At 16:11 hours, Three Red Cross Personnel Suffer Fatal Attacks in Ukraine.
15:45 Court Closure in Navalny's Lawyers' Trial
The judge in the Russian town of Petushki's criminal trial against three lawyers linked to late Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny swiftly shut down the courtroom to the public. The judge cited warnings about potential provocations by Navalny supporters as the reason for the closure. The three attorneys are under investigation for allegedly belonging to an extremist organization, a term often used to refer to Navalny's anti-corruption fund.
15:18 Alleged Navalny Supporter Provocations Dismissed, Russian Drilling Platform Safe
Reports indicate that Ukraine and Russia are involved in a maritime and aerial skirmish in the Black Sea. According to Ukrainian military intelligence, a Russian Su-30 fighter jet was downed using a portable air defense weapon during a sea operation on Tuesday night. Limited details are available from Kyiv. However, the Russian Defense Ministry claims that a Ukrainian attempt to attack a Russian drilling platform in the Black Sea with fast boats was thwarted. The attack was said to have resulted in the sinking of eight out of 14 boats, while the others retreated without mention of any Russian casualties. A Russian military blog close to the Ministry of Defense reported the same, adding that a Su-30 was shot down during the Ukrainian attack.
14:54 Ukrainian Soldiers Struggle with Limited Ammunition
Ukrainian soldiers are strategically utilizing their limited weapons in combat situations. A ntv reporter, Kavita Sharma, experienced this firsthand at the frontline. The soldiers use both old Soviet weapons with limited ammunition and newer Western weapons provided by their allies.
14:23 Counteroffensive in Kursk, Ten Settlements Liberated by Russian Troops
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reportedly acknowledged a Russian counteroffensive in the Kursk border area. According to Zelensky's statements at a press conference, the move aligns with Ukraine's offensive strategy. The Russian Defense Ministry, on the other hand, allegedly liberated ten settlements in the Kursk region within two days and did not disclose further details.
13:55 Unusual Iranian Criticism of Russia Expelled Sanctions and Tensions
Top Iranian politician Ali Motahari has spoken out against his country's ties with Russia due to international sanctions and diplomatic tensions. Motahari's critical comments refer to recent sanctions imposed by Germany, France, and the UK against Russia for receiving ballistic missiles. The Iranian Foreign Ministry has vehemently denied the missile transfers.
13:38 Water and Gas Supply Issue in Pokrovsk, Donetsk Region
Attacks by the Russian military have forced the city of Pokrovsk, located in the Ukrainian Donetsk region, to rely on emergency wells for its water supply. Recently, a water treatment facility was damaged during the conflict, leaving thousands of people without regular drinking water. Additionally, the destruction of a gas distribution center on Monday left 18,000 inhabitants of Pokrovsk without access to gas for cooking and heating.
13:07 Russia May Overstate its Navy Strength
A Russian independent news portal indicates that Russia may have approximately half as many warships as claimed by the Russian Ministry of Defense. Russia has reportedly deployed over 400 warships for the "Ocean-2024" exercise, while data from online sources reports more realistic numbers according to experts. Around 50 navy units are not participating in the exercise. Russia's military strength has previously been called into question due to such exaggerations.
12:28 Increased Espionage against Bundeswehr and Ukraine Aid by Russian Intelligence
Russian intelligence services have expanded their surveillance of German military support for Ukraine and the Bundeswehr, as suggested by the annual report of the German Military Counterintelligence Service. The Russian interests in military strategy have evolved from a predominately strategic focus to a more tactical one, focusing on gathering information about Ukraine aid routes, weapons deployment, and tactics. Additionally, the capabilities of the Bundeswehr itself are under scrutiny by Russian spy agencies.
11:52 Munz: New Berlin Threat Not Entirely Unlikely
British and U.S. allies may permit Ukraine to use weapons against Russian territory, according to ntv correspondent Rainer Munz. Previous threats by the Kremlin have prevented this decision. It is therefore not surprising that an atomic weapons expert is now advocating for attacks on Berlin.
11:15 Report: Delay in Decision on Long-Range Missiles for Russia in Ukraine until Two More WeeksThe decision on utilizing Western long-range missiles in Ukraine by Russia might take some additional time, as suggested by the US news source Bloomberg. It is unlikely for a decision before the UN General Assembly on September 24, where around 150 heads of state and government will convene, according to the report. The British Foreign Secretary Lammy mentioned that the UN meeting would be the next opportunity to discuss the use of long-range missiles. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy intends to reiterate his demand during the meeting. On Wednesday, Lammy and US Secretary of State Blinken visited Kyiv to discuss Zelenskyy's plan for attacks on Russian territory. Blinken is expected to talk about this with US President Biden on Friday, and British Prime Minister Starmer will also meet with Biden on the same day.
10:31 Blinken Stops in Poland on Return from KyivOn his return from Kyiv, US Secretary of State Blinken is stopping in Poland, a key supporter of Ukraine. Planned meetings with Prime Minister Tusk and President Duda are scheduled. Blinken is expected to discuss further cooperation with Poland, which serves as the main logistics hub for Western military support to Ukraine. Poland has also significant increased its military spending since the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has ordered 96 Apache combat helicopters from US defense giant Boeing worth $10 billion.
09:59 Ukrainian Forces Report 5 Russian Missiles and 64 Iranian Drones Attack OvernightThe Ukrainian air force reports that the Russian army attacked Ukraine overnight with 5 missiles and 64 combat drones of Iranian origin. 44 drones were intercepted. The military reports are not verifiable in detail. Air defense was also active several times around Kyiv to shoot down approaching drones.
09:11 Russian Expert Calls for Brighter Nuclear Threat PostureRussian influential foreign policy expert Sergei Karaganov suggests that Russia should clearly signal its readiness to use nuclear weapons. The main goal of Russia's nuclear doctrine should be "to convince all current and future enemies that Russia is ready to use nuclear weapons," Karaganov told the Russian newspaper Kommersant. Moscow could carry out a limited nuclear strike on a NATO country without triggering a full-scale nuclear war. The US would be dishonest if they claimed to guarantee nuclear protection for their allies. Karaganov has previously called for Russia to consider a nuclear preventive strike to intimidate its enemies. Some Western experts believe Karaganov serves a useful function for the Kremlin by expressing views that alarm the West and make Putin appear more restrained by comparison.
08:46 Ukraine Anticipates US Approval for Western Long-Range MissilesThere's growing hope in Ukraine that they may soon be authorized to carry out attacks deep into Russian territory with Western weapons. US Secretary of State emphasized during his visit to Kyiv that he wants to ensure "Ukraine has everything it needs". In the UK, signs suggest a green-light.
08:04 Ukrainian Intelligence Reports Downing of Russian Fighter JetFollowing reports from yesterday that a Russian Su-30SM fighter jet had disappeared from radar, the Ukrainian military intelligence now reports that Ukrainian soldiers shot down such an aircraft during an operation in the Black Sea. Kyiv Independent reports. The fighter jet, reportedly worth $50 million and stationed in Crimea, was destroyed by a portable air defense system.
07:26 Russian Drone Attack on Konotop: More than a Dozen Reported InjuriesThe number of injured in the massive Russian drone attack overnight on the energy infrastructure of the city of Konotop in the Sumy region has risen to 14. State Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform reports, citing the regional military administration. Among others, a residential building in the city center was reportedly hit.
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06:42 Ukrainians in Germany Retain Protected Status on Home VisitsThe Bundestag is debating for the first time today the planned security package of the federal government, which, among other things, provides for bans on knives and the withdrawal of refugee status for those who travel to their home country. However, exceptions apply, for example, to refugees from Ukraine.
06:04 Russian TV Charges Trump with Disadvantage in TV DebateSeveral commentators on Russian state television have accused "sabotage" against Trump in his TV debate against Kamala Harris, as reported by Kyiv Independent. Trump was "disadvantaged", they say. The fact-checking of Trump's statements is critically commented upon. Trump had, in the estimation of many observers, lost the debate. The Republican has announced that if he wins the election, he will immediately end the Ukraine war.
04:50 Russian Attack on Konotop: Severe Damage to Energy InfrastructureIn a Russian attack on the city of Konotop in the Sumy region, several civilians were injured. According to the mayor Artem Semenikhin, the water supply in the city was temporarily interrupted. There are also severe damages to the energy infrastructure, and it is unclear when private households will have electricity again. After the attack in the center of the city, there were several fires, school and residential buildings were damaged. Two people were taken to the hospital, one of them is in critical condition.
03:29 Latvia Sends Further Military Aid to UkraineLatvia's Prime Minister Evika Siliņa announces a package of military support for Ukraine during her visit to Kyiv. It will include armored personnel carriers. This was announced by the Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal after the meeting with Siliņa on X. According to Shmyhal, both countries are also discussing an expansion of cooperation in the defense industry.
01:32 UK confronts Iranian businessman over potential missile sales to RussiaAs per their statement, the UK has called in an Iranian businessman due to allegations of missile exports to Russia. The British government has stated that supplying ballistic missiles to Russia would be viewed as a dangerous escalation that would warrant a harsh response. On Tuesday, Germany, France, and the UK imposed additional sanctions on Iran in relation to these allegations, specifically targeting aviation agreements. Previously, the European Union had mentioned "reliable information" regarding Iran's missile sales to Russia.
00:14 Ukrainian troops encounter greenhorn Russian recruits in VovchanskAccording to Ukrainian military reports, Russia is utilizing untrained soldiers at the Kharkiv front. Vitalii Sarantsev, a spokesperson for the armed forces operating in Kharkiv, claims that the soldiers participating in Vovchansk's attack operations are inexperienced. It is speculated that the new reinforcements are a Russian mobilization reserve. The source of these new soldiers is yet to be determined – whether they are former prisoners or conscripts from nations such as Central Asia, Africa, or the Middle East.
22:39 Iwano-Frankiwsk mayor enlists Russian-speaking monitorsFollowing the increase in Russian usage, the mayor of Iwano-Frankiwsk in western Ukraine has announced the deployment of language patrols. According to the mayor, Ruslan Marzinkiw, this is a community initiative, and anyone can join as a language monitor. Many internally displaced individuals from eastern Ukraine, who primarily speak Russian, have settled in the city. Marzinkiw expects at least 100 language monitors, with around 50 already signing up. He also mentioned a hotline number where citizens can report Russian speakers in public areas.
21:42 Erdogan advocates for Crimea's restoration to Ukraine's controlAfter Crimea was seized by Russia, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan demands its return to Ukraine. "Our unwavering support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence includes the return of Crimea to Ukraine, in compliance with international law," says Erdogan in a video message for the Crimea Platform summit. The Crimea Platform was established in 2021 to draw international attention to the Crimea situation.
21:05 Zelenskyy seeks US support for Ukrainian military strategyAccording to Zelenskyy, US support is vital for Ukraine to repel the Russian invasion. He stated, "Ukraine's victory plan (...) primarily depends on US assistance, along with assistance from other partners." This plan is set to be presented before the second Ukraine Peace Conference, with the aim of significantly strengthening Ukraine and compelling Russia to cease hostilities. According to Bloomberg, the US is requiring a precise strategy from Zelenskyy before lifting restrictions on the use of Western weapons. US Secretary of State Blinken and British Foreign Secretary Lammy reportedly want a long-term strategy from Zelenskyy for the coming year in order to better understand Ukraine's objectives.
20:37 Blinken verifies Biden's readiness to approve weapons use against RussiaThe US is working to meet Ukraine's military requirements, which include the use of long-range Western weapons to attack Russian targets, as stated by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will discuss these demands on Friday, according to Blinken, during a joint press conference with his British counterpart David Lammy and Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiga in Kyiv. "We are working diligently to ensure Ukraine has the means to defend itself effectively," Blinken continues, emphasizing, "Our goal is for Ukraine to prevail."
You can review all previous updates here.
The Russian Ministry of Defense denies any involvement in the Ukrainian attack on the Russian drilling platform, blaming Ukraine for the sinking of several fast boats and no reported Russian casualties. (From sentence 14:23)
The Russian Defense Ministry accuses Ukrainian soldiers of using both old Soviet weapons with limited ammunition and newer Western weapons provided by their allies in combat situations. (From sentence 14:54)
