At 17:02, Putin declines Mexico's invitation
16:19 Russian Chess Federation Wants Carlsen to Return Earned Winnings
The vice-president of the Russian Chess Federation is urging chess world champion Magnus Carlsen to return the winnings he earned at Russian tournaments. This news was shared by betting provider "telecomasia.net" on their news portal. Previously, Carlsen had expressed his opinion at a prize-giving ceremony that Russian and Belarusian players should only compete in global tournaments under a neutral flag. Vice-president Sergey Smagin says, "Carlsen should remember that the start of his professional career was in Russia. He visited our country as a kid, participated in various tournaments, and made a significant income here. Before he speaks negatively about Russia, he should first return what he owes from these winnings."
15:26 Hungary Pushes for More Economic Ties with Russia
Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has proposed an expansion of economic relations with Russia in areas unaffected by EU sanctions. He stated this during a joint press conference with Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko at an economic forum between the two countries in Hungary. Szijjarto reaffirmed that, according to the Hungarian government, "EU sanctions are ineffective." Hungary is a member of the EU and NATO. Visits by Russian government officials to these countries have become infrequent since the beginning of the Ukraine war.
14:57 American Fighter for Pro-Russian Separatists Killed by Russian Soldiers
A US citizen who fought for pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine has reportedly been tortured and killed by Russian soldiers, according to Russian reports. An investigation committee responsible for investigating serious crimes says the murder was committed by three Russian soldiers in April. A fourth soldier is accused of helping to hide the body. No reason for the crime was provided by the committee. Russell Bentley, also known as "Texas" or "Donbass Cowboy," joined the pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine in 2014. He fought alongside them until 2017 and then remained in eastern Ukraine.
14:43 Zelensky Seeks Biden's Support for Peace Plan
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is hoping for support from US President Joe Biden for his peace plan to end the Ukraine war during his upcoming visit to Washington. "I truly hope he supports this plan," Zelensky said on Friday in Kyiv at a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The peace plan requires quick decisions from allies to be made between October and December, Zelensky said. "We believe this plan will succeed," he added.
14:28 Russia to Regain Control Over Kursk Soon
Russia will soon regain control over the border region of Kursk currently under control of Ukrainian soldiers, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. "Our soldiers are doing a good job, they will manage it. Control will be restored," Peskov said. Although the situation in the occupied Russian territories is currently difficult, it will soon improve in Russia's favor, he added. The army will not reveal their strategy, and Peskov did not provide a specific timeline.
14:03 Russia May Have Been Warned About Ukrainian Advance to Kursk
Russian authorities and military in the Kursk region may have had warnings about a Ukrainian advance, according to a report by The Guardian citing supposed Russian documents found by the Ukrainian military during their Kursk offensive. The Guardian could not independently verify the authenticity of the documents, but they bear the typical features of genuine Russian military communications. The documents suggest there were warnings within Russian authorities and the military about specific Ukrainian advances onto Russian territory, dating back to January 2024. Measures to strengthen border defense were ordered as early as mid-March, but complaints were still made in June that units there had only 60-70% of their full strength and were largely composed of poorly trained reservists. Ukrainian units launched a surprise attack into the Kursk region at the beginning of August.
13:30 BBC Estimates Over 70,000 Russian Soldiers Killed in Ukraine
A Russian news portal and the BBC have estimated the number of Russian soldiers killed in the Ukraine war to be over 70,000, based on their own reports. "We have identified the names of 70,112 Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine, but the actual number is likely much higher," the BBC's Russian service said. The count, made in collaboration with the independent Russian news website Mediazona, is based on the analysis of official statements, obituaries, death announcements on online networks, and observations of graves in Russian cemeteries. It covers the period from the start of the war in February 2022 to September 19. Mediazona estimates the total number of Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine to be at least 120,000. The Russian government considers the number of Russian soldiers killed in the war a state secret.
12:23 Raiffeisen Bank Bids Farewell to BelarusRaiffeisen Bank International (RBI) is parting ways with its Belarusian subsidiary and exiting the market. As announced by the Austrian bank, it has sealed a deal to sell its 87.74% shareholding to Soven 1 Holding Limited. The transaction will significantly impact their financials. RBI has already scaled down its operations in Russia, complying with the European Central Bank's demands. However, a Russian court has issued a temporary injunction, preventing RBI from selling its subsidiary in Russia.
12:01 Whispers of a €35 Billion EU Loan for UkraineAccording to media sources, the European Commission is considering a €35 billion loan for Ukraine. This forms part of the aid plans of the seven major Western industrialized nations, as reported by the "Financial Times," citing three well-informed sources. The loan is part of the G7's intention to provide Ukraine with approximately $50 billion (approximately €46 billion) through the utilization of Russian state assets' profits that have been frozen.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen officially announced potential financial aid up to €35 billion through her X-account.
11:33 Russia Threatens Consequences if West Ignores WarningsThe Russian government cautions the West against disregarding warnings against employing long-range weapons targeting Russian territory. This would result in a shift in the nature of the conflict, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova explains. "They're playing with fire," she says during a press conference. If the conflict escalates to such a degree, it could have dangerous consequences for the international community. At the moment, talks with the USA are not feasible, the spokeswoman says. There will be no meeting between Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his American counterpart Antony Blinken in New York, as both sides have nothing to discuss. Recently, the outgoing NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin has not crossed the numerous "red lines" that he drew.
10:53 EU Rules Out Forced Expulsion of Ukrainian Men
The European Commission has stated that it is not possible to forcibly expel male Ukrainian citizens of conscription age from EU countries. This was reported by "Ukrajinska Prawda." EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, explains that this is not feasible due to the Directive on temporary protection. "We will support those who wish to return to Ukraine, and we will discuss with Ukrainian authorities and the Ukrainian government how this can best be done. We will not expel anyone from the EU," she affirms. Previously, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski had reportedly urged Western countries to encourage Ukrainian men of conscription age to return to Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha reportedly backed this idea.
10:12 Christian Freuding Spots Loopholes in Russia Sanctions
German Ukraine aid coordinator Christian Freuding comments on Russia's weapons production: "The situation is becoming increasingly difficult for the Russians to maintain their defense industry with complex component supplies, but they are still managing to do so. They manage this by taking detours and by relying on support from partners such as China, North Korea, and Iran." While it's clear that sanctions are having an impact, there are still possibilities to "discover loopholes or even entirely legal circumvention methods."
09:03 von der Leyen Vows More Assistance to Ukraine's Energy SupplyEU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has pledged additional support for Ukraine's energy supply during the winter as she begins her visit to Kyiv. "My eighth visit to Kyiv comes at a time when the heating season is about to begin, and Russia continues to target the energy infrastructure," she writes on the online platform X. She shares a photo of her arrival at Kyiv station. "We will support Ukraine in its brave efforts. I am here to discuss Europe's support. From winter preparations to defense, to membership (of the EU) and progress on G7 loans."
08:20 EU Considering Ending Visa-Free Travel for GeorgiansBrussels is contemplating ending visa-free travel for Georgians visiting the European Union. An unnamed EU spokesperson told Politico that this is due to democratic backsliding under the ruling Georgian Dream party. "All options are on the table" if Georgia does not reverse its trend towards authoritarianism, including "the possible temporary suspension of visa liberalization," the spokesperson said. Recently, the ruling Georgian Dream party passed a law on foreign agents that mirrors repressive Russian legislation used against critics of the Kremlin regime.
07:42 Ukraine Rebukes Poland's Proposal on CrimeaThe Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has criticized a proposal by Poland regulating the status of Crimea, claiming that compromises are unacceptable. Earlier, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski suggested holding a referendum as part of a potential negotiating solution with Russia. "All efforts should be focused on liberating the peninsula, not on satisfying the Kremlin's appetite at the expense of Ukraine's interests and international law," the Foreign Ministry in Kyiv explains.
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05:32 Ukraine Joins NATO Drone Defense Exercise for the First Time For the first time, Ukraine is participating directly in a NATO drone defense exercise, led by the Netherlands. The exercise, aimed at testing anti-drone systems, is currently ongoing, as reported by NATO's press service. Over 60 various anti-drone systems and technologies, including sensors, drone-to-drone systems, jammers, and cyber-interceptors, were put to the test in a live setting, according to NATO's announcement. Kyiv's participation in this exercise is part of the NATO-Ukraine action plan for innovation cooperation, agreed upon at the summit in July.
04:28 Transgender Activist Met with Tragic End in Georgia In Georgia, a prominent transgender activist named Kesaria Abramidze lost her life following a brutal stabbing incident in her apartment. Abramidze, known for her work as a model, actress, and social media influencer, was found with numerous stab wounds by authorities. Her partner, who was arrested as a primary suspect, is charged with murder with "extraordinary cruelty and on account of gender discrimination." The killing occurred just a day after the enactment of a controversial LGBTQ law, which sparked criticism from EU and human rights organizations for allegedly infringing upon LGBTQ rights. This law shares similarities with restrictive Russian legislation on LGBTQ matters.
03:25 Lufthansa Ponders Cutting Frankfurt-Beijing Flights Due to Russia Sanctions Lufthansa is reconsidering its daily service between Frankfurt and Beijing, with a decision expected in October. A company spokesman cited unfavorable competition between European airlines and low-cost carriers from the Middle East and Asia, along with Russian airspace closures, as contributing factors. European and American airlines have been forced to fly around Russian airspace since sanctions went into effect due to the Ukraine conflict, resulting in increased fuel costs.
02:27 Sumy Suffers Air Attacks and Power Grid Damage Russian forces launched fresh air attacks on Sumy, Ukraine, causing damage to a geriatric center and the city's energy infrastructure. At least one civilian was reportedly killed, and Ukrainian officials have condemned the attacks as violations of international law. The United Nations has expressed concern over the impact on civilians, as power deficits in Ukraine during critical winter months could reach up to one-third of peak demand.
01:25 Record Number of Refugees in Germany, Over 1.18 Million from Ukraine Germany has experienced an influx of refugees reaching unprecedented levels since the 1950s, with the number reaching approximately 3.48 million as of mid-2024. This represents an increase of around 60,000 refugees compared to the end of 2023, with over 1.18 million of those coming from Ukraine. The rise in refugees includes those with various residence titles, ranging from asylum seekers to recognized refugees and those with tolerated status.
00:22 Lindner Opposes Debt Brake Suspension for Ukraine Aid Finance Minister Christian Lindner, of the FDP, has refuted suggestions that the debt brake could be suspended for extensive Ukraine aid. Lindner stated, "I am not aware of such an agreement. I would not have supported such a precautionary resolution." The war in Ukraine is undeniably tragic, but it does not constitute a state of emergency as defined by the German Basic Law. Lindner emphasized that Ukraine aid will continue to be a priority for Germany, with plans for a $50 billion program in cooperation with G7 nations and additional bilateral aid.
23:23 Bulgaria Advocates EU Ban on Ukrainian Egg Imports Bulgaria plans to propose a suspension of egg imports from Ukraine at a September 23 meeting of the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Brussels. The move stems from ongoing disputes between Ukraine and Eastern EU member states over agricultural trade, which have led to import restrictions, border blockages, and protests in Poland and Bulgaria.
22:13 Merz Doubts Peace Process with Russia CDU leader Friedrich Merz expressed skepticism regarding the potential for a peace process with Russia, stating, "I do not see a path to initiate a peace process at the moment." Merz suggested that Russia will only cease its actions when military advances become futile or Kyiv is no longer standing. In the long term, Germany will need to maintain its support for Ukraine's military defense.
The ongoing Ukrainian conflict has not only affected diplomatic relations between countries but also the sports world. In response to Carlsen's stance on Russian and Belarusian players competing under a neutral flag, Vice-president Sergey Smagin of the Russian Chess Federation mentioned Carlsen's past involvement in Russian tournaments and profits earned there, suggesting that Carlsen should consider returning some of his winnings before criticizing Russia.
Despite the ongoing sanctions and tensions between the EU and Russia, some countries are pushing for stronger economic ties. Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto recently proposed an expansion of economic relations with Russia in areas unaffected by EU sanctions, restating Hungary's belief that EU sanctions are ineffective.
