15:18 Engagement in Naval Combat on the Black Sea
Conflict in the Black Sea: Ukraine and Russia Clash in Naval and Aerial Encounters
As per recent reports, Ukraine and Russia are engaged in a naval and aerial confrontation in the Black Sea. Ukraine's military intelligence alleges a successful special operation at sea, leading to the destruction of a Russian Su-30 fighter jet with the help of a portable air defense system. Details regarding the operation that unfolded on Wednesday night are being kept under wraps in Kyiv. On the other hand, Russia's defense ministry claims an unsuccessful Ukrainian attempt to attack a Russian drilling platform in the Black Sea using high-speed boats. Eight out of the 14 boats were reportedly downed and sunk, while the remaining boatload retreated. Moscow does not acknowledge the loss of an aircraft, but a military blog close to the Russian ministry, Rybar, suggests that a Su-30 was shot down while defending against the Ukrainian attack.
14:54: Ukraine Soldiers Express Frustrations Over War
Ukrainian soldiers are urged to use their scarce resources tactically and wisely. In an account shared by ntv reporter Kavita Sharma at the frontline, soldiers grapple with aging Soviet weapons with limited ammunition, in contrast to the few, yet superior, new Western weapons.
14:23: Zelenskyy Announces Russian Counteroffensive in Kursk
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russia has initiated a counteroffensive in the Russian border region of Kursk. Expressing the Russian army's response as aligning with Ukraine's strategic plan, Zelenskyy declines to divulge any further information during a press conference in Kyiv. Russia's defense ministry reports that Russian units have liberated ten settlements in the Kursk region within two days.
13:55: Criticism of Iran-Russia Relations by Top Iranian Politician
Top Iranian conservative politician Ali Motahari indirectly criticizes his country's relations with Russia amid new sanctions and mounting diplomatic tensions. In a post on the X platform, Motahari points to recent sanctions imposed by Germany, France, and the UK in response to Iran's provision of ballistic missiles to Russia. Iran's foreign ministry strongly denies the missile deliveries.
13:38: Water and Gas Shortages in Ukraine's Pokrovsk City
Following Russian attacks, the city of Pokrovsk in Ukraine's Donetsk region is facing acute shortages of regular drinking water supply and gas for cooking and heating, as reported by the governor of the region, Vadym Filashkin. The city's water treatment plant has been damaged in the conflict, requiring the city to rely on more than 300 emergency wells for water supply. Moreover, the Russians destroyed a gas distribution center the day prior, leaving thousands of residents in Pokrovsk without gas.
13:07: Russia Likely Underreports Number of Warships
According to a report by the independent Russian news portal "Agentstvo," Russia may actually possess half the number of warships that they claim. Russia's defense ministry declares more than 400 warships participating in the large-scale military exercise "Ocean-2024." However, the portal draws on unverified online data from "Global Naval Powers Ranking 2024" and "RussiaShips.info," suggesting only 264 and 299 warships, respectively, including around 50 ships and submarines of the Black Sea Fleet, which is not participating in the exercise. Russia has a track record of exaggerating the size of its military force.
12:28: Increased Russian Espionage on Bundeswehr
Russian intelligence services have reportedly intensified their surveillance on German aid to Ukraine and Bundeswehr intelligence. As per the Military Counterintelligence Service's (MAD) annual report, the Russian services' interest has shifted from strategic military policy and strategy to a more tactical level. Now, it is crucial for Russia to uncover details of German aid to Ukraine, including routes, deployment procedures, and tactics of Western weapons systems in Ukraine. Furthermore, the Bundeswehr's defense capabilities have also become the focus of Russia's interest.
11:52: New Threat of Nuclear Weapons Against Berlin not Coincidental
Only because Britain and the USA have managed to prevent Ukraine from utilizing weapons against Russian territory does not diminish the likelihood of an atomic weapons expert suggesting such an attack on Berlin, explains ntv correspondent Rainer Munz. It is, therefore, unsurprising that nuclear weapons experts are now proposing attacks on Berlin.
11:15: Long-Range Missile Decision to Take Several Weeks
A decision regarding the Ukrainian utilization of long-range missiles against Russian territory might be postponed for several more weeks, as reported by Bloomberg. A decision prior to the UN General Assembly meeting on September 24, where around 150 heads of state and government will convene, seems implausible. The authors refer to British Foreign Minister Lammy, who stated that the UN meeting would be the next opportunity to discuss the use of long-range missiles. Ukrainian President Selenskyj has planned to reiterate his commitment at the meeting. On Wednesday, Lammy and US Secretary of State Blinken visited Kyiv to discuss Selenskyj's plans for Russian territory attacks, whereas Blinken has scheduled a conversation with US President Biden on Friday. British Prime Minister Starmer is also expected to meet with Biden on Friday.
10:31 Blinken Stops in Poland After Kyiv VisitSecretary of State Blinken makes a stop in Poland, a key supporter of Ukraine, upon his return from Kyiv. Meetings with Prime Minister Tusk and President Duda are scheduled. Blinken is expected to discuss additional collaboration with Poland, serving as the primary logistics hub for Western military aid to Ukraine. Poland has also significantly boosted its military spending since Russia's invasion of Ukraine and has ordered 96 Apache combat helicopters from U.S. defense giant Boeing at a cost of $10 billion.
09:59 Ukraine Reports 5 Russian Missiles and 64 Iranian Drone AttacksThe Ukrainian air force reports that the Russian army launched an attack on Ukraine during the night with 5 missiles and 64 Iranian-origin combat drones. 44 drones were intercepted. The military data is not independently verified. Air defense was active several times around Kyiv to shoot down incoming drones.
09:11 Russian Analyst Suggests Reinforced Nuclear Threat PostureRussian political analyst Sergei Karaganov urges Russia to enhance its signaling of a willingness to use nuclear weapons. The primary objective of Russia's nuclear policy should be to make "all current and future adversaries understand that Russia is prepared to use nuclear weapons," Karaganov told the Russian newspaper Kommersant. Russia could conduct a limited nuclear strike against a NATO country without triggering a full-scale nuclear war. The U.S. would be being dishonest if it claimed to guarantee nuclear protection for its allies. Karaganov has previously advocated for Russia to consider a preemptive nuclear strike to instill fear in its adversaries. Some Western analysts suggest Karaganov serves a useful function for the Kremlin by expressing concerns that alarm the West and make Putin appear more moderate in comparison.
08:46 Ukraine Hopes for U.S. Approval of Long-Range Western MissilesUkraine has growing optimism that it may soon be permitted to launch attacks deeper into Russian territory using Western weapons. U.S. Secretary of State stressed during his visit to Kyiv that he seeks to ensure "that Ukraine has everything it needs". In the UK, the signs already seem to be pointing towards approval:
08:04 Ukrainian Forces Report Downing of Russian Fighter JetFollowing allegations of a Russian Su-30SM fighter jet disappearing from radar, Ukraine's military intelligence now claims that Ukrainian soldiers shot down such a plane during an operation in the Black Sea. The Kyiv Independent reports that the fighter jet, valued at $50 million and based in Crimea, was destroyed by a portable air defense system.
07:26 Ukrainian Officials Report Dozens Injured After Konotop Drone AttackThe number of injured in the massive Russian drone attack on Konotop's energy infrastructure during the night has increased to 14, according to Ukraine's state news agency Ukrinform, citing the regional military administration. A building in the city center was among those struck.
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06:42 German Parliament to Discuss Security Measures for Ukrainian RefugeesThe German Bundestag is set to debate the government's proposed security package for the first time today, featuring measures like knife bans and stripping asylum seekers of their protected status if they travel to their home countries. However, exceptions apply, including for Ukrainian refugees.
06:04 Russian Media Criticizes Donald Trump's Debate PerformanceSeveral Russian state TV commentators have accused "sabotage" against Trump during his debate against Kamala Harris, according to the Kyiv Independent. Trump was "disadvantaged," they contended. Trump's speech fact-checking was criticized. Many observers felt Trump lost the debate. Trump has pledged to immediately end the Ukraine conflict if he wins the election.
04:50 Konotop Attack Results in Civilian Injuries and Energy Infrastructure DamageA Russian attack on Konotop in the Sumy region has left multiple civilians injured. According to Mayor Artem Semenikhin, the city's water supply was temporarily disrupted. The energy infrastructure also sustained severe damage, and it is uncertain when private residences will regain power. After the city center attack, there were several fires, and schools and residential buildings were damaged. Two individuals were hospitalized, with one in critical condition.
03:29 Latvia Provides More Military Aid to UkraineLatvia's Prime Minister Evika Silina disclosed a package of military support for Ukraine during her visit to Kyiv. It will include armored vehicles. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced this following the meeting with Silina. According to Shmyhal, both countries are also discussing an expansion of cooperation in the defense industry.
01:32 UK Summons Iranian Businessman in Questions over Suspected Missile Supplies to RussiaIn response to suspected missile supplies from Iran to Russia, the UK has summoned an Iranian businessman, according to a statement from the Foreign Office in London. "The UK government has made it clear that any transfer of ballistic missile technology to Russia would be regarded as a dangerous escalation and would be met with a suitable response," the statement said. On Tuesday, Germany, France, and the UK announced additional sanctions against Iran due to suspected missile exports to Russia, including the suspension of bilateral air transportation agreements. The European Union had previously pointed to "credible information" regarding Iranian missile exports to Russia.
00:14 Ukraine: Russia Sending Inexperienced Troops to VovchanskBased on info from the Ukrainian military, Russia is deploying naive troops at the Kharkiv front. Sergei Petrov, spokesperson for the operational tactical group of the armed forces in Kharkiv, said the forces involved in the assault on Vovchansk are underprepared. There's speculation that the fresh reinforcements are a mobilization group assembled by Russia. It's unclear whether they are ex-convicts or soldiers summoned from other countries, such as Central Asia, Africa, or the Middle East.
22:39 Mayor in Western Ukraine Establishes Russian-Speaking PatrolsThe mayor of the western Ukrainian city of Ivano-Frankivsk has introduced patrols to scrutinize the rise in Russian usage. "This is a community initiative, and anyone can become a language supervisor," said Mayor Ivan Ivanov in an interview with NTA. Many displaced individuals from eastern Ukraine use Russian as their mother tongue. Ivanov expects at least 100 such language controllers, and around 50 volunteers have already signed up. He also provided a phone number for citizens to report Russian speakers in public areas. Due to the conflict, millions of people, mostly from the Russian-speaking regions in the east and south, have fled to the relatively safe Ukrainian-speaking west of the country.
21:42 Erdogan Pushes for Crimea Return from MoscowTurkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is advocating for the return of the Crimean Peninsula, annexed by Russia, to Ukraine. "Our commitment to Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence remains firm. The return of Crimea to Ukraine is a demand of international law," the Turkish leader stated in a video message during the Crimea Platform summit, set up by Kyiv in 2021 to draw attention to the situation around the annexed peninsula.
21:05 Report: Kyiv to Share Military Strategy with USUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sees US support as vital in repelling the Russian invasion. "The strategy for victory (...) is largely dependent on US aid. And other allies," Zelenskyy mentioned during a press conference in Kyiv. The strategy, to be shared prior to the second Ukraine Peace Conference, aims to "significantly bolster Ukraine" and "force Russia to halt the war." According to Bloomberg, the US is demanding a clear plan from Zelenskyy for strikes against Russia before lifting restrictions on the use of Western weapons. US Secretary of State Blinken and British Foreign Secretary Lammy were said to be in Kyiv to discuss a long-term strategy for the following year to better comprehend Ukraine's goals.
20:37 Blinken Clarifies Biden's Stance on Using Weapons against RussiaUS Secretary of State Antony Blinken affirms that the US is actively working to meet Ukraine's military demands to utilize Western-supplied long-range weapons against targets inside Russia. US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will discuss these demands on Friday, Blinken said at a joint press conference with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga in Kyiv. "We're working diligently to guarantee Ukraine has everything it needs to defend itself effectively," Blinken said, adding, "We want Ukraine to triumph."
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The European Union has expressed concern over the conflict in the Black Sea and called for de-escalation between Ukraine and Russia.
In response to the conflict, the European Union has implemented sanctions against Russia, aiming to put pressure on Moscow to resolve the issue peacefully.
