At 17:12, the President of China concludes his visit to Russia.
16:35 New Role for NATO Boss StoltenbergNATO's Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg will become the new leader of the Munich Security Conference. The Norwegian will take up the position after the security conference in February 2025. Christoph Heusgen, who took over in 2022 and was a long-time advisor to former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, will step down as leader. Meanwhile, the long-standing previous chairman, Wolfgang Ischinger, will remain the head of the conference's board. Stoltenberg will vacate his role as NATO Secretary General on October 1, with former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte set to take over.
16:11 Tragic Incident in Ukraine: Three Red Cross Workers KilledAccording to Ukraine, three Ukrainian Red Cross workers were killed in a Russian attack. The incident happened in a village in the disputed Donetsk region, as reported by the Ukrainian prosecutor general's office on Telegram. Two others were hospitalized, with one in critical condition. "Another Russian atrocity. Today, the occupying forces attacked vehicles of the International Committee of the Red Cross' humanitarian mission in the Donetsk region," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on Twitter. Dmytro Lubinets, the country's human rights commissioner, called for the ICRC to officially recognize Russia's violation of the Geneva Conventions.
15:45 Court Closes Trial Against Navalny's LawyersThe judge in the criminal trial against three lawyers of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny in the Russian town of Petushki quickly closed the trial to the public. She cited a police warning about potential provocations by Navalny supporters as the reason. The three lawyers, Vadim Kobzev, Alexei Lipzer, and Igor Sergunin, are accused of belonging to an extremist organization - a reference to the anti-corruption fund founded by Navalny.
15:18 Naval Battle in the Black SeaUkraine and Russia are reportedly engaged in a naval and air battle in the Black Sea. Ukraine's military intelligence claims a Russian Su-30 fighter jet was downed using a portable anti-aircraft weapon during a special operation at sea (see entry at 08:04). No further details about the operation on Tuesday night were provided in Kyiv. Russia's defense ministry, however, reported on Wednesday that a failed Ukrainian attempt to attack a Russian drilling platform in the Black Sea with fast boats. Eight of the 14 boats were reportedly shot down and sunk, while the others retreated. There was no mention of an aircraft loss in Moscow, but military blog Rybar reported that a Su-30 was shot down while repelling the Ukrainian attack.
14:54 Ukrainian Soldiers Express Fatigue: "We're Tired of the War"Ukrainian soldiers must use their limited resources effectively and cautiously. ntv reporter Kavita Sharma observes this at the frontline: aged Soviet weapons with scarce ammunition and the few, but superior, new Western weapons.
14:23 Zelensky: Russia Commences Counteroffensive in KurskRussia has allegedly initiated a counteroffensive in the Russian border region of Kursk, as per Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky stated at a press conference in Kyiv that this action corresponds to the Ukrainian plan, without providing additional details. The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that Russian units have liberated ten settlements in the Kursk region within two days.
13:55 Iranian Politician Criticizes Russia TiesA senior Iranian politician offers uncommon criticism of his country's relations with Russia amidst new sanctions and diplomatic strife. In a post on the X platform, Ali Motahari, a former vice-president of the parliament, refers to the new sanctions imposed by Germany, France, and Britain due to Iran's supply of ballistic missiles to Russia. Iran's Foreign Ministry strongly denies the missile deliveries.
13:38 Water and Gas Disruptions in Ukraine's PokrovskAfter Russian attacks, the Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region is experiencing irregular drinking water supply and many residents have no gas for cooking or heating, according to the region's governor. A water treatment plant was recently damaged in the conflict, and the city is now reliant on over 300 emergency drilled wells for its water supply. The day before, the Russians also destroyed a gas distribution center. 18,000 residents of Pokrovsk are now without gas.
13:07 Russia Likely Underreports Number of WarshipsRussia may have only half the number of warships it officially claims, as per a report by the Russian independent news portal "Agentstvo". According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, more than 400 warships are participating in the large-scale military exercise "Ocean-2024". The portal refers to unverifiable online data from projects "Global Naval Powers Ranking 2024" and "RussiaShips.info," which suggest 264 and 299 warships, respectively. Around 50 ships and submarines of the Black Sea Fleet, which isn't participating in the exercise, are also included in the report. Russia has been accused of inflating the size of its military forces in the past.
12:28 Escalated Russian Spying Against Bundeswehr and Aid to UkraineAccording to the Military Counterintelligence Service (MAD), Russian intelligence services have boosted their espionage activities against German assistance to Ukraine and the Bundeswehr. The main interest of Russian services in military policy and strategy has shifted from strategic levels to tactical levels. Russia is now eager to learn about the military aid Germany is providing to Ukraine, along with the routes of weapon and ammunition transports, deployment procedures, and tactics of Western weapons systems in Ukraine. Moreover, Russian intelligence services have also taken an interest in the capabilities of the Bundeswehr for territorial and alliance defense.
11:52 Munz: Berlin Atomic Weapons Threat Not a Chance CoincidenceBritain and the US might give Ukraine the green light to use weapons against Russian territory. So far, the Kremlin has managed to postpone this decision by making threats. The reason why an atomic weapons expert is now proposing attacks on Berlin isn't surprising, according to ntv correspondent Rainer Munz.
11:15 Delay in Decision on Long-Range Missiles in UkraineA decision on the deployment of Ukrainian long-range missiles by Western countries may take longer according to a report by US medium Bloomberg. The authors refer to British Foreign Secretary Lammy, who stated that the UN meeting on September 24 would be the next opportunity to discuss the use of long-range missiles. Ukranian President Selenskyj plans to reinforce his demand at the meeting. Blinken plans to discuss this with US President Biden on Friday, while British Prime Minister Starmer will also meet with Biden on Friday.
10:31 Blinken in Poland after Kyiv VisitUS Secretary of State Blinken visits Poland, an important supporter of Ukraine, on his return from Kyiv. Meetings with Prime Minister Tusk and President Duda are planned. Blinken is likely to discuss further cooperation with Poland, the main logistics hub for Western military support to Ukraine. Poland has significantly 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 Ukraine Reports 64 Russian Drones and 5 Missiles 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. Detailed verification of the military reports isn't possible. Air defense was also active around Kyiv to shoot down approaching drones.
09:11 Russian Expert Calls for Stronger Nuclear Threat PostureRussian influential foreign policy expert Sergei Karaganov believes that Russia should clearly indicate its readiness to use nuclear weapons. The primary goal of Russia's nuclear doctrine should be to convince "all current and future enemies that Russia is prepared to use nuclear weapons," Karaganov told Russian newspaper "Kommersant". Moscow could carry out a limited nuclear strike on a NATO country without triggering a full-scale nuclear war. The USA would be lying if they claimed to protect their allies with nuclear weapons. Karaganov has previously advocated 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 voicing views that alarm the West and making Putin appear more restrained in comparison.
08:46 Ukraine Anticipates US Approval for Western Long-Range MissilesIn Ukraine, there's growing hope that they will be allowed to launch attacks deeper into Russian territory with Western weapons. US Secretary of State emphasized during his visit to Kyiv that he wants to ensure "that Ukraine has everything it needs." The UK seems to be leaning towards approval.
08:04 Ukrainian Intelligence Reports Downing of Russian Fighter JetFollowing reports that a Russian Su-30SM fighter jet had disappeared from radar, 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, worth $50 million, was stationed in Crimea. It was reportedly destroyed by a portable air defense system.
07:26 Massive Russian Attack on Konotop Injures 14 PeopleAfter the massive Russian drone attack overnight on the energy infrastructure of Konotop in the Sumy region, the number of injured has risen to 14. State news agency Ukrinform reports, citing the regional military administration. Among other things, a residential building in the city center was reportedly hit.
06:42 Ukrainian Refugees in Germany Can Still Travel HomeThe Bundestag is set to debate the government's planned security package for the first time today, which includes measures such as knife bans and the withdrawal of refugee status for those who travel to their home countries. However, exceptions apply, such as refugees from Ukraine.
06:04 Russian TV Accuses Bias in Trump TV DebateSeveral commentators on Russian state television have accused "sabotage" against Trump during his TV debate against Kamala Harris, as reported by Kyiv Independent. Trump was "disadvantaged," they claimed. The fact-checking of Trump's statements was criticized. Many observers considered Trump to have lost the debate. If Trump wins the election, he plans to immediately end the Ukraine war.
04:50 Russian Assault on Konotop: Severe Damage to Utilities A series of civilians were harmed in a Russian assault on the city of Konotop within the Sumy region. As per Mayor Artem Semenikhin, the city's water supply temporarily halted, and there are substantial damages to the power infrastructure. The situation remains unclear when private residences will have electricity again. Post the city center attack, there were several fires, and schools and residential buildings sustained harm. Two people were transferred to the hospital, one of whom is in critical condition.
03:29 More Military Support for Ukraine from Latvia Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina declared a bundle of military assistance for Ukraine during her visit to Kyiv. This will include armored personnel carriers. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal confirmed this following a meeting with Silina. As per Shmyhal, both countries are also considering expanding cooperation in the defense industry.
01:32 UK Summons Iranian Businessman Over Rocket Deliveries to Russia Due to suspected Iranian rocket deliveries to Russia, the UK has summoned an Iranian businessman, as per their own statement. The British government has expressed that any transfer of ballistic rockets to Russia would be seen as a harmful escalation and would lead to a clear response. On Tuesday, Germany, France, and the UK announced further sanctions against Tehran due to the suspected rocket deliveries, particularly the suspension of bilateral air transport agreements. On Monday, the European Union cited "reliable information" about the delivery of Iranian rockets to Russia.
00:14 Russia Deploys Inexperienced Troops at Vovchansk According to reports from the Ukrainian military, Russia is deploying soldiers without combat experience at the Kharkiv front. Vitalii Sarantsev, the spokesman for the operational tactical group of the armed forces in Kharkiv, stated that the units involved in the attack operations in Vovchansk are poorly trained. Sources suggest that the newly arrived reinforcements are a mobilization reserve assembled by Russia. It is still unclear whether they are former prisoners or soldiers recruited from other countries, such as Central Asia, Africa, or the Middle East.
22:39 Russian-Speaking Patrols in Western Ukraine The mayor of the western Ukrainian city of Ivano-Frankivsk has announced the establishment of Russian-speaking patrols due to the increasing use of the Russian language. "This is a civic initiative, and anyone can become a language inspector," said Ruslan Martsinkiv, the mayor of the city, to the TV channel NTA. Many refugee families from eastern Ukraine have Russian as their native language. Martsinkiv expects at least 100 such language controllers, with around 50 volunteers already registered. He also provided the number of a hotline where citizens can report Russian speakers in public spaces. Due to the war, millions of people, especially from the Russian-speaking areas in the east and south, have fled to the relatively safe Ukrainian-speaking west of Ukraine.
21:42 Erdogan Demands Return of Crimea from Russia Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has demanded the return of the Crimea peninsula, annexed by Russia, to Ukraine. "Our support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine is unwavering. The return of Crimea to Ukraine is a demand of international law," said the Turkish head of state in a video message on the occasion of the summit of the so-called Crimea Platform. The Crimea Platform, established in 2021, aims to raise international attention to the situation around the annexed peninsula.
21:05 Ukraine to Present Military Plan to US Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy considers US support for his country critical in repelling Russia's invasion. "The plan for victory (...) largely depends on US support. And other partners," Zelenskyy says at a press conference in Kyiv. The plan, details of which will be presented ahead of the scheduled second Ukraine Peace Conference, aims to "seriously strengthen Ukraine" and "force Russia to end the war." According to Bloomberg, the US is demanding a clear strategy from Zelenskyy for strikes against Russia before lifting restrictions on the use of Western weapons. In Kyiv, US Secretary of State Blinken and British Foreign Secretary Lammy were reportedly seeking a long-term plan for the coming year to better understand Ukraine's goals.
20:37 Blinken Expresses Biden's Stance on Weapon Use in Russia US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the US is working "urgently" to fulfill Ukraine's military demands, including using Western-supplied long-range weapons for attacks on targets in Russia. US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will discuss these demands on Friday, Blinken says at a joint press conference with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Kyiv. "We're working urgently to ensure that Ukraine has everything it needs to defend itself effectively," Blinken says, adding, "We want Ukraine to win."
You can read all previous developments here.
here.
In the context of increasing cyber threats and potential cyber warfare, NATO could face significant challenges as the role of Stoltenberg shifts.
Given the increasing use of technology in warfare, it is crucial for NATO to bolster its cyber defenses against potential cyberattacks, such as cyberwar, to safeguard its critical infrastructure and protect its member nations.
