18:39 Putin cautions: If Ukraine integrates missile usage, it would trigger "Russia at war with NATO"
18:07 Zelensky Labels Chinese-Brazilian Peace Proposal "Damaging"Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed a peace initiative proposed by China and Brazil as harmful. In an interview with Brazilian media outlet Metropoles, Zelensky stated, "It's damaging, it's just a political maneuver." He further questioned, "How can you present 'here's our initiative' without even consulting us first?" China and Brazil had advocated for an international peace conference in May, a proposition that has gained acceptance from both Russia and Ukraine, with all parties having an equal opportunity to express their peace plans.
17:40 Russian Missile Hits Grain Vessel from UkraineReports indicate that a Russian missile has struck a grain ship en route from Ukraine in the Black Sea. As per President Volodymyr Zelensky's statement, the vessel had already left Ukrainian waters at the time of the attack. The Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Andriy Sybiha, condemned the attack, calling it a "bold assault on navigation freedom and global food security." Zelensky confirmed that the ship was bound for Egypt and there were no casualties. According to the Ukrainian Navy spokesperson, the grain vessel was not within the Ukrainian grain corridor at the time of the attack, but was instead within Romania's maritime economic zone. A representative from the Romanian Navy confirmed that the ship lay outside their territorial waters.
17:12 Xi Jinping to Visit Russia Again in OctoberChinese President Xi Jinping will visit Russia in October. Xi is expected to attend the BRICS group of countries' summit, as confirmed by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Xi is meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg on this day as well. Both leaders commended the strong relationship between China and Russia. Xi expressed his intent to participate in the BRICS summit in Kazan, as invited by Putin, according to Wang. Putin mentioned that he and Xi would also discuss their mutually beneficial relationship at a bilateral meeting.
16:35 Stoltenberg to Take Over as Munich Security Conference ChairmanNATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg will assume the role of chairman for the Munich Security Conference. Stoltenberg will take over the position following the conference in February 2025, replacing current chairman Christoph Heusgen. Heusgen, who took up the post in 2022 and served as a long-time foreign policy advisor to former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, will step down from the position. The original chairman, Wolfgang Ischinger, will continue to serve as the Munich Security Conference Foundation's board of trustees' president. Stoltenberg will relinquish his position as NATO Secretary General in October, succeeding former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.
16:11 Red Cross Workers Killed in Russian Attack in UkraineUkrainian authorities report that three Red Cross workers have been killed and two others hospitalized, one critically, in a Russian assault in a village located in the contested Donetsk region. The Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office delivered the information via Telegram.
15:45 Public Excluded from Navalny's Lawyers' Trial in PetushkiThe trial against three lawyers representing the late Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny in Petushki, Russia, was abruptly closed to the public by the judge presiding over the case, citing a security warning regarding potential protests by Navalny supporters as the rationale. The defendants, Vadim Kobzev, Alexei Lipzer, and Igor Sergunin, are accused of belonging to an extremist organization.
15:18 Naval Engagement in the Black SeaReports indicate that both Ukraine and Russia are involved in a naval and aerial conflict in the Black Sea. According to Ukrainian military intelligence, a Russian Su-30 fighter jet was shot down during a special operation in the Black Sea using a portable air defense weapon. Ukraine has not disclosed further details about the incident on Tuesday night. Russia's Defense Ministry has claimed that Ukrainian forces attempted to attack a Russian drilling platform in the Black Sea using speedboats, leading to the loss of eight boats and the retreat of the remaining boats. There is no mention of a downed aircraft in Moscow, yet military blog Rybar reports that a Su-30 was shot down during the repelling of the Ukrainian attack.
14:54 Ukrainian Soldiers: "We Can't Take This War Anymore"Ukrainian soldiers are encouraged to utilize their limited arsenal tactically and judiciously. ntv journalist Kavita Sharma observed this dynamic at the frontline, where there is a scarcity of ammunition for old Soviet weapons, yet a few, but more efficient, new Western weapons.
13:55 Iranian High-Ranking Politician Critiques Iran-Russia RelationsA renowned conservative Iranian politician has made an unusual criticism of Iran's relations with Russia, in the midst of fresh sanctions and diplomatic disputes. In a post on the X platform, Ali Motahari, a previous vice-president of parliament, pointed out the new sanctions imposed by Germany, France, and Britain against Iran's delivery of ballistic missiles to Russia. Iran's Foreign Ministry strongly denies such missile transfers.
13:38 Water and Gas Shortage in Ukrainian City of PokrovskFollowing attacks, the Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region is currently without a steady water supply, and many residents are without gas for cooking and heating, according to the region's governor, Vadym Filashkin. A water treatment plant was recently damaged during the fighting, and the city now relies on over 300 emergency wells for its water supply. Additionally, a gas distribution center was destroyed by the Russians the day prior, leaving 18,000 people in Pokrovsk without gas.
13:07 Low Number of Russian Warships EstimatedRussian warships may be significantly fewer than officially announced, according to a report by independent Russian news portal "Agentstvo." The report refers to unconfirmed online data from projects like "Global Naval Powers Ranking 2024" and "RussiaShips.info," which estimate the number of warships at 264 and 299 respectively. Approximately 50 ships and submarines from the Black Sea Fleet, which isn't partaking in the exercise, are also included in these figures.
12:28 Increased Russian Espionage against BundeswehrRussian intelligence services have increased their espionage activities against German Ukraine aid and the Bundeswehr, as revealed in the Military Security Service (MAD)'s annual report. The report states that Russia's strategic interest in military policy and strategy has shifted to a more tactical level. Russia now has a heightened interest in obtaining information related to German military aid provided to Ukraine, including weapon and ammunition transport routes, deployment procedures, and tactics. The capabilities of the Bundeswehr itself for territorial and alliance defense have also become a focus of Russian intelligence services.
11:52 Britain-US May Allow Ukraine to Use Weapons Against Russian TerritoryBritain and the US could give Ukraine permission to use weapons against Russian territory. Despite Kremlin's attempts to prevent such a decision through threats, the timing isn't a coincidence, says ntv correspondent Rainer Munz. An atomic weapons specialist proposing attacks on Berlin is an example.
11:15 Decision on Long-Range Missiles DelayedThe decision on allowing Ukraine to use Western long-range missiles against Russian territory may still take some time. A decision before the UN General Assembly meeting on September 24, where around 150 heads of state and government will gather, appears unlikely, according to Bloomberg's report. The UN meeting will serve as the next opportunity to discuss the use of long-range missiles, British Foreign Secretary Lammy stated. Ukrainian President Selenskyj is planning to reiterate his demand during this meeting. On Wednesday, Lammy and US Secretary of State Blinken visited Kyiv to discuss Selenskyj's plans for attacking Russian territory. Blinken is scheduled to discuss this with US President Biden on Friday, and British Prime Minister Starmer will also meet with Biden on Friday.
10:31 Blinken Travels to Poland Following Kyiv VisitUS Secretary of State Blinken is stopping in Poland, a key supporter of Ukraine, on his return from Kyiv. Meetings with Prime Minister Tusk and President Duda are planned. Blinken aims to discuss further cooperation with Poland, serving as a major logistics hub for Western military support to Ukraine. Poland has significantly increased its military spending since the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has ordered 96 Apache combat helicopters worth $10 billion from the US defense giant Boeing.
09:59 Ukrainian Forces Report Russian Drones and Missile AttackThe Ukrainian air force reports that the Russian army launched overnight attacks on Ukraine with 5 missiles and 64 drones of Iranian origin. 44 drones were intercepted. The military reports are not independently verifiable, and air defense was also active around Kyiv to shoot down approaching drones.
09:11 Call for Stronger Nuclear Weapons Deterrence By Russian ExpertRussian influential foreign policy expert Sergei Karaganov believes Russia should signal its readiness to use nuclear weapons less cryptically. The primary goal of Russia's nuclear doctrine should be to convince "current and future enemies" that Russia is prepared to use nuclear weapons, Karaganov stated in an interview with the Russian newspaper Kommersant. Moscow could consider carrying out a limited nuclear strike on a NATO country without triggering a full-scale nuclear war. The US would be deceiving if they claimed to provide nuclear protection for their allies, Karaganov added. Karaganov has previously advocated for Russia to consider a nuclear preventive strike to intimidate its adversaries. Some Western experts believe Karaganov serves as a useful asset for the Kremlin by expressing views that alarm the West, making Putin appear more restrained in contrast.
08:46 Ukrainian Request for US Approval to Use Western Long-Range MissilesHopes are growing in Ukraine that it may soon gain permission to launch attacks deeper into Russian territory using Western weapons. US Secretary of State emphasized during his visit to Kyiv that he intends to ensure "Ukraine has everything it needs." In the UK, indications of a green light are already emerging:
After yesterday's claims that a Russian Su-30SM fighter jet vanished from radar, the Ukrainian military intelligence now alleges that Ukrainian troops successfully brought down such an aircraft during an operation in the Black Sea. According to The Kyiv Independent, the high-value aircraft, estimated at $50 million and stationed on the Crimean peninsula, was allegedly destroyed by a portable air defense system.
07:26 Massive Drone Attack Causes Injuries in Konotop
The casualty count from the intense Russian drone attack on Konotop's energy infrastructure last night has risen to 14. The city's regional military administration reports the information to Ukraine's state news agency, Ukrinform. The incident reportedly targeted a residential building in the city center.
06:42 Ukrainians in Germany Keep Immune Status for Home Visits
The Bundestag is to discuss the federal government's proposed security plan today, which includes restrictions on knives and possible revocation of asylum for individuals who visit home countries. However, exceptions apply, such as for Ukrainian refugees.
06:04 Russian State Media Accuses Trump of Disadvantage in Debate
Several Russian state television commentators have accused "manipulation" against Trump during his debate against Kamala Harris, as reported by The Kyiv Independent. They argued that Trump was "disadvantaged." Criticisms of Trump's statement fact-checking were widely voiced. Trump is said to have lost the debate by a landslide. If Trump wins the election, he has pledged to immediately end the Ukrainian conflict.
04:50 Konotop Energy Infrastructure Sustains Severe Damage in Attack
A Russian attack on Konotop's city center has resulted in civilian casualties. Konotop's mayor, Artem Semenikhin, reported temporary disruption to the city's water supply. Additionally, severe damage to the energy infrastructure has been identified, and it remains uncertain when power will be restored to private residences. Following the attack, multiple buildings caught fire, including schools and residential buildings. Two patients are currently in critical condition, with one being transported to the hospital.
03:29 Latvia Provides Additional Military Aid to Ukraine
Latvia's prime minister, Evika Silina, has announced a package of military assistance for Ukraine during her visit to Kyiv. The provision includes armored personnel carriers, according to Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal, following their meeting in Kyiv. Both countries are also in discussions regarding expanded defense industry cooperation.
01:32 UK Summons Iranian Businessman Over Suspected Russian Rocket Deliveries
In light of suspected Iranian rocket deliveries to Russia, the UK has summoned an Iranian businessman, as stated in a London Foreign Office communique. "Any transfer of ballistic rockets to Russia would be considered a dangerous escalation and would result in immediate response," the statement read. On Tuesday, Germany, France, and the UK imposed further sanctions on Tehran in response to the alleged rocket deliveries. The European Union had previously reported "credible information" on the transfer of Iranian rockets to Russia.
00:14 Untrained Soldiers Reportedly Used by Russia in Vovchansk
According to Ukrainian military reports, Russian forces are using untrained soldiers at the Kharkiv front. Vitalii Sarantsev, official spokesperson for the operational tactical group of the armed forces in Kharkiv, claimed that the soldiers involved in the attack operations in Vovchansk have little to no combat experience. The reinforcements are suspected to be either former inmates or soldiers recruited from other countries, including Central Asia, Africa, or the Middle East.
22:39 Language Patrols Deployed in Western Ukrainian City
Following a surge in Russian language usage, the mayor of the western Ukrainian city of Iwano-Frankiwsk has announced the introduction of language inspectors. Mayor Ruslan Marzinkiw explained that this initiative is civic, allowing anyone to become a language controller. The mayor anticipates at least 100 volunteers to participate in the program, with 50 currently registered. Citizens can report suspected Russian language usage in public spaces using a hotline established by the city.
21:42 Erdogan Demands Return of Crimea to Ukraine
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has urged Russia to return the annexed Crimean peninsula to Ukraine. In a video message, Erdogan underscored Turkey's unwavering support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence. Erdogan also committed to backing the Ukraine's demand for the return of Crimea as stipulated by international law.
21:05 Update: Zelenskyy Shares Ukraine's Military Strategy with USAAccording to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, US backing is crucial in repelling the Russian invasion. At a Kyiv press conference, Zelenskyy stated, "Our path to victory (...) heavily relies on US aid and assistance from other allies." The proposed strategy, set to be unveiled prior to the anticipated second Ukraine Peace Conference, aims to bolster Ukraine substantially and compel Russia to cease hostilities. However, as reported by Bloomberg, the US is pushing for a clear-cut strategy from Zelenskyy on offensive strikes against Russia, before easing limitations on the deployment of Western weaponry. US Secretary of State Blinken and British Foreign Secretary Lammy are expected to receive a comprehensive, year-long plan from Zelenskyy in Kyiv to gain a better comprehension of Ukraine's objectives.
20:37 Blinken Explains Biden's Position on Weapon Usage in RussiaAs stated by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the US is rapidly addressing Ukraine's military requirements, which involve employing long-range weapons acquired from the West for strikes on Russian targets. A discussion between US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is scheduled for Friday, as per Blinken, who spoke at a joint press conference with his British counterpart David Lammy, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiga in Kyiv. Blinken further emphasized, "We're expediting our efforts to ensure Ukraine can defend itself competently," adding, "We want Ukraine to emerge victorious."
Bonus information can be found here.
The European Union has expressed concern over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, calling for an immediate end to hostilities and respect for Ukraine's territorial integrity. Russia, a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization along with China, has denied any involvement in the conflict.
In response to the Ukrainian grain vessel being attacked in the Black Sea, the European Union has condemned the incident as a clear violation of international law and navigation freedoms. They have urged all parties involved to ensure the safety of civilians and respect the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
