied around me. So, I really wasn't alone. And also, my Russian background that you
alluded to at the beginning. You know, I spoke the language, I understood the customs, and so I could have conversations with my cell mates, understand what was going on -- on the television and newspapers, but also talk to prison guards and talk to you know FSB officials. And as a journalist, it was a sort of unique opportunity, kind of you know, to end up there.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
[04:35:00]
ABDELAZIZ: Now to the West Bank, where Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian family overnight, storming their house and setting it on fire. The incident highlights the growing issue of violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. CNN's Jeremy Diamond has -- has more on this from Jerusalem.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JEREMY DIAMOND, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Just over two months ago, the Tubasi family were driven from their home in the occupied West Bank by a group of Israeli settlers. Then Monday night into Tuesday, the Israeli military finally escorted the Tubasi family back to their home following an order by the Israeli Supreme Court.
But moments after they arrived at their home, which they found had been damaged by the Israeli settlers they came under attack once again. More than 100 Israeli settlers stormed the area, pelting the home with stones. Some of them actually stormed into the house and attacked the family as well as Israeli border police officers who were on the scene.
Some of the settlers even set the home on fire as well as a car that belonged to the family. The -- the family had to be escorted out of the area in an armored vehicle by the Israeli military. This is, of course, just the latest instance of settler violence, which has been exploding across the West Bank in recent months.
The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the violence, but once again he sought to downplay it, attributing this violence to the actions of a "handful of rioters" even though the Israeli military itself said that there were more than 100 Israeli settlers involved in this attack. Of those, only two of the settlers were actually apprehended by Israeli authorities.
And what's happening in the West Bank is one of several issues driving the campaign in Israel right now. At the heart of it, of course, right now is this issue of what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was told what he knew and what he failed to act on in the days leading up to the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel.
His former Shin Bet Director, Israel's domestic intelligence service, says he is now going to sue the Israeli Prime Minister for defamation after Netanyahu tried to shift blame for the warnings before October 7 to this former Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar. Bar is now firing back, saying that the Israeli Prime Minister was warned of an "impending disaster in an unprecedented manner" ahead of that attack. Jeremy Diamond, CNN, Jerusalem.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ABDELAZIZ: Now to northwestern Mexico, where remnants of Polo are dissipating, but it's already triggered extensive flooding after making landfall as a hurricane early Tuesday. CNN's Valeria Leon has more from Mexico City.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
VALERIA LEON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hurricane Polo struck Mexico twice after weakening from Category Five strength over the Pacific, it made landfall in Baja California Sur, then it crossed the Gulf of California and hit Sonora, where torrential rain flooded the port city of Guaymas. Cars stranded in flood water, streets turned into rivers, and for some residents, the water came right through their front doors.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): Water is coming into my house, into the kitchen, into the bathroom.
LEON: Polo made its second landfall in Sonora as Category One hurricane. In Guaymas, 108 people went to temporary shelters, according to the mayor.
KARLA CORDOVA, MAYOR OF GUAYMAS, MEXICO: The most important thing during a storm is to protect lives. Stay home, keep away from windows and doors.
LEON: Officials are preparing pumps to drain flooded areas, and Mexico's military says it has personnel deployed under its disaster response plan. Polo first made landfall in Baja California Sur, as a Category Two hurricane. About 700 people took shelter there with no casualties reported.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): In the three municipalities threatened by the hurricane Comondu, Loreto and Mulege around 700 people took shelter
LEON: As communities assess the damage left by Polo, another storm is moving along Mexico's Pacific coast. Tropical storm Rachel could bring torrential rain to parts of the country, raising the risk of more flooding. So, authorities are urging people in its path to stay alert, even as others are still cleaning up after Polo. Valeria Leon, CNN, Mexico City.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ABDELAZIZ: Still to come, we'll speak to an 11-year-old who just attained one of the top titles in chess. Her story in her words when we come back.
[04:40:00]
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ABDELAZIZ: Welcome back. An 11-year-old British girl has just become the youngest ever woman grandmaster in the game of chess. Bodhana Sivanandan just attained the top female-only title after representing England at the 46th Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan. She has been playing chess since she was five years old, and she has quickly shown herself to be a prodigy.
Of course, she has already become Britain's youngest female chess champion and the youngest person to represent England at an international tournament in any sport. Now, Bodhana says she wants to continue making history, and she joins us now live from London, wearing her school uniform this morning. Thank you so much for making the time to talk to us in your very, very busy schedule.
First of all, congratulations. I can't imagine how this feels. It's -- it's a point of pride, not just for yourself, but of course for your family, for your community, for your country, how does it feel to hold the title of youngest woman grand master?
BODHANA SIVANANDAN, CHESS' YOUNGEST WOMAN GRANDMASTER: First of all, thank you for the invite to CNN, and yeah, I'm happy to have gotten the title. But as you already mentioned, I want to keep going and keep making history.
ABDELAZIZ: So, what does that mean to -- to keep going, and what does that look like to you to keep making history? Because at only 11 years old, you still have a lot of life in you where you can keep making history. What does that mean for you?
SIVANANDAN: I mean, like after achieving the youngest girl to become a woman grandmaster, I want to maybe get to the next level as well, which is an international master interest, and hopefully someday a grand master as well.
ABDELAZIZ: And I heard that you really started teaching yourself how to play during COVID when you were just five years old. Can you tell me what initially attracted you to the game and drew you into investing so much of your life in it?
[04:45:00]
SIVANANDAN: Initially, I just liked how the pieces looked, especially the knight and the queen, and I wanted to use them as toys outside of chess. But then my dad told me that then the next person who got the board wouldn't be able to play chess properly, so instead he taught me how to play, and from there I liked it. And I started going to tournaments, and they went well, so I kept going.
ABDELAZIZ: Do you get nervous before tournaments ever, or do you feel like you're used to being at such a high level of competition now?
SIVANANDAN: Normally, I don't get nervous, but even when I do, I just try and kind of enjoy the game. And because I'm kind of so used to playing so many games already, it doesn't really affect me that much. ABDELAZIZ: That's amazing, and I heard your parents did know how to play chess, but even they have been taken aback at your passion and, of course, your accomplishments in the game. How have they responded? How have they reacted to this massive win?
SIVANANDAN: They're happy that I managed to win, but also, they also want to like keep supporting me, and they also want me to again keep going to the next level.
ABDELAZIZ: And I am absolutely sure that you will keep going to the next level. It is such an honor to speak to you. Congratulations on a massive accomplishment.
SIVANANDAN: Thank you.
ABDELAZIZ: Still to come: A new chapter is being written in one of sports' most exclusive male-dominated fields. Stay with CNN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[04:50:00]
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ABDELAZIZ: Welcome back. The King of Morocco has appointed the country's first ever woman prime minister. The Royal Palace says she was appointed after her Liberal centrist party came out on top in last week's parliamentary election. The new prime minister is a lawyer who was housing minister in the outgoing government and the mayor of Marrakesh, she is set to lead talks to form a coalition government and submit a list of cabinet members for the king's approval.
The America's Cup has long been one of sports' most elusive male- dominated competitions. Now, for the first time in its 175-year history, women will be at the helm of some of the sport's most powerful boats. CNN's Stefano Pozzebon reports from Naples, Italy.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
STEFANO POZZEBON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The America's Cup, the fastest sails in history, battling for eternal glory, but in a centuries-old tradition, the season marks a new breakthrough and a historic first. Each team now required to field at least one woman as part of its crew. No small matter.
One research shows that three out of four women involved in sailing, believe gender balance is a problem. We went to Naples to meet with Team USA as they prepare for the 38th edition of the Cup.
Do you think that sailing has a gender issue, like compared to other sports? Here, you actually have men and women competing together.
LOUISA NORDSTROM, SAILOR, ACR TEAM USA: Like I don't know, put a lot of thought into. I would say like it's just kind of the environment that's present. Sailing has historically been a very male-dominated sport, and that's the reality of it. I think in a lot of sports, you know, there's -- there are inherent
biological differences between men and women, and the unique thing now with sailing is that it's becoming a more level playing field with regards to like the physical capabilities necessary. One design, America's Cup.
POZZEBON: Soon enough, we found ourselves on deck. Tech is such an important part of today's sailing that a boat's wheel looks more like a cockpit than a yacht's cabin.
NORDSTROM: Oh, this is cool. This is the bow end. So, one of the important things with the autopilot of the boat and -- and everything is -- here you get a wind reading, so that is fed into the boat all the time, and it's important not to crash the boat because then it'll break off.
POZZEBON: I mean, it's important not to crash the boat for a variety of reasons, not including the -- the cost of one of these machines, right?
NORDSTROM: Yeah.
POZZEBON: Do you know how much one of these costs?
NORDSTROM: I think they're around 2 million.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I reckon it's a lot --
POZZEBON: Once at sea, our cameras could barely get a glimpse of what these boats are capable of. Cruising at 40 knots, or 75 kilometers per hour across the Mediterranean, the support crew on the chase boat providing any help the ships might need, and enjoying the show.
KEN READ, CEO, ACR TEAM USA: First of all, just the raw talent of females as it's comparable with males, but it also, I think, it signals an age of change where the physicality, it's more cerebral.
POZZEBON: The Cup in Naples also provides an enormous opportunity for this city to show itself on the world stage, and even transferring some of the passion it's known for from the soccer field to the regattas.
Well, right now most of the boats are getting ready to line up on the starting line of this practice race because ultimately this is just a warm up. The real America's Cup is coming to Italy next year between May and July of 2027. A circus or perhaps Formula One on water. Stefano Pozzebon, CNN, Naples.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ABDELAZIZ: Now to Argentina. The country's national football team will be back on the pitch in the coming hours as they take on Bolivia with a new captain and without legendary forward Lionel Messi.
Cristian Romero has been named new captain following Messi's retirement from international football, but before he hangs up his boots for good, Messi will rejoin the squad for a farewell match against Benin. That match takes place on Tuesday, wrapping up a three- match friendly schedule for the World Cup runners-ups.
[04:55:00]
The 2028 Olympic torch will make history by traveling through all 50 states, this is before arriving in the host city of Los Angeles. The torch will be lit at the game's birthplace of Olympia, Greece. It'll then begin its journey all the way to Atlanta, which hosted the last U.S.-based Olympics in 1996. Now, organizers say it will be one of the largest relays in Olympic history. The full route is set to be announced, next year.
The Six Flags Magic Mountain Theme Park in Southern California says it will permanently close its most famous roller coaster. This move comes about a month after a CNN investigation exposed a long history of life-altering injuries and deaths linked to that X2 ride.
CNN documented more than a dozen reports of serious injuries and hospitalizations associated with the ride, including at least two deaths. Two women ended up in the same emergency room with brain injuries after riding the roller coaster just six days apart in July. And last month, attorneys suing Six Flags said more than 100 people have claimed they suffered brain injuries from the X2 ride just in the past two years.
Meet Comando, the Chihuahua, the smallest member of Mexico's National Guard. They adopted him six months ago, and the 13-month-old canine recruit is being trained to specialize in search and rescue operations. Comando usually joins troops on community outreach events, but most recently, wearing his miniature tactical gear, he participated in Mexico's Independence Day parade.
Thank you so much for watching. I'm Salma Abdelaziz. CNN Headline Express is up next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
