At 18:22, a Russian drone fatally strikes a judge from Ukraine's Supreme Court.
17:28 Ukraine: Russia Plans Offensive Operations in Saporischschja Region
As per Ukrainian sources, Russian forces are planning offensive operations in the southern region of Saporischschja. The spokesperson for the Ukrainian Armed Forces' Southern Command, Vladislav Voloshyn, reported on national television that Moscow is amassing troops near the occupied village of Pryjutne. Furthermore, Voloshyn stated that the Russian troops in the area have received 25 light buggies, which could potentially be used by small infantry groups for assaults. "This suggests we're gearing up for offensive actions towards Saporischschja in the near future," he said. However, Voloshyn mentioned that a larger-scale offensive would require additional forces.
16:36 Kyiv Reports Death of Russian Drone Center Chief in Moscow
The Ukrainian military intelligence service, HUR, announced the death of Russian Colonel Alexei Kolomeitsev in the city of Kolomna, in the Moscow region. Kolomeitsev served as the head of the 924th State Center (Military Unit No. 20924) for unmanned aerial vehicles of the Russian Ministry of Defense. This unit is responsible for the training of specialists for the combat use of drones, including the Shahed drones. HUR emphasized that Kolomeitsev was involved in war crimes against Ukraine.
15:50 Baltic States and Poland Seek EU Funding for Border Security
The NATO member states of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland are considering requesting financial support from the EU to construct bunkers, barriers, and military camps on their borders with Russia and Belarus. "The necessity for a [Baltic] defense line arises from the security situation," said Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur. Additionally, this supports the new NATO defense concept. "It is crucial to coordinate our activities with Poland," he noted. In January, the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania announced the project of a "Baltic Defense Line." In May, Poland announced a similar project called the "Eastern Shield."
15:12 Russia Prepares to Sue over Nord Stream Sabotage
Russia is preparing to take legal action over the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines, according to a representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry. Russia has filed "pre-trial claims" against Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Switzerland, based on international agreements to combat terrorism. "If the issue is not resolved in this phase, Russia intends to bring the case to court and appeal to the International Court of Justice," the representative said. The West will "not escape accountability," they added.
14:26 NATO Chief: Kursk Offensive Puts Putin in a DilemmaThe Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Robert Bauer, believes that the Ukrainian offensive in the Russian region of Kursk puts Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin in a strategic predicament. "For the first time since 1941, a foreign power is operating on Russian soil," says Bauer in an interview with the news agency Interfax Ukraine. "This is a strategic challenge for Russia. And it also presents Russia with operational challenges, as the logistics lines run through Kursk." On a strategic level, Kyiv is creating a "strategic dilemma" for Moscow. "If Putin claims to be defending the motherland, he is not successful because Ukraine is now on Russian soil."
13:44 Ukraine: Death Toll Rises to Ten in Sumy After Double Drone StrikeThe death toll from a double drone strike by enemy forces in Sumy has risen to ten, according to Ukrainian reports. The number of injured is currently eleven. 113 patients were evacuated from the attacked hospital. Earlier today, a Russian attack killed one person and damaged the roof of several floors of a clinic. The evacuation of patients and staff began. Rescue services and police arrived at the scene to help. However, Russia launched another attack from the air. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy reacted on TV when the death toll was eight.
12:56 Blinken: USA Evaluating Zelenskyy's Winning StrategyUS Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US government is reviewing the Ukrainian "victory strategy" presented by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to US President Joe Biden during their meeting at the White House. Among other things, Zelenskyy again requested Biden's permission to use Western weapons for long-range attacks on Russian military targets. Blinken now said, according to a report by Voice of America, that the government and Ukraine's partners are currently examining the details of this strategy and will consider "additional measures" if necessary to help the Ukrainians achieve victory. The Secretary of State represents a harder line policy in the Ukraine war in the White House, which is not reflected in the President's actions.
12:25 London: Over 2000 Attacks on Healthcare Facilities in Ukraine Since War BeganThe British Ministry of Defense has recorded 2013 attacks on Ukrainian healthcare facilities since Russia's invasion of its neighbor began in February 2022. Staff were targeted 235 times. Just last July, the Russian army shelled a children's hospital in Kyiv. Moscow's attacks on the healthcare system have resulted in 176 casualties, the ministry said.
11:48 Ukraine Reports Three Dead After Attack on Police HeadquartersThe death toll from a Russian attack on the police headquarters in the Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih has risen to three, the Ukrainian Interior Ministry said. One police officer is still believed to be trapped under the debris, and the search for survivors continues. The rocket attack on Kryvyi Rih is the second attack on the Ukrainian police in two days.
10:58 Military Analysis: Russian Counteroffensive in Kursk AdvancingAccording to Australian military analyst Mick Ryan, the Russian counteroffensive in Kursk is making progress. In August, Ukrainian forces crossed into the Russian region of Kursk and took control of territory. After an initial surprise, the Russians are now counteracting. They're regaining ground, albeit at a slower pace, as per Ryan. A potential Ukrainian incursion to the west of the Russian counteroffensive might have jeopardized Russian flank security and isolated hundreds of Russian troops, Ryan suggests, citing data from the U.S. Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
10:30 Ukrainian Air Defense: 69 Drone Attacks DefeatedThe Ukrainian Air Defense reports that the Russian military deployed 73 combat drones and 4 missiles against Ukraine overnight on Saturday. Ukraine was successful in intercepting 69 drones and 2 missiles. The death toll from a Russian drone strike on a hospital in the Sumy Oblast has risen to 7.
09:52 Interaction Balance: Zelenskyy Interrupts Trump's CriticismAfter a five-year hiatus, conversations between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have resumed. Trump had recently criticized U.S. aid to Ukraine.
09:39 ISW Insight: Few Long-Range Attacks Could Turn War TideExperts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) indicate that a few successful long-range attacks by Ukraine could significantly shift the direction of the war. "Russian authorities seem to be making significant efforts to sway Western debates regarding Ukraine's right to conduct long-range attacks on Russian military facilities using Western weapons," the ISW analysis suggests, expressing concerns that such attacks could exert substantial operational pressure on the Russian offensive. The U.S. remains unyielding in its refusal to permit Ukraine to launch long-range attacks on Russian territory.
09:18 Ukrainian General Staff: Over 1400 Russian Casualties in 24 HoursAs per the Ukrainian General Staff, Russian forces have suffered another 1470 casualties, including deaths and injuries, in the previous 24 hours, pushing the total to 650,640 since the onset of the full-scale invasion nearly three years ago. The Russians also lost 42 armored combat vehicles, 14 tanks, 62 drones, and 55 artillery systems during this period.
08:57 Ukrainian Reports: Russians Attack Clinic, Six KilledRussian forces reportedly attacked a hospital in Sumy, resulting in the death of six individuals, as per Ukrainian reports. The military administration of the Sumy Oblast confirmed these fatalities. The attack was executed using Shahed drones, and further drone attacks followed on a residential area and the hospital itself, while rescue personnel were evacuating patients and staff. The air force also reported Russian drops of guided bombs on the Sumy Oblast.
08:21 Warnings from Goldschmidt on Baltic Sea Dangers from Russian OilFollowing accusations by Greenpeace about Russian oil exports via the Baltic Sea, Schleswig-Holstein's Environment Minister Tobias Goldschmidt raises concerns about potential hazards to the Baltic coastline from Russian tankers. "The Russian regime flouts the oil embargo imposed following the Russian attack on Ukraine," said the Green politician. This conflict endangers already sick seas. Several Western nations accuse Russia of utilizing substandard ships to evade EU sanctions stemming from the war. "The risk of an oil spill is growing," Goldschmidt cautions. "And most of the oil would likely end up on our shores, from Fehmarn to Eckernförde."
07:52 Ukrainian Troops Endure Heavy Assaults in PokrovskUkrainian and Russian forces remain engaged in intense combat in eastern Ukraine. Pokrovsk and its surroundings were once again the center of the conflict yesterday, with Russian troops targeting the area for months. The General Staff in Kyiv reported 19 Russian assaults on Ukrainian defensive lines being repelled during the day. "The Ukrainian defenders are holding strong," it stated. The Russian troops attempt to approach the city from various directions and safeguard their advance against Ukrainian counterattacks. Heavy fighting continued in the Kurachove region as well. According to Ukrainian reports, 17 Russian assaults were repelled during the day. The reports on the fighting cannot be independently confirmed.
07:41 Zelenskyy Favors US Visit OutcomeDespite not receiving authorization for extensive use of Western weapons during his U.S. visit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky views his visit positively. "Every discussion went as planned," he said in a video address on the X platform. Zelensky presented Ukraine's peace plan in the United States. "Now our teams need to work on implementing each step and every decision," he added. During his visit, Zelensky met with U.S. President Joe Biden and his deputy Kamala Harris, Democratic presidential candidate, to advocate for continued support for Ukraine's defense against Russia. He also spoke with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in New York. Trump reiterated that if he wins the election, the war will end swiftly.
06:56 Qatar in Talks for Return of Abducted Children from WarStarting from recent rescues, around 9 children who were saved from Russia's conflict are part of the thousands reportedly abducted, as per Ukrainian reports. (Refer to the 02:18 entry) Many have lost either one or both parents in the war, and have been handed over to their grandparents, revealed Dmytro Lubinez, Ukraine's Human Rights Ombudsman. Authorities in Qatar are currently negotiating for the return of more children. They have a list of 751 children, with the necessary paperwork completed, Lubinez explained. As per Ukrainian authorities, about 20,000 children have unlawfully been taken to Russia since the war started, with only a few hundred having returned home as of now.
06:27 Blinken Criticizes China for Aiding Russian Arms IndustryUS Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi the American concern over China's support for Russia's arms industry. "If China claims to want peace and an end to the conflict, but at the same time allows its companies to aid Russia in its aggression, it doesn't make sense," Blinken stated at a press conference. Wang claimed that China's stance on the Ukraine war has consistently emphasized the need for peace through dialogue, as per the Chinese Foreign Ministry's announcement.
05:31 Ukrainian Forces Kill Two Russian Soldiers on Jet Ski using DroneUkrainian forces seem to have killed two Russian soldiers on a jet ski using a drone, according to pro-Ukrainian source Defense Express. The incident occurred on the Dnipro River, as a video shared by activist Serhiy Sternenko shows a drone, equipped with an explosive device, striking the jet ski.
04:10 Mediazona Reports over 71,000 Russian Soldiers Killed in UkraineRussian independent news portal Mediazona reports that over 71,000 Russian soldiers have been killed in Ukraine since mid-September. Nearly 2,000 more soldiers have died in the war more recently. Mediazona points out that the actual numbers are likely higher, as their verified data comes from sources such as obituaries, online posts by relatives, regional media reports, and local authorities' notifications.
02:18 Nine Children Return Home from Russia after DeportationNine children who were deported to Russia during the war have returned to their native land. They returned to Ukraine with Qatar's assistance as a mediator on Friday, according to Dmitro Lubinez, the country's Ombudsman. He shared on Telegram that the children range from ages 13 to 17, and a 20-year-old man was also included. The return was part of an action plan and was facilitated by the Gulf state of Qatar. The information could not be independently confirmed at first. The children were separated from their parents or guardians by the occupiers and hail from places like Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, or Luhansk, Lubinez added further.
00:31 Lukashenko Warns of World War III if Belarus is AttackedThe leader of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, accuses NATO of planning to attack his country and threatens to use nuclear weapons. "An attack on Belarus will start World War III," the Belarusian leader declared, as reported by the state news agency Belta, at an event with students in Minsk. Both Belarus and its ally Russia will utilize nuclear weapons if such an attack occurs, Lukashenko stated. Lukashenko also expressed his gratitude to Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin for the recent changes in Russia's nuclear doctrine. Lukashenko alleges in his speech that NATO has specific plans to attack Belarus. "The Americans and Poles are already lining up along the border, especially on the Polish side. We know that the Polish leadership is already rubbing its hands," he declared. Belarus, however, is not a nuclear power by itself, but tactical nuclear weapons have been stationed on its territory since the end of 2023 due to Russia.
23:10 Former US Commander and Others Urge Biden to Take Strong Actions Against RussiaA group of former military officials and experts have penned an open letter to US President Joe Biden, urging firm measures to bring an end to the war in favor of Ukraine and address possible threats from China. Among them are former commander of US forces in Europe, Ben Hodges, and former NATO deputy commander, German Army Lieutenant General Gert-Johannes Hagemann. They recommend steps against Russia and China, including lifting restrictions on the use of Western weapons to hit military and logistical targets on Russian territory. They also demand the supply of 300 Abrams tanks and 1000 armored vehicles to Ukraine, as well as a comprehensive arms and technology embargo against Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, Belarus, and Azerbaijan. Furthermore, they propose expanding NATO beyond transatlantic borders to include Japan, Australia, South Korea, the Philippines, and any other democratic nation that expresses a desire to join.
22:15 Russian Intelligence Investigates International Journalists for Kursk CoverageRussia's domestic intelligence agency FSB is researching three more international journalists over their reporting from Ukrainian-occupied territories in the Russian border region of Kursk. Australian ABC News journalists Kathryn Diss and Fletcher Yeung, and Romanian journalist Mircea Barbu are accused of crossing the Russian border illegally, according to the Russian news agency RIA Novosti. The journalists face up to five years in prison, but none of them appear to be currently in Russia. Several international media outlets, including German broadcaster Deutsche Welle, US news network CNN, and Italian broadcaster Rai, have reported from Ukrainian-occupied areas in Kursk.
21:35 White House Dismisses GOP Allegations against Zelensky as 'Political Theater'The White House has brushed off claims from Republican politicians that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky illegally interfered in US elections by visiting a weapon manufacturing facility. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre labeled the allegation as a "political stunt" and urged Republicans to "drop it". The Ukrainian delegation had requested the visit, which was coordinated by the Department of Defense. Zelensky's tour of the facility in Pennsylvania, where critical 155mm artillery shells for Ukraine were being produced, was also attended by several Democrats, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. After the visit, Republican legislators launched an investigation and the House Speaker demanded that Zelensky dismiss the Ukrainian ambassador to the US in a letter.
21:09 Global Powers Frown upon Russian Nuclear ThreatChina, Brazil, and other nations caution against the use or missile threats of nuclear weapons against Ukraine. "We implore the abandonment of any utilization or threats involving weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons," a joint statement states. Twelve nations express their "grave worries" over the potential for "escalation" in Ukraine: "Civilian infrastructure, such as peaceful nuclear facilities and other energy installations, should not be targeted in military operations." The appeal was made following threats from Russian President Vladimir Putin this week. He mentioned that Russia could employ nuclear weapons if faced with severe airstrikes on its territory and might deem any attack supported by a nuclear nation as a "shared" hostility. Zelensky had also accused Russia of planning to attack Ukrainian nuclear reactors.
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The President of the Council may need to address the escalating tensions in the Saporischschja region, as Russian forces are planning offensive operations in the area after amassing troops and receiving new equipment.
Given the international implications of the situation, the President of the Council could also engage in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation and prevent conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
