At 01:25, Kiev extends assistance to nearby nations
22:01 Zelensky Pushes for Western Approval for Attacks on Russian AirfieldsUkrainian President Zelensky reiterates his plea to Western allies to grant permission for Kyiv to utilize the weaponry they've provided, targeting locations in Russia. Following a Russian assault on a building in Kharkiv, Zelensky asserts in a video message that the sole method to halt this "terror" is for his nation to possess the capability to directly strike Russian airfields.
21:02 Fatality and Casualties in Kharkiv Following Russian AirstrikeA Russian air strike on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv in the northeast has resulted in one death and numerous civilian injuries, as per official reports. "A high-rise apartment complex was damaged," Ukrainian President Zelensky posts on his Telegram channel. As the night wore on, authorities confirmed one death and 42 injuries. Mayor Ihor Terechov stated that several children were amongst the injured. Firefighters were still working in the evening, putting out a fire that ignited between the ninth and twelfth floors following the blast impact and searching for additional victims. By evening, they discovered the body of a woman in the rubble (see also entry from 20:36).
20:36 Terechov Reports Increase in Injuries After Russian Strike on KharkivThe number of injured following a Russian attack on Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, has risen once more. Mayor Ihor Terechov reports that at least 41 individuals have been injured. The number had been revised several times previously (see entries from 17:54 and 15:25). A Russian guided bomb struck a multi-story residential building during the afternoon, according to the mayor. A fire quickly erupted and engulfed four stories. Twelve other structures were also harmed.
20:11 Zelensky Talks about Victory Strategy in WashingtonUkrainian President Zelensky expects to present a victory strategy in Washington. During a conversation with well-known US journalist Fareed Zakaria, Zelensky stated that he would soon present a victory strategy in Washington. "I have prepared several points, four of which are fundamental," Zelensky said. These points involve security, Ukraine's geopolitical status, military support, and economic support for Ukraine. The implementation of these points, according to Zelensky, depends solely on US President Joe Biden, not Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. A specific visit date for Zelensky to Washington is currently unknown, but it is anticipated around the end of September's UN General Assembly.
19:49 Zelensky Complains about Weapon Shortage Again and Blames US CongressAccording to Zelensky, Ukraine lacks sufficient weaponry to fully equip its troops. "We need to furnish 14 brigades, but with the weapons we've received so far, we can only equip four," the Ukrainian president told a US journalist in an interview, parts of which were made public on Telegram and in Ukrainian media. He attributed this shortage to delayed deliveries, particularly when US weapons deliveries were halted in the US Congress at the start of the year for several months. "We depleted all of our reserves, both in storage facilities and reserve units," Zelensky explained. "We spent all the weapons we had on hand." However, these reserve units now need to be re-equipped, according to Zelensky. He has repeatedly pointed out that promised military aid from allies frequently arrives late, which complicates the conflict, especially in the heavily contested regions of eastern Ukraine.
19:03 Starmer and Meloni to Discuss Ukraine's Use of Long-Range Weapons on Russian TerritoryBritish Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni are scheduled to talk about a proposal on Monday that would permit Ukraine to utilize British Storm Shadow cruise missiles with a long range on Russian territory. This is reported by the US news outlet Bloomberg, citing sources with knowledge of the matter. Starmer's trip to Rome follows his meeting with US President Joe Biden in Washington. So far, Biden has opposed such a move due to concerns of escalating the conflict. According to the report, British officials will engage in discussions with their French and German counterparts in the coming days about this plan.
17:54 Authorities Report Further Injuries in Kharkiv following Russian Air StrikeIn a Russian air strike on the city of Kharkiv in northeastern Ukraine, numerous civilians were injured, according to official reports. "A high-rise apartment complex was damaged," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky posts on his Telegram channel. Mayor Ihor Terechov reports 35 injuries, including several children. Previously, 28 injuries were reported (see entry from 15:25). Firefighters were still working in the afternoon to put out a fire that ignited between the ninth and twelfth floors following the impact of the bomb. They are also searching the rubble for additional victims.
Kharkiv was the second-largest city in Ukraine prior to Putin's invasion ordered by Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, with over a million inhabitants. At the beginning of the war, Moscow attempted to seize the city, which is just 30 kilometers from the border, but was unsuccessful. Since then, Kharkiv has been one of the most bombarded cities in Ukraine. Russian troops have repeatedly attacked it with artillery and rockets, and most recently with guided bombs, which are launched from planes while still over Russian territory.
16:56 Ukrainian Air Force Strikes Russian Base in Kursk According to reports, the Ukrainian Air Force has struck and demolished a building utilized by the Russian military in the western Russian region of Kursk. This retaliatory strike comes following Russia's attack on a military academy in Poltava. The exact location of the demolished building was not disclosed, with no initial reports of casualties. A video, allegedly taken by a drone, was published by the militia-aligned Khorn group. The Russian side has not commented on the strike yet. The Ukrainian account of the situation has yet to be confirmed independently. In the Russian assault on a Poltava building, which reportedly housed a communication school, 53 people lost their lives and 298 were injured. The Ukrainian military is said to have taken control of approximately 1300 square kilometers of Russian territory as part of its offensive in the Kursk region, which started in early August.
16:08 "Despot Bully": British Foreign Secretary Scoffs at Putin's Threats as "Empty Threats" Amidst discussions on loosening restrictions on Ukraine's use of Western weapons against Russian targets, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy has dismissed the warnings from Russian President Vladimir Putin. In an interview with BBC, Lammy stated, "There's a lot of grandstanding. That's his style. He threatens with tanks, he threatens with missiles, he threatens with nuclear weapons." Despite Putin's threats, Lammy said, "We should not be deterred by intimidation," and labeled Putin as a "despot bully." When asked whether Putin is lying when he threatens a nuclear war, Lammy replied, "Putin is just bluffing."
15:25 At Least 28 Hurt in Kharkiv by Guided Bomb At least 28 people, including three children, were wounded in Kharkiv, northeast Ukraine, when a guided bomb hit a high-rise building. "The explosion caused a fire in a residential high-rise," clarified Governor Oleh Syniehubov on Telegram. Various elements of Kharkiv's infrastructure also suffered damage (refer to 09:46 and 07:03 entries).
14:55 Moscow Threatens Washington Over Sanctions Against Russian Propaganda Channel RT Moscow strongly condemns US sanctions against the state-owned Russian TV channel RT and warns of retaliation. "The US government's actions will not go unanswered," stated Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, on the ministry's official website. Some observers view this as a warning to American journalists still in Russia. In March 2023, Russia arrested US journalist Evan Gershkovich on spying charges. The Wall Street Journal's correspondent was in custody for 16 months before being released in a prisoner exchange. Both Gershkovich and the newspaper have denied the charges. Zakharova accused the US of censorship and an attack on press freedom. With its actions against RT, the US has begun "another wave of restrictions against Russian media and journalists," Zakharova claimed. The US government had previously leveled serious accusations against RT, charging it with meddling in foreign affairs.
14:28 Iran's President to Visit Russia for BRICS Summit Iran is strengthening its ties with Russia and is set to attend the BRICS summit. President Masoud Preshotan is scheduled to travel to Kazan on the Volga, as reported by Russian media, citing the Iranian ambassador to Moscow, Kasem Jalali. Jalali also announced a bilateral meeting with Russian President Putin during the summit, scheduled from October 22 to 24. A comprehensive cooperation agreement is planned. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has accused Iran of supplying Russia with missiles for use in Ukraine. Iran denies these claims.
13:55 New Foreign Minister in Kyiv Warns: Don't Give In to Putin's Bluffs Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Andriy Sybiha, advises Ukraine's allies not to succumb to Russian President Vladimir Putin's threats. He asserts that Putin's objective is to undermine support for Ukraine. "Instead, allies should bolster it," Sybiha writes on X. He highlights that Putin has made numerous threats of severe consequences, but never followed through - the start of weapons shipments to Ukraine, Finland and Sweden joining NATO, and Ukraine receiving its first F-16 fighter jets. "When confronted with strength, Putin backs down and invents ways to justify it to his people."
13:30 "Obdurate German Taurus Approach" The controversy over the German Taurus cruise missiles' delivery to Ukraine is escalating, as German Chancellor Scholz firmly denies approval of the weapons. This stance is not well received in Ukraine, according to ntv correspondent Kavita Sharma's reports.
13:03 Governor: Couple Dies in Russian Missile Strike Near Odessa At least two individuals were killed and one injured in Russian missile strikes on suburbs of the city of Odessa, according to Ukrainian officials. Identified by the regional governor, the deceased couple was among the casualties. Preliminary assessments suggest that a cluster bomb warhead was used. The Ukrainian Air Force claims that two missiles struck the suburbs.
11:58 Ukrainian Women Clear Landmines in FieldsAs numerous soldiers engage in combat against Russian forces in Ukraine, vacuuming up job openings, especially in traditionally masculine roles, women are stepping up to fill the gap. These women are being encouraged and retrained for these positions. Journalists from ntv's foreign report get a glimpse into the lives of some of these women in the southeastern portion of Ukraine and close to Kyiv.
11:25 Ischinger Suggests Relaxing Weapon Restrictions for UkraineWolfgang Ischinger, the previous head of the Munich Security Conference, proposes loosening the constraints on Ukraine's utilization of Western weapons. His proposal is, "It would be more straightforward and simpler for everyone if we simply declared: We swear to Ukraine using the weapon systems we supply solely within the framework compatible with international law." This means avoiding targets like hospitals, "which the Russians have been bombing non-stop," in favor of military targets such as airports or missile bases – even on Russian soil, to thwart invasions with guided bombs.
10:53 Prisoner Swap Intensifies After Kursk OffensiveAnalysts suggest that the recent escalation in prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia is tied to Ukraine's offensive in Kursk. Since the offensive began on August 6, there have been three exchanges involving the transfer of 267 prisoners each side. Compared to the mere three exchanges that took place between January 1 and August 6, in which a total of slightly more than 800 Ukrainians and 800 Russians were exchanged, the increase is significant. Ukrainian officials claim that the hostility towards Kursk has amplified Ukraine's bargaining power in prisoner swaps with Russia, as the Kremlin had previously disregarded Ukraine's efforts to negotiate a prisoner exchange.
10:16 Britons: Russians Gain Ground on Eastern FrontRussian forces continue to push ahead on the eastern front, with incremental progress near Wuhledar and south-east of the logistics center Pokrovsk, according to the British Ministry of Defense. However, the Russians have not made substantial progress towards Pokrovsk itself in the past week.
09:46 Ukraine Reports Drone and Missile AttacksUkraine's air force reportedly endured attacks by Russia using 14 drones during the night. Ten of them were downed by air defenses, while a guided missile was intercepted as well. Russia allegedly fired two ballistic missiles, but the air force did not provide any details concerning these missiles or the resulting casualties or damage. Authorities in the Charkiv region reported incidents of fire due to Russian shelling and damage to several buildings in Charkiv.
09:10 Facial Recognition Payment System Expanding in More Russian Subways; Human Rights Activists WorriedThere is growing concern among human rights activists regarding Russia's expansion of a subway payment system that relies on facial recognition. Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty (funded by the U.S.) has reported the introduction of this facial recognition-based method in six additional cities, including Kazan, where passengers can now enroll in the system. By looking into a camera-equipped device located at the turnstile, passengers can process their payments. Plans are also underway for the implementation of the system in all Russian subways by the following year. Concerns are raised because, in Moscow, street cameras have reportedly been employed to detain individuals suspected of participating in government-critical protests and journalists covering such events. Andrei Fedorkov, a lawyer for the banned Russian human rights organization Memorial, is alarmed by the implications. He views "Face Pay" as presenting "significant" risks, as it may develop into "another powerful tool for surveillance and control of citizens."
08:02 Moscow: 29 Drones Downed Over Russian TerritoryRussian air defenses have reportedly shot down 29 drones above various regions, according to Russia's defense ministry based in Moscow. The majority of these drones were intercepted in the Bryansk region, which shares a border with Ukraine.
07:31 Stegner Defends Attending Peace Demonstration with WagenknechtSPD foreign policy specialist Ralf Stegner defends his intention to attend a demonstration where Sahra Wagenknecht, founder of the Left Party, will also speak. Stegner clarifies that he is attending the event on his own accord and plans to express his views as a member of the SPD in his speech. He acknowledges that other speakers possess perspectives different from his, and he does not endorse every call to action. "As long as fascists, anti-Semites, and racists are barred from participating, I advocate for freedom of expression," Stegner stated. The "national demonstration for peace" on October 3 in Berlin was organized by an initiative titled "Never Again War – Lay Down Your Arms." The initiative calls for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and Gaza, and for the cessation of arms supply to Ukraine, Israel, or any other country. The initiative also criticizes the SPD-led federal government for seemingly embracing war like never before. Criticism of the demonstration arose from SPD foreign policy specialist Michael Roth, who accused the initiative of failing to condemn Russia and Hamas as war instigators, and from FDP MEP Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, who expressed disappointment at Stegner's involvement, stating, "This is truly damaging to your party and government." For more details, click here.
07:03 Kharkiv Under Fire AgainUkrainian authorities reported that Kharkiv was bombarded by Russian military forces overnight. According to regional authorities, a building on a hospital campus was damaged, and a fire erupted within an educational institution after being hit by a rocket launcher. Thankfully, there were no casualties. Kharkiv is one of the cities that experiences the most frequent attacks, and it is situated only about 30 kilometers from Russia.
06:29 Estimated Russian Presence in Kursk Significantly Increased Due to Offensive Russian military personnel seem to be becoming increasingly occupied in Russia's counteroffensive: As per the Institute for the Study of War, this offensive has resulted in the Russian military leadership relocating units from Ukraine to Kursk and deploying newly formed troops from Russia to Kursk instead of the Ukrainian front. Initially, around 11,000 Russian soldiers were reportedly present in Kursk, with estimates now ranging between 30,000 to 45,000 soldiers.
05:11 Zelensky's Advisor: Ukraine Commences Production of 155-mm Artillery Shells Revealing information to the Kyiv Independent, a Ukrainian official disclosed that Ukraine has begun manufacturing 155-mm artillery shells. Oleksandr Kamyshin, who serves as an external advisor to President Volodymyr Zelensky, previously as the Minister of Strategic Industries, stated that defense production in Ukraine has doubled under his tenure, and is projected to triple by the end of the year.
03:04 Zelensky's Advisor: Biden Plans to Assist Ukraine Throughout Remaining Term According to Biden's national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, the U.S. President intends to use his remaining term to support Ukraine in achieving the strongest possible position against Russia. During the Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference in Kyiv, Sullivan declared Biden's intention to provide Ukraine with the best possible circumstances to succeed in the next four months.
01:43 Former British Politicians Urge Provision of Long-Range Missiles to Ukraine Five former British defense ministers and former Prime Minister Boris Johnson have reportedly urged Labour leader Keir Starmer to permit Ukraine to utilize long-range missiles on Russian territory, even without U.S. assistance. The Sunday Times reported that these individuals cautioned the current prime minister about the potential encouragement that further delay could offer to Russian President Putin.
00:52 Ukraine Warns of North Korea's Significant Impact on Russian War Effort According to the Ukrainian intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, North Korea poses the most substantial threat among Russia's allies. Speaking at the Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference in Kyiv, Budanov highlighted North Korea's military backing for Russia, which includes large quantities of ammunition, as significantly influencing the ferocity of the conflict. During a conversation with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expressed his intent to strengthen ties with Russia. Kyiv is closely monitoring Pyongyang's weapon shipments to Moscow, and is keenly aware of their influence on the battlefield. "There is a direct link. They are supplying vast amounts of artillery, which is quite concerning," Budanov commented. Read more here.
23:21 Ukraine Anticipates Recruitment Challenges for Russia around Mid-2025
As per Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov, Russia could potentially confront recruitment difficulties from mid-2025. By summer 2025, the Moscow government might find itself in a predicament, says Budanov, between declaring mobilization or somehow reducing the intensity of hostilities. This situation could prove pivotal for Russia. Noteworthy, the Moscow government has not issued any official statement in response.
22:20 Scholz: Russian Aggression Against Ukraine is "Foolish"
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of gambling away Russia's future by attacking Ukraine. "The war is also a foolish move from Russia's perspective," Scholz stated during a citizen dialogue as an SPD member of the German Bundestag in Prenzlau. Scholz argued that Putin is causing hundreds of thousands of Russian soldiers to suffer heavy injuries and fatalities in his pursuit of imperialized dreams, while devastating Russia's economic relations with numerous countries worldwide. "And Ukraine's military will have grown stronger than it was previously," Scholz added. Germany will continue its military support for Ukraine to prevent its collapse and to deter the brazen breach of international rules in Europe from succeeding. "Putin is undermining his country's future." A peaceful resolution can only be achieved if Russia acknowledges that Ukraine is not a vassal state.
22:01 Ukraine Reports Mixed Results in Kursk Battles
Ukrainian forces are making territorial gains in their advance into the western Russian region of Kursk, but are also encountering setbacks in Russian counterattacks. According to the pro-government Ukrainian military channel Deep State, Ukrainian units have conquered three additional settlements. Russian counterattacks, however, are forcing Ukrainian troops to retreat in the vicinity of the village of Snagost. A significant Russian incursion into Ukrainian defensive lines is visible on a map produced by Deep State. These claims cannot, as of now, be independently verified. In early August, Ukrainian troops entered the Russian border region of Kursk and, according to their own reports, seized around 1,300 square kilometers and approximately 100 settlements, including the town of Sudcha. Experts estimate smaller territorial gains. This week, Russian forces have made the first serious attempt to dislodge Ukrainian troops.
The hold-ups in providing military assistance to Ukraine by the US are attributed to intricate logistics, the White House's national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, claimed in Kyiv. Sullivan, who attended the Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference online, stated that this isn't a problem of political will but rather the difficulty in shipping this material to the frontlines. He acknowledged that the US needs to "do more" and "improve" in light of Ukraine's struggles. President Joe Biden is committed to utilizing the remaining time in office to put Ukraine in the strongest position to emerge victorious, Sullivan revealed, and he will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the UN General Assembly in New York at the end of September.
20:57 Scholz: Sabotage of Nord Stream Pipeline should be Prosecuted in Germany
Olaf Scholz labeled the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipeline's pipelines in the Baltic Sea as a terrorist act. Scholz, the German Chancellor, made this statement during a citizens' dialogue in Brandenburg's Prenzlau as an SPD MP. He ordered all security authorities and the Federal Public Prosecutor to investigate the case without bias, assuring that no wrongdoings would be concealed. Scholz expressed his desire to have the culprits tried in Germany if they are apprehended. He also called out the claim that the federal government had renounced Russian natural gas as a lie, acknowledging that Russia halted gas supply through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline and that the subsequent price rise, state-capped prices, and search for alternative gas sources have cost Germany over 100 billion euros. The explosions on the pipeline occurred following Russia's decision to halt gas supply to Western Europe through the Baltic Sea in August, and the Federal Public Prosecutor had issued an arrest warrant against a Ukrainian citizen in relation to these sabotage acts.
20:24 G7 Condemns Iranian Rocket Supplies to Russia
The G7's wealthiest democracies strongly condemned the provision of rockets to Russia, following reports of Iranian rocket supplies to Russia. Russian aggression in Ukraine continues to be bolstered by Tehran's persistent deliveries of weapons in defiance of international calls to halt such supplies, according to a joint statement issued by the foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, the US, and the EU's High Representative. The use of Iranian weapons in killing Ukrainian civilians and attacking critical infrastructure is being condemned by the G7. Moreover, the UK and US have reported that Russia acquired ballistic missiles from Iran. Iran denies these accusations, and the G7 has called for an immediate halt to all Iranian support for Russia's unlawful invasion of Ukraine, as well as the end to the provision of ballistic missiles, drones, and related technology that pose a direct threat to the Ukrainian people and international security.
19:41 Kremlin Chief Putin Supports Freedom of Speech
Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized the importance of freedom of speech and information, despite the irony experienced by his imprisoned critics. In a video message to the participants of the media summit of the BRICS countries in Moscow to celebrate the 120th anniversary of TASS, Putin highlighted the significance of reliable information during the emergence of a multipolar world. He admired true freedom of speech that promoted diverse viewpoints, which facilitated the discovery of compromises and common solutions to global issues. Putin also recognized the media's role in crafting a just world order, providing people with a thorough and impartial understanding of the world. However, the concept of freedom of speech and media has been stifled in Russia for years, with media outlets not in line with the government's stance being banned or closed. Opponents of the government have faced persecution from the justice system.
19:20 Scholz Rejects Delivery of Taurus Cruise Missiles
Chancellor Olaf Scholz ruled out the future delivery of long-range precision weapons, like the Taurus cruise missiles, to Ukraine, citing the risk of intense escalation. At a citizens' dialogue in Prenzlau, an Eastern German town, Scholz reaffirmed his stance, despite potential differing opinions among alliance partners. The farthest weapon provided by Germany to Ukraine is the Mars II rocket launcher, which can target areas up to 84 kilometers away.
You can find more developments here.
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The European Union could play a critical role in facilitating Western approval for Ukrainian attacks on Russian airfields, considering their influence and support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
Following the European Union's potential involvement, Ukraine, with the necessary approval, could directly strike Russian airfields as a means to halt the ongoing "terror" and protect its citizens, as proposed by President Zelensky.
