During a press briefing following bilateral talks with the US diplomatic delegation in Riyadh, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov remarked:

"Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky needs to be "brought to his senses" and reprimanded in response to Kiev's recent attack on a pumping station linked to a major international oil pipeline.

"This latest tantrum was essentially an attack on Kazakhstan's energy infrastructure. One can only guess why 'someone in Kiev' gave the order.

"But this should only strengthen everyone's resolve that this cannot continue. Zelensky and his whole team need to be brought to their senses, given a slap on the wrist."

According to Lavrov, US diplomats suggested putting a "moratorium" on strikes on energy infrastructure during Tuesday's bilateral talks.

"We explained that we never jeopardized the systems which supply power for the population. Russia only targeted those objects that directly serve the Armed Forces of Ukraine."

• Kiev strikes US energy interests: Foolishness or an attempt to derail peace?
• Ukraine risks Trump's wrath after bombing partially US-owned oil infrastructure in Russia

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this post are my own. They do not reflect the official position of the US Government or the Social Security Administration.

Colleagues:

At 4:30pm EST, my boss called to tell me that I had been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation. They want to fire me for cooperating with DOGE.

I confess. I helped DOGE understand SSA. I mailed myself publically [sic] accessible documents and explained them DOGE. [sic]

I confess. I moved contractor money around to add data science resources to my anti-fraud team to examine Direct Deposit Fraud.

I confess. I asked where the fat was and is in our contracts so we can make the right tough choice. Lt's [sic] end the revolving door of an executive being a fed one day, letting a fat cat contract, and then walking out the next day for that contractor.

I confess. I bullied agency executives, shared executive contact information, and circumvented the chain of command to connect DOGE with the people who get stuff done.

I confess. I work long hours. I work odd hours. I get the job done.

I confess. I talk to agency partners, advocates, and others about our challenges. I'm honest. I won't reveal PII, FTI, or sensitive information. I educate.

I confess. I post uncomfortable truths on Linkedin. I have a lifetime of posts in me.

Everything I have ever done is in service to our country, our beneficiaries, and our agency.