19:32 Osatschuk discusses potential weapon release implications: "Significant step towards the conclusion of the aggressive war's conflict"
19:06 Zelensky Extends Peace Summit Invite to Russia in Switzerland - Outcome TentativeAccording to Ukrainian President Zelensky, Russia has been extended an invitation to attend the upcoming peace summit in Switzerland in November, as per "Le Monde". Both Kyiv and western allies have consistently expressed their readiness for Moscow's participation. However, the likelihood of Russia's agreement remains uncertain. High-ranking representatives have continued to reject this, and Moscow continues to demand accomplishing all its war objectives in Ukraine or setting harmful peace terms or negotiation prerequisites that effectively amount to a dictate for Ukraine.
18:40 Laying Low on Kremlin Threats: "Ignore Too Much of Putin's Bluster"After the release of long-range weapons for Ukraine, Vladimir Putin has issued threats towards the West. Security analyst Nico Lange sees "typical psychological tactics" in these statements. However, Lange is surprised by the interpretation of the latest remarks by the German Chancellor.
18:07 EU Intends New Sanctions against Iran over Rumors of Missile Transfers to RussiaFollowing conjectures of Iran transferring missiles to Russia, the EU's 27 member states are planning new sanctions against Tehran. "The European Union has repeatedly strongly warned Iran against sending missiles to Russia," a press release mentions. The transfer poses a direct threat to security and signifies a significant escalation. A prompt and comprehensive response will be enacted, including restrictive measures for the Iranian aviation sector. The German Foreign Office states that Germany is actively consulting with its European and international partners regarding the imposition of new sanctions, including the aviation sector - such as possible flight or landing prohibitions.
17:25 Former Russian Foreign Minister Kozyrev Warns of More Aggressive Putin Actions - "Goal is Humiliation"Former Russian Foreign Minister Andrei Kozyrev alerts the West of anticipated further Russian aggression. "If he is rewarded in Ukraine, Putin, convinced of NATO's impotence and cowardice, will attack NATO states in the Baltic long before he can obtain any guarantees from NATO," Kozyrev, who held the position from 1990 to 1996 and supports the West, writes on X. "Putin's objective is not just a portion, but rather the humiliation and disparagement of the USA and NATO."
17:04 Debate over Taurus Delivery Reignites: Coalition Politicians Advocate for Long-Range Weapons for Ukraine
Politicians from coalition parties are advocating for allowing Ukraine to utilize long-range weapons to target locations in Russia. "We must enable Ukraine, along with other European nations, the UK, and the US, to destroy military targets on Russian territory," says FDP politician Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, according to "Der Spiegel." She adds, "This also means that Germany must finally provide the Taurus. After all, the Taurus was specifically designed for neutralizing military targets before they can launch heavy attacks." Green politician Toni Hofreiter shares these sentiments. "The use of long-range weapons to combat Russian launch bases is indispensable for effectively rebuilding damaged energy facilities," he comments.
16:35 Intense Battles in Kurachove - Ukraine Records Massive Attacks
Russian forces are reportedly increasing their attacks near the disputed city of Kurachove in eastern Ukraine, with some of the heaviest fighting this month, according to the Kyiv government. Simultaneously, Russian troops are pushing towards the town of Pokrovsk, an essential railway hub around 33 kilometers north of Kurachove, in an attempt to establish new front lines, disrupt Ukrainian logistics, and seize control of the rest of the eastern Donetsk region. The Ukrainian military reports repelling 64 attacks near Kurachove and 36 near Pokrovsk over the previous 24 hours. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praises his troops for successfully holding their positions in Pokrovsk and Kurachove, describing these as the two most challenging sections on the eastern front.
15:56 Ukrainian Strikes 1,900 Kilometers from the Border? Russian Region Closes Airspace
Authorities in the northern Russian region of Murmansk are citing a threat from Ukrainian drones as the motivation for shutting down the airspace again, as per Governor Andrei Chibis on Telegram. The region is located approximately 1,900 kilometers away from Ukraine. The Federal Air Transport Agency, Rosaviatsiya, has momentarily halted takeoffs and landings at Murmansk and Apatity airports due to safety concerns. The Arctic Circle's high north is home to the Northern Fleet and an airbase from which strategic bombers launch attacks on Ukraine.
15:22 London Discloses Details - Iranian Missiles Russia Now possesses
The UK's Ministry of Defence has revealed details about the Iranian missiles supposedly supplied to Russia, which are short-range ballistic missiles known as Fath-360 or BM-120. First unveiled in 2020, these missiles can carry a 150-kilogram warhead up to 120 kilometers and reportedly strike their target with an accuracy of 30 meters. The daily intelligence report from the Ministry of Defence in London states that Russia's ability to deliver precise strikes against the Ukrainian military or civilian infrastructure near the front has been enhanced as a result.
14:45 Gazeta Wyborcza Reports - Poland Has Yet to Contribute Financially to the Czech Artillery Initiative for UkraineAccording to Polish media outlet Gazeta Wyborcza, Poland has not yet donated any money to the Czech artillery initiative, aiming to acquire ammunition for Ukraine from various Western partners. Germany is said to be the primary and quickest financier. If all goes according to plan, Ukraine will receive 100,000 shells this month, with the aim of reaching 500,000 by the end of 2024, and more to follow in 2025. Russia's market activity is also causing complications, as reported by Prague.
14:15 Pistorius proposes legitimacy of long-range weapon authorization for Ukraine under international lawGermany's Defense Minister Pistorius suggests that international law justifies potential approval by NATO allies for Ukraine to utilize long-range weapons against Russian targets. He contends that the U.S. and U.K. have the independence to decide on weapon usage from supplies provided, and this is their right. In response to Putin's warning about NATO entering conflict with Russia due to this, Pistorius stated, "Putin's warnings are Putin's warnings. No further comment is required. He makes threats whenever he chooses and offers bribes as he sees fit."
13:25 Zelenskyy announces homecoming of 49 war detaineesUkrainian President Zelenskyy announced the return of 49 war detainees from Russia, including ex-fighters from Mariupol's steel plant Azovstal, which was under siege by the Russian army in the spring of 2022. "Forty-nine Ukrainians have returned home," Zelenskyy stated, sharing photos of soldiers and military personnel wrapped in Ukrainian flags. Zelenskyy revealed that they are members of the army, national guard, national police, border guard, and civilians. Ukrainian media reports suggest that twenty-three of the forty-nine released individuals are women. Initial details were not provided regarding whether this was the result of a prisoner exchange with Russia.
13:14 Tusk dismisses importance of Putin's threatsPolish Prime Minister Tusk is unperturbed by the latest threats from Putin regarding long-range weapons against Russian targets. Acknowledging the gravity of the situation in Ukraine and on the Ukrainian-Russian border, Tusk expressed that he would not overemphasize the recent statements from President Putin. Instead, he perceives them as reflections of the challenging position faced by the Russian military on the frontline. Previously, Putin had warned that the West would be directly engaged in a war with Russia if it allowed Ukraine to attack Russian territory with long-range rockets manufactured in the West.
12:54 Beijing advocates negotiations as the only solution for conflictsChinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe, speaking at an international security forum in Beijing, emphasized "negotiations" as the sole solution to conflicts such as those in Ukraine and Gaza Strip. To address the crises in Ukraine and Israeli-Palestinian regions, he recommended that "promoting peace and negotiations is the only path forward."
12:30 Oil and Gas Play Crucial Role in Scholz's Central Asia TourThe German government aims to expand oil imports from Kazakhstan. "We welcome the potential growth in oil supplies from Kazakhstan," remarked a government official prior to Chancellor Olaf Scholz's trip to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, commencing on Sunday. The goal is to provide alternative sources for the PCK refinery in Schwedt, with increased oil from Kazakhstan being one option. However, other alternatives are necessary due to Kazakh oil transit through Russian pipelines to Germany, providing Russia leverage. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Germany halted imported Russian oil. Scholz's visit will also focus on gas supplies from Central Asia. Given upcoming tenders for new gas-powered facilities, it's clear: "We must secure gas from somewhere, and Central Asia is a natural source of abundance."
12:00 France Recalls Iranian Diplomat France has requested the return of the Iranian diplomatic representative to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Paris. According to diplomatic sources, the reason is the delivery of ballistic missiles to Russia. After a few days, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had explained that Russia had received missiles from Iran, which would be deployed in Ukraine over the following weeks. Iran denies this.
11:36 Pentagon considers Russian counteroffensive in Kursk 'Minor' at this pointThe Pentagon is unimpressed by Russia's counteroffensive in Kursk. "We've observed Russian units attempting some type of counteroffensive in the Kursk region," Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder said on Thursday. "At the moment, I would classify it as minor, but naturally, we're monitoring the situation carefully." The Russian Ministry of Defense declared its soldiers had recaptured ten villages. Independent verification is not available. Ukrainian forces initiated the offensive in the Russian boundary region of Kursk approximately five weeks ago and claim to have seized about 100 Russian villages and nearly 1,300 square kilometers since then.
11:13 Despite Multiple Downings: Drone Strikes Cause DamageUkrainian air forces claim to have shot down twenty-four out of twenty-six drones during the night. In the Odessa region, one individual was injured, and twenty homes were damaged. In the Mykolajiw region, drone debris caused a fire at a food processing plant. Energy infrastructure in the Iwano-Frankiwsk region was also targeted, as reported by the Ministry of Energy.
10:46 Russian Parliament Head: NATO is Engaging in War Against Our NationThe head of Russia's parliament, Vyacheslav Volodin, alleges that NATO is involved in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He asserts on Telegram, "They are engaging in war against our nation." Volodin suggests that NATO is aiding Ukraine in selecting Russian cities for attacks, coordinating military deployments with the Ukrainian army, and issuing orders to the Kyiv government.
10:17 Western Analyst on Putin's War Threat to NATO: "It's Barely Newsworthy"There are concerns in the West that supporting Ukraine to launch long-range attacks on Russian territory could lead to an escalation. Russia's President Vladimir Putin has once again threatened such actions. However, ntv correspondent Rainer Munz argues that there might be little substance to Putin's threats, labeling them as "barely newsworthy."
09:42 Family of Belarusian Opposition Leader Reports Critical ConditionThe Belarusian opposition leader, Maria Kalesnikava, is reportedly in critical condition by her sister. For several years, she has been imprisoned under deplorable conditions and now weighs only 45 kg at a height of 1.75 meters, according to Tatjana Chomitsch, citing information from former prisoners. "I believe this is a critical moment, as no one can survive such conditions for long," she cautions. She accuses the authorities of psychologically and physically tormenting her sister. The Belarusian Ministry of Internal Affairs rebuffs requests for information about Kalesnikava's detention conditions. The 42-year-old, who has been an emblem of resistance since the protests against Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in 2020, is serving an 11-year prison sentence for supposedly plotting a coup.
09:20 Lithuanian-German Brigade Deployment Agreement SignedGermany and Lithuania have sealed a government agreement to manage the details of a combat-ready brigade's deployment in Lithuania, a NATO member country. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and his Lithuanian counterpart Laurynas Kasciunas signed the agreement in Berlin. The contract supplements the NATO Status of Forces Agreement for the troop's stay and clarifies the legal position of German soldiers and civilian personnel in Lithuania, ensuring legal certainty. The agreement addresses a variety of issues, including residence rights, taxation, education, health care, traffic laws, public safety, and more.
08:56 British Diplomats Expelled by Russia on Espionage ChargesRussia has expelled six British diplomats, accusing them of espionage activities. The FSB intelligence agency asserts it has evidence demonstrating that the British Foreign Office is orchestrating a political and military confrontation. The Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, cited by the TASS news agency, asserts that the British Foreign Office rejects the accusations as "baseless." The Russian action comes in response to British measures inspired by "Russian activities in Europe and the United Kingdom," according to a BBC statement.
08:31 NATO Involvement in War Would Be "Red Line" for Putin, Kremlin WarnsUkrainian President Zelensky has been advocating for the use of long-range missiles against Russian military targets for some time, and the US and UK are now considering this option. In response, the Kremlin has issued a warning to the West.
08:03 Russia Offers to Share Information on Western WeaponsRussia is offering to share its insights into Western weapons gained from the Ukraine conflict. Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin disclosed this information at a security conference in China, stating that Russia has gained unique experiences in countering various Western weapons and is ready to share this knowledge with its allies.
07:34 Ukrainian SBU Announces Arrests of Individuals Setting Military Vehicles Ablaze in KyivFive individuals have been arrested in Kyiv for setting military vehicles ablaze, allegedly on behalf of a Russian intelligence agency, according to Ukraine's SBU. The detainees are accused of torching five military vehicles and distributing leaflets aimed at disparaging the military. The SBU claims that the men, hailing from various regions of Ukraine, were contacted by Russian agents via Telegram in search of quick money. They recorded their activities on their phones to receive payment, but never did.
07:05 Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Mourns Adoptive Son Killed in WarUkraine's Chief Rabbi Moshe Reuven Azman is mourning the death of his adoptive son, Anton Samborsky, who was killed during the Russian invasion. A memorial service was held in Kyiv on Thursday, attended by soldiers, veterans, and others. Samborsky, 32, went missing in late July before his death was confirmed following weeks of uncertainty. He became a father in May and was recruited shortly thereafter. Rabbi Azman last spoke to his son on July 17.
06:29 Japan Scrambles Jets Over Russian Aircraft ApproachJapan dispatched fighter jets yesterday after two Russian aircraft circled the nation. The Russian planes, both Tu-142s, did not breach Japanese airspace but patrolled the sea before heading towards Okinawa's southern region throughout the day. As a response, Japan activated its Air Self-Defense Force to intercept the Russian aircraft. Following their operation, the Russian planes traveled northward and also crossed the disputed Kuril Islands between Japan and Russia. Earlier in the week, Russian and Chinese naval forces commenced joint drills in the Sea of Japan as part of a large-scale naval exercise. This is the most recent occurrence in a sequence of Russian military aircraft intrusions into Japanese airspace, with the previous incident taking place in 2019.
06:07 Moscow Accuses U.S. of Containment Strategy Against Russia and ChinaDeputy Russian Defense Minister Alexander Fomin alleged at a security conference in China that the U.S. is orchestrating a containment policy against Russia and China. The state-run Russian news agency TASS reported this claim. Fomin suggested that Moscow and Beijing advocate for a balanced, multilateral world order that upholds equality and mutual respect, while the Western nations are preparing for potential conflicts in Asia by establishing new security alliances in the region.
05:27 Ukraine: Freighter Hit by Alleged Russian Anti-Ship MissileUkrainian naval authorities revealed new details about a suspected Russian airstrike on a civilian freighter in the Black Sea. The alleged incident occurred when a Tu-22 bomber allegedly fired a Ch-22 anti-ship missile at the ship, which was under the flag of St. Kitts and Nevis and sailing outside Ukrainian territorial waters. At the time of the incident, the ship was en route from Chornomorsk, Ukraine, to Egypt with a cargo of wheat. According to the BBC, the freighter was within Romania's exclusive economic zone. However, a Ch-31 missile, with lesser explosive power than the Ch-22, was reportedly used instead of the Ch-22 missile.
03:19 Moldovan Soldier Dies in Mysterious Shooting IncidentA Moldovan soldier passed away under unclear circumstances while performing his duties at the demarcation line with the separatist region of Transnistria. The Moldovan Ministry of Defense announced that the soldier was fatally wounded by a shot from his own weapon during his shift. Law enforcement and forensic experts are now investigating the incident. Soldiers from both Moldova and the separatist Transnistria, as well as Russian troops, have been stationed at the separation line since a conflict in 1992 following the Soviet Union's dissolution. Moldova is determined to reintegrate Transnistria into its territory. Incidents at the separation line are extremely infrequent.
02:18 UK Prime Minister asserts, "We're Not Provoking Conflict with Russia"UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer disputed Russian President Putin's assertion that Western weapons supply is equivalent to NATO's direct involvement in the conflict. "Ukraine has the right to self-defense," Starmer stated. The UK supports this right by offering training opportunities. However, Starmer stressed that the UK is not seeking conflict with Russia.
01:09 Former U.S. Ambassador in Kyiv Expects "Bolder" Ukrainian Support from HarrisThe ex-U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, William B. Taylor, anticipates that Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris would substantially augment Ukrainian assistance, should she win the presidency. Harris's demonstrated support for Ukraine indicates a more assertive stance compared to the current administration's more cautious decisions, such as those related to HIMARS, Abrams tanks, and F-16 fighter jets. Taylor believes that Harris's likely nomination of a different foreign policy team would lead to a more resolute approach toward Ukraine.
00:27 Zelensky Extends Gratitude to Estonia for Military AidUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the Estonian President, Alar Karis, in Kyiv and thanked him for military aid. Estonia, a Baltic EU and NATO member, has pledged to allocate 0.25% of its annual GDP to Ukraine's defense efforts. The discussion focused on reconstruction plans and Ukraine's EU aspirations. Meanwhile, Latvian Prime Minister, Evika Siliņa, also pledged further support during her meeting with Zelensky.
23:19 German Spy Agency Not Mandated to Share Military Analysis with JournalistGermany's Federal Intelligence Service (BND) is not obliged to reveal whether it characterized a Ukrainian military victory as challenging or impossible in private discussions to a journalist, or which media outlets participated in these discussions, according to the Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig. Nevertheless, the BND must provide information regarding the number of background discussions on the military situation in Ukraine this year. The journalist's request for a temporary injunction was primarily denied. The court cited a news article from May as the basis for the journalist's application, attributing a CDU politician's comment that the BND was attempting to influence public opinion by promoting a pessimistic military analysis of Ukraine's situation.
22:06 European Politicians Urge Wide-Range Weapons Against Russian Aggression
Politicans from the traffic light coalition advocate for Kyiv's right to utilize long-range weapons against Russian targets. According to SPD foreign policy expert Michael Roth, it's justified and in line with international law to attack military targets in Russia with long-range Western rockets. Roth identifies military airfields, command centers, and launch bases as potential targets for long-range weapons, as they are responsible for launching attacks on civilian Ukrainian targets. The FDP defense committee chairman, Marcus Faber, agrees, stating that authorization to strike Russian military airports with long-range weapons like ATACMS and Storm Shadow is past due. Green politician Anton Hofreiter highlights that Russia continues to terrorize the Ukrainian civilian population through daily rocket attacks on hospitals, residential buildings, and energy supplies. Hofreiter argues that allowing the army to strike military bases on Russian territory with long-range weapons is necessary to effectively protect the Ukrainian civilian population.
21:35 Vance discusses Trump's Ukraine Ideas
As per Republican vice-presidential candidate J.D. Vance, Donald Trump's strategy to conclude the Russian conflict might involve establishing a demilitarized zone between Ukraine and Russia. In an interview with TV producer Shawn Ryan, Vance suggests that Trump could bring together Russians, Ukrainians, and Europeans to discuss a peaceful resolution. Vance expresses confidence in Trump's ability to reach an agreement swiftly due to his known affinity for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his frequent criticism of US aid to Ukraine. Trump also claims he could end the war within 24 hours if elected, yet fails to provide specifics.
21:03 "We are Russians, God is with us" - Fascist March in St. Petersburg
Despite invoking a higher power, their assertions do not contradict it: "We are Russians, God is with us," proclaim numerous Russian nationalists and fascists during their march through St. Petersburg. They continue to chant: "Onward, Russians!" Their procession honors the anniversary of the transfer of relics of Alexander Nevsky, revered as a national hero and Orthodox Church saint.
20:28 Kremlin Propagandist: "The Ideal Barrier is the Atlantic"
Well-known Russian TV host Vladimir Solovyov believes Russia should extend beyond Ukraine's conquest. "In my opinion, the perfect barrier is the Atlantic. A natural barrier," says the Kremlin propagandist. The ideal location for our troops - Berlin, Lisbon, Madrid. And what a beautiful sight they would make in Paris." When reminded of the limited Russian population, he suggests the involvement of Belarusian allies or even China as an alternative.
20:01 British Volunteers Brace for Winter
Many Ukrainian homes still standing from the shelling lack windows before the upcoming winter. The British NGO "Insulate Ukraine" is addressing this issue by traveling to war zones and installing temporary windows.
You can find all previous developments [here].
The European Union is considering implementing new sanctions against Iran due to rumors of missile transfers to Russia. This could potentially pose a direct threat to security and escalate tensions further.
In light of the European Union's stance, it's worth noting that The European Union has consistently expressed its readiness for Russia's participation in the upcoming peace summit in Switzerland, an invitation extended by Ukrainian President Zelensky. However, the likelihood of Russia's agreement remains uncertain.
