12:28 Ukraine: Bridge and Strategic Command Hub Demolished
Ukrainian Armed Forces Declare Victory Over Russian Structure
According to Ukrainian military sources, they have triumphantly dismantled a bridge constructed by Russian forces. The exact location of this bridge is not revealed by the army's High Command. In total, five enemy concentration zones were targeted yesterday, either through aerial or artillery attacks. Besides the bridge, an artillery system was also reportedly demolished. Moreover, a command center allegedly fell prey to Ukrainian attacks.
11:58 Ukrainian Ladies Eliminate Explosive Areas
The ongoing conflict between Ukrainian troops and Russian forces has led to a significant shortage in the workforce, particularly in traditional male-dominated sectors. This scarcity has prompted women to emerge in greater numbers and seek alternative professions. The ntv foreign report visits some of these determined job seekers in the southeastern regions of the country as well as near Kyiv.
11:25 Ischinger Proposes Relaxing Restrictions on Ukrainian Weaponry
Wolfgang Ischinger, the former head of the Munich Security Conference, recommends relaxing the limitations on Ukraine's utilization of Western weaponry. "It would be more transparent and manageable for everyone if we simply declared: We commit Ukraine to employing the weaponry systems we provide exclusively within the legal framework that complies with international law," Ischinger emphasized to the "Süddeutsche Zeitung." This implies that medical facilities must not be targeted, a behavior that Russian forces have continuously engaged in. Only military targets such as airports or launch pads can be struck - even on Russian territory, such as to forestall missile attacks by guided bombs.
10:53 Prisoner Swaps Augment After Kursk Operation
The substantial increase in prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia in recent days is likely associated with the Ukrainian offensive in Kursk, as per observers. This offensive has been ongoing since August 6. Since then, there have been three operations resulting in the exchange of 267 prisoners from each side, according to the Institute for the Study (ISW). Compared to the three prisoner exchanges that transpired between January 1 and August 6 - a total of slightly over 400 Ukrainians and 400 Russians - this is a significant leap forward. Ukrainian authorities reportedly stated that the incursion into Kursk has bolstered Ukraine's negotiating power in prisoner exchanges with Russia and that the Kremlin had been unyielding in previous attempts to negotiate an exchange beforehand.
10:16 British Forces Observe Russian Progress on Eastern Front
Russian forces are continuing to advance along the eastern Ukrainian front, making slow but steady progress in the vicinity of Wuhledar and southeast of the logistics base Pokrovsk, as reported by the British Ministry of Defense. Despite this, the Russians have not made any significant advancements towards Pokrovsk in the last week.
09:46 Ukraine Reports Drone and Missile Attacks
Ukraine's air force reports being assaulted by Russia during the night with 14 drones. Ten of them were reportedly shot down by air defenses, while an additional guided missile was intercepted. Russia also allegedly launched two ballistic missiles, but no information regarding these missiles or their targets was disclosed, nor was any casualty or damage information reported. Authorities in the Charkiv area reported fires and damage to several buildings in Charkiv as a result of Russian shelling.
09:10 Expansion of Facial Recognition Payment System in Russian Subways Causes Concern among Human Rights ActivistsHuman rights activists have raised concerns over Russia expanding its subway payment system that utilizes facial recognition technology. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, funded by the United States, reports that the "Face Pay" method, which has been in use in Moscow for three years, is now being introduced in six additional cities, including Kazan. Passengers can register for the system by recognizing their faces at a camera-equipped device at the turnstile. Plans are underway to offer this method in all Russian subways next year. The report notes that in Moscow, street surveillance cameras have been used in the past to detain individuals suspected of participating in anti-government protests and journalists covering them. Human rights lawyer Andrei Fedorkov, affiliated with the banned Russian human rights organization Memorial to support political prisoners, worries that "Face Pay" could be used like a powerful tool for surveillance and control of civilians.
08:02 Moscow Announces 29 Drones Shot Down Over Russian TerritoryRussia's air defense has reportedly intercepted 29 drones over various regions, as claimed by the Ministry of Defense in Moscow. These drones were launched from Ukraine and were primarily targeted over the Bryansk region, which shares a border with Ukraine.
07:03 Kharkiv Under Siege AgainKharkiv endured another assault by Russian military forces during the night, as reported by Ukrainian authorities. A building on a hospital campus was struck and a fire ignited at an educational institution after a rocket launcher attack. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Known as one of the most frequently bombarded cities, Kharkiv is situated approximately 30 kilometers from Russia.
06:29 Estimated Russian Troop Increase in Kursk RegionBased on reports from the Institute for the Study of War, it appears that the Ukrainian counteroffensive is significantly hindering Russian troops' deployment in their own territory: The Russian military leadership has had to relocate troops from Ukraine to the Kursk region and deploy additional troops from Russia to Kursk instead. At the inception of the offensive in August, approximately 11,000 Russian soldiers were stationed in the Kursk region. Current estimates suggest the numbers have swelled to between 30,000 and 45,000 soldiers.
05:11 Ukrainian Increase in 155-mm Artillery Shell ProductionA Ukrainian official revealed on behalf of the Kyiv Independent that Ukraine has commenced production of 155-mm artillery shells. Oleksandr Kamyshin ex-Minister of Strategic Industries and current external advisor to President Zelensky, declared that defense production in Ukraine has doubled under his leadership and will triple by year's end.
03:04 Zelensky Advisor: Biden Planning to Enhance Ukraine's Position Throughout Remaining TermPresident Joe Biden intends to utilize the remainder of his tenure to aid Ukraine in attaining the strongest position possible in its conflict with Russia, as stated by his national security advisor, Jake Sullivan. Sullivan conveyed this message at the Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference in Kyiv. He asserted that Biden aims to position Ukraine for success in the next four months.
01:43 Former UK Leaders Call for Ukraine to Utilize Long-Range Missiles on Russian TerritoryFive ex-UK defense ministers and ex-Prime Minister Boris Johnson reportedly urged Labour leader Keir Starmer to authorize Ukraine to employ long-range missiles on Russian grounds, even without US backing. The Sunday Times reported that they issued a warning to the current prime minister, stating that further delay would increase President Putin's audacity.
00:52 Ukrainian Intelligence Chief Identifies North Korea as Russia's Most Potent Threat from Allied CountriesAs reported by the Ukrainian intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, North Korea poses the most significant threat to Ukraine among Russia's allies. Speaking at the Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference in Kyiv, Budanov explained that North Korea's military backing for Russia, which includes substantial ammunition supplies, has noticeably elevated the intensity of the conflict. He also acknowledged that Ukraine is observing weapon shipments from Pyongyang to Moscow and anticipating their influence on the battlefield.
23:21 Ukraine: Russia to Confront Recruitment Challenges by Mid-2025As per Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov, Russia may experience recruitment difficulties as early as mid-2025. By summer, the Moscow government will likely be faced with a choice between declaring recruitment drives or moderating hostilities. This decision could prove decisive for Russia, with no official statement forthcoming from the Moscow government.
22:20 Scholz: Russia's Attack on Ukraine is 'Absolutely Idiotic'German Chancellor Olaf Scholz accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of recklessly squandering Russia's future by attacking Ukraine. "The war is absolutely idiotic from Russia's standpoint," Scholz addressed a citizen dialogue as an SPD member of the German parliament in Brandenburg's Prenzlau. He claimed that Putin is risking the severe injury or death of hundreds of thousands of Russian soldiers and compromising Russia's economic connections with many countries worldwide. Scholz concluded by asserting that Ukraine would emerge with a stronger army than before, with Germany continuing to provide military support to prevent Ukraine's collapse and to deter any flagrant violation of European rules. "Putin is destroying Russia's future." A harmonious resolution can only be achieved if Russia accepts that Ukraine is not a vassal state.
22:01 Ukraine Reports Mixed Fortunes in Kursk FightingUkrainian forces are experiencing territorial gains in their advance into Russia's Kursk region while simultaneously being forced to retreat due to Russian counterattacks. According to the pro-Ukrainian military channel Deep State, Ukrainian units have recaptured three more settlements. However, Russian counterattacks are driving Ukrainian troops back near the village of Snagost. A map released by Deep State demonstrates a deep incursion into Ukrainian defense lines. These accounts are currently unverifiable. In August, Ukrainian troops breached the Russian border area nearby Kursk and reportedly secured around 1,300 square kilometers and approximately 100 settlements, including the town of Sudzha. Observers estimate minimal territorial progress. This week, the Russian military launched its first serious effort to expel the Ukrainian troops.
Delays in providing military aid to Ukraine by the US are attributed to complicated logistics, as asserted by the US. Jake Sullivan, the White House's national security advisor, stated this in Kyiv, emphasizing that it's not a matter of political will. Rather, it's about the intricate and complicated process of transporting the necessary material to the front lines. Sullivan made these remarks at the Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference, which he attended via video. Recognizing the challenges Ukraine faces, Sullivan affirmed that the US needs to "step up its game" and improve its assistance. US President Joe Biden is committed to utilizing his remaining time in office to place Ukraine in the strongest position possible to emerge victorious. Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet at the UN General Assembly in New York later this month, as announced by Sullivan.
20:57 Scholz: Want Saboteurs of Nord Stream Pipeline Tried in GermanyOlaf Scholz classified the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipeline's pipes in the Baltic Sea as a terrorist act. The Chancellor's intent is to bring the perpetrators to trial in Germany. He stated this firmly during a citizen dialogue as an SPD MP in Brandenburg's Prenzlau. He emphasized that all security authorities and the Federal Prosecutor's Office should investigate without prejudice, ensuring no one escapes scrutiny. "We want to bring those responsible to trial in a German court if we can lay our hands on them," Scholz stated. Scholz also debunked the notion that the federal government had given up on Russian natural gas. It was Russia, he argued, that switched off the gas supply through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline. The resulting gas price surge, price caps, and pursuit of alternative gas sources have cost Germany over 100 billion euros, Scholz pointed out. The pipeline explosions occurred only after Russia had already halted gas deliveries to Western Europe via the Baltic Sea. In August, the Federal Prosecutor's Office issued a warrant for the arrest of a Ukrainian citizen accused of the sabotage act.
20:24 G7 Denounce Iranian Rocket Supplies to RussiaThe G7's wealthy democracies condemned Iran's weapons provision to Russia in a stern statement, following reports of Iranian rocket supplies. Despite international calls to halt deliveries, Tehran continues to supply Moscow with weapons, further escalating its military support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the joint statement by the foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, the US, and the EU's High Representative stated. Russia is using Iranian weapons to kill Ukrainian civilians and attack critical infrastructure. The UK and the US have reported that Russia received ballistic missiles from Iran. Iran contested these allegations. "Iran must immediately cease all support for Russia's illegal and unjustified war against Ukraine and stop supplying ballistic missiles, drones, and related technology that pose a direct threat to the Ukrainian people and European and international security," the statement published by Italy's G7 presidency reads. "We remain resolved to hold Iran accountable for its unacceptable support of Russia's illegal war in Ukraine, which undermines global security." Germany, France, and the UK have already imposed new sanctions on Iran, and the EU is considering more stringent penalties.
19:41 Kremlin Chief Putin Declares Support for Free SpeechRussia's President Vladimir Putin underscored the significance of freedom of speech and information. "In an era of evolving multipolarity, protecting information reliability is particularly important," Putin said in a video message to participants of the media summit of the Brics countries in Moscow, marking Tass's 120th anniversary. "Free speech, enabling diverse viewpoints, fosters compromise and shared solutions to global problems," Putin explained. According to Putin, media plays a crucial role in fostering a fair global order by providing people with an impartial understanding of the world. Sadly, freedom of speech and media do not exist in Russia's authoritarian regime, where media not aligned with the government is banned, and opponents are persecuted by the judicial system. Tass, the country's largest news agency, was established in 1904 (initially under different names and designations) and is viewed as the government's mouthpiece.
19:20 Scholz Refuses Delivery of Taurus Cruise MissilesChancellor Olaf Scholz has ruled out delivering long-range precision weapons to Ukraine in the future, regardless of decisions by alliance partners. During a citizen's dialogue in Brandenburg's Prenzlau, Scholz expressed his opposition to delivering Taurus cruise missiles that could potentially target Moscow (around 500 kilometers away), stating that this would pose a significant escalation risk. "I said no to that, and that applies even if other countries make different decisions," Scholz affirmed. The farthest-reaching weapon Germany has supplied to Ukraine is the Mars II rocket launcher, which can strike targets 84 kilometers away.
The Ukrainian military is heavily reliant on Western weapons due to the conflict, including those from countries that have military units with strong military traditions such as the United States and the United Kingdom. This reliance on foreign aid has led to calls for more aggressive support, such as the proposition by former UK defense ministers and ex-Prime Minister Boris Johnson for Ukraine to use long-range missiles on Russian territory, even without direct US approval.
In light of the Military's strategic use of weapons, it's crucial for them to ensure that all weaponry provided is utilized only for legitimate military targets and in compliance with international law, as proposed by Wolfgang Ischinger, the former head of the Munich Security Conference. This would help avoid accusations of targeting civilian areas, such as medical facilities, which have been a concern due to Russian forces' consistent behavior in the conflict.
