At 00:48, Zelensky refutes any discussions with allies concerning a truce.
11:53 Italy to Organize Ukraine Reconstruction Meeting in July 2025
Italy will arrange a reconstruction meeting for Ukraine in July 2025. The Ukraine reconstruction meeting is scheduled for July 10 and 11, 2025, as announced by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni following talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Rome. "Ukraine is not alone, and we will stand by it as long as required," she declared.
20:20 Foreigners to Soon Lead in Ukrainian Military Ranks
Foreign nationals will shortly have the chance to occupy officer positions within the Ukrainian armed forces. The Ukrainian parliament approved the necessary law amendment. Previously, foreign volunteers could only serve as foot soldiers or sergeants. "The main intention is to permit the recruitment of foreigners not only as soldiers and sergeants but also as officers," shared MP Oleksii Honcharenko on Telegram.
21:21 Patriot System Under Russian Attack: Kyiv Denies Heavy Damage
The Russian army has targeted US-made Patriot launchers in Ukraine. However, according to Ukrainian reports, no substantial damage was incurred. Only some equipment parts were damaged, not destroyed, claimed the Ukrainian air defense spokesperson, Yuriy Ignat. The affected Patriot unit remains operational. A Ukrainian military blogger also reported minor damages. In reference to the Ukrainian air defense, the blogger on Telegram reported that the attack targeted a Patriot unit in the city of Pavlograd, Dnipropetrovsk region.
20:39 Aircraft Crash in Russian Training: Two Crew Members Safe
A Russian military training aircraft is reported to have crashed in the Volgograd region. According to well-known Russian war blogger Ilya Tumanoff on his Telegram channel, the crash occurred during a training flight in the Volgograd region. The crew managed to escape unhurt and is currently hospitalized. The reason for the crash was a technical failure.
19:11 Ukrainian Journalist Dies in Russian Captivity
Ukrainian journalist Victoria Roshchyna passed away in Russian captivity. This was announced by the head of the Prisoner Issues Coordination Staff, Petro Jazenko, on Ukrainian television news. The circumstances surrounding her death remain unknown. Jazenko revealed that she was scheduled for exchange. "Her transfer from Taganrog to Moscow was a step towards her release," stated Jazenko. According to media reports, the captive had been on a prolonged hunger strike.
19:00 Kadyrov Threatens Russian Politicians with Revenge
Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has threatened blood revenge against three Russian politicians from the North Caucasus. In a speech to security personnel in Grozny, he accused them of ordering an assassination attempt on him. Kadyrov posted the video of his speech on Telegram. The background to this escalated conflict started with a business dispute surrounding Russia's largest online retailer, Wildberries, which led to fatal shootings in Moscow in September. Kadyrov's threats are directed at two politicians from neighboring republic of Dagestan: Suleiman Kerimov, Russian Federation Council senator, and Riswan Kurbanov, deputy in the State Duma in Moscow. The third person named by the Chechen leader is Duma deputy Bekhan Barakhoev from the neighboring republic of Ingushetia.
18:48 NATO Chief Rutte: No Concerns over Possible Trump Re-election
New NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has urged alliance members to remain composed about the potential re-election of former US President Donald Trump. The Republican candidate is aware that Ukraine's defensive war against Russia also impacts "USA's security," Rutte said in London. Speaking about Trump, Rutte commented, "He agrees with my viewpoint that this conflict in Ukraine is not solely about Ukraine but also about 'USA's future security.'"
17:45 Ukrainian Commander Recounts Officer Mistakes
A frontline commander of the 28th mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces has pointed out frequent errors committed by higher-ranking officers in an interview. "The most significant errors occur during rotations or when assuming new positions," the commander of a combat unit, codenamed "Kurt," told the Ukrainian news agency RBC Ukraine. "Some commanders fail to plan adequately, and moving a unit to a new position is an significant operation." Regrettably, many commanders within the army are inept for the responsibilities they hold. "We experienced instances where commanders merely pointed at a map, and once we arrived to replace another unit of another brigade, they were already absent. The enemy had seized control, and we were under fire," said "Kurt." Such unprofessional conduct often leads to territorial losses, casualties, and equipment damage.
16:33 Russian Attacks on Ukrainian Port Facilities
Russia has launched nearly 60 attacks on port facilities within the past three months, according to Ukrainian reports. Attacks on infrastructure have been intensifying, claimed Vice-Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba. The objective is to undermine Ukraine's exports, he charged, in an attempt to provoke a crisis in regions relying on Ukrainian grain supplies. Based on his figures, about 300 port facilities have been destroyed or damaged, and 22 civilian ships have been targeted.
17:27 Moscow Disputes Use of North Korean TroopsThe Russian government disputes the use of North Korean soldiers in its attacks on Ukraine, labeling reports of their presence as "another fabricated news tale." Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov stated, "This appears to be another fabricated news tale." Last week, the Ukrainian newspaper "Kyiv Post" reported that six North Korean soldiers had been killed in a Ukrainian rocket strike on Russian-occupied territory in Donetsk, citing intelligence sources. South Korea's defense minister, Kim Yong Hyun, later suggested that these reports were likely true. According to the director of the Ukrainian army's center for combating disinformation, Andrij Kowalenko, the number of North Korean soldiers in Ukraine is restricted to "a small number of pioneer troops."
16:51 September marks Deadliest Month for Russia in WarRussia reportedly experienced its highest number of casualties in September since the onset of the war, with an average daily loss of 1,271 soldiers killed or wounded, according to a report from The Telegraph, citing British intelligence. This marked the highest daily loss rate since May, which saw a loss of 1,262 soldiers. September was also the fifth consecutive month with an average daily loss exceeding 1,000 soldiers.
16:25 Rutte Discusses Long-Range Weapons with ZelenskyyUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed the potential use of long-range weapons against Russia with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte during his visit to London, according to his reports. The outcome of these discussions remains unclear. Zelenskyy wrote on social media, "I thank the United Kingdom for its continued support of our country in defense, including with long-range weapons." Starmer stated that Britain aims to help Ukraine achieve the strongest possible position. "But no war has ever been won with a single weapon. And as for the Storm Shadow specifically, there have been no changes in the UK government's position on the use of long-range missiles." Rutte told journalists when asked about long-range weapons, "We discussed it today, but ultimately, it's a matter for each ally."
15:37 US Experts Predict Russian Attack PaceUS military experts predict that the Russian military leadership has ordered a high pace of attacks in Ukraine to make progress before the muddy ground conditions in the fall, known as "Rasputitsa," make attacks more difficult. According to a new report from the US think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russian forces have been attacking at a high tempo in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine since late July. The Russian military leadership is likely planning an intensified push to advance further and capture the towns of Kurachove and Pokrovsk. Experts expect that the Russians will continue their advance, even in muddy conditions, although it will be less effective. The ISW anticipates that the current Russian offensive will reach its peak in the coming months, but this does not mean the end of the push in eastern Ukraine in the fall and early winter.
14:54 Moscow Claims Attack on Patriot SystemThe Russian army claims to have targeted a Patriot air defense system supplied by the US in an air strike. Two launch ramps for the Patriot missiles, a control unit, and a radar were hit, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defense. The Russian military claims that one of the Patriot launch stations was destroyed and another was damaged. Additionally, Ukrainian soldiers and other military equipment were hit in the attack. However, these Russian claims cannot be independently verified.
14:19 NATO Announces Start of Nuclear ExerciseNATO will begin its annual nuclear exercise, "Steadfast Noon," starting next Monday, according to NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. The two-week exercise will involve 60 aircraft from 13 countries, including F-35A fighter jets and B-52 bombers. Key geographical areas for the exercise include the UK, the North Sea, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Rutte stated, "In an uncertain world, it's crucial that we test and strengthen our defense so our adversaries know that NATO is ready and capable of responding to any threat."
13:51 Two Russian MiG-31Ks Arrive in BelarusFor the second time in two days, a MiG-31K capable of deploying hypersonic Kinzhal missiles has arrived in Belarus from Russia, according to the Ukrainian Pravda portal, citing a Belarusian project that monitors military activities. This marks the first time such aircraft from the Russian air force have been in Belarus in a year and a half.
13:11 Ukraine Confirms Attack on Russian Military AirbaseUkraine confirms an attack on an airbase in the southern Russian Caucasus region of Adygea. A fuel and lubricant depot at the base in Maykop was destroyed and set on fire, according to the head of the Ukrainian center for combating disinformation, Andriy Kowalenko. Earlier, Ukrainian media reported that a military airport had been hit. Local authorities confirmed that a suburb of Maykop was attacked by "enemy drones."
12:35 Ukraine Increases War TaxThe Ukrainian parliament has raised taxes to further finance the war. The key change is an increase in the 2014-introduced war levy on income-dependent employed persons from 1.5% to 5%. However, this will not apply to soldiers.
12:08 Ukraine Denies Ceasefire Readiness ReportAn advisor to President Zelensky, Dmytro Lytwyn, denies a report in the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera that President Zelensky is ready for a ceasefire along the front line in exchange for Western security guarantees. The report did not cite sources.
11:21 German Machinery Widely utilized by Russian Militaria SuppliersInvestigations conducted by SWR reveal that a substantial number of German machinery are frequently utilized by Russian military suppliers. The broadcaster has identified over 30 German manufacturers whose machinery were shipped to Russia last year, with numerous manufacturers based in Baden-Württemberg. In total, well over 300 machines produced in Germany were delivered to the antagonist. The majority of the machinery were transported to Russia via Turkey. The German manufacturers allegedly claimed to be unaware of this situation, claiming compliance with sanctions.
10:57 Casualties and 29 Damaged Structures in Saporizhzhia following AttacksAs per authorities, this morning's Russian airstrikes on the southeastern Ukrainian city of Saporizhzhia resulted in 4 injuries and damage to 29 buildings. It appears that Russian forces employed glide bombs, as per reports from Ukrainian police. Although the city remains under Ukrainian control, Russian forces occupy the nearby nuclear power plant. Russia has declared the entire region to be their own territory and is making significant efforts to seize control of the area.
10:22 Military Airport in Caucasus Region Allegedly TargetedReports from Ukrainian media suggest that a military airport in the southern Russian Caucasus region of Adygea was attacked. However, reports regarding the extent of damage vary. Earlier today, local authorities reported the evacuation of the nearby village of Rodnikovy.
09:37 Explosions at Russian Drone DepotFootage from the southern Russian region of Krasnodar shows flames, explosions, and showers of sparks following yesterday's attack on a drone depot. The facility was reportedly storing around 400 drones of the Iranian type Shahed.
08:53 Production of Russia's Su-57 Fighter Jets Suspended, Report SuggestsA report by the British "Telegraph" suggests that production of the Su-57 stealth fighter in Russia has slowed significantly. Ukrainian analysts from Frontline Insight are cited as attributing the halt to the lack of components, particularly for electronics, due to Western sanctions.
08:29 Russia Claims to Have Shot Down over 90 Ukrainian DronesAccording to the Russian Ministry of Defense, Russia shot down 92 Ukrainian drones last night, as reported by the Kyiv Independent. Of these, 47 were downed over the southwestern region of Krasnodar, where Ukraine allegedly destroyed a depot containing around 400 drones yesterday.
07:57 Top Economist Advocates for Redirecting Military SpendingKiel economist Moritz Schularick calls for a complete revamp of Germany's military spending strategy. "If we exclude defense spending from the debt brake, we can gradually build up capabilities long-term," says the president of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. He argues that the federal government's budget allocation of over 100 billion euros alone is insufficient. "Special funds often only make a small contribution compared to the requirement, and they are not a constant source of funding." Germany should not become overly reliant on the US arms industry, Schularick cautions. "In-house production is essential for good reasons."
Read more here.
07:41 Russia Recruits African Women for Drone Assembly in the CountryApproximately 200 women from Africa are currently assembling drones in Russia for use in the Ukraine conflict. Affected women told Associated Press that they were lured with social media advertisements promising a free trip, financial compensation, and a foreign adventure. They were required to complete a computer game and a Russian language proficiency test covering 100 words. Upon arrival, some women discovered that they would be working in a weapons factory, where they would assemble drones developed in Iran, which are used to attack Ukraine.
Read more about this here.
07:21 Ukraine Launches Attacks Deep into Russian TerritoryIn the southern Russian Caucasus region of Adygea, a village was evacuated due to a fire caused by a drone attack, according to authorities. The village, Rodnikovy, was struck in the outskirts of the city of Maykop, with no reported injuries. Near the city is a military airport. In recent weeks, Ukraine has intensified attacks on targets deep within Russian territory to weaken the logistics support for Russian invasion forces. In June, Ukraine attacked a fuel depot in the Adygea region.
06:58 US Estimates Ukraine Can Hold Russian Territory in Kursk for Extended PeriodAccording to US estimates, Ukraine can maintain control over the territory it claims in the Russian region of Kursk for an extended period, potentially several months. This is reported by financial news agency Bloomberg, citing senior US officials. Ukraine has experienced minimal issues sourcing supplies to the region, as Russian forces have mainly launched limited counterattacks and focused their efforts on advancing in eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian forces now have a more stable supply of artillery ammunition, thanks in part to their allies' efforts, after months of shortages, the officials stated.
06:25 Germany Bans Two Pro-Russian Activists for 20 YearsTwo pro-Russian activists, Elena Kolbasnikova and Max Schlund, have been prohibited from entering Germany. Kolbasnikova shared a video on Telegram, stating they received a letter from Cologne city administration, banning them for 20 years due to being a threat to Germany's security. The duo had organized pro-Kremlin demonstrations since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. A 2021 investigation named them as key figures of pro-Moscow sentiment in Germany and revealed their financial support from a Russian government agency. The Cologne public prosecutor's office and city administration initially remained silent upon requests for comment.
06:04 Russian Court Declares Ex-US Soldier Guilty in AbsentiaFormer US soldier Trevor Reed was found guilty in Russia's absence for his military service in Ukraine. According to Russia's Investigative Committee, Reed joined the Ukrainian army as a mercenary in 2023. He was sentenced to 14.5 years for "mercenary activities." The committee stated that Reed built his career with the Ukrainian army in Donetsk region. The US State Department confirmed Reed's injury during his fighting in Ukraine in July 2022. Reed was released in 2022 after serving over two years and returned to the US in April 2022.
05:30 Ukrainian News Portal Claims Pressure from Presidential OfficeUkrainian news portal "Ukrajinska Prawda" (Ukrainian Truth) alleges pressure from the presidential office in Kyiv. The portal mentions attempts to impact their editorial policies, such as boycotting its journalists and excluding it from events, in addition to pressuring companies to not advertise on the site. Examples were left unprovided. The outlet pledged to publicize any future efforts to manipulate their editorial policies. The president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has had conflicts with several journalists and closed down TV channels and news sites before the Russian invasion in February 2022.
03:50 Klitschko Warns of a Tough WinterKiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko urged peace for Ukraine during the celebrations of the 35th anniversary of the peaceful revolution in Leipzig. He spoke about the nation's challenging winter, citing many destroyed cities and communities in Ukraine. Klitschko expressed his hope for peace in a prayer at the Nikolaikirche. Leipzig is Kiev's partner city.
02:05 Zelenskyy Visits Major European CapitalsUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is traveling to Germany, France, the UK, and Italy this week for discussions on the Russian invasion of his country. He will attend a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at 3 pm today, as Macron announced. Zelenskyy disclosed on a joint press conference with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic his intentions to meet with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Zelenskyy will also be meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican on Friday morning.
00:01 Six Killed in Russian Rocket Attack on OdessaAt least six casualties, including six severely injured individuals, were reported following a Russian rocket attack on Odessa, a southern Ukrainian port city. The enemy's target was once again the port infrastructure, revealed the region's military governor, Oleh Kiper, in a Telegram post. A civilian container vessel sailing under the Panamanian flag was hit, resulting in the death of Ukrainian nationals. Kiper noted this being the third attack on a civilian ship within the last four days, an effort to block the Ukrainian grain corridor by Russia.
22:58 Russian Court Convicts Activist to Over a Decade in PrisonA Russian court sentenced an activist to 12 years in prison on Wednesday for supporting a pro-Ukrainian group. Eugene Mishchenko is charged with divulging information to the banned Russian Freedom Legion, a Ukrainian-based collective consisting primarily of Russian Putin critics, as per the state news agency RIA Novosti. Mishchenko is part of a group named "Nemtsov Bridge" who regularly lay flowers and light candles at the site honoring Boris Nemtsov, a Kremlin critic who was assassinated in 2015. The makeshift memorial on the spot is regularly removed by the police. The condemnation against Mishchenko coincides with Nemtsov's birthday, now marking his 65th year.
21:59 Zelenskyy Urges Expansion of EU to Include All Democratic NationsUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is advocating for the European Union (EU) to incorporate every democratic nation in Europe, spanning across the entire continent. While recently meeting with Balkan leaders at a summit in Croatia, Zelenskyy declared the importance of sustaining the continent's peace. He signed a defense agreement with Croatia and called for mine clearance cooperation. Zelenskyy emphasized the need for a united Europe today to maintain peace, supporting continued accession processes. He also encourages multiple Balkan countries who have awaited EU membership for years, such as Ukraine, which has formally initiated membership negotiations in June.
21:25 Kyiv Time: Direct Hit on Russian Drone Depot in KrasnodarThe Ukrainian forces claim to have successfully struck and decimated a drone storage facility in the Russian region of Krasnodar's south. Following the direct hit, a subsequent explosion took place, as reported by Kyiv's General Staff. Approximately 400 Iranian-made Shahed drones were housed inside the affected building. The statement reads, "This drone depot's destruction will substantially hinder the Russian invaders' capacity to cause fear among the innocent civilians in Ukrainian towns and villages." Russian authorities recognize a blaze in a warehouse near Oktyabrsky's village. The vicinity is under lockdown, with an estimated 800 square meters of the site ablaze, according to the Krasnodar's regional operational headquarters. The location coordinates match the Drone strike reported by Kyiv, yet the operational headquarters remains silent on the origin of the fire or the contents stored there.
20:51 South-Eastern Europe Meeting: Twelve Countries Demand Russia's DepartureTwelve South-Eastern European nations, along with Turkey, share a consensus---Russia's withdrawal from all Ukraine-occupied territories is a prerequisite for peace. They endorse Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's peace plan and support Ukraine's admission into NATO, as conveyed in the summit's concluding declaration, signed by them alongside Zelenskyy, in the Croatian city of Dubrovnik. Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic, known for his delicate balancing act between the West and Russia, was among the signatories. According to Croatian media, Vucic played a crucial role in eliminating an initial demand for sanctions against Russia from the summit's final declaration.
Further updates here.
The European Union has expressed its support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russia. In a joint statement, the EU leaders condemned Russia's aggression and reaffirmed their solidarity with Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty. (The European Union supports Ukraine in its conflict with Russia)
Following the announcement of the Ukrainian reconstruction meeting to be organized by Italy in July 2025, some European Union countries have offered to contribute to the rebuilding efforts. Germany has pledged a significant amount of funding to help rebuild Ukraine's infrastructure damaged during the conflict. (Some EU countries offer their support for Ukraine's reconstruction)
