At 22:01, differing results emerged in the ongoing struggle for Kursk.
Ukrainian troops make new ground in Kursk region, encountering Russian resistance Ukrainian forces have gained control over additional territories in their advance towards the Russian region of Kursk, but have suffered casualties due to retaliatory attacks by Russian forces. As reported by the pro-government Ukrainian military channel Deep State, three more settlements have been captured by Ukrainian units. However, intense counterattacks by Russian forces have forced Ukrainian troops to retreat from around the village of Snagost. A significant breach in Ukrainian defensive lines is evident on a map published by Deep State. Although these reports remain unverified at this time, they indicate that Ukrainian forces have expanded their control in the region up to 1,300 square kilometers and about 100 settlements, including the town of Sudcha, since early August. This week marked the initial successful push by Russian forces aiming to dislodge Ukrainian troops.
21:41 USA: Delays in Ukraine aid due to logistical challenges There have been delays in providing military aid to Ukraine by the United States, as stated by US officials. According to National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, who was speaking in Kyiv, these delays are a consequence of complex and challenging logistical issues. He clarified that the difficulties do not stem from a lack of political will but rather from the complications involved in delivering the necessary material to the frontline. Despite the substantial obstacles faced by Ukraine, Sullivan stressed the importance of providing more support and making additional efforts. US President Joe Biden has announced his intention to utilize his remaining time in office to empower Ukraine as much as possible, with the ultimate goal of helping Ukraine emerge victorious. Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are scheduled to meet at the end of September during the UN General Assembly in New York.
20:57 Scholz: German authorities to investigate Nord Stream pipeline sabotage Chancellor Olaf Scholz has labeled the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipeline as an act of terrorism and has vowed to bring those responsible to justice in German courts. Scholz made the statement during a citizens' dialogue in Brandenburg's Prenzlau, asserting that all relevant security agencies and the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office have received clear instructions to investigate the incident without any exceptions. The entire operation will be conducted in full transparency, with nothing being concealed. Scholz intends to bring the individuals behind the attack to trial, should they be apprehended. He also dismissed the allegation that the German government has abandoned Russian natural gas, stating that Russia was the one to halt supplies through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline. The resulting price surge, capped prices, and pursuit of alternative gas sources have cost Germany more than 100 billion euros. The pipeline sabotage incidents occurred after Russia had already ceased supplying Western Europe via the Baltic Sea. In August, the first arrest warrant was issued against a Ukrainian citizen over the pipeline sabotage.
20:24 G7 condemns Iran's military support for Russia The aggressive actions of Iran providing offensive weapons to Russia have prompted strong condemnation from major democracies, such as the G7. The international community has repeatedly urged Iran to halt weapons exports to Russia, exacerbating the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Foreign ministers from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, the United States, and the EU, as well as the EU's high representative, have issued a joint statement denouncing Iran's continued military support for Russia's illegal and unjustified war against Ukraine. The G7 nations insist that Iran must halt all weapon deliveries to Russia immediately, bringing an end to the supply of ballistic missiles, drones, and related technology that poses an immediate threat to the safety of the Ukrainian people and global and regional security. They will uphold accountability for Iran's unacceptable involvement in Russia's illegal war in Ukraine.
19:41 Kremlin leader Putin supports open discourse and information Amidst controversy, Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized the importance of freedom of speech and the dissemination of reliable information. During a video message to participants of the Brics countries media summit in Moscow, Putin expressed that during this period of evolving multi-polarity, it is imperative to protect the principles of truthful information. He suggested that the unhindered expression of various perspectives and viewpoints encourages the search for compromises and joint solutions to global challenges. Putin added that media plays an essential role in shaping a fair world order by offering people a realistic and unbiased portrayal of the world. However, the promotion of free speech and a free press is not tolerated in Russia's authoritarian system. Independent media outlets are banned and suppressed, and critics and dissidents are persecuted by the legal system. TASS, the state news agency, was established in 1904 and serves as the de facto government mouthpiece.
19:20 Scholz Stands Firm on No Delivery of Long-range MissilesChancellor Olaf Scholz has maintained his stance against providing Ukraine with long-range precision weapons in the future, even if other alliance partners make different decisions. At a citizens' dialogue in Prenzlau, he reiterated his opposition to supplying Taurus cruise missiles, which can reach Moscow (approximately 500 kilometers away), due to the substantial risk of escalation this would entail. "I've already said no to that, and the same applies to other weapons with similar ranges," Scholz stated. He emphasized that this position remains unchanged, irrespective of other nations' decisions. Germany's longest-range weapon supplied to Ukraine is the Mars II rocket launcher, capable of reaching targets 84 kilometers away.
18:29 Stoltenberg Regrets NATO's Inability to Prevent Russian Invasion of UkraineNATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has acknowledged in an interview with the "FAZ" that NATO could have averted the Russian invasion of Ukraine by providing more military aid to Ukraine earlier. "Now we're supplying weapons for a war; then, we could have supplied weapons to prevent the war," Stoltenberg remarked. He labeled the start of the conflict as the worst incident during his ten-year term as Secretary-General. Stoltenberg will step down from his post on October 1, to be succeeded by the former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.
17:50 Scholz Seeks Clarity on PCK Refinery's Ownership by Year's EndChancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his hope that the future ownership structure of the PCK refinery in Schwedt would be resolved by the year's end. At a citizens' dialogue in Prenzlau, he revealed that Rosneft, the Russian co-owner, had been informed that its stake must be sold. Scholz also mentioned that the government was aware of ongoing "plausible" negotiations with a potential Qatari investor. He added that Kazakhstan was now delivering oil to Schwedt via a Russian pipeline, replacing Russian oil. In mid-September, the government had extended the trusteeship of Rosneft's shares for an additional six months to facilitate further negotiations. Expropriating the Russian stake is regarded as a legally complex alternative.
17:24 Scholz Rules Out Use of Long-range Weapons Against Targets in Russia's DepthsChancellor Olaf Scholz has made it clear that Ukraine will not be authorized to use weapons supplied by Germany with extended ranges to strike targets deep within Russia. "I will adhere to this policy, even if other nations decide differently," Scholz remarked at a citizens' dialogue in Prenzlau. He emphasized that he would not approve such actions due to potential consequences.
16:57 Hofreiter Warns of Further "Tens of Thousands" of Ukrainian RefugeesIn anticipation of expanded border controls, the chairman of the Bundestag's European Affairs Committee, Anton Hofreiter, has called for a cooperative approach with Poland. Hofreiter warned that Germany must continue its unwavering support for Ukraine to prevent a large-scale influx of refugees from the conflict. "If we fail to uphold our commitment to Ukraine, we should expect tens of thousands of refugees from Russia's aggression in Ukraine in the coming years," Hofreiter said. He advocated for a collaborative European migration policy, cautioning against independent border controls by each nation, which he fears could disrupt the EU.
16:32 British Intel Reports Ukrainian-inflicted Damage on Kursk Region BridgesThe British intelligence service has provided images of bridges destroyed by the Ukrainian military in the Kursk region. According to the British Ministry of Defense, the Ukrainian forces have disrupted Russian logistics by targeting roads and pontoon bridges over the Seim River. The images, captured in mid- and late August, show the aftermath of the Ukrainian offensive in the Kursk region, which started on August 6.
16:05 Casualties in Ukrainian Attack on Belgorod RegionAt least five individuals were injured in a Ukrainian attack on the southern Russian region of Belgorod, as reported by regional authorities. A series of explosions on a stretch of road connecting Belgorod and Shebekino left four people wounded and damaged several vehicles. Additionally, a woman was injured in a nearby village when a drone hit a private residence. The reports are unconfirmed at this time. Russian forces frequently target civilian areas in neighboring Ukraine, with a particular focus on the Ukrainian metropolis of Kharkiv, located approximately 30 kilometers from the border. Ukrainian artillery and drones often attack areas along the Belgorod region's southern border. In the summer, Russia launched an offensive against Kharkiv with the stated objective of establishing a buffer zone. Despite the Russian attacks penetrating several kilometers into Ukrainian territory, they have thus far remained situated several kilometers away from the border.
15:44 Exclusive Access: Transformed Medical Carriage Attends to Wounded Ukrainians Due to the damage inflicted on numerous Ukrainian medical facilities, medical personnel are working tirelessly around the clock. In order to expedite the treatment of the injured, a special train is also being utilized. Permission was granted for a CNN team to inspect this train.
15:26 Famous Hollywood Actor Michael Douglas Meets Children in Kyiv American actor Michael Douglas paid a visit to the "Iron Land" children's area situated at Kyiv Central Station on a Friday. Ukrainian Railways announced this on their Facebook page. Reports state that during his visit, the Hollywood star conversed with passengers who were passing through the station. Previously, he had interacted with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife Olena, along with his son Dylan, in his capacity as a UN ambassador.
14:49 Kyiv Requests Authorization for Missile Attacks: "Biden's Decision Remains Unchanged" Retired Colonel Ralph Thiele anticipates that the topic of Ukrainian long-range strikes against Russia will rekindle the debate concerning Taurus missile deliveries. The military expert believes that the United States will persist in their stance.
13:58 President Zelensky Confirms the Release of Another 103 Prisoners of War Ukraine has confirmed a prisoner exchange with Russia. A total of 103 individuals, including soldiers and personnel from the National Guard, border guard, and police, have been returned from Russian captivity to Ukraine, as per a statement made by President Zelensky. These individuals have defended various regions, including Kyiv, Donetsk, Luhansk, Saporischschja, Kharkiv, as well as the city of Mariupol and the Azovstal plant.
13:38 United States Sells Advanced Fighter Jets to Romania The US government has authorized a billion-dollar sale of 32 state-of-the-art F-35 fighter jets to Romania, a NATO ally and neighbor of Ukraine. US Ambassador to Bucharest, Kathleen Kavalec, explained the decision: "Romania is a crucial ally in the NATO alliance, dedicated to maintaining security and stability in the Black Sea region and beyond." By procuring these stealth multi-purpose combat aircraft from Lockheed Martin, Romania is set to obtain "unprecedented air defense capabilities." The first delivery is scheduled for 2031. The estimated value of the deal ranges from $6.8 billion to $7.2 billion.
13:02 Russia Declares Swap of Over 200 Prisoners of War with Ukraine Russia and Ukraine have exchanged over 200 prisoners of war, according to Russian reports. Each side released 103 individuals, the Russian Defense Ministry reported via a Telegram message. These released Russian soldiers are currently receiving psychological and medical support in Belarus. There has been no response yet from the Ukrainian side regarding the Russian statements on the exchange. On Friday, Ukrainian President Zelensky announced the return of 49 prisoners of war from Russia. It is unclear if these individuals were included in the exchange announced by Russia.
12:50 Russia Claims Capture of Another Village in Eastern Ukraine In eastern Ukraine, Russian forces have reportedly seized possession of another village. The Russian Defense Ministry announced: "The village of Yelannoe Pervoe (Yelanne Perche in Ukrainian) has been freed." The tiny village lies within the vicinity of the strategic city of Pokrovsk, threatened by the Russian advance. Russian army progress in the Donetsk region has been rapid in recent weeks. Putin, once more, reaffirmed that the primary objective of the Russian army is the conquest of the industrially vital Donbass region, comprising Donetsk.
12:21 Medvedev Threatens Total Destruction of Kyiv Former Russian president Dmitri Medvedev threatened the complete annihilation of Ukrainian capital Kyiv. Russia has grounds under international law to deploy nuclear weapons in response to Ukraine's advance into the Russian region of Kursk, although it has so far refrained from doing so. In retaliation for Ukraine's use of long-range Western rockets, Russia could potentially transform Kyiv into "a gigantic molten pit" by utilizing new non-nuclear Russian weapon technologies. Medvedev frequently resorts to sharp language against the West and Ukraine as a deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council.
11:50 Intense Fighting in Kurakhove, Ukraine Intense combat in eastern Ukraine is currently at its highest level around the city of Kurakhove. The decision to employ European long-range weapons is generating frustration among the people. ntv reporter Kavita Sharma reports from Dnipro.
11:12 Drone Attacks Inflict Damage in Odessa's Black Sea Region Details regarding the significant drone attack that occurred the previous night are gradually emerging: Per the Ukrainian air force, a total of 76 combat drones were launched by Russia. Of these, 72 drones were downed. The Ukrainian air force is not publishing information regarding the assault's consequences. The governor of Odessa's Black Sea region has reported notable damage. Buildings in the outskirts of regional capital Odessa have been damaged due to drone debris. Warehouse buildings in the Ismajil district, through which Ukraine ships a portion of its grain, were also impacted. In Kyiv, drone debris parts fell, according to authorities. A municipal company was hit, but no fire broke out.
10:31 Stoltenberg on meeting before war start: Russians showed falsified NATO mapsIn an interview, ex-NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg talks about the final diplomatic attempts prior to the war in February 2022, aiming to deter Russia from invading Ukraine. The last NATO-Russia Council meeting, chaired by Stoltenberg, took place in January. The Russians demanded NATO to withdraw its troops from the eastern part of the alliance, which they found unacceptable. However, they advocated for dialogue. Therefore, they met again with the Russians. During the meeting, the Russian deputy foreign and defense ministers claimed no war plans and claimed their country was threatened by Ukraine. They displayed maps to demonstrate Russia being surrounded by NATO. Unfortunately, these maps were misleading. For instance, Denmark was not represented as NATO territory. This was astonishing! Stoltenberg is unsure whether this was due to poor preparation or intentional. Looking back, Stoltenberg feels NATO and its allies could have done more to fortify Ukraine militarily earlier. If Ukraine had been stronger militarily, the Russian attack threshold would have been higher. However, whether it would have been sufficient is uncertain.
10:03 Wiegold on Agreement: "Lithuania views German combat brigade as aid"Germany and Lithuania sign a government agreement, guaranteeing a deployable German brigade will be stationed in the Baltic NATO state. Thomas Wiegold, a military expert, explains the context and significance of the agreement in an interview with ntv.
09:28 Kim favors Russian CooperationAccording to state media, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has supposedly committed to increasing cooperation with Russia. Following talks with Russian Security Council chief Sergei Shoigu in North Korea, North Korean media reported extensive discussions on "deepening the strategic dialogue between the two countries and strengthening cooperation to protect mutual security interests", as well as the regional and international situation. Ukraine, the US, and South Korea accuse North Korea of providing Russia with weapons and missiles for the Ukraine war. Pyongyang dismisses these accusations as "preposterous."
08:59 Far-reaching weapons for Ukraine? Starmer and Biden to meet again at UN General AssemblyThere will soon be a discussion over whether Ukraine can use advanced Western weapons against Russian targets. British Prime Minister Starmer announced this following a meeting with US President Biden, during which a decision on the issue was postponed. Biden and Starmer will discuss this matter at the UN General Assembly in New York next week "with a larger group of people", Starmer said. British media report that Biden, who is concerned about a nuclear conflict, is prepared to allow Ukraine to use British and French rockets containing US technology - but not US-made rockets.
08:23 Zelensky on Trump's alleged plan: "Campaign messages are campaign messages"US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed he could end the Ukraine war in a day, without offering a plan. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is asked how he interprets this statement in a CNN interview. "I can't understand it today because I don't know the details of his plan," Zelensky responds in the interview airing this Sunday. He believes there's an election campaign in the US. "And campaign messages are campaign messages," he continues. "Sometimes they're not very realistic." Zelensky also mentions that he spoke with Trump two months ago. During this call, Trump assured support for Ukraine, according to Zelensky. It was a good conversation.
07:27 ISW: Russia needs more troops in Kursk to repel UkrainiansRussia continues its counterattacks in the Kursk region, but the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has yet to recognize a large-scale operation to drive out Ukrainians from Kursk completely. The ISW, based in Washington, states that Russia has primarily relied on poorly trained and equipped conscripts, along with small parts of the regular Russian armed forces and other security forces in the border region. In an assessment, the think tank explains: "A Russian counteroffensive to retake the territory captured by Ukrainian forces in the Kursk Oblast will likely require more personnel and material than Russia has already concentrated in this area - especially if most of the units currently deployed lack combat experience."
06:49 Ukraine Attacked with Drone StrikesAs per the Ukrainian military, Russia has bombarded Ukraine with Shahed drone attacks throughout the night. Russian forces have launched multiple drone groups, according to the Ukrainian air force. Air raid alerts were sounded in almost all regions of the country, including the Odessa region. The navy reports shooting down nine drones there. Explosions were reported in Odessa, but there have been no reported casualties as of now.
SPD faction leader Rolf Mützenich is advocating for an international coalition to spark peace negotiations in the Ukraine conflict. In his opinion, it's now time for Western allies to establish a collaboration group to initiate a peace process, as he conveyed to 'Rheinische Post'. Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy both agree that this is an opportune moment to amplify efforts towards peace talks, with Russia being included in the subsequent peace summit. Regarding potential members of this group, Mützenich suggests countries like China, India, Turkey, and Brazil stepping up to the plate. "There's a growing belief in these countries that the Russian assault can become a burden," which could potentially make the contact group's mission promising, providing an essential mediating role.
05:41 Insiders: EU Debates New Strategy for Renewing Sanctions
EU diplomats claim that the commission is considering three diverse methods for expanding sanctions against Russia in the near future. These options were presented to European diplomats last Friday, several informants claim. The frozen funds of the Russian central bank serve as a vital part in allocating a 50 billion dollar credit from G7 nations to Ukraine. These assets have been frozen since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
03:40 Klitschko: Debris from Drones Hits Kyiv Structures
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported via the Telegram messaging app that drone debris struck a city building in the Ukrainian capital. The debris fell on a municipal building in the northern Obolon district of the city center early this morning. Klitschko noted that emergency services were en route to the scene. Earlier, the mayor reported that air defense units were active in the capital.
01:35 Kim Jong Un Seeks Tighter Collaboration with Shoigu
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has expressed interest in more collaborations with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu. According to the state news agency KCNA, the two men discussed their shared objectives during Shoigu's visit to Pyongyang, leading to a mutually satisfactory resolution on issues such as heightened cooperation to safeguard mutual security interests. Shoigu, who served as Russian defense minister until May, opened the door to closer relations between North Korea and Russia with a visit to Pyongyang last July.
23:36 Zelensky to Unveil "Victory Plan" to Biden in SeptemberUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced a September meeting with US President Joe Biden. "I will present the blueprint for success," the head of state emphasized during an appearance in Kyiv. It encompasses a connected series of decisions that will provide Ukraine with the requisite force to guide the conflict towards peace. "Such wars of conquest can end justly in several ways: either the invading army is forced to retreat by force or by diplomacy," Zelensky explained. This will ensure the genuine sovereignty of the nation. Nevertheless, Kyiv requires US support to attain this powerful position.
22:59 Russia Redirects Attack Path SouthwardsIntense fighting persists in the east, according to the Ukrainian military. There were 115 encounters, the General Staff in Kyiv reported in its evening briefing. "The most significant actions today were observed near Kurakhove, while the enemy was also active in the directions of Lyman and Pokrovsk," it relayed. Kurakhove is a minor town south of Pokrovsk. Pokrovsk had previously been considered the primary attack route for Russian forces. However, Russian troops have made minimal ground in that area recently. Instead, they have expanded their attack front southwards to capture the mining town of Hirnyk near Kurakhove.
22:18 Zelensky: Progress in Kursk Brings Desired ReliefUkraine's advance into the Russian region of Kursk is providing the expected results, as per President Volodymyr Zelensky. In the Charkiv region, the enemy has been contained, and in Donetsk, the Russian advance has slowed down, he stated. Russia has yet to record any significant victories in its counterattack in Kursk. Experts had previously questioned the deployment of larger Russian troop formations from Donetsk and other regions to Kursk. Russia claims to have reclaimed 10 out of 100 occupied villages.
21:46 "West is Hesitant" - Zelensky's Harsh Assertions on AlliesUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accusingly points fingers at the West for being "hesitant" in supporting Ukraine by destroying Russian missiles and drones. "If the allies are simultaneously downing missiles and drones in regions of the Middle East, why isn't there yet a similar agreement to simultaneously obliterate Russian missiles and Iranian Shaheds in the skies of Ukraine?" Zelensky said at a conference in Kyiv. "Despite the missiles and drones heading directly towards our neighbors' territory, they are hesitant even to admit: 'We are working on it.' This is 'embarrassing' for the democratic world," Zelensky lamented.
21:30 Russia Has Utilized Over 8000 Iranian DronesRussia has employed 8060 Iranian Shahed drones against Ukraine since the initiation of the war, according to the Ukrainian government. Statements from Iran or Russia have not yet been released. Ukraine initially implicated the Iranian government in supplying the kamikaze drones to Russia in the autumn of 2022.
20:43 Possible Approval of Long-Range Weapons for Ukraine Evades DiscussionIn Washington D.C., Prime Minister Keir Starmer from the UK and President Joe Biden of the USA are scheduled for a chat. There's a buzz surrounding the possibility of declarations regarding the authorization of long-range weapons usage for Ukraine. Insights from the British "Guardian" indicate that Britain has given its nod for Ukraine to launch assaults with Storm-Shadow missiles. Nevertheless, both parties seem reluctant to bring this matter up during today's meeting. According to the spokesperson for the National Security Council's Communications Director, John Kirby, "I wouldn't bet on an announcement today about the deployment of long-range weapons within Russia – not from the US, at least." He then goes on to disclose that they are still in discussion with the UK, France, and other allies about the kind of resources that will be supplied to Ukraine. When he was questioned about potential shifts in the US government's stance, he nonchalantly answered, "I'm not going to get into a speculative conversation about what we might or might not declare at a later time."
You can find more backstory here.
In the context of cyber threats and potential vulnerabilities, Ukrainian authorities might consider strengthening their cyber defense capabilities to protect against cyberwar attacks.
As tensions heighten in the geopolitical landscape, G7 nations might take proactive steps to collaborate on cybersecurity measures, ensuring a unified response to any cyber threats or attacks, including those emanating from non-state actors or hostile nations such as Russia.
