At 20:36, the Mayor announces 41 casualties following a Russian assault on Kharkiv.
19:03 Starmer and Meloni to Discuss Ukraine Using Extended Range British Missiles on Russian Soil
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni are scheduled to discuss a plan on Monday that would allow Ukraine to utilize extended range Storm Shadow cruise missiles, provided by Britain, on Russian soil. The news was shared by U.S. news portal Bloomberg, citing sources with knowledge of the matter. Starmer's visit to Rome comes just after his meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden in Washington. So far, Biden has shown reluctance towards such a move due to concerns about escalating the war. According to the report, British officials will discuss this plan with their French and German counterparts in the coming days.
19:49 Zelensky Expresses Concern Over Lack of Weapons, Blames U.S. Congress
Ukraine does not have sufficient weapons to equip its troops fully, according to President Zelensky. "We require weapons to equip 14 brigades, but with the weapons provided so far, we can only equip four," Zelensky stated in an interview with a U.S. journalist, parts of which were published on Telegram and Ukrainian media. He attributed this shortage to slow deliveries, especially during the period when U.S. weapons shipments were blocked in Congress in Washington for several months at the beginning of the year. "We've depleted all our reserves, both in depots and in reserve units," Zelensky explained. "We've handed out all the weapons we had." Now, he emphasized, these reserve units need to be re-equipped. Zelensky has repeatedly pointed out that promised military aid from allies often arrives late, making it difficult to defend heavily contested regions in eastern Ukraine.
20:11 Zelensky to Discuss Victory Plan
President Zelensky of Ukraine plans to present a victory plan in Washington. In a conversation with renowned U.S. journalist Fareed Zakaria, Zelensky announced that he would soon present a victory plan in Washington. "I have prepared several points, four of which are fundamental," he said. These points concern security, the geopolitical status of Ukraine, military support, and economic support for Ukraine. The implementation of these points, Zelensky emphasized, depends solely on U.S. President Joe Biden, not Russian President Vladimir Putin. A specific date for Zelensky's visit to Washington has not been set but is expected around the UN General Assembly at the end of September.
17:54 Casualties in Russian Attack on Kharkiv Continue to Rise
The number of casualties in a Russian attack on Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, has kept rising. According to the mayor, at least 41 people have been injured. The number had been revised upwards several times earlier (see entries at 17:54 and 5:25 AM). A Russian guided bomb hit a ten-story residential building in Kharkiv on Sunday afternoon, Mayor Ihor Terechow reported. A fire broke out and engulfed four floors. Twelve other buildings were also damaged.
17:54 Authorities Report More Casualties in Russian Strike on Apartment Building in Kharkiv
In a Russian airstrike on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, numerous civilians have been injured, according to official reports. "A residential high-rise has been damaged," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on his Telegram channel. Mayor Ihor Terechow speaks of 35 injured, including several children. Initially, 28 injuries were reported (see entry from 5:25 AM). Rescue teams were still at work in the afternoon to extinguish the fire that broke out between the ninth and twelfth floors after the bomb impact. They are also searching the rubble for more victims.
Kharkiv, which had a population of over a million before the invasion ordered by Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin, was one of the most shelled cities in Ukraine. Russian troops have attacked Kharkiv with artillery and rockets, and most recently with guided bombs, which are released from planes while still over Russian territory.
16:56 Ukrainian Air Force reportedly Destroys Russian Barracks in Kursk Attack
The Ukrainian Air Force is said to have damaged a barracks used by the Russian military in the western Russian region of Kursk. The attack was announced by the Khorne group, which is close to the military in Kyiv, along with a video that appears to have been recorded by a drone. The exact location of the building was not disclosed, and there were no initial reports of casualties. The attack is said to be in response to the Russian attack on a military school in Poltava. "Send us more conscripts and paratroopers, we'll take care of you," the message reads. There has been no reaction from the Russian side. The Ukrainian account cannot be independently verified at this time. The Russian attack on a building in Poltava, which reportedly housed a communications school, resulted in 53 deaths and 298 injuries.
16:08 " Imperial Bully ": British Foreign Secretary Brushes Off Putin's Threats as " Empty Rhetoric"Amidst discussions about relaxing restrictions on Ukraine's usage of Western weapons against Russian targets, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy has brushed aside the warnings from Russian President Vladimir Putin. "There's a lot of noise. That's his style. He threatens with tanks, he threatens with missiles, he threatens with nuclear weapons," Lammy told BBC. In spite of Putin's threats, "we must not be swayed from our path," Lammy asserted, labeling the Russian president as an "imperial bully". When questioned if Putin is lying when he threatens nuclear war, Lammy stated, "What Putin is doing is attempting to fool us. It's all just bluster."
15:25 At Least 28 Injured in Kharkiv by Guided BombA guided bomb strike has injured at least 28 individuals, including three children, in a skyscraper in Kharkiv, eastern Ukraine. "The impact caused a fire in a residential skyscraper," explains Governor Oleh Syniehubov via Telegram. Local infrastructure was also damaged (refer to entries from 09:46 and 07:03).
14:55 Moscow Threatens Washington Over Sanctions Against Russian State Broadcaster RTMoscow heavily criticizes US sanctions against the state-owned Russian TV channel RT and threatens retaliation. "The actions of the US government won't go unanswered," says Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, as per the agency's official website. Experts view this as a warning to American journalists still based in Russia. In March 2023, Russia arrested US reporter Evan Gershkovich on charges of spying. The Wall Street Journal correspondent was in custody for 16 months before being released in a prisoner exchange. Both Gershkovich and the newspaper have consistently denied the allegations. Zakharova accuses the US of censorship and an attack on press freedom. In her words, "The US has started a fresh wave of restrictions against Russian media and journalists" with its actions against RT. The US government had earlier levied serious accusations against RT, accusing the media group of interfering with foreign nations' sovereign affairs.
14:28 Iran's President to Attend BRICS Summit in RussiaIran is deepening its ties with Russia and will participate in the BRICS summit. President Massoud Peschian will travel to Kazan on the Volga, according to Russian media reports citing the Iranian ambassador to Moscow, Kasem Jalali. Jalali also announced a bilateral meeting with Russian President Putin during the summit from October 22 to 24. A comprehensive cooperation agreement is in the works. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has accused the Islamic Republic of supplying Russia with missiles for use in Ukraine. Tehran denies this.
13:55 New Foreign Minister in Kyiv Warns: Don't Give In to Putin's ThreatsThe Foreign Minister in Kyiv, Andriy Sybiha, advises Ukraine's allies not to yield to threats from Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin. He aims to diminish support for Ukraine. "Instead, the allies should bolster it," Sybiha writes on X. "Putin's threats aren't effective." The Kremlin chief has often warned of unforeseeable consequences, but has never followed through, Sybiha points out. This was the case when the West started supplying weapons to Ukraine at the outset of the war, when Finland and Sweden joined NATO, and when Ukraine received its first F-16 fighter jets.
13:30 " German Stubbornness Regarded Negatively"The debate over the delivery of German Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine is reigniting, but Chancellor Scholz has once again made it clear that he will not approve the weapon. This is not well-received in Ukraine, as reported by ntv correspondent Kavita Sharma.
13:03 Governor: Couple Killed in Rocket Attack Near OdessaIn a Russian rocket attack on suburbs of the city of Odessa, at least two people were killed, according to Ukrainian reports. The deceased couple from Saturday evening was confirmed by the region's governor. Another individual was injured. Preliminary findings suggest that an illicit cluster munition-laden warhead was used. The Ukrainian air forces report that two rockets hit the suburbs.
12:28 Ukraine: Pontoon Bridge and Command Center DestroyedThe Ukrainian military claims to have destroyed a pontoon bridge built by the Russians. The general staff of the army does not specify which body of water it was located on. In total, they say they struck six enemy concentration areas from the air or with artillery the previous day. Besides the pontoon bridge, an artillery system was also destroyed. Another hit was reported on a command and control center.
11:25 Ischinger Suggests Relaxing Arms Restrictions for UkraineWolfgang Ischinger, ex-head of the Munich Security Conference, proposes a significant relaxation in the regulations governing Ukraine's use of Western weapons. "It would be simpler and more straightforward if we just declared: We pledge to use the weapon systems we supply to Ukraine exclusively within the parameters compatible with international law," Ischinger stated to "Suddeutsche Zeitung". This would imply that they couldn't bomb hospitals, a practice that Russian forces are reportedly employing frequently. Only military objectives, such as airports or launch sites, could be targeted - even ones situated in Russian territory, such as to prevent strikes using glide bombs.
10:53 Prisoner Swap Intensifies After Kursk OffensiveThe increased prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia in recent times have likely been prompted by Ukraine's offensive in Kursk, according to observers. This offensive commenced on August 6. Since then, there have been three such exchanges, resulting in the release of 267 prisoners from each side. In contrast, only three exchanges took place between January 1 and August 6, releasing about 400 Ukrainians and 400 Russians combined. Ukrainian officials claim that the incursion into Kursk has strengthened their negotiating position with Russia in the exchange of prisoners, following the Kremlin's repeated rejection of Ukrainian attempts to negotiate an exchange.
09:46 Ukraine Reports Drone and Missile AttacksUkrainian air force reports that Russia launched 14 drone attacks overnight, ten of which were neutralized by air defense. They also intercepted one guided missile. It was also reported that Russia fired two ballistic missiles. However, the air force did not provide information on the fate of these missiles or if there were any casualties or damages resulting from the attacks. Authorities in the Kharkiv region also reported fires due to Russian shelling and damage to several buildings in the city of Kharkiv.
09:10 Controversy Surrounding Expansion of Face Recognition Payment System in Russian SubwaysThe expansion of a face recognition payment system in Russian subways is sparking concerns among human rights activists. The system, known as "Face Pay", has been in use in Moscow for three years and is now being introduced in six more cities, including Kazan, where passengers can now register for the system. To make a payment, passengers look into a camera-equipped device at the turnstile. Plans are also underway to offer this method in all Russian subways next year. However, lawyer Andrei Fedorkov, who works with the banned Russian human rights organization Memorial to support political prisoners, warns of "significant" risks. He believes the system could become "another powerful tool for surveillance and control of citizens."
08:02 Russian Defense Forces Down 29 Drones Over Multiple RegionsRussia's air defense reportedly shot down 29 drones overnight over several regions, according to the defense ministry in Moscow. The drones were launched from Ukraine, with most of them intercepted over the Bryansk region, which borders Ukraine.
07:31 Stegner Defends Participation in Anti-Weapons ProtestSPD foreign policy expert Ralf Stegner defends his intentions to participate in a demonstration where Sahra Wagenknecht, co-founder of the Left Party, will also speak. Stegner claims that he isn't collaborating with anyone and will present his views as a social democrat. He acknowledges that other speakers share views he doesn't agree with, and some calls promote content he disapproves of. "As long as fascists, anti-Semites, and racists are excluded, I support freedom of speech." The "national demonstration for peace" on October 3 in Berlin was called by an initiative called "Never Again War – Lay Down Your Arms." The initiative calls for negotiations to immediately end the wars in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip and for no weapons to be supplied to Ukraine, Israel, or elsewhere. The initiative also criticizes the SPD-led federal government for its "unprecedented" armament. Criticism of the demonstration came, for example, from SPD foreign policy spokesman Michael Roth: "That Russia and Hamas are not branded as warmongers in any way is a disgrace." FDP MEP Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann wrote about Stegner's planned participation: "This is really how you harm your party and government."
07:03 Kharkiv under Attack AgainKharkiv is under attack again, according to Ukrainian authorities. The city's governor reports that a building on a hospital campus has been damaged, and a fire broke out at an educational institution following a rocket launcher strike. No injuries have been reported. Kharkiv, one of the most frequently targeted cities, is only 30 kilometers from Russia.
06:29 Ukrainian Counteroffensive in Kursk Appears to Deploy Russian TroopsThe Ukrainian counteroffensive in Kursk appears to be tying up Russian personnel, according to the Institute for the Study of War. The offensive has forced the Russian military to redeploy units from Ukraine to the Kursk region and deploy newly formed troops from Russia to Kursk instead of the front in Ukraine. Initially, there were 11,000 Russian soldiers stationed in the Kursk region, but Ukrainian military estimates now range from 30,000 to 45,000 soldiers.
Ukraine has started manufacturing 155-mm artillery shells, as stated by a government official in an article published by "Kyiv Independent." Oleksandr Kamyshin, who previously served as Minister of Strategic Industries and is now an advisor to President Volodymyr Zelensky, declared that defense output has doubled under his leadership and will triple by year's end.
03:04 Biden's Aide: President to Prioritize Ukraine Till Term's End
United States President Joe Biden plans to focus on strengthening Ukraine's position in its conflict with Russia for the remainder of his term, according to his national security advisor, Jake Sullivan. During a speech at the Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference in Kyiv, Sullivan explained that Biden aims to leave Ukraine in the strongest possible position to succeed over the next four months.
01:43 Report: Previous UK Politicians Urge Long-Range Missiles for Ukraine
Five former British defense secretaries and former Prime Minister Boris Johnson are said to have encouraged Labour leader Keir Starmer to allow Ukraine to utilize long-range missiles on Russian territory without the support of the United States. The Sunday Times reported that these ex-politicians warned the current prime minister about the potential for further delay emboldening President Putin.
00:52 Intelligence Chief: North Korea is Russia's "primary" Threat to UkraineFrom among Russia's allies, North Korea poses the primary threat to Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian intelligence chief. "Of all these allies of Russia, North Korea is our main issue," said Kyrylo Budanov at the Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference in Kyiv. North Korea's military aid to Russia, including large amounts of ammunition, has "significantly escalated the combat," he said when responding to a question regarding support from Russia's allies such as Iran and China. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced intentions to strengthen ties with Russia following talks with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu on Friday. Kyiv is tracking Pyongyang's weapons shipments to Moscow and are aware of their impact on the battlefield. "There's a direct connection. They're supplying massive quantities of artillery, which is concerning," Budanov added. Find out more here.
23:21 Ukraine: Russia to Face Recruitment Issues from Mid-2025Russia may experience recruitment difficulties beginning mid-2025, according to Ukraine. In the summer of 2025, the Russian government will likely be forced to make a choice, says Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov at a Kyiv conference - either declare mobilization or reduce the intensity of hostilities. This could be crucial for Russia. Moscow has yet to comment.
22:20 Scholz: Russian Attack on Ukraine is "foolish"German Chancellor Olaf Scholz accuses Russian President Vladimir Putin of wagering away Russia's future by attacking Ukraine. "The conflict is also foolish from Russia's standpoint," he says during a citizens' dialogue in Prenzlau, as an SPD member of the German parliament. For his imperialist aspirations, Putin is dispatching hundreds of thousands of Russian soldiers to injuries and fatalities, and damaging Russia's economic relationships with numerous countries worldwide. "And Ukraine will have a stronger army than it had before," Scholz adds. Germany will continue to provide military support to Ukraine to prevent the invaded nation from collapsing and to prevent a flagrant breach of rules in Europe from succeeding. "Putin is damaging Russia's future." A peaceful solution can only be achieved if Russia acknowledges that Ukraine is not a vassal state.
22:01 Fluctuating Victories Reported in Battles for KurskUkrainian forces are expanding their territorial control in their push towards the western Russian region of Kursk, but are also losing ground to Russian counter-attacks. According to the pro-government Ukrainian military channel Deep State, Ukrainian units have seized control of three more settlements. However, Russian counter-attacks are reportedly pushing Ukrainian troops back around the village of Snagost. A Deep State map shows a significant breach in Ukrainian defensive lines. These findings have yet to be confirmed independently. Earlier in August, Ukrainian troops advanced into the Russian border region of Kursk, claiming to have taken over around 1,300 square kilometers and approximately 100 settlements, including the town of Sudcha. Experts suggest more modest territorial gains. This week, the Russian military made its first serious attempt to expel Ukrainian troops.
21:41 USA: Delays in Ukraine Aid Due to "logistical" ConstraintsDelays in U.S. military aid to Ukraine are due to "logistical issues," according to U.S. officials. "This is not a question of political will," says Jake Sullivan, national security advisor to the White House, during the Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference in Kyiv. "This is a question of complex and intricate logistics to deliver this material to the front," Sullivan explains. Despite the difficulties, the U.S. must "do more and be better" for Ukraine, Sullivan acknowledges. U.S. President Joe Biden is "determined" to use his remaining time in office to "put Ukraine in the best possible position to succeed," he says. Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet at the UN General Assembly in New York later this month, Sullivan announces.
20:57 Scholz: Plans to Prosecute Nord Stream Pipeline Saboteurs in GermanyGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz views the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines as a "terrorist action." He intends to bring the culprits to justice in Germany. "All security authorities and the federal prosecutor general should conduct their investigations without bias," Scholz says during a conversation with citizens in Prenzlau, Brandenburg. "We won't cover anything up. If we can apprehend them, we'll prosecute the offenders in Germany," he adds. Scholz also denies accusations that the German government has given up on Russian natural gas. He claims it was Russia that turned off the gas tap through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline. The subsequent price surge, price caps, and search for alternative gas sources have cost Germany "over 100 billion euros." The pipeline explosions only took place after Russia had already stopped supplying Western Europe through the Baltic Sea. In August, the federal prosecutor's office issued the first arrest warrant against a Ukrainian citizen in relation to the sabotage incident.
20:24 G7 Criticizes Iranian Rocket Transfers to RussiaReports of Iranian rocket transfers to Russia have prompted the G7's powerful democracies to strongly condemn this action. Despite numerous international calls to halt these transfers, Iran continues to supply Russia with weapons, escalating Iran's military support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as stated in a joint statement by Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US, along with the EU's High Representative. Russia uses Iranian weapons to kill Ukrainian civilians and target critical infrastructure. Recently, the UK and US reported that Russia had received ballistic missiles from Iran. The Iranian government refutes these claims. "Iran must immediately halt all support for Russia's illegal and unjustified war against Ukraine and cease the supply of ballistic missiles, drones, and related technology that pose a direct threat to the Ukrainian people and international security," the statement released by Italy's G7 presidency states. "We remain resolute in holding Iran accountable for its unacceptable support for Russia's illegal war in Ukraine, which further compromises global security." Germany, France, and the UK have already imposed new sanctions on Iran, and the EU is also considering harsher penalties. Read more here.
19:41 Putin Champions Press Freedom, Despite ContradictionsDespite having imprisoned his critics, Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasizes the importance of press freedom and information. "Protecting the principles of information reliability is crucial during the intricate process of multipolarity development," Putin says in a video message to participants of the media summit of the Brics countries in Moscow, celebrating TASS news agency's 120th anniversary. "True freedom of speech, expressing various opinions, encourages the pursuit of compromises and common solutions for world problems," Putin continues. Media plays a significant role in establishing a fair world order, providing people with "an unbiased and truthful view of the world." However, press freedom and media don't exist in Russia's authoritarian regime. Independent media have been banned and closed down, and opposition figures are persecuted by the justice system. TASS, the Russian news agency, has existed since 1904, under various names and titles. Today, it is the largest news agency in the country and serves as the government's mouthpiece.
19:20 Scholz Stands Firm on Taurus Cruise Missile Delivery BanChancellor Olaf Scholz has ruled out delivering long-range precision weapons to Ukraine in the future, even if alliance partners make different decisions. During a dialogue with citizens in Prenzlau, Brandenburg, he reaffirmed his stance on not providing Taurus cruise missiles, capable of reaching Moscow from Ukraine (approximately 500 kilometers), due to the risk of "major escalation." "I said no to that. And that also applies to other weapons with long-range capabilities if we had provided them," Scholz said. "That remains the case. (.) Even if other countries make different decisions" (see also entry from 17:24). The farthest-reaching weapon Germany has supplied to Ukraine is the Mars II rocket launcher, capable of hitting targets 84 kilometers away.
You can review previous developments [here].
The plan discussed by Starmer and Meloni could potentially escalate the situation further, given that it involves allowing Ukraine to use extended range missiles on Russian soil in response to the attack on Ukraine.
Ukraine has expressed concern over the lack of weapons provided by its allies, particularly the U.S., which has slowed down the delivery process and left Ukraine lacking in resources to fully equip its troops.
