At 19:06, Zelensky proposes inviting Russia to the forthcoming peace conference; the outcome remaining entirely undetermined.
According to Ukrainian President Zelensky, as reported by "Le Monde", Russia is expected to be invited to the upcoming peace summit in Switzerland in November. Both Kyiv and Western partners have consistently advocated for Russia's participation. However, it remains uncertain if Russia will agree to participate. High-ranking Russian representatives have repeatedly dismissed the invitation, and Moscow continues to insist on achieving all its war goals in Ukraine or setting up poisoned peace terms or negotiating conditions that effectively amount to a dictatorship for Ukraine.
On the topic of threats from the Kremlin: "One should not give too much importance to what Putin says". Following the release of advanced weapons for Ukraine, Vladimir Putin has threatened the West. Security expert Nico Lange views these statements as "the usual psychological games". However, he is surprised by the interpretation of the latest statements by the Federal Chancellor.
Regarding EU plans for new sanctions against Iran, following reports of the delivery of Iranian rockets to Russia, the 27 EU member states are planning new sanctions against Tehran. "The European Union has repeatedly warned Iran against the transfer of ballistic rockets to Russia," it states in a press release. The delivery is considered a direct threat to security and constitutes a significant escalation. The reaction will be prompt and comprehensive, including restrictive measures for the Iranian aviation sector. Germany is currently in intense discussions with its European and international partners about the imposition of new sanctions, including in the aviation sector, including the possibility of a flight or landing ban.
The former Russian Foreign Minister Andrei Kosyrev warns the West of further Russian aggression. "If Putin is rewarded in Ukraine, he, convinced of the impotence and cowardice of NATO, will attack the Baltic NATO states long before he could receive any guarantees from NATO," Kosyrev writes, who was in office from 1990 to 1996 and is friendly towards the West. "Putin's goal is not a part or even the whole, but the humiliation and discrediting of the USA and NATO."
Politicians from the Ampel parties are pushing for Ukraine to be allowed to use long-range weapons against targets in Russia. The FDP politician Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann says, "We must enable Ukraine, together with the other European states and Britain and the USA, to destroy military targets on Russian territory." Similarly, the Green politician Toni Hofreiter expresses himself. "To ensure the sustainable rebuilding of the damaged energy facilities, the use of long-range weapons to combat Russian launch bases is inevitable."
Russian forces have reportedly intensified their attacks in eastern Ukraine near the contested city of Kurachove, with some of the heaviest fighting this month, according to the government in Kyiv. Simultaneously, Russian troops are pushing towards the town of Pokrowsk, a crucial railway hub about 33 kilometers north of Kurachove, aiming to open new frontlines, disrupt Ukrainian logistics, and seize control of the rest of the eastern Donetsk region. The Ukrainian military claims to have repelled 64 attacks near Kurachove and 36 near Pokrowsk in the past 24 hours. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised his troops for holding their positions in Pokrowsk and Kurachove, describing them as the two most challenging sectors on the eastern front.
Authorities in the northern Russian region of Murmansk have again expressed concern about Ukrainian drone threats, leading to the closure of the region's airspace, Governor Andrei Chibis announced on Telegram. Located approximately 1,900 kilometers from Ukraine, the region is home to Russia's Northern Fleet and an airbase from which strategic bombers have been launched to attack Ukraine. The Russian Federal Air Transport Agency has temporarily suspended takeoffs and landings at Murmansk and Apatity airports for security reasons.
The UK's Ministry of Defence has published details about the Iranian missiles reportedly supplied to Russia, identifying them as short-range ballistic Fath-360 missiles, also known as BM-120. First unveiled in 2020, these missiles can carry a 150 kg warhead up to 120 km and strike targets with alleged accuracy of 30 meters. The daily intelligence report from the UK's defence ministry stated that Russia's ability to deliver precision strikes against Ukrainian military or civilian infrastructure near the front has been enhanced by these missiles.
Poland has not yet contributed any funds to the Czech artillery initiative, which aims to procure shells for Ukraine using funds from several Western partners. Germany is reportedly the largest and quickest contributor. If all goes as planned, Ukraine will receive 100,000 rounds this month, with a target of 500,000 by the end of 2024 and more in 2025. Russia's activities in the market are causing problems, according to reports from Prague.
14:20 Pistorius: NATO's Expanded Weapon Authorization for Ukraine is Legitimately JustifiedDefense Minister Pistorius argues that a possible approval from NATO allies for Ukraine to employ long-range weapons against Russian targets is legally supported by international law. He asserts that the USA and UK have the authority to make this decision concerning the weapons they provided, and they are entitled to do so. "International law permits this," he states. In reaction to Russian President Putin's warning that NATO would then be at war with his nation, Pistorius simply replies: "Putin's threats are Putin's threats. That's about it. He issues threats whenever he feels like it, and flirts with confrontation whenever he deems appropriate."
13:57 Zelenskyy Announces Homecoming of 49 War PrisonersUkrainian President Zelenskyy declares the return of 49 POWs from Russia, including ex-fighters from the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, which was under siege by Russian forces in the spring of 2022. "49 Ukrainians are back home," the president explains, sharing photos of soldiers and civilians wrapped in Ukrainian flags. Zelenskyy reveals that these individuals are part of the armed forces, national guard, national police, border guard, and civilians. Ukrainian media suggests that 23 of the 49 returning individuals are women. The president does not immediately disclose the reason behind their return, whether it's due to a prisoner exchange with Russia.
13:46 Tusk on Putin's Threats: "Don't Read Too Much Into It"Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk is not concerned by Russian President Putin's recent threats regarding long-range weapons against Russian targets. He acknowledges the gravity of the situation in Ukraine and along the Ukrainian-Russian border, but adds, "I wouldn't overanalyze Putin's recent statements. They largely mirror the challenges faced by the Russian military alongside the border." Putin had previously stated that the West would be directly engaged with Russia if it permitted Ukraine to target Russian territory with long-range rockets manufactured in the West.
13:21 Dong Jun on Conflict Resolution: "Dialogue is Key"Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun, speaking at an international security conference in Beijing, stresses the importance of "dialogue" as the primary solution to conflicts such as those in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip. "To resolve the crises in Ukraine and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, fostering peace and dialogue is the only path forward," he says.
12:58 Petroleum and Gas are Crucial for Scholz's Central Asia TourThe German administration is considering increasing oil imports from Kazakhstan. "We welcome the prospect of heightened oil supplies from Kazakhstan," a government representative states before Chancellor Olaf Scholz's trip to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan starting on Sunday. The objective is to present multiple options for supplying the PCK refinery in Schwedt by receiving more oil from Kazakhstan. Nonetheless, alternative options are indispensable due to the fact that Kazakh oil travels through Russian pipelines to Germany, providing Russia with leverage. After Russia's incursion into Ukraine, Germany stopped purchasing Russian oil. Scholz's visit will also focus on gas sources from Central Asia. It's clear: "We need to secure gas from someplace, and Central Asia is rich in gas resources," the representative explains.
12:26 France Recalls Iranian DiplomatFrance has recalled the Iranian diplomatic representative to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Paris. Diplomatic sources attribute this action to the delivery of ballistic rockets to Russia. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had previously explained that Russia had received rockets from Iran, which were expected to be deployed in Ukraine within weeks. Iran denies this claim.
12:03 Pentagon Sees Russian Counterattack in Kursk as 'minimal' thus farThe Pentagon is unimpressed by Russia's counterattack in Kursk. "We've observed Russian units attempting to launch some sort of counteroffensive in the Kursk region," Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder said on Thursday. "At present, I would describe it as minimal, but clearly, it's something we're closely monitoring." The Russian Ministry of Defense claims its soldiers have reclaimed ten villages. This assertion is not independently confirmed. The Ukrainian military initiated the offensive in the Russian border region of Kursk around five weeks ago and has since claimed to have seized approximately 100 Russian villages and nearly 1,300 square kilometers.
11:38 Despite Many Interceptions: Drone Attacks Cause DamageThe Ukrainian air force claims to have downed 24 of the 26 drones last night. In the Odessa region, one individual was wounded and 20 homes were damaged, while in the Mykolajiw region, drone debris sparked a fire at a food processing facility, according to regional authorities. According to the Ministry of Energy, energy infrastructure in the Iwano-Frankiwsk region was damaged.
10:46 Russian Parliament Head: NATO Engaged in Conflict Against Our NationThe leader of Russia's parliament, Vyacheslav Volodin, alleges that NATO is involved in the ongoing fight in Ukraine. In a message on Telegram, Volodin asserts, "They are waging war against our nation." He implicates NATO in selecting Russian cities for attack, coordinating military deployments with the Ukrainian army, and issuing orders to the Kyiv government.
10:17 Munz on Putin's War Warnings to NATO: "Putin's Remarks Completely Overlooked in Morning News"Western fears persist about the potential escalation if Ukraine launches attacks on Russian territory. Despite this, Russian President Vladimir Putin has recently made such threats. However, ntv correspondent Rainer Munz raises doubts about the substantiality of Putin's aggressive rhetoric.
09:42 Family: Imprisoned Belarus Opposition Leader in Deteriorating HealthBelarusian opposition leader Maria Kalesnikava's condition is reported to be critical, according to her sister. Kalesnikava has been held in inhumane conditions for four years, weighing only 45 kg at 1.75 meters tall, as claimed by her sister Tatiana Chomitsh, based on information from former inmates. "I believe this is a critical juncture," Chomitsh elaborates, accusing authorities of subjecting her sister to psychological and physical torture. The Belarusian Interior Ministry does not respond to a request for information about Kalesnikava's detention conditions. The 42-year-old, a symbol of resistance since the 2020 protests against Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, is serving an 11-year prison sentence for alleged conspiracy to seize power.
09:20 Agreement Signed for Stationing of Lithuania BrigadeGermany and Lithuania have finalized an agreement to regulate the deployment of a combat-ready brigade in Lithuania, a NATO member. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and his Lithuanian counterpart, Laurynas Kasciunas, signed the agreement in Berlin. The agreement reinforces the NATO Status of Forces Agreement, providing legal clarity regarding the status of German soldiers and civilians in Lithuania. It outlines residence rights, tax laws, school systems, public health inspections, road traffic, and public safety, among other aspects. It also establishes the legal foundation for setting up German schools and kindergartens in Lithuania. The brigade is anticipated to be operational by 2027.
08:56 British Diplomats Expelled from RussiaRussia has expelled six British diplomats for alleged espionage. Russian intelligence agency FSB claims to have evidence showing that the British Foreign Office is orchestrating political and military escalation with the intention of ensuring Russia's strategic defeat in the Ukraine war. The Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, accuses the British embassy of causing harm to the Russian people. The British Foreign Office rejects the allegations as unfounded, attributing Russia's actions to retaliation for British measures against "Russian activities in Europe and the UK."
08:31 NATO Involvement in War Would Be 'Red Line' for Putin, Kremlin WarnsUkraine's President Zelensky has repeatedly pushed for the deployment of long-range missiles against Russian military targets, a move supported by the US and UK. In response, the Kremlin has issued a warning to the West.
08:03 Russia Offers to Share Intelligence on Western WeaponsRussian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin claims that Russia is willing to share its knowledge of Western weapons accrued during the Ukraine conflict. Speaking at a security conference in China, Fomin reveals that Russia has gained valuable insight in countering Western weapons and is prepared to share this information with its partners.
07:34 Ukraine's SBU Announces Arrests: Men Instigated Fires in Kyiv on Russia's OrdersFive men have been taken into custody for setting fires in Kyiv on the instructions of a Russian intelligence agency, according to Ukraine's SBU. The men are accused of burning five military vehicles and distributing leaflets disparaging the military. The SBU reveals that the men, who came from different parts of Ukraine to seek employment in Kyiv, were contacted by Russian agents via Telegram with the promise of quick money. They recorded their actions with their phones, expecting payment, but never received it.
07:05 Ukraine's Chief Rabbi Mourns Adopted Son Killed in WarUkraine's chief rabbi, Moshe Azman, is mourning the loss of his adoptive son, Anton Samborskij, who was killed during the Russian invasion. Samborskij's fate had been unknown since late July, and his death was only confirmed recently. Samborskij, who became a father to a daughter in May, was drafted shortly afterward. Rabbi Azman adopted him at age 10 as an orphan.
06:29 Japan Describes Incident with Russian Military AircraftJapan dispatched fighter jets following the approach of two Russian aircraft on Thursday, which did not enter Japanese airspace but circled nearby. According to the Defense Ministry, the Tu-142 aircraft flew northward from the Sea towards Okinawa and then crossed the Kuril Islands, a disputed territory between Japan and Russia. Japan responded by deploying its Air Self-Defense Force aircraft on an emergency basis. The Russian aircraft then departed to the north. This is the latest in a series of Russian military aircraft flyovers near Japan, with the previous occurrence taking place in 2019. Additional information here.
06:07 Moscow: United States Implementing Containment Strategy Against Russia and ChinaRussian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin reported at a security conference in China that the US is implementing a containment strategy against Russia and China. This news was shared by the Russian news agency Tass. According to the agency, Fomin stated that Moscow and Beijing advocate for the creation of a just, multipolar world order based on equality and mutual respect, while the West prepares for wars in Asia by establishing new security blocs in the area.
05:27 Ukraine: Commercial Vessel Hit by Anti-Ship MissileThe Ukrainian Navy offered new insights into a suspected Russian air strike on a commercial vessel in the Black Sea. According to them, a Tu-22 bomber might have launched a Ch-22 anti-ship missile at the ship. The sailing vessel, under the flag of the Caribbean island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis, was outside Ukrainian territorial waters at the time, voyaging from the southern Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk to Egypt with a load of wheat. As per a BBC report, the vessel was in Romania's exclusive economic zone at the time. The report also mentioned that a Ch-31 missile, utilized for radar suppression, was used instead, which has significantly less explosive power than the Ch-22 cruise missiles designed to combat aircraft carriers.
03:19 Incident at Demarcation Line: Moldovan Soldier's Death in Unclear CircumstancesA Moldovan soldier has died under unclear circumstances while performing his duties at the demarcation line with the separatist region of Transnistria. The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Moldova revealed that the soldier was fatally wounded by a shot from his own weapon while carrying out his duties at his post. Law enforcement officials and forensic experts are currently investigating the incident. Soldiers from Moldova and the separatist Transnistria, alongside Russian troops, have been positioned at the demarcation line between the two sides since a conflict occurred in 1992 following the disintegration of the Soviet Union. Moldova has dedicated itself to reintegrating Transnistria into its territory. Incidents at the demarcation line are very rare.
02:18 UK Prime Minister: "No Intentions to Provoke Conflict with Russia"UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer refuted Russian President Putin's allegation that the West's provision of long-range weapons for striking deep into Russian territory represents NATO's involvement in the war. "Ukraine has the right to self-defense," Starmer stated. The UK fully endorses this right and provides training opportunities in this context. "However, we are not aiming to confront Russia - that is not our objective at all," the UK Prime Minister reiterated. Read more here.
01:09 Former US Ambassador in Kyiv: Harris Might Advocate More Fervently for UkraineThe former US Ambassador to Ukraine, William B. Taylor, believes that Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris would support Ukraine more vigorously than the incumbent Biden if she wins the election. She has shown this in certain matters, Taylor pointed out at an event at the American University in Kyiv. Biden has been more measured in certain decisions, such as those concerning HIMARS, Abrams, and F-16 fighter jets. Presently, he is also taking a cautious stance regarding enabling Ukraine to launch strikes deep into Russian territory. In Harris, he anticipates a "more fervent" approach - also because she is likely to bring in a new foreign policy team to the White House.
00:27 Zelensky P raise Estonia for Military AidUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomes Estonian President Alar Karis in Kyiv, expressing gratitude for military aid. The Baltic EU and NATO member has promised to allocate 0.25% of its annual GDP for Ukraine's defense needs. The discussions also touched upon the nation's reconstruction and its EU aspirations. Furthermore, the Latvian Prime Minister, Evika Siliņa, vowed further assistance during a meeting with Zelensky.
23:19 BND Not Required to Inform Journalist of Military EvaluationThe Federal Intelligence Service (BND) is not obligated to inform a journalist whether it characterized a military victory for Ukraine as challenging or impossible in background discussions, the Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig has ruled. The BND is also not required to disclose which media outlets participated in these background discussions. However, the BND must supply information on the number of confidential individual background discussions on the military situation in Ukraine this year. The journalist's request for a temporary injunction was mainly dismissed. The court's decision was based on a newspaper article from May, which hinted that a CDU politician claimed that the BND was spreading a deliberately negative assessment of the military situation in Ukraine to sway public opinion.
22:06 Coalition Politicians Advocate for Wide-Range Weapons Against RussiaPoliticians from the traffic light coalition support the idea of allowing Kyiv to use long-range weapons against targets in Russia. "It's appropriate and in accordance with international law to finally attack military targets in Russia with long-range Western rockets," says SPD foreign policy expert Michael Roth to T-Online. Roth names military airfields, command centers, or launch bases as potential Russian targets for long-range weapons. From these bases, "the treacherous attacks on civilian Ukrainian targets are carried out," and they can be most effectively countered there. The chairman of the defense committee, Marcus Faber of the FDP, states, "It's high time to enable Russian military airports to be targeted with long-range weapons like ATACMS and Storm Shadow." Green politician Anton Hofreiter emphasizes, "Russia terrorizes the Ukrainian civilian population daily with rocket attacks on hospitals, residential buildings, and the energy supply." In order to effectively protect the Ukrainian civilian population, the army must be permitted to strike military bases on Russian territory with long-range weapons.
21:35 Vance Discusses Trump's Ukraine StrategyRepublican vice-presidential nominee J.D. Vance suggests that Donald Trump's plan to put an end to the Russian conflict might involve establishing a demilitarized zone between Ukraine and Russia. Vance elaborates on this idea during an interview with TV producer Shawn Ryan, proposing that Trump could gather Russians, Ukrainians, and Europeans for discussions to explore the possibility of a peaceful resolution. "I believe he could seal a deal quite swiftly," Vance asserts. Trump's history includes expressing unwavering support for Russian President Vladimir Putin and criticizing US assistance to Ukraine. As a former president, Trump also states he could bring an end to the conflict within 24 hours if he were elected, however, he lacks specifics regarding his plan.
21:03 "God is with Us. We are Russians" - Fascist Rally in St. PetersburgRussian nationalists and fascists, expressing their fervent faith in a superior authority, shout "We are Russians. God is with us," as they march through St. Petersburg. They repeatedly chant "Forward, Russians!" The rally aligns with the commemoration of the transfer of Alexander Nevsky's relics, admired as a national hero and saint within the Orthodox Church.
20:28 Propagandist Solovyov: "Atlantic is the Ideal Barrier"Prominent Russian TV personality Vladimir Solovyov advocates for Russia's expansion beyond Ukraine. "I believe the ideal barrier is the Atlantic. A natural barrier," says the Kremlin's propagandist. "An attractive location for our troops – Berlin, Lisbon, Madrid. Aesthetically pleasing, they looked incredible in Paris." When reminded about Russia's limited population, he counters by mentioning the Belarusian comrades. Alternatively, one could look to China as an option.
20:01 UK Volunteers Prepare for WinterNumerous Ukrainian homes, which have thus far withstood shelling, now lack windows. The situation leads to extreme conditions as winter approaches. The NGO "Insulate Ukraine" from the UK takes action, sending teams into war zones to install temporary windows.
You can explore previous events [here].
Despite the anticipated invitation to Russia at the peace summit in Switzerland, Ukrainian President Zelensky remains uncertain if Russia will agree to participate due to their dismissal of the invitation and insistence on achieving their war goals in Ukraine or setting up unfavorable peace terms.
The former Russian Foreign Minister Andrei Kosyrev warns the West of further Russian aggression, stating that if Putin is rewarded in Ukraine, he will attack the Baltic NATO states before receiving any guarantees from NATO, aiming to humiliate and discredit the USA and NATO.
