Around 59 Russian assaults on port infrastructure over a span of approximately three months in Ukraine.
Russia has reportedly launched assaults on Ukrainian port facilities approximately 60 times over the past 3 months. These attacks have reportedly intensified, targeting vital infrastructure, with the aim of disrupting Ukrainian exports. This, in turn, could potentially lead to a crisis in regions heavily reliant on Ukrainian grain supplies, as claimed by Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba. Kuleba alleges that around 300 port facilities have been decimated or damaged, and 22 civilian vessels have been struck.
17:27 Russian Denial of North Korean Soldier InvolvementThe Kremlin denies using North Korean soldiers in its operations in Ukraine, labeling such reports as "unauthentic news stories." In response to claims of six North Korean soldiers being killed in a Ukrainian rocket strike on Russian-occupied territories in Donetsk, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov issued this statement. Ukrainian newspaper "Kyiv Post," citing intelligence sources, had initially reported this incident. South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun later considered these reports to have a high probability of being true. However, Andriy Kowalenko, head of the Ukrainian army's Counter Disinformation Center, contends that the number of North Korean soldiers in Ukraine is minimal, mainly comprising pioneer troops.
16:51 September: Russia's Deadliest Month Since War CommencementAccording to The Telegraph's report, supported by British intelligence, Russia endured its highest casualties since the war's commencement in September. The average daily loss was approximately 1,271 soldiers, a figure surpassing the previous peak in May of 1,262 soldiers. September also marked the fifth month in a row that the average daily loss exceeded 1,000 soldiers.
16:25 Rutte's Discussions on Long-Range Weapons with ZelenskyyDuring his London visit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reportedly held discussions with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte regarding the use of long-range weapons against Russia. The specifics of these discussions remain uncertain. Zelenskyy thanked the UK for its continuous support, including the provision of long-range weapons. Starmer's office indicated a desire to aid Ukraine in achieving the strongest possible position while also emphasizing that "no war has ever been won with a single weapon." Rutte stated, "We discussed this today, but ultimately, it's the decision of each ally."
15:37 US Assessment of Russian Attack StrategyUS military experts anticipate that Russian military leaders have ordered a fierce pace of attacks in Ukraine. Their objective is to demonstrate progress before the challenging weather conditions in autumn, known as "Rasputitsa," impede attacks. Since late July, Russian forces have been engaged in high-tempo operations in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine, according to the US Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Experts predict that Russians will continue their advance, even in muddy conditions, though the effectiveness will decline. The ISW expects the current Russian offensive to reach its peak in the coming months, but this does not imply the termination of attacks in eastern Ukraine during autumn and winter.
14:54 Russian Allegation of Patriot System DestructionThe Russian military alleges to have hit a US-supplied Patriot air defense system in an attack. Two Patriot launch ramps, a control unit, and a radar were reportedly targeted, leading to the destruction of one launch station and damage to another. Furthermore, Ukrainian soldiers and associated military equipment were affected in the attack. However, the authenticity of Russia's claims remain unverified.
14:19 NATO Announcement of Nuclear Exercise CommencementNATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte announced that the alliance's annual nuclear exercise, "Steadfast Noon," will begin the following Monday. Sixty aircraft from 13 nations, including F-35A fighter jets and B-52 bombers, will participate in the two-week exercise, with focal points in the UK, North Sea, Belgium, and the Netherlands. "In a volatile world, it's crucial that we test and strengthen our defense so that our adversaries recognize that NATO is prepared and capable of responding to any threat," says Rutte.
13:51 Two Russian MiG-31Ks in BelarusTwo MiG-31K aircraft, capable of deploying Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, have reportedly arrived in Belarus twice within two days, according to Ukrainian news source Pravda. This is the first time such aircraft have been in Belarus in approximately 1.5 years.
13:11 Ukraine Confirmation of Attack on Russian Military AirbaseUkraine has acknowledged an assault on a Russian airbase in the southern Russian Caucasus region of Adygea. A fuel and lubricant depot at the base in Maykop was reportedly destroyed and set ablaze, as per the head of the Ukrainian discrediting center, Andriy Kowalenko. Earlier, Ukrainian media had reported an attack on a military airport. Local authorities confirmed that a suburb of Maykop had been struck by "enemy drones."
The Ukrainian parliament has boosted taxes to help fund the ongoing conflict. The significant modification involves increasing the 1.5% war tax charged on income-dependent employees, introduced in 2014, to 5%. However, this tax hike will not apply to soldiers.
12:08 Ukraine Denies Preparedness for Truce
A close advisor to President Zelensky, Dmytro Lytwyn, has rejected a report by the Italian newspaper "Corriere della Sera" suggesting that Zelensky is open to a truce along the front line in return for Western safety assurances. Ukrainian media sources confirmed this denial.
11:49 Zelensky Meets with Starmer and Rutte in London
Ukrainian President Zelensky has arrived at the British government's main headquarters in London. He is scheduled to meet with British government officials and NATO representatives to discuss his war strategies against Russia. His itinerary includes meetings with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, followed by journeys to Berlin and Paris for further conversations.
11:21 Russian Military Suppliers Rely Heavily on German Machines
Investigations by SWR have unearthed that German machines are extensively used by Russian military suppliers. SWR identified over 30 German manufacturers whose machinery was imported to Russia in the previous year, many based in Baden-Württemberg. In total, over 300 German-made machines have been delivered to the aggressor. In approximately two-thirds of instances, the machines were sent via Turkey. The German manufacturers claimed ignorance and complied with sanctions.
10:57 Casualties and 29 Damaged Buildings After Assaults on Saporischschja
Authorities reported that Russian air strikes this morning in the southeastern Ukrainian city of Saporischschja led to injuries for 4 individuals and damage to 29 buildings. Russian forces are believed to have employed glide bombs, according to Ukrainian police. Despite the city being under Ukrainian control, the nearby nuclear power plant is managed by Russian military forces. Russia proclaimed the entire region as its territory and is attempting to seize the area through heavy attacks.
10:22 Military Airport in Caucasus Region Reportedly Attacked
Ukrainian media sources suggest that a military airport in the southern Russian Caucasus region of Adygea was hit in a bombing. However, the extent of the damage varies between reports. Earlier today, local authorities reported the evacuation of the nearby village of Rodnikovy.
09:37 Videos Show Major Explosions at Russian Drone Depot
Footage from the southern Russian region of Krasnodar reveals fires, explosions, and sparks at the site of yesterday's assault on a drone storage facility. The building was reportedly housing around 400 Iranian Shahed drones.
08:53 Production of Russian Su-57 Stealth Fighter Jets Halts, Report States
A report by the British "Telegraph" suggests that production of the Su-57 stealth fighter has almost ceased in Russia. Ukrainian analysts from Frontline Insight are cited as attributing this to a lack of essential components, particularly electronics, resulting from Western sanctions.
08:29 Russia Claims Shooting Down of Over 90 Ukrainian DronesAccording to the Russian Ministry of Defense, Russia shot down 92 Ukrainian drones during the night, as reported by the Kyiv Independent. Around 47 of these were intercepted over the southwestern region of Krasnodar, where it is claimed that Ukraine destroyed a warehouse containing around 400 drones yesterday.
07:57 Leading Economist: Should Not Increase Dependence on US Arms Industry
Kiel economist Moritz Schularick is advocating for a major restructure in German military spending. "If we exclude defense spending from the debt brake, we can actually establish long-term capabilities," says the president of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. Schularick believes that the federal special fund exceeding 100 billion euros is insufficient, and special funds are often inadequate compared to the need. Germany should not become more reliant on the US arms industry, he asserts. "These are things that you want to have in-house."
07:41 Russia Recruits African Women for Drone Production
Approximately 200 women from Africa are constructing drones in Russia to aid the Ukraine conflict. Affected women shared with news agency AP that they were enticed by social media advertisements promising a complimentary flight ticket, money, and an adventure abroad. They had to complete a computer game and a Russian vocabulary test covering 100 words. Some women discovered upon arrival that they had to work in a weapons factory instead of a hospitality student program. In the factory, they were responsible for assembling drones developed in Iran, which were subsequently used to attack Ukraine.
07:21 Ukraine Launches Attacks Deep into Russia Again
A village in the southern Russian Caucasus region of Adygea was evacuated due to a fire caused by a drone assault, according to local authorities. The village of Rodnikovy was targeted, with no casualties reported. The attack targeted the outskirts of the city of Maykop, near a military airport. In recent weeks, Ukraine has intensified strikes on targets beyond Russian territory to undermine the logistics of invading Russian troops. In June, Ukraine assaulted a fuel depot in the Adygea region.
06:58 US: Ukraine Might Hang onto Russian Territory for MonthsBased on US evaluations, Ukraine can keep control of the territory it claims within the Russian region of Kursk for at least several months, potentially even longer, as suggested by financial news source Bloomberg, citing high-level American officials. Ukraine has encountered minimal complications supplying the region thus far, with Russian forces only launching limited counterattacks and instead focusing on progress in eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian forces now have a more reliable source of artillery ammunition, following months of scarcity, thanks in part to the efforts of their allies, as alleged by these officials.
06:25 German Authorities Bar Pro-Russian Activists for Two DecadesTwo pro-Russian activists claim they have been banned from entering Germany for the next 20 years. The duo received a letter from the Cologne city administration stating this reason, as Elena Kolbasnikova declared in a video shared on Telegram. The letter cited that they posed a risk to Germany's security. The couple had been organizing pro-Kremlin rallies in Germany since the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. An investigation published last year identified them as prominent figures advocating for the pro-Moscow stance in Germany and revealed they had received financial assistance from a Russian government agency. In June, they announced via their lawyer that they had relocated to Russia. Neither the Cologne public prosecutor's office nor the city administration initially commented on the matter.
06:04 Russian Court Convicts American Soldier for 'Mercenary' ActivitiesA Russian court found former US soldier Trevor Reed guilty in his absence for his participation in the Ukrainian military, according to authorities. Reed is alleged to have joined the Ukrainian army as a mercenary in 2023, as reported by the Russian Investigative Committee. He was sentenced to 14.5 years in prison for "mercenary activities." The committee stated he was fighting for the Ukrainian army in the Donetsk region. In July 2022, the US State Department announced that Reed, who was released in an exchange in April 2022, had been injured while fighting in Ukraine.
05:30 Ukrainian Newspaper Accuses Presidential Office of PressureThe Ukrainian news site "Ukrajinska Prawda" (Ukrainian Truth) located in Ukraine, under Russian attack, accuses the presidential office in Kyiv of exerting influence over its editorial policy. It mentions efforts to restrict contact between its journalists and attempts to exclude the platform from events. Companies are also being urged to halt advertising on the site, although no specific examples were given. The editorial team announced it would unveil any future instances of interference by employees of the presidential office. Prior to the Russian invasion in February 2022, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had disagreements with certain journalists and shut down TV channels and news sites.
03:50 Klitschko Warns of Tough WinterKiev's mayor, Vitali Klitschko, called for peace during celebrations honoring the 35th anniversary of the peaceful revolution in Leipzig. He spoke of the upcoming challenges for Ukraine during a peace prayer at the Nikolaikirche. Many cities and communities in Ukraine have been damaged. In his prayers, Klitschko expressed hope for peace. Leipzig is a partner city for Kiev.
02:05 Zelensky Discusses Russian Invasion with European LeadersUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is traveling to Germany, France, the UK, and Italy this week for meetings concerning Russia's invasion of his country. Today, Thursday, he will meet with French President Emmanuel Macron at 3 PM for a "private meeting," as reported by Paris. Zelensky announced at a press conference with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic that he will also meet with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the near future. A meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is also scheduled. On Friday morning, Zelensky will meet with Pope Francis at the Vatican.
00:01 Six Casualties in Rocket Attack on OdessaAt least six individuals have died and eleven more were injured, seven critically, as a result of a Russian rocket attack on the southern Ukrainian port city of Odessa, according to official reports. "The enemy's target was once again the port infrastructure," said the military governor of the region, Oleh Kiper, in a statement on Telegram. According to his reports, a civilian container ship flying the Panamanian flag was hit. The victims are Ukrainian citizens. Kiper stated it was the third assault on a civilian vessel within the past four days, an attempt by Russia to obstruct the grain corridor established by Ukraine.
22:58 Russian Court Imposes Lengthy Prison Term on ActivistA Russian court sentenced an activist to twelve years in prison on Wednesday for supposedly supporting a pro-Ukrainian faction. Eugene Mishchenko was accused of giving information to the outlawed Russian Freedom Legion, a group based in Ukraine comprising mainly of Russian Putin opponents, according to Russian state news source RIA Novosti. Mishchenko is a member of a collective that honors the legacy of Boris Nemtsov, the Kremlin critic who was murdered on a bridge in Moscow in 2015, as stated by the independent Russian news outlet Mediazona. The group, known as the "Nemtsov Bridge," regularly places flowers and lights candles at the site of Nemtsov's assassination. The authorities regularly remove the makeshift memorial. The verdict against Mishchenko was handed down on Nemtsov's 65th birthday.
21:59 "Entire Europe Unity": Zelensky Urges EU Expansion Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the European Union (EU) to bring together the whole continent, incorporating "all democratically governed nations of Europe." Zelensky stressed the importance of maintaining stability in European unity, stating this at a summit in Croatia with leaders of Balkan countries. Alongside the summit, Zelensky also inked a pact with Croatia, covering key areas such as defense and demining. Zelensky further asserted, "If Europe isn't unified today, it won't be tranquil, so ongoing accession processes should result in cohesion." Zelensky advocated for Ukraine's EU membership, which commenced in June, and for several Balkan countries waiting on EU admission for years.
21:25 Russian Drone Depot in Krasnodar Attacked by Ukrainian Forces The Ukrainian military claimed hitting and demolishing a drone depot in the Russian region of Krasnodar. Following the precise strike, a subsequent explosion was recorded, according to the General Staff in Kyiv. Approximately 400 Iranian Shahed type drones were reportedly housed in the targeted facility. "The destruction of the Shahed drone storage facility will considerably reduce the capacity of Russian invaders to intimidate and terrorize peaceful inhabitants of Ukrainian cities and villages," they stated. Russian authorities acknowledged a fire in a warehouse near the village of Oktyabrsky. The scene is cordoned off, with approximately 800 square meters of the site engulfed in flames, as reported by the local operations staff in the Krasnodar Territory. The coordinates matched those revealed by Kyiv, although the operations staff did not specify the cause of the fire or the stored objects.
20:51 Southeast Europe Summit: Dozen Countries Call for Russian Withdrawal Twelve countries in Southeast Europe, including Turkey, agreed that Russia's withdrawal from all occupied territories in Ukraine is a necessary condition for peace. They endorsed the peace plan of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ukraine's NATO membership. This is outlined in the final declaration of their summit in Dubrovnik, Croatia, which they signed with Zelenskyy. Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic, known for his diplomatic dance between the West and Russia, managed to remove a proposed demand for Russia sanctions from the summit's final declaration, as reported by Croatian media.
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