At 14:23, Zelensky announces that Russia has initiated a counter-attack in Kursk.
13:55 Controversial Iranian Politician Criticizes Russia Ties
A well-known conservative figure in Iran's political sphere expresses unexpected criticism of his nation's relationship with Russia, given the recent sanctions and diplomatic disputes. In a post on platform X, Ali Motahari, a former parliament vice-president, brings attention to the new sanctions imposed by Germany, France, and the UK due to alleged Iranian ballistic missile supplies to Russia. Iran's Foreign Ministry strongly denies these claims.
13:38 Water and Gas Shortages Plague Ukrainian City
The city of Pokrovsk, located in Ukraine's Donetsk region, faces a lack of regular drinking water and gas for cooking and heating after Russian attacks, according to governor Vadym Filashkin. The recent damage to a water treatment facility, combined with the city's reliance on over 300 emergency wells, leaves Pokrovsk with limited drinking water supply. Moreover, the Russian destruction of a gas distribution center has left over 18,000 residents without gas.
13:07 Russia Overstates Ship Count for Military Exercise
A report suggests that Russia has only half as many warships as claimed by the Defense Ministry, according to the independent Russian news portal "Agentstvo". The Russian Defense Ministry insists that over 400 warships participate in the "Ocean-2024" military exercise. However, online data from "Global Naval Powers Ranking 2024" and "RussiaShips.info" put the number at 264 and 299 respectively. Moreover, roughly 50 ships and submarines of the Black Sea Fleet are not involved in the operation. Russia has historically been accused of overstating the size of its military forces.
12:28 Russia Increases Espionage Against German Military
Russian intelligence services have enhanced their spying on German Ukraine aid and the Bundeswehr, German military, as per the Military Counterintelligence Service (MAD) annual report. Russian services were previously primarily interested in military policy and strategy, but now actively seek information about weapons and ammunition transports, deployment procedures, and tactics of Western weapons systems in Ukraine. The Bundeswehr's capability for territorial and alliance defense has also become a focus of Russian intelligence services.
11:52 Munz: New "Nuclear Threat to Berlin" Not a Coincidence
The UK and the US could potentially grant Ukraine permission to strike Russian territory, according to ntv correspondent Rainer Munz. The Kremlin has managed to hold off this decision with threats so far. It follows that an atomic weapons expert is now advocating attacks on Berlin.
11:15 Report: Delay in Decision on Long-range Missiles
The possible Ukrainian deployment of Western long-range missiles in Russia may be delayed further. A resolution at the UN General Assembly on September 24, with around 150 leaders in attendance, appears unlikely. According to the report, UK Foreign Minister Lammy stated that this meeting will serve as the next opportunity to discuss the use of long-range missiles. Ukrainian President Selenskyj plans to reinstate his demand for long-range missiles at the meeting. On Wednesday, Lammy and US Secretary of State Blinken visited Kyiv to listen to Selenskyj's plan for attacking Russian territory. Blinken will discuss this with US President Biden on Friday, while British Prime Minister Starmer will also conference with Biden on Friday.
10:31 Blinken in Poland, Key Ukraine Supporter
US Secretary of State, Blinken, visits Poland, a key ally of Ukraine, after his trip to Kyiv. His schedule includes meetings with Prime Minister Tusk and President Duda, to discuss additional cooperation with Poland and its position as a central logistics hub for Western military support to Ukraine. Poland has also seen a significant boost in its military spending following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and has ordered 96 Apache combat helicopters from US defense giant Boeing worth ten billion dollars.
09:59 Ukraine Reports 64 Russian Drones and 5 Missiles
Ukrainian air force reports Russian nighttime attacks with 5 missiles and 64 Iranian-made combat drones. 44 drones were shot down. Military reports cannot be fully verified. Air defense systems were activated around Kyiv multiple times to intercept approaching drones.
09:11 Russian Expert Advocates Tougher Nuclear Deterrence Posture
Russian foreign policy expert Sergei Karaganov suggests that Russia should be openly more assertive in its nuclear warfare preparedness. Karaganov proposes that the goal of Russia's nuclear defense doctrine should be to "convince all present and future enemies that Russia is prepared to use nuclear weapons". Moscow could execute a limited nuclear strike on a NATO nation without triggering a broader nuclear conflict. Karaganov has previously called for Russia to consider a nuclear preemptive strike to intimidate adversaries. Some Western experts argue that Karaganov acts as a useful tool for the Kremlin by expressing opinions alarming to the West, making Putin appear more restrained by comparison.
08:04 Ukrainian Forces Confirm Downing of Russian Fighter JetYesterday's news of a Russian Su-30SM fighter jet disappearing from radar has been confirmed by Ukrainian military intelligence. According to their report, Ukrainian soldiers brought down such an aircraft during a operation in the Black Sea. This information was shared by Kyiv Independent. The valuable $50 million aircraft had been stationed in Crimea and was believed to have been destroyed by a portable air defense system.
07:26 Several Injured After Massive Drone Attack on Konotop, UkraineThe number of injured individuals in the mass Russian drone attack on Konotop's energy infrastructure in Sumy region has risen to 14. This information was shared by the Ukrainian state news agency, Ukrinform, citing the regional military administration. One of the buildings in the city center was reportedly hit, and the situation is ongoing.
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06:42 Ukrainian Refugees in Germany Keep Their Protected Status During Home VisitsThe German Bundestag is set to discuss the government's proposed security package for the first time today, which includes knife bans and revoking asylum status for certain individuals who travel to their home countries. However, there are exceptions – one of which includes refugees from Ukraine.
06:04 Russian Television Accuses Trump of Being Disadvantaged in TV DebateSeveral Russian state television commentators have accused 'sabotage' against Trump in his televised debate against Kamala Harris. They claimed that Trump was 'disadvantaged', and his statements were critically fact-checked. According to many observers, Trump lost the debate. If he wins the election, Trump has promised to immediately end the Ukraine conflict.
04:50 Russian Attack on Konotop Causes Severe Damage to Energy InfrastructureA Russian attack on Konotop in Sumy region has injured several civilians and disrupted the city's water supply temporarily. There is also extensive damage to the energy infrastructure, and it is unclear when private households will have electricity again. Following the attack in the city center, there were several fires, and school and residential buildings were damaged. Two individuals were taken to the hospital, one of whom is in critical condition.
03:29 Latvia Increases Military Aid to UkraineLatvian Prime Minister Evika Silina has announced a package of military support for Ukraine to include armored personnel carriers during her visit to Kyiv. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal shared this information following their meeting. Both countries are reportedly discussing expanding cooperation in the defense industry.
01:32 UK Summons Iranian Businessman Over Alleged Rocket Supplies to RussiaIn response to the suspected transfer of Iranian rockets to Russia, the UK has summoned an Iranian businessman, as reported by the Foreign Office in London. The UK government has stated that such a transfer would be considered a dangerous escalation and would result in a stern response. On Tuesday, Germany, France, and the UK announced further sanctions against Tehran due to this suspected transfer of rockets to Russia. The European Union previously reported "credible information" regarding the transfer of Iranian rockets to Russia.
00:14 Ukrainian Military Reports Deployment of Inexperienced Soldiers at Kharkiv FrontAccording to reports from the Ukrainian military, Russia is deploying soldiers who lack combat experience at the Kharkiv front. Spokesman Vitalii Sarantsev from the operational tactical group of the armed forces in Kharkiv stated that the units involved in the offensive actions in Vovchansk are poorly trained. It is believed that the newly deployed reinforcements are part of Russia's mobilization reserve.
22:39 Russian Language Inspectors Deployed in Western UkraineThe mayor of the western Ukrainian city of Ivano-Frankivsk has announced the deployment of Russian language patrols due to the increasing use of Russian. The mayor, Ruslan Martsinkiv, stated that this is a civic initiative that anyone can participate in. Many internally displaced individuals from Ukrainian east have Russian as their native language.
21:42 Erdogan Calls for Return of Crimea to UkraineTurkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has demanded the return of Crimea, which was annexed by Russia, to Ukraine. Erdogan emphasized that Turkey's support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence is unwavering and that the return of Crimea to Ukraine is in accordance with international law. The Crimea Platform, which aims to raise international attention to the situation around the annexed peninsula, was established in 2021.
Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian President, has stated that the backing of the USA is instrumental in holding off the Russian aggression. In a press conference in Kyiv, he expressed that the strategy for triumph primarily hinges on U.S. support and aid from other allies. The detailed strategy, set to be presented prior to the anticipated second Ukraine Peace Conference, aims to enhance Ukraine significantly and get Russia to terminate the war. As per Bloomberg, the U.S. is pressing Zelenskyy for a specific strategy regarding attacks on Russia before lifting restraints on the employment of Western weaponry. Blinken and Lammy, the U.S. and British foreign secretaries respectively, reportedly wanted to go over a long-term plan with Zelenskyy in Kyiv, to get a better grasp of Ukraine's objectives.
20:37 Blinken acknowledges Biden's endorsement of Ukraine's request to utilize long-range weapons against RussiaBased on information from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the U.S. is actively working to meet Ukraine's military requirements, which incorporate the use of long-range weapons supplied by the West to hit objectives within Russia. Biden and Starmer, the U.S. President and British Prime Minister, will discuss these requirements on Friday, according to Blinken, at a joint press conference with Lammy, his British counterpart, and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiga in Kyiv. "We're working urgently to guarantee that Ukraine has everything it needs to defend itself effectively," Blinken further explained, emphasizing, "We aim for Ukraine to prevail."
Feel free to check out the historical context of this conflict here.
In response to the escalating tensions, there have been calls for increased cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure from potential cyberwar attacks. The Ukrainian government has expressed concern about the vulnerability of its digital systems to potential Russian cyberattacks.
Moreover, some experts suggest that the ongoing conflict could see a shift towards a new form of warfare, with cyberwarfare playing a significant role in future conflicts. The use of advanced cyber tools for espionage, disinformation, and disabled critical infrastructure couldalter the landscape of traditional warfare.
