At 15:22, London reveals information: These Iranian missiles have been transferred into Russia's custody.
14:45 Poland hasn't contributed to Czech artillery initiative for Ukraine yet
As reported by Polish news source Gazeta Wyborcza, Poland hasn't handed over any funds for the Czech initiative to provide Ukraine with artillery ammunition, funded by various Western partners. Germany is reportedly the leading and quickest contributor. If everything proceeds as planned, Ukraine is expected to receive 100,000 rounds this month, aiming for 500,000 by the end of 2024, with more to come in 2025. According to reports from Prague, Russia's activities in the market are causing issues.
14:20 Pistorius believes long-range weapon authorization for Ukraine is legally permissible
German Federal Defense Minister Pistorius suggests that permit for Ukraine to use long-range weapons against Russian targets could be justified under international law. He claims that the US and UK have the autonomy to make this decision about the weapons they've given to Ukraine. "International law allows for that," he says. In response to Putin's warnings that NATO would then be at war with Russia if it permitted Ukraine to attack Russian territory with long-range rockets produced in the West, Pistorius merely replies, "Putin's threats are Putin's threats. There isn't much more to say. He threatens whenever he wants to, and offers rewards whenever he chooses."
13:57 Zelenskyy announces return of 49 POWs from Russia
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy announces the homecoming of 49 prisoners of war from Russia, this includes fighters from the Mariupol steel plant Azovstal, besieged by Russian forces in the spring of 2022. "49 Ukrainians have returned home," explains the head of state, sharing photos of soldiers and servicewomen wrapped in Ukrainian flags. According to Zelenskyy, they are members of the army, national guard, national police, border guard, and civilians. Ukrainian media indicates that 23 of the 49 returning POWs are females. Zelenskyy does not initially disclose whether their return is a result of a prisoner exchange with Russia.
13:46 Tusk downplays Putin's threats
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk is not worried by Putin's most recent threats regarding long-range weapons targeted at Russia. Despite acknowledging the gravity of the situation along the Ukrainian-Russian border, Tusk maintains, "I would not exaggerate the significance of the latest comments by President Putin." Rather, he interprets these statements as a reflection of pressure facing the Russian military on the front. Earlier, Putin suggested that the West would be directly at war with Russia if it allowed Ukraine to attack Russian territory using long-range rockets from the West.
13:21 Dong Jun advocates for negotiations as the Ukraine and Gaza conflict resolution
Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun advocates for "negotiations" as the sole solution to combating conflicts such as those in Ukraine and Gaza at an international security forum in Beijing. He claims, "To resolve the crisis in Ukraine and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, promoting peace and negotiations is the only way out."
12:58 Scholz looks to raise oil imports from Kazakhstan
The German government is hoping for an increase in oil imports from Kazakhstan. In anticipation of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's upcoming trip to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, a government official mentions, "We welcome the possibility of increased oil supplies from Kazakhstan." The intent is to supply several options for the PCK refinery in Schwedt, with increased oil from Kazakhstan being one of them. However, alternative sources are necessary due to the fact that Kazakh oil relies on Russian pipelines to reach Germany, providing Moscow with leverage. Following Russia's attack on Ukraine, Germany stopped importing Russian oil. Scholz's visit will also involve discussions regarding gas supplies from Central Asia. With new gas power plant bids underway, "we must secure gas from somewhere, and that's where Central Asia comes into play," the official says.
12:26 France confronts Iranian diplomat
France has summoned the Iranian diplomatic representative to the French Foreign Ministry in Paris. This action follows reports that Iran has delivered ballistic missiles to Russia, as per diplomatic sources. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently declared that Russia has received missiles from Iran, set to be deployed in Ukraine within the coming weeks. Iran has denied these allegations.
12:03 Pentagon views Russian counteroffensive in Kursk as 'limited'
The Pentagon is underwhelmed by Russia's counteroffensive in Kursk. "We've observed Russian forces attempting some sort of counteroffensive in the Kursk region," Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder revealed on Thursday. "At the moment, I would classify it as minimal, though we are keeping tabs on it," he says. The Russian Defense Ministry claims that its soldiers have retaken ten villages. This claim remains unverified. Ukraine initiated an offensive in the Russian border region of Kursk over five weeks ago, reporting capturing approximately 100 Russian villages and near 1,300 square kilometers since then.
11:16 Shoigu meets Kim in Pyongyang
Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang. According to the Russian Security Council, the meetings took place in an "exceptional atmosphere of trust and friendship." The conversation will provide "significant input" to the implementation of the defense treaty signed between Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin in June. Putin states that the treaty provides for "mutual assistance in the event of an attack against one of the signatory parties." The West accuses Moscow of using North Korean rockets and artillery shells in Ukraine. In order to support its offensive in Ukraine, Russia is seeking aid from countries like China, Iran, and North Korea.
10:46 Russian Parliament Head: NATO is Engaging in War Against Our Nation
The Head of the Russian Parliament, Vyacheslav Volodin, alleges that NATO is taking part in the conflict in Ukraine. He asserts on Telegram that "they are waging war against our nation." Volodin suggests that NATO is assisting Ukraine in selecting Russian cities for attacks, coordinating military deployments with the Ukrainian army, and essentially dictating commands to the government in Kyiv.
10:17 Munz on Putin's Threat Against NATO: "Putin's Statement is Overlooked in Morning News"
Concerns arise in the West over the potential of allowing Ukraine to launch long-range attacks on Russian territory leading to an escalation. Russian President Vladimir Putin has once again made such a threat. However, ntv correspondent Rainer Munz proposes several reasons why Putin's threat might lack substantial backing.
09:42 Family: Imprisoned Opposition Leader in Belarus in Grave Condition
Imprisoned Belarusian opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova is reported to be in a critical health state, as per her sister. Kolesnikova has been detained under inhumane conditions for four years and now weighs only 45 kilograms at a height of 1.75 meters, her sister claimed, citing information from former prisoners. "I believe this is a critical moment, as no one can endure such conditions for a long time," she said, accusing the authorities of psychologically and physically torturing her sister. The Belarusian Ministry of Internal Affairs did not respond to a request for information about Kolesnikova's detention conditions. Kolesnikova, a symbol of resistance since the opposition protests against Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in 2020, is serving an 11-year prison sentence for alleged conspiracy to seize power.
09:20 Agreement on Lithuanian Brigade Stationing Signed
Germany and Lithuania have sealed a government agreement to clarify the terms of a combat-ready brigade's deployment to the Baltic NATO country. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and his Lithuanian counterpart Laurynas Kasciunas signed the agreement in Berlin, which augments the NATO Status of Forces Agreement. The agreement aims to provide legal certainty for German soldiers and civilian personnel in Lithuania by regulating residence rights, tax law, education, public health supervision, traffic, and public security, among others. It establishes the legal foundation for setting up German schools and kindergartens in Lithuania. The brigade is scheduled to be operational by 2027. Read more here.
08:56 Russia Expels British Diplomats on Espionage Charges
Russia has expelled six British diplomats on allegations of espionage. The FSB intelligence service claims to possess documents proving that the British Foreign Office is orchestrating a political and military escalation against Russia. The FSB's mission, according to the FSB, is to ensure Russia's defeat in the war against Ukraine. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused the British embassy of intentionally harming the Russian people, according to the news agency Tass. The British Foreign Office dismissed the accusations as "completely unfounded." The Russian expulsion appears to be a reprisal for British actions resulting from Russian "activities in Europe and the UK," the BBC reported.
08:31 Weapon Approval to Add NATO Involvement for Putin
Ukrainian President Zelenskyj has long requested the authorization of long-range missile usage against Russian military objectives. The US and UK are now set to evaluate this request. Kremlin chief Putin swiftly responds with a warning to the West.
08:03 Russia Offers Educational Program on Western Weapons to Partners
Russia is offering to share its experiences in combating various Western weapons with its partners. The Russian deputy defense minister, Alexander Fomin, said this at a security conference in China, according to the Russian news agency RIA. Fomin stated that Russia is ready to share its knowledge. The conflicts have led to a new approach to warfare, he said, and Russian weapons are capable of neutralizing Western weapons.
07:34 Domestic Intelligence Service Announces Arrests: Individuals Carried out Arson Attacks in Kyiv on Behalf of Russia
Five individuals have been arrested for carrying out arson attacks in Kyiv on behalf of a Russian intelligence service, the Ukrainian domestic intelligence service announced. The individuals are accused of setting fire to five military vehicles and distributing leaflets aimed at discrediting the military. According to the domestic intelligence service, the arrested individuals came from various Ukrainian regions in search of employment. Looking for quick money, they were contacted by Russian agents via Telegram. The individuals also recorded their actions on their phones to receive the promised payment, which never materialized.
07:05 Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Mourns Adopted Son Killed in Conflict
The Chief Rabbi of Ukraine, Moshe Azman, is grieving the loss of his adopted son who was killed in the Russian invasion conflict. A memorial service was held in Kyiv on Thursday to honor Anton Samborsky. Samborsky went missing at the end of July, and his death was verified after weeks of uncertainty. Samborsky became a father to a daughter in May, Rabbi Azman, who had adopted him as an orphan at age ten, wrote on social media. A few weeks later, he was drafted. The last time Samborsky spoke with his son was on July 17.
06:29 Japan Encountered Situation with Russian WarplanesJapan's air force deployed fighter jets yesterday after two Russian planes circled nearby. These Russian aircraft didn't invade Japanese airspace, as per the Defense Ministry's statement. From the morning till afternoon, the airplanes, which were Tu-142s, flew from the sea towards Okinawa's southern region, the ministry further explained. In response, "we called upon the Air Self-Defense Force's fighter jets in an immediate setting," the ministry clarified. Eventually, the Russian jets departed towards the north. As per the ministry, they also passed by the Kuriles, a region that's a subject of dispute between Japan and Russia. Earlier this week, Russian and Chinese naval vessels started joint exercises in the Sea of Japan. These exercises are a part of a massive naval operation. The last instance of Russian military planes flying over Japan was in 2019. Read more here.
06:07 Russia Perceives US as Overseeing Policy against Them and ChinaRussia's Deputy Defense Minister, Alexander Fomin, indicated at a security conference in China that the US intends to restrict Russia and China. This information came from Russian news agency TASS. Fomin mentioned that Russia and China advocate for a fair, multilateral world order that values equality and mutual respect, while the West prepares for potential conflicts in Asia by establishing new security coalitions in the region.
05:27 Ukraine: Tragedy Involving Civilian Freighter ShipThe Ukrainian Navy disclosed new details concerning an alleged Russian air attack on a civilian freighter ship in the Black Sea. According to them, a Tu-22 probably fired a Ch-22 anti-ship missile at the ship. The freighter, sailing under the flag of the Caribbean nation St. Kitts and Nevis, was on its course from Ukraine's Chornomorsk port to Egypt carrying wheat. A BBC statement suggested the ship was in Romania's exclusive economic zone at that time. However, the BBC asserted it was not a Ch-22 missile, but a Ch-31 used for radar jammers, which has significantly less destructive power than the Ch-22 cruise missiles designed to counter aircraft carriers.
03:19 Tragic Incident at Border Line: Death of Moldovan SoldierA Moldovan soldier met with his untimely demise during his duty at the border line with the separatist region of Transnistria. The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Moldova emphasized that the soldier died due to a bullet from his own rifle while performing his duties at his post. The police and forensic experts are now investigating the incident, the ministry added. Soldiers from Moldova and the separatist Transnistria patrol the boundary between them, together with Russian forces deployed since the 1992 conflict following the disintegration of the Soviet Union. Moldova is striving to integrate Transnistria back into its territory. Incidents at the border line are extremely rare.
02:18 UK Prime Minister: "No Aim to Confront Russia"
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer contradicted Russian President Putin's claim that the West supplies advanced weapons for attacks deep into Russian territory signifies NATO's involvement. "Ukraine has the right to self-defense," Starmer stated. The UK supports this right and offers training opportunities in this context. "However, we do not aim for a conflict with Russia - this is far from our intention," the British Prime Minister underscored. Read more here.
01:09 Former US Ambassador to Kyiv: Harris Might "Fervently" Support Ukraine
Former US Ambassador to Ukraine, William B. Taylor, believes that Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris would, if elected, back Ukraine "more determinedly" than the incumbent Biden. She has already shown this in certain aspects, Taylor stated at an event in Kyiv's American University. Biden has taken a slower approach in some cases, such as deciding on HIMARS, Abrams, and F-16 fighter jets. Currently, he is also cautious about enabling Ukraine to launch attacks deep into Russia. Taylor expects a "more vigorous" approach from Harris, also because she may bring a new foreign policy team to the White House.
00:27 Zelensky Thanks Estonia for Military Aid
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed Estonian President Alar Karis in Kyiv, thanking him for military assistance. The Baltic EU and NATO member has pledged to provide 0.25% of its annual GDP for Ukraine's defense needs. The talks also discussed reconstruction and Ukraine's EU aspirations. Meanwhile, Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa also announced further aid during a meeting with Zelensky.
23:19 BND Not Compelled to Share Syria's Victory Assessment with Journalist
The Federal Intelligence Service (BND) is not obligated to divulge to a journalist whether they described a military victory for Ukraine as difficult or impossible in confidential background talks, the Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig has judged. The BND also does not need to disclose which media participated in the confidential background talks concerning the military situation in Ukraine this year. However, the BND must furnish information about the number of such confidential individual background talks on the military situation in Ukraine this year. The journalist had filed an urgent application with the court. The rationale for this, according to the court, was a newspaper article from May, stating that a CDU politician suggested the BND was intentionally spreading a pessimistic assessment of the military situation in Ukraine to sway public opinion.
22:06 Coalition Politicians Advocate for Use of Long-Range Weapons Against RussiaPoliticians from the coalition government are in favor of granting Kyiv the authorization to utilize long-range weapons against Russian targets. According to SPD foreign policy expert Michael Roth, speaking to T-Online, it's right and in line with international law to finally attack Russian military sites with long-range Western rockets. Roth mentions military airfields, command centers, and launch bases as potential targets in Russia for long-range weapons, noting that these sites are often used to launch attacks on civilian Ukrainian targets. SPD chairman Marcus Faber of the FDP agrees, stating that the approval to use long-range weapons like ATACMS and Storm Shadow against Russian military airports is long overdue. Green politician Anton Hofreiter stresses that Russia continues to terrorize the Ukrainian civilian population daily through rocket attacks on hospitals, residential buildings, and the energy supply, making it necessary for the army to be allowed to strike military bases on Russian territory with long-range weapons to effectively protect the Ukrainian civilian population.
21:35 Vance Discusses Trump's Ideas on Ending Russian ConflictRepublican vice-presidential candidate J.D. Vance suggests that Donald Trump's plan to end the Russian conflict could involve establishing a demilitarized zone between Ukraine and Russia. In an interview with TV producer Shawn Ryan, Vance explains that Trump could bring Russians, Ukrainians, and Europeans to the negotiating table to seek out a peaceful solution. "I think he could get a deal very quickly," says Vance. Trump is known for his warm feelings towards Russian President Vladimir Putin and his criticism of US aid to Ukraine, as well as his claims that he could end the conflict within 24 hours if elected, although he does not provide specific details of his plan.
21:03 "We Are Russians. God is With Us" - Fascist March in St. PetersburgNumerous Russian nationalists and fascists can be heard shouting "We are Russians. God is with us" as they march through St. Petersburg. They repeatedly chant "Forward, Russians!" The reason for their march is the anniversary of the transfer of relics of Alexander Nevsky, who is celebrated as a national hero and saint of the Orthodox Church.
20:28 Russian Propagandist: "The Ideal Barrier is the Atlantic"Popular Russian TV host Vladimir Solovyov believes that Russia should not stop at the conquest of Ukraine: "The ideal barrier is the Atlantic. A natural barrier." He adds that Berlin, Lisbon, Madrid, and Paris would be the perfect places for Russian troops to reside. When reminded that there aren't that many Russians, he suggests that the Belarusian brothers could join them, or alternatively, China could be looked into.
20:01 British Volunteers Prepare for WinterIn anticipation of winter, many Ukrainian homes that have so far withstood shelling lack windows. The British NGO "Insulate Ukraine" is taking action by traveling to war zones to install temporary windows to help keep the homes warm.
here.
Read all previous developments here.
The Commission has not been involved in the discussion surrounding Poland's contribution to the Czech artillery initiative for Ukraine.
Despite Russia's concerns, international law allows for the potential permit for Ukraine to use long-range weapons against Russian targets if justified.
