13:30 "German Taurus's stubbornness is widely perceived"
German Taurus Missile Delivery Dispute Intensifies, Chancellor Scholz Opposes Sendoff to Ukraine The discussions surrounding the German Taurus air-to-surface missiles delivery to Ukraine are heating up, but Chancellor Scholz makes it explicit that he will not endorse the weapons transfer. This assertion doesn't sit well with Ukraine, as reported by ntv journalist Kavita Sharma.
13:03 Governor: Couple Perishes in Odessa Rocket Strike Instances In Odessa's suburb regions, at least two individuals were reportedly killed in a Russian rocket attack, according to Ukrainian reports. The incident occurred on Saturday evening, and the victims were identified as a couple. Additionally, another person sustained injuries. An initial assessment suggests the usage of a prohibited cluster munition warhead. The Ukrainian airforce reported two rockets impacting the suburbs.
12:28 Ukraine: Ponton Bridge and Command Center Demolished The Ukrainian military claims to have destroyed a Russian-erected ponton bridge, though the precise location remains undisclosed. Over the last day, they purportedly damaged six enemy concentration hubs via air or artillery strikes. Apart from the bridge, an artillery system was also allegedly destroyed. Moreover, a hit on a command and control center was also reported.
11:58 Ukrainian Women Assist in Mine Clearance Efforts With male labor force shortages as a result of warfare against Russian troops, women are increasingly in demand, particularly in male-dominated jobs. Consequently, many Ukrainian women are re-educating themselves. The ntv foreign report features some of these women in the southern and eastern parts of Ukraine and nearby Kyiv.
11:25 Ischinger Suggests Lifting Weapons Controls for Ukraine Wolfgang Ischinger, the previous head of Munich Security Conference, advocates for easing weapon use restrictions for Ukraine. He believes it would be clearer and easier for everyone if they simply declared that Ukraine would only utilize weapons systems provided exclusively within the legal bounds set by international law. This implies that civilian targets, such as hospitals, should not be targeted - a practice deliberately employed by the Russians. Only legitimate military targets, such as airports or launch bases, should be attacked, and these strikes can even occur on Russian territory to prevent glide bomb attacks.
10:53 Prisoner Exchange Frequency Increases Following Kursk Offensive The frequent prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia in recent weeks have been attributed to the Ukrainian offensive in Kursk. This offensive began on August 6, leading to an increase in exchange actions, totaling 267 prisoners from each side since then. In contrast, during the January 1 to August 6 period, only three prisoner exchanges took place, involving around 400 Ukrainians and 400 Russians from each side. Ukrainian officials speculate that the Kursk incursion has strengthened Ukraine's negotiating position with Russia in the prisoner exchange talks, following repeated Russian refusals to negotiate exchanges prior to the Kursk offensive.
10:16 UK: Eastern Front Advancement by Russians Persists Russian troops persist in their advancement on the eastern front in Ukraine, making slow progress in the vicinity of Vuhledar and south of Pokrovsk's logistics center, according to the UK's Ministry of Defense. Although Russian forces have yet to approach Pokrovsk, they remain headed in that direction.
09:46 Ukraine Reports Drone and Missile Attacks Overnight, Russia allegedly launched 14 drones against Ukraine, with ten of them intercepted by air defense systems. An additional guided missile was also shot down. Additionally, Russia fired two ballistic missiles, but their outcome and any resulting casualties or damage are unknown. Russian shelling in the Charkiv region reportedly caused fires, and several Charkiv city buildings sustained damage.
09:10 Face Recognition Payments Expand in Russian Metro: Human Rights Concerns Human rights activists are expressing concern over the expansion of face recognition payment systems in Russian metro stations. The US-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported that the "Face Pay" method, available in Moscow for three years, is being introduced in six more cities, including Kazan, with plans to roll out the system in all Russian metro lines next year. Concerns surround the potential misuse of the system, just as street cameras have been employed to detain those involved in government-critical protests and journalists covering such events in Moscow. Human rights lawyer Andrei Fedorkov, who works with the banned Russian human rights organization Memorial, voices "significant" risks, believing that "Face Pay" could serve as another powerful tool for surveillance and control of citizens.
08:02 Moscow: 29 Drones Downed Over Russian Territory Overnight, Russia's air defense shot down 29 drones over several regions, with most intercepted over the Bryansk region, which shares a border with Ukraine.
Expert in German foreign policy Ralf Stegner justifies his planned participation at a protest, where notable figures like Sahra Wagenknecht, co-founder of the Left Party (Die Linke), will also speak. Stegner clarifies that he won't be sharing the stage with anyone and will express his views as a Social Democrat during his speech. He acknowledges that there are other speakers whose opinions he doesn't align with and disagrees with certain rally calls. As long as extremists like fascists, anti-Semites, and racists are kept out, he's fine with varying viewpoints. The "nationwide peace demonstration" on October 3 in Berlin is being organized by the group "Never Again War - Lay Down Your Arms." The rally advocates for negotiations to halt wars in Ukraine and Gaza and opposes armament deliveries to Ukraine, Israel, or elsewhere. It also criticizes the SPD-led government's weapons policy, arguing that it's providing more arms than ever before. Criticism of the event has been voiced by SPD foreign policy spokesman Michael Roth, who feels it's unfortunate that Russia and Hamas aren't labeled as aggressors. FDP MEP Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann has expressed concern over Stegner's attendance, labeling it harmful to both his party and the government.
07:03 Kharkiv Under Siege Again
According to Ukrainian authorities, Kharkiv has been bombarded by the Russian military once more during the night. The regional leader announced that a facility on a hospital campus had been damaged and that a fire broke out at an educational institute following a rocket attack. No injuries were reported. Kharkiv is frequently targeted and is situated only approximately 30 kilometers away from the Russian border.
06:29 Number of Russian Troops in Kursk Estimated to Have Increased Since Offensive
The Ukrainian counteroffensive seems to be drawing an increasing number of Russian personnel, according to an assessment by the Institute for the Study of War. This has necessitated the Russian military leadership to transfer units from Ukraine to the Kursk region and send fresh troops from Russia to Kursk instead of deploying them to the frontlines in Ukraine. Initially, there were 11,000 Russian soldiers in the Kursk region, but now, Ukrainian estimates suggest the presence of between 30,000 and 45,000 soldiers there.
05:11 Advisor to Zelensky: Ukraine Begins Production of 155-mm Artillery Shells
Oleksandr Kamyshin, a Ukrainian official and advisor to President Volodymyr Zelensky, announced that Ukraine has commenced producing 155-mm artillery shells. Kamyshin, who served as Minister of Strategic Industries before becoming Zelensky's advisor, stated that defense production in Ukraine has doubled under his leadership and is expected to triple by the end of the year.
03:04 Biden Aide: Biden to Focus Remainder of Term on Ukraine
Joe Biden plans to use the rest of his term to strengthen Ukraine's position against Russia, as per a senior White House aide. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated at a conference in Kyiv that Biden aims to bolster Ukraine's capabilities to succeed in the following four months.
01:43 Report: Former British Politicians Call for Ukraine to Use Long-Range Missiles on Russian Territory
According to the Sunday Times, five former British defense ministers and former Prime Minister Boris Johnson are urging Labour leader Keir Starmer to enable Ukraine to utilize long-range missiles on Russian soil, even without US backing. They warned that any further delay would encourage Russian President Putin.
00:52 Intelligence Chief: North Korea is the 'Primary Threat' to Ukraine from Russia's Allies
North Korea is viewed as the most significant threat to Ukraine among Russia's allies, according to Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov. Speaking at a conference in Kyiv, he stated that among Russia's allies, North Korea is their biggest challenge. North Korea's military aid to Russia, including large quantities of ammunition, is "significantly impacting the intensity of the battles," he said in response to a question about the support of Russia's allies, like Iran and China. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had announced plans to bolster ties with Russia after his talks with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu on Friday. Kyiv is tracking Pyongyang's weapons shipments to Moscow and studying their effects on the battlefield. "There's an unmistakable link. They're providing enormous quantities of artillery, which is concerning," Budanov added.
23:21 Ukraine: Russia to Experience Recruitment Issues by Mid-2025
Russia may confront recruitment difficulties by the middle of the following year, according to Ukraine. In the summer of 2025, Moscow's government will likely encounter a predicament, as per Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov at a conference in Kyiv - "either to declare mobilization or somehow reduce the intensity of hostilities." This could have significant consequences for Russia. Moscow's government has yet to comment on this.
22:20 Scholz: Russian Aggression against Ukraine is 'Inexpectedly Foolish'German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for jeopardizing Russia's future with the invasion of Ukraine. "The conflict is just as foolish from Russia's perspective," he stated during a citizens' dialogue as a member of the German Bundestag in Brandenburg's Prenzlau. Putin, in pursuit of his imperialistic aspirations, is sending hordes of Russian soldiers to risk injury and death, and ruining Russia's economic relations with numerous nations globally. "Ukraine will emerge with a stronger military presence than before," Scholz added. Germany will stand by Ukraine militarily to prevent the nation from collapsing and to prevent a flagrant violation of European rules from succeeding. "Putin is undermining Russia's future." A peaceful resolution can only be achieved if Russia acknowledges Ukraine's sovereignty.
22:01 Ukrainian Frontlines Showing Mixed ResultsUkrainian army units are making territorial advances in their campaign against the western Russian region of Kursk, but are also battling back against Russian counterattacks. As reported by the pro-Ukrainian military news channel Deep State, Ukrainian forces have seized control of three additional settlements. However, Russian counteroffensives have pushed Ukrainian troops back near the village of Snagost, causing significant damage to Ukrainian defenses. A map published by Deep State shows a deep incursion into Ukrainian territory. These reports have yet to be independently verified. In early August, Ukrainian forces penetrated Russian territory close to Kursk and gained control of around 1,300 square kilometers and around 100 settlements, including the town of Sudja. Observers have reported smaller territorial gains. This week, Russian troops made their first substantial effort to expel Ukrainian forces.
21:41 USA: Delays in Military Aid to Ukraine Attributed to Difficult LogisticsDelays in delivering military aid to Ukraine by the United States are due to complex logistical challenges, according to American officials. "This is not a question of political will," said US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in Kyiv, Ukraine. "This is a matter of complicated and difficult logistics to transport this aid to the front lines," Sullivan said during his appearance at the Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference, which was held online. Given the current situation facing Ukraine, the US must do more and improve its efforts, Sullivan admitted. US President Joe Biden is committed to using his remaining time in office to strengthen Ukraine's position and increase its chances of victory, he announced. Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet at the UN General Assembly in New York towards the end of September, Sullivan revealed.
20:57 Scholz: Nord Stream Pipeline Saboteurs to Face Trial in GermanyThe sabotage of the Nord Stream pipeline in the Baltic Sea has been labeled as a "terrorist act" by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. He wants those responsible to face trial in a German court if they can be apprehended. Scholz has instructed all security agencies and the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office to conduct a thorough investigation, regardless of any suspects or evidence. "We aim to bring those responsible to justice in a German court if possible," he said during a citizens' dialogue as a member of the German Bundestag in Brandenburg's Prenzlau. Scholz dismissed the allegation that the German government has renounced Russian natural gas as a "blatant falsehood." It was Russia, not Germany, that halted natural gas supplies through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, he argued. The subsequent price surge, capped prices, and pursuit of alternative gas sources have cost Germany "over 100 billion euros." Explosions at the pipeline occurred after Russia had already stopped providing gas to Western Europe through the Baltic Sea. In August, the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office issued the first arrest warrant for a Ukrainian citizen in connection with the sabotage incident.
20:24 G7 Opts to Chastise Iran for Rockets to RussiaReports of Iran supplying rockets to Russia have prompted the G7's economically powerful democracies to condemn the arms deal. Despite repeated international appeals to halt the supply, Tehran continues to support Russia's military efforts against Ukraine, according to a joint statement by the foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, the US, and the EU's High Representative. Russia is using Iranian missiles to harm Ukrainian civilians and attack critical infrastructure. Recently, the UK and US claimed that Russia had received ballistic missiles from Iran, which Tehran denied. "Iran must immediately halt all assistance to Russia's unjustified and illegal war against Ukraine and cease the delivery of ballistic missiles, drones, and related technology that pose a direct threat to the Ukrainian people and international security," the statement published by Italy's G7 presidency states. "We remain committed to holding Iran accountable for its unacceptable support for Russia's illegal war in Ukraine, which threatens global security." Germany, France, and the UK have already imposed new sanctions on Iran, and the EU is considering tougher penalties. Read more here.
19:41 Russian Leadership Emphasizes Support for Freedom of Speech
Critics in Putin's imprisonment might find it amusing: Russian President Vladimir Putin underscores the significance of free speech and information. In a moment when the intricate progression of multipolarity is unfolding, it becomes even more crucial to safeguard the ideals of information credibility, Putin remarks in a video address to attendees of the Brics countries' media summit in Moscow, celebrating Tass state news agency's 120th anniversary. "Unadulterated freedom of speech, showcasing various viewpoints, promotes the quest for compromises and joint resolutions to global issues," Putin continues. The media holds a substantial role in crafting a fair and equitable world order, offering people a "fair and impartial depiction of the world." However, freedom of speech and press are absent in Russia's authoritarian regime. Private media outlets have been prohibited and closed down, and dissidents are targeted by the legal system. Tass, founded in 1904, currently serves as Russia's most prominent news agency and is also considered the government's spokesperson.
19:20 Scholz Stands Firm on Taurus Missiles DeliveryGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz has set the record straight: no delivery of long-range precision weapons to Ukraine, either now or in the future, regardless of ally decisions. At a citizen dialogue in the Brandenburg town of Prenzlau, he reaffirmed his opposition to Taurus cruise missile deliveries, which could potentially reach Moscow (roughly 500 kilometers away). "That would significantly amplify the potential for escalation," Scholz declares. "I said no to that. And that includes all other weapons with similar ranges," he clarifies. "This stance remains valid. (.) Even if other nations choose a different path" (see also 17:24 entry). The furthest-reaching weapon Germany has provided to Ukraine is the Mars II rocket launcher, which is capable of striking targets 84 kilometers away.
Review previous developments [here].
The Commission has been tasked with investigating allegations of human rights violations in the Russian military's use of cluster munitions in Ukraine.
In light of the ongoing conflict, The Commission has recommended strengthening international laws to prevent the use of such weapons in future conflicts.
