At 19:30, Zelenskyy adorns soldiers engaged in combat in Kursk
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited troops in the border region of Sumy, involved in the offensive in the Russian region of Kursk. A video shows him joining the Commander-in-Chief of the Army, Oleksandr Syrsky, in an underground bunker, presenting awards to soldiers. Zelensky said, "In a prolonged war, it's not just about motivating your own personnel. It's crucial to motivate the worldwide audience and convince them that Ukrainians can overpower the adversary." He acknowledged the soldiers' efforts in Kursk as playing a significant role in motivating those supporting them with weapons. The offensive in Kursk has been ongoing for roughly two months, with Kyiv offering scant details recently. Meanwhile, in the eastern Ukraine region of Donetsk, Russian troops have made further advances. Russia frequently announces the capture of towns, with the Ukrainian army reportedly recently withdrawing from Wuhledar.
18:53 Incident with Baerbock Impacts Russian Journalist's Access
An incident at a press conference by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during the UN General Assembly in New York led to consequences for a reporter from Russian state television. The UN's accreditation department stated that the journalist's actions violated media access guidelines, resulting in a downgraded access status. The reporter now needs to go through a security checkpoint and is restricted within the UN headquarters. At the UN grounds, the journalist approached Baerbock while she was on her way to a media encounter. Baerbock requested that he join the other media representatives to ensure the press conference could begin. The Russian UN ambassador Nebensia called for the decision to be reversed, claiming that the reporter neither harassed Baerbock nor acted inappropriately.
18:11 Putin Open to Dialogue with Biden
The Kremlin has conveyed its readiness for a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Joe Biden. The state-run Russian news agency Tass reported that Biden had previously suggested it might be possible to converse with Putin on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Brazil next month, but he expressed doubts about Putin's attendance. Tass cited Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov as stating that there had been no dialogue between Moscow and Washington on this topic, and there were no preconditions for it at the moment. Peskov commented, "However, the president has continually expressed his openness to all communication." The question of whether Putin, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court, would attend each G20 summit has arisen since the beginning of the conflict. Brazilian President Lula had explained in late 2023 that it would be up to Brazilian justice to decide if Putin were to travel to the summit.
17:26 Crimea Resident Faces Lengthy Prison Term for 'Treason'A court in Sevastopol, Crimea, has sentenced a Crimean resident to 14 years in a strict labor camp for 'treason'. Allegedly, the 47-year-old provided details about the positions and equipment of the Russian army to the Ukrainian military, according to the prosecutor's office. Thousands have faced prison sentences, punishment, or threats under similar charges since the start of the war.
16:42 Doctor under Investigation for Disability FraudThe head of a medical commission in Ukraine is being investigated for earning millions through issuing false disability certificates to healthy men. Police raids at her home and workplace in Chmelnytskyi city seized over five million euros in cash. Another two million euros were discovered in overseas accounts. The 64-year-old accumulated numerous properties and luxury cars. Investigators found lists of men who had obtained fake illnesses. She faces up to 12 years in prison, according to media reports. Meanwhile, prosecutors in the eastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv implicated 13 doctors who allegedly issued disability certificates to over 400 men for around £2,200 each.
16:12 Ukraine Claims Drone Strike on Russian Oil DepotUkraine claims to have attacked an oil depot in the Russian region of Voronezh with drones. "The enemy's air defense was active but unsuccessful," according to Ukrainian SBU intelligence sources. The depot, containing 20 tanks, was struck during a nighttime drone attack, resulting in a large fire. The governor of Voronezh reported that a Ukrainian drone hit an empty tank at an oil depot, causing a small fire that was soon extinguished. However, Russian emergency services reported a fire covering 2,000 square meters in a warehouse in the Voronezh region.
16:00 Cherson Governor Reports Civilian CasualtyThe governor of the Cherson region reported a civilian fatality. A 75-year-old woman was killed when the Russian army attacked Cherson with a drone in the mid-afternoon.
15:49 Praise for Ukraine Contribution by Wagenknecht, Woidke, and Voigt's ColleaguesWhile the joint Ukraine policy proposal by Saxony's and Brandenburg's ministers, Michael Kretschmer and Dietmar Woidke, and Thuringia's CDU chair, Mario Voigt, has primarily faced criticism, praise arrives from BSW chairwoman Sahra Wagenknecht. She praised their "clever and differentiated contribution" in the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung". CDU foreign policy expert Johann Wadephul also echoes her sentiments, calling the proposal "responsible" as it adheres to the country's basic lines, acknowledging Russia's breach of international law, our firm EU and NATO anchorage, and seeking a solution within the UN Charter. With this guest article, Wadephul indicates that a "red line" has been drawn; crossing it would result in no cooperation with the BSW. He interprets the appeal as a "serious attempt to build a bridge for potential coalition negotiations while upholding principles." The joint effort by the three top politicians from the CDU and SPD is "a strong signal". Read more here.
15:30 Eastern Politicians' Ukraine Appeal Invites Criticism: "Values Selling for Cheap Power Retention"Enraged by the call by leading eastern politicians for increased diplomatic efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the CDU's Friedrich Merz shares his concern. "Ukraine is fighting for its very existence. In our own interest, we must continue to support it. Peace talks can only commence when both sides are ready," Merz conveyed to the "Süddeutsche Zeitung". Criticism also comes from Michael Roth, Foreign Affairs Committee chairman in the Bundestag. He suggests extreme caution if the letter from the three designated minister-presidents was meant as a softening tool for potential coalition negotiations with the BSW. The FDP's Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann tells the "Rheinische Post" that it appears "our country's liberal values are being sold for a bit of power retention and election campaigning on the cheap." The heads of Saxony and Brandenburg, Michael Kretschmer of the CDU and Dietmar Woidke of the SPD, and Thuringia's CDU chairman Mario Voigt penned a guest article in the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung" pleading for a ceasefire in Ukraine and urging the federal government to engage Russia in negotiations. Read more here.
15:05 Postmortem Uncovers Probable Cause of Death in "Spy Whale"Contrary to suspicions by animal welfare activists, postmortem examinations reveal that the beluga whale discovered in Norway, often referred to as the "spy whale," was likely not harmed by gunshots. The probable cause of death was a bacterial infection, possibly stemming from a wound in its mouth, as suggested by police investigations. Veterinarians at the Norwegian Veterinary Institute, alongside police forensic experts, confirmed the absence of gunshot wounds or projectiles on the marine mammal. It was first spotted in Norway in 2019, sporting a harness with a camera and a "Equipment of St. Petersburg" inscription, fostering speculation over its potential purpose. The whale passed away in a Norwegian fjord in late August 2024. Subsequent investigations by two animal welfare organizations suggested gunshot injuries, prompting complaints.
14:33 Renewed Drone Attacks: Kyiv Reports DamageUkraine Air Force reports that Russian drones targeted its critical infrastructure in the night, with 19 drones launched in total, 9 downed, and 7 disrupted by electronic interference. The fate of the remaining three is uncertain. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reports a damaged residential building and a swiftly extinguished fire. In the southern region of Kherson, multiple attacks hit critical infrastructure, supply facilities, and 35 private houses over the last day, resulting in one death and four injuries.
14:04 Kremlin Warns Kyiv: "Playing with Fire""Kyiv is playing with fire, and we will make sure to inform IAEA representatives about this," Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov informed Reuters. Referencing the International Atomic Energy Agency, Dmitri mentions the recent Ukrainian drone incident near the Kursk nuclear power plant and claims a fire some miles away. Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Heorhiy Tykhyi, previously denied Ukrainian involvement in the incident.
13:46 France Dispatches 12 Caesar Howitzers to UkraineFrench Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu, announcing through X platform, unveils a contract with KNDS for delivering 12 Caesar howitzers to Ukraine. The Caesars, shorthand for "Camion équipé d'un système d'artillerie," are self-propelled artillery systems that can hit targets up to 55 kilometers away. Lecornu highlights the importance of boosting defense industry production, which will support Ukraine. France has previously aided Ukraine with Caesar howitzers on various occasions.
13:11 Ukraine: Assault Taking Down FSB Headquarters in NovosibirskAn assault on the headquarters of the Russian domestic security agency FSB in Novosibirsk happened on October 3. A clip from the Ukrainian military intelligence division supposedly shows an individual igniting the blaze and getting swallowed by the flames themselves. Russian news sources confirm the blaze.
12:34 Russia: Worker at Nuclear Plant Killed by Bomb in CarA prominent figure at the Russian-controlled Ukrainian nuclear power plant Zaporizhzhia was killed in a car bomb explosion. The Ukrainian intelligence service published a clip displaying the vehicle explosion and declared that the "security chief" of the nuclear power plant, Andriy Korotky, was the fatality. Korotky was accused of being a "war criminal" who voluntarily collaborated with the Russian occupiers, per the intelligence service. He had denounced pro-Ukrainian employees at the nuclear plant. The pro-Russian leadership of the nuclear power plant acknowledged Korotky's death and referred to it as a "terroristic attack orchestrated by Kyiv." The nuclear power plant director, Yuri Chernichuk, described it as a "rash" attack that "needs to be punished." According to the Russian Investigative Committee, an explosive device was planted beneath Korotky's car at his residence, which detonated as he departed.
12:02 Munz: Putin Intends to Show 'The War is Worth It'Following the capture of the Vuhledar city in eastern Ukraine, the Russian military will amplify pressure in the region, according to Rainer Münz. Münz, a Russia expert, also explains why Putin is increasingly appointing war veterans to official roles.
11:29 Ukraine: Over 177 Ukrainian Prisoners of War Perish in Russian CaptivitySince the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, at least 177 Ukrainian POWs have lost their lives in Russian captivity, asserts Victoria Tsymbaliuk of the Ukrainian POW coordination center of the "Kyiv Independent." Tsymbaliuk speculates that the actual number of deaths in Russian custody may be significantly higher due to a lack of international supervision. "Missing bodies aren't always recovered, and many aren't even identified as being in captivity by Russia," she says. Reports of Ukrainian prisoners being tortured or killed in Russian custody have emerged. In September, the Prosecutor General's Office launched criminal probes into the executions of 84 Ukrainian POWs.
11:00 Ukraine: Russians Assault Kirowohrad Region with DronesRussian forces bombarded the Kirowohrad region in central Ukraine with drones, reported the head of the regional military administration, Andriy Raykovych, on his Telegram channel. According to him, an office building of an enterprise in Holovaniwsk was harmed in the drone assault, injuring one person.
10:27 Insurer UNIQA Finally Leaves RussiaThe Austrian insurer UNIQA has completed the sale of its Russian subsidiary to the Russian firm Renaissance Life. The purchase price was undisclosed. UNIQA had announced over a year ago that it intended to sell its joint insurance subsidiary with the Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) to the Russian life insurer Renaissance Life. "With the completion of the transaction, we have finally withdrawn from the Russian market," says UNIQA board member Wolfgang Kindl.
09:55 Severe Fires Rage in Two Russian Fuel Depots
Fires have erupted in two Russian fuel depots overnight. In the Voronezh region (see entry 05:10), Governor Alexander Gusev blamed a Ukrainian drone strike for the fire. He posted on Telegram that fragments of an intercepted combat drone landed in the depot and ignited an empty tank. Videos of the supposed drone strike circulated on social media, but the extent of the fire couldn't be determined from them. In a Russian village near Perm in the Ural Mountains, a fuel reservoir covering approximately 10,000 square meters is ablaze. The Russian emergency services reported this. Though they didn't attribute the fire to a drone strike, Ukrainian drones are capable of such long-distance flights. The village is approximately 1700 kilometers removed from Ukraine. Read more here.
09:30 Julia Navalnaya Views Talks with Putin as Wasteful
Julia Navalnaya views negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin as futile. "There's no need to discuss with him (...). We must fight him so that one day justice will prevail," said the widow of Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny, residing in exile, before the French Constitutional Council in Paris. "The West doesn't comprehend that Putin doesn't wait for someone to approach him for talks. (...) That's entirely irrelevant to him," she added. She emphasized that it's critically important "not to give up and not to be afraid of this regime." She was placed on a list of "terrorists and extremists" in Russia in July. Shortly before that, a Russian court issued an arrest warrant against her for "participation in an extremist organization." She was added to the wanted list because she had avoided preliminary investigations.
The Ukrainian Military Headquarters has recently disclosed new casualty figures for Russian forces in Ukraine. As per the report, Russia has reportedly lost approximately 657,940 soldiers since February 24, 2022, with a daily average of 1,230 deaths. The report originating from Kyiv also states that 15 tanks, 59 artillery systems, and 101 drones have been destroyed in the conflict. Since the mass invasion began, Russia has supposedly lost a total of 8,908 tanks, 18,965 artillery systems, 368 aircraft, 328 helicopters, 16,494 drones, 28 ships, and one submarine, according to Ukraine. Western estimates put forth lower loss figures, yet these figures are still considered as minimum counts.
08:09 Ukraine Witnesses 82 Russian Attacks on Sumy Region
Russian forces have allegedly attacked the Sumy region in northern Ukraine 82 times within the past 24 hours, as per the regional military administration on Telegram. The attacks left eight individuals injured. The Russian military is believed to have utilized mortars, artillery, rocket launchers, guided bombs, and drones in these attacks. The military administration claims that over ten communities within Sumy have been impacted by these attacks, including Mykolajiw, Chotyn, Junakiwka, Myropillja, Bilopillja, Richkiwka, Krasnopillja, Velyka Pysarivka, Nova Sloboda, Hluchiw, Shalyhyne, Esman, and Seredyna-Buda. The Sumy region shares borders with Russian regions of Bryansk, Kursk, and Belgorod.
07:33 Ukraine Opens First Recruitment Center in Poland
The Ukrainian military has officially established a recruitment office in Poland, as per the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense. The "Ukrainian Legion" office in the Polish city of Lublin is the first overseas recruitment center for the Ukrainian military. The agreement to train a "Ukrainian Legion" in Poland was previously sealed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in July. Since the Russian invasion, Poland has provided shelter to nearly one million individuals from Ukraine. Estimates suggest that around 300,000 individuals of fighting age from Ukraine are presently residing in Poland. Polish Defense Minister Waldemar Kosiniak-Kamysz stated to the portal "Wirtualna Polska" that Poland is not accountable for the recruitment of Ukrainian volunteers but only for their military training. "The number of Ukrainians who have expressed their interest is insufficient," said Kosiniak-Kamysz. As per the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, roughly 200 applications have currently been received.
06:52 ISW: Russian Forces Exhausted for Eastern Ukraine Offensive
Based on the latest report from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), the Russian military does not possess the necessary personnel and resources to maintain consistent offensive efforts indefinitely. The Russian summer offensive had been meticulously planned and prepared by Russian military leadership for several months in advance. However, the reserves and resources amassed for this purpose may have been significantly depleted due to the prolonged battles of the past months, according to ISW. As previously assessed by Ukrainian officials and ISW, the current Russian offensive in eastern Ukraine is anticipated to reach its peak within the coming months, if not weeks.
06:12 Zelenskyy: "Front Line Must Be Reinforced"
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commends the recent visit of the new NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to Kyiv, stating that the visit is "significant." Zelenskyy emphasizes the importance of implementing all agreements with Ukraine's partners concerning supporting the defense of his country. He highlights the necessity of reinforcing the front line in particular. He also calls for permission from partners to employ long-range weapons against Russian military targets situated on Russian territory. "Everyone in the alliance is aware of the need," says Zelenskyy. In addition, he advocates for permission to utilize air defense systems against military targets.
05:35 Ukraine Highlights Weaponry Exposition to Attract Foreign Investors
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense is actively seeking foreign investment for its defense industry. An exclusive weapons exposition was organized at an undisclosed location in Ukraine for potential international investors, according to the agency Ukrinform. Deputy Minister Dmytro Klimenkov showcased a range of Ukrainian weapons, including an anti-tank missile system, a self-propelled artillery system, unmanned kamikaze vehicles, and mine-clearing vehicles. "We have distinctive developments that have been extensively tested in combat and fine-tuned to a particular standard by our developers," he said. According to Ukrinform, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has already invested $4 billion (€3.6 billion) in the defense industry and hopes to attract more investments from international partners.
02:51 Strengthening Defenses in Ukraine's EastGeneral Oleksandr Syrskyi, head of the Ukrainian military, has ordered reinforcements for defensive installations in the eastern Donetsk region. Russian forces are pushing forward in multiple sectors across eastern Ukraine. Syrskyi shared on social media that he's collaborating with the 25th Sicheslav Airborne Brigade at "a major frontline area."
22:22 Tourism Struggles in Baltics due to ConflictThe ongoing Russo-Ukrainian conflict is affecting tourism in Latvia, as mentioned in the Latvian newspaper "Diena." Local hospitality businesses and the statistical bureau worry about the decline in Russian tourists and the potential danger from future attacks. Residents of various nations view the Baltics as a risky region due to its proximity to ongoing military conflicts.
21:40 Switzerland Commits 1.5 Billion Euros for Ukraine ReconstructionSwitzerland intends to contribute 1.5 billion Swiss francs (approximately €1.54 billion) towards reconstruction projects in Ukraine over the next four years, as reported by Swiss Ambassador to Ukraine and Moldova, Felix Baumann. The majority of the funds will go towards Ukrainian self-governance, mine clearance, and humanitarian aid efforts. The remaining sum will be utilized for reconstruction projects in collaboration with the Swiss private sector, as per the Ukrainian Ministry of Communities and Territories Development. "Our representative in Ukraine will engage in implementing this project," Baumann added during a meeting with Minister Oleksiy Kuleba. Kuleba highlighted the construction of apartments for Ukraine's internally displaced persons as a priority for cooperation with Switzerland.
20:39 Ukraine Receives Patriot Air Defense System from RomaniaThe Patriot air defense system has been handed over to Ukraine by Romania, confirmed the Romanian Ministry of Defense spokesperson Constantin Spinu to Radio Free Europe. "I express gratitude to every nation aiding us in air defense. I'm especially thankful to Romania for the Patriot systems. Together, we can enhance effectiveness, potentially ending Russian brutality by destroying Shahed drones and missiles together," President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had previously stated. After initial hesitation, Romania decided to gift one of its Patriots in June. The delivery order was issued last month.
19:57 Forbes: Gazprom Suffers Worst Financial Loss in 25 YearsRussia's state-owned company Gazprom reported a net loss of 5.5 billion euros for 2023, marking its first financial loss in 25 years, according to Forbes. The Amur Gas and Chemical Complex, a joint venture between Russia's Sibur Holding and China's Sinopec, ranks second on the Russian Forbes list of the least profitable companies. Other companies ranked among the five least profitable Russian firms include Ozon (408 million euro net loss), United Aircraft Corporation (326 million euro net loss), and social network VK (326 million euro net loss).
- The Ukrainian conflict has significantly impacted the international community's view of the situation in Kursk, as recognized by President Zelensky.
- The ongoing offensive in Kursk, a key component of the Ukrainian conflict, has been instrumental in rallying support for Ukraine's military efforts.
