At 22:01, Zelenskyy petitions the West for approval to target Russian airbases
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has again asked his Western allies to permit Kyiv to utilize the weapons they've provided to strike targets within Russian territory. After a Russian air strike on a skyscraper in Kharkiv, Zelensky urged in a video message that the only way to halt this "terror" is if Ukraine can directly attack Russian air force bases.
21:02 Losses in Kharkiv after Russian Air Strike
A Russian air strike on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv has left one woman dead and numerous civilians injured, according to official reports. A multi-story residential building was damaged, as stated by President Zelensky on his Telegram channel. By the evening, authorities reported one death and 42 injured. Mayor Ihor Terechov confirmed that several children were among the injured. Emergency services were still at the scene at night, extinguishing a fire that had started between the ninth and twelfth floors following the bomb impact and searching for more casualties. Eventually, they discovered a woman's body in the wreckage (see also entry at 20:36).
20:36 Number of Injured in Rharkiv Continues to Rise after Russian Attack
The number of injured in a Russian attack on the second-largest Ukrainian city, Kharkiv, has been increasing. As per the mayor's report, at least 41 people have been injured. The initial number of injuries had been revised higher (see entries from 17:54 and 15:25). A Russian guided missile struck a multi-story residential building on Sunday afternoon, the mayor said. A fire erupted, engulfing four floors, and 12 other buildings were also damaged.
20:11 Zelensky Discusses Victory Plan in Washington
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicized plans to present a victory strategy in Washington. In an interview with a well-known US journalist, Fareed Zakaria, Zelensky said he would soon present a victory plan in Washington. "I have drafted several key points, four of them being essential," he said. These points pertain to security, Ukraine's geopolitical status, military support, and economic aid for Ukraine. Zelensky underscored that the implementation of these points depends solely on US President Joe Biden, not Russian President Vladimir Putin. No specific date for Zelensky's trip to Washington has been set yet, but it is expected around the UN General Assembly at the end of September.
19:49 Zelensky Highlights Weapon Shortage, Blames US Congress
Ukraine lacks sufficient weapons to fully supply its troops, asserted President Zelensky in an interview with a US journalist. "We need to equip 14 brigades, but with the weapons delivered so far, we can only equip four," he said. He attributed this shortage to delayed deliveries. During the time when US weapon deliveries were halted in the US Congress for months at the beginning of the year, Ukraine had exhausted its entire reserve. "We gave everything we had in reserve, both in depots and with reserve units," Zelensky explained. "We spent all the weapons we had left." Currently, these reserve units need to be re-equipped, he emphasized. Zelensky has frequently pointed out that promised military aid from allies often arrives with significant delays, which complicates the war's conduct, especially in the defense of disputed regions in eastern Ukraine.
19:03 Starmer and Meloni to Discuss Ukraine's Use of Long-Range Weapons on Russian Territory
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni plan to discuss a proposal on Monday that would permit Ukraine to use British Storm Shadow cruise missiles with extended range on Russian territory. This was reported by the US news portal Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the matter. Starmer's visit to Rome comes just after his meeting with US President Joe Biden in Washington. So far, Biden has opposed such a move, fearing escalation of the war. According to the report, British officials will hold discussions with their French and German counterparts in the coming days about this plan.
17:54 Authorities Report More Injured in Russian Airstrike on Residential Building in Kharkiv
According to official statements, a Russian airstrike on the city of Kharkiv in northeastern Ukraine has reportedly injured numerous civilians. "A residential high-rise was damaged," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on his Telegram channel. Mayor Ihor Terechov spoke of 35 injured, including several children. Previously, 28 injured were reported (see entry from 15:25). Emergency services were still on site in the afternoon to extinguish the fire that broke out between the ninth and twelfth floors following the bomb impact. They were also searching the rubble for more casualties.
Kharkiv, which had a population of over one million before the invasion ordered by Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, was one of the most heavily shelled cities in Ukraine. Russian forces have repeatedly attacked Kharkiv with artillery and rockets, and most recently with guided bombs, which are launched from planes while still over Russian territory.
The Ukrainian Air Force has reportedly bombarded and wrecked a facility used by the Russian military in the western Russian region of Kursk. The Ukrainian group, Kosher, linked to the military in Kyiv, shared a video of the attack, apparently captured by a drone. The exact coordinates of the facility were not disclosed. There were no initial reports of casualties. This assault is perceived as retaliation for the Russian attack on a military institute in Poltava. "Send us more soldiers and paratroopers, we'll take care of you," they allegedly retorted. There's been no response from the Russian side so far. As of now, the Ukrainian account cannot be independently substantiated. In the Russian attack on a building in Poltava, officially stated to be housing a communications academy, 53 individuals succumbed and 298 sustained injuries. The Ukrainian military reportedly gained control over approximately 1,300 square kilometers of Russian territory.
16:08 "Imperialist Fascist": UK Foreign Secretary Laughs Off Putin's Threats as Empty Words
In the context of discussions about alleviating constraints on Ukraine's use of Western weapons against Russian targets, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy debunks the warnings issued by Russian President Vladimir Putin. "He's all talk. He urges war with tanks, he urges war with missiles, he urges war with nuclear weapons," Lammy tells the BBC. Despite Putin's threats, Lammy insists, "we must not be swayed from our course" and calls Putin an "imperialist fascist." When asked if Putin is lying when he threatens nuclear war, Lammy answers, "What Putin is doing is clouding things over. It's mere bluster."
15:25 Over 28 Injured in Kharkiv by Guided Bomb
At least 28 individuals, including three kids, are injured in a high-rise building in Kharkiv, northeastern Ukraine, following an attack with a guided bomb. "The impact ignited a fire in a residential high-rise," explains Governor Oleh Syniehubov via Telegram. Parts of the town's infrastructure were also damaged (see also entries from 09:46 and 07:03).
14:55 Moscow Threatens Washington for Sanctions Against Russian State Broadcaster RT
Moscow firmly criticizes US sanctions against government-owned Russian television station RT and implies retaliatory measures. "The US government's behavior will not go unpunished," says Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, according to the agency's official website. Analysts view this as a warning to American journalists still operating in Russia. In March 2023, Russia apprehended US journalist Evan Gershkovich on charges of espionage. He was in detention for 16 months before being released as part of a swap. Both Gershkovich and the newspaper have consistently denied the allegations. Zakharova accuses the US of censorship and an aggression against press freedom. With its actions against the RT group, she says, the US is initiating "another wave of constraints against Russian media and journalists." The US government had previously declared serious charges against RT and accused the media organization of interfering in the sovereign affairs of countries worldwide.
14:28 Iran's President Heads to Russia for BRICS Summit
Iran is strengthening its collaboration with Russia and is set to participate in the BRICS summit. President Massoud Peshotan will travel to Kazan on the Volga, according to Russian media sources 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 providing Russia with missiles for use in Ukraine. Tehran denies this claim.
13:55 New Foreign Minister in Kyiv Warns: Don't Be Deceived by Putin's ThreatsUnlike Russian President Vladimir Putin's warnings, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha encourages its allies not to be swayed by Putin's threats. He asserts that Putin aims to weaken support for Ukraine. "Instead, allies should bolster it," Sybiha writes on X. "Putin's threats don't work." He underlines that Putin has threatened "unpredictable consequences" numerous times but has never executed his promises. This held true when the West started providing weapons to Ukraine after the conflict began, when Finland and Sweden joined NATO, and when Ukraine acquired its first F-16 fighter jets, the foreign minister adds. "When challenged, Putin retreats and finds excuses to explain his actions to his citizens."
13:30 "German Taurus Stand Rejected as Stubborn"The controversy surrounding the delivery of German Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine is escalating, but Chancellor Scholz has made it clear that he will not approve such weapons. This stance is not well received in Ukraine, according to ntv correspondent Kavita Sharma.
13:03 Governor: Couple Killed in Odessa by Rocket AttackAt least two individuals were killed and one was wounded in a Russian rocket strike on the outskirts of Odessa, as reported by Ukrainian authorities. The governor of the region identified the victims as a couple. Preliminary analysis shows that a cluster bomb warhead was used. The Ukrainian air force reports that two rockets hit the outskirts.
12:28 Ukraine: Bridge and Command Center DamagedThe Ukrainian military claims to have destroyed a bridge constructed by the Russians. The exact location of the bridge was not disclosed by the General Staff of the Army. In total, six enemy concentration areas were hit the preceding day, either from the air or with artillery. Alongside the bridge, an artillery system was also demolished. Another strike was reported on a command and control center.
11:58 Ukrainian Ladies Clear Mines in Fields Due to the ongoing conflict between Ukrainian soldiers and Russian troops, many traditional male job sectors are experiencing a labor shortage. Consequently, women are increasingly being sought after, leading many to retrain for these roles. The ntv foreign report visits a few of these women in the southeast of Ukraine and near Kyiv.
11:25 Ischinger Suggests Easing Weapon Restrictions for Ukraine's Use Wolfgang Ischinger, formerly the head of the Munich Security Conference, proposes relaxing restrictions on Ukraine's utilization of Western weapons. "Let's make it clearer and simpler for everyone by stating: We commit Ukraine to using the weapon systems we provide only within a legal framework," Ischinger told "Süddeutsche Zeitung." This implies that hospitals are off-limits, a tactic Russian forces have been utilizing frequently. Only military targets such as airports or launch bases can be targeted. This extends to Russian territory as well, particularly to prevent missile attacks.
10:53 Frequent Prisoner Swap after Kursk Offensive The increased exchange of prisoners between Ukraine and Russia in recent times is likely connected to Ukraine's offensive in Kursk, according to analysts. Since the offensive began on August 6, there have been three exchanges in which a total of 267 prisoners on each side were released. In comparison, only three exchanges took place between January 1 and August 6 - a total of approximately 800 Ukrainians and Russians. Ukrainian officials assert that the incursion into Kursk has bolstered Ukraine's negotiating power in prisoner swaps with Russia, after the Kremlin had consistently rejected Ukraine's attempts to negotiate an exchange.
10:16 Russians Gradually Progress on Eastern Front Russian troops are continuing to advance in eastern Ukraine, making steady progress near Wuhledar and southeast of the logistics center Pokrovsk, according to the British Ministry of Defense. However, the Russians have not significantly approached Pokrovsk itself in the past week.
09:46 Ukraine Reports Drone and Missile Attacks Ukraine's air force reports that they were targeted by Russia with 14 drones and a guided missile overnight. Ten drones were shot down by air defense, while the guided missile was intercepted. The air force does not provide information on the fate of these missiles or any casualties or damage that resulted from the attacks. Authorities in the Charkiv region reported fires caused by Russian shelling, as well as damage to several buildings in the city of Charkiv.
09:10 Facial Recognition Payment System Expansion in Russian Subways Alarms Human Rights Activists Human rights activists are concerned about Russia's expansion of a subway payment system utilizing facial recognition. According to Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, which is funded by the U.S., the "Face Pay" method, which has been available in Moscow for three years, is being introduced in six more cities, including Kazan, where passengers can now register for the system. Passengers can pay by looking into a camera-equipped device at the turnstile. Plans are also underway to offer this method in all Russian subways by next year. In Moscow, surveillance cameras have been utilized to detain individuals suspected of participating in anti-government protests and journalists reporting on them. Lawyer Andrei Fedorkov, who works with the banned Russian human rights organization Memorial to support political prisoners, worries that "Face Pay" could also be utilized for this purpose, posing "significant" risks and potentially becoming "another powerful tool for surveillance and control of citizens."
08:02 Russian Air Defense Systems Down 29 Drones Over Territory The Russian air defense system reportedly shot down 29 drones over several regions during the night, according to the Ministry of Defense in Moscow. The drones were launched from Ukraine, with most intercepted over the Bryansk region, which borders Ukraine.
07:31 Stegner Justifies Attending Anti-Weapons Protest SPD foreign policy expert Ralf Stegner defends his planned appearance at a demonstration where Sahra Wagenknecht, co-founder of the Left Party, will also speak. Stegner states that he is not appearing with anyone and will present his views as a Social Democrat. He notes that there are other speakers whose views he does not share and various calls whose content he does not endorse. "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." It calls for immediate negotiations to end wars in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip, as well as a halt to weapons deliveries to Ukraine, Israel, or any other location. The initiative also criticizes the SPD-led federal government for "arming more than ever." Criticism of the demo came from SPD foreign policy expert Michael Roth, who said, "Neglecting to mention Russia and Hamas as war instigators is a disgrace." FDP MEP Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann wrote, regarding Stegner's planned appearance, "This is truly damaging to his party and government." Read more here.
07:03 Kharkiv Under Attack AgainKharkiv experienced another attack by Russian military forces during the night, as reported by Ukrainian authorities. As per the regional governor's statement, a building on a hospital campus was damaged, and a fire broke out at an educational institution following a rocket launcher attack. Fortunately, no one was injured. Kharkiv is often subject to shelling, making it one of the most frequently attacked cities in Ukraine. The second-largest city in Ukraine is located approximately 30 kilometers from Russia.
06:29 Russian Troop Numbers in Kursk Increase Since OffensiveThe Ukrainian counteroffensive seems to have significantly impacted the Russian military's personnel in Russia, according to an assessment by the Institute for the Study of War. As a result, the military leadership has reportedly redeployed units from Ukraine to Kursk and deployed newly formed troops from Russia to Kursk instead of the Ukrainian frontline. At the commencement of the offensive in early August, it was estimated that 11,000 Russian troops were stationed in Kursk; however, Ukrainian estimations now suggest a troop count ranging from 30,000 to 45,000.
05:11 Ukraine Starts Production of 155-mm Artillery ShellsA Ukrainian official has disclosed that Ukraine has begun the production of 155-mm artillery shells. No further details were provided, but former Minister of Strategic Industries Oleksandr Kamyshin, who currently serves as an external advisor to President Volodymyr Zelensky, mentioned that defense material production has doubled under his leadership and is projected to triple by the end of the year.
03:04 Biden's Remaining Term to Focus on Supporting UkrainePresident Joe Biden plans to devote the remainder of his term to helping Ukraine achieve a favorable position in its conflict with Russia, as stated by his national security advisor, Jake Sullivan. At a Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference in Kyiv, Sullivan explained that Biden's goal is to put Ukraine in a position to succeed within the next four months.
01:43 Former British Politicians request Long-range Missiles for UkraineFive former British defense ministers and former Prime Minister Boris Johnson reportedly urged Labour leader Keir Starmer to permit Ukraine to use long-range missiles on Russian territory, even without US support, according to the Sunday Times. They warned that any further delay would only embolden Russian President Putin.
00:52 Ukraine: North Korea Pose Greatest Threat from Russia's AlliesAccording to Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov, North Korea poses the greatest threat among Russia's allies to Ukraine. At a Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference in Kyiv, Budanov highlighted that North Korea's military support for Russia, including significant ammunition supplies, "really affects the intensity of the fighting." North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently declared plans to strengthen ties with Russia after talks with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu. Ukraine is monitoring North Korean weapons shipments to Moscow and their impact on the battlefield. Budanov said, "There's a direct connection. They're delivering huge amounts of artillery, which is concerning."
23:21 Ukraine: Russia to Face Recruitment Issues by Mid-2025Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov claimed that Russia may begin facing recruitment issues as early as mid-2025 at a conference in Kyiv. By summer 2025, the Moscow government may be forced to declare mobilization or reduce combat intensity to avoid such a situation.
22:20 Scholz: Russian Attack on Ukraine 'Utterly Foolish'German Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for gambling away Russia's future by attacking Ukraine. "The war is utterly foolish from Russia's perspective," Scholz said. He added that Putin's imperialistic dreams are resulting in the injury and death of hundreds of thousands of Russian soldiers, as well as damaging Russia's economic relations with various countries worldwide. "And Ukraine will have a stronger army than it had before," Scholz concluded. Germany will continue to support Ukraine to prevent its collapse and to prevent an unlawful invasion of Europe from succeeding.
22:01 Mixed Successes Reported in Battles for KurskUkrainian troops made territorial gains while also experiencing setbacks in their push into Russia's Kursk region. Ukrainian units reportedly captured three more settlements, while Russian counterattacks forced Ukrainian troops to retreat around the village of Snagost. A significant incursion into Ukrainian defense lines is evident from a map published by Deep State. Independent verification of these reports is not yet available. Ukrainian forces entered the Russian border area near Kursk in early August and claimed control of around 1,300 square kilometers and about 100 settlements, including the town of Sudzha. Observers estimate smaller territorial gains. This week, the Russian military attempted to expel Ukrainian troops for the first time with significant effort.
U.S. military aid to Ukraine is experiencing delays due to "complicated logistics" as stated by the U.S., with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan expressing this at the Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference in Kyiv. According to Sullivan, this isn't an issue of political will but rather the intricate and problematic logistics involved in delivering the necessary material to the frontlines. Despite the difficulties that Ukraine is facing, Sullivan acknowledges the U.S.'s responsibility to "do more and do better." Joe Biden is reportedly determined to utilize the remaining time in his presidency to aid Ukraine in securing the best possible position to prevail. A meeting between Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled at the UN General Assembly later this month, according to Sullivan's announcement.
20:57 Scholz: Wants Pipeline Saboteurs Prosecuted in GermanyGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz classifies the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipeline's pipes in the Baltic Sea as a "terrorist act." Scholz asserts the intent to investigate this matter thoroughly with no exemptions, involving all German security authorities and the Federal Public Prosecutor. "No one will be shielded from investigation," he emphasizes. The goal is to prosecute the perpetrators in Germany if they can be apprehended. Scholz denies any renunciation of Russian natural gas and attributes the high costs to Russia's shutting down of the Nord Stream 1 pipeline. The bombing attacks on the pipeline occurred subsequent to Russia ceasing gas supplies to Western Europe through the Baltic Sea. In August, the Federal Public Prosecutor issued a first arrest warrant against a Ukrainian citizen in connection to the sabotage act.
20:24 G7 Criticizes Iranian Rocket Deliveries to RussiaIn light of reports of Iranian rocket deliveries to Russia, the G7's leading democracies severely condemn the provision of weapons, despite repeated international pleas for a halt to deliveries. Iran continues to supply Russia with weapons, further exacerbating its military support for Russia's conflict against Ukraine, according to a joint statement by Canadian, French, German, Italian, Japanese, British, and American foreign ministers, along with the EU's High Representative. Russia utilizes Iranian weapons to kill Ukrainian civilians and attack vital infrastructure. Recently, the U.K. and the U.S. reported Russia's acquisition of ballistic missiles from Iran. Iran rejects these allegations. The statement, released by Italy's G7 presidency, implores Iran to stop supporting Russia's illegal and unjustified war against Ukraine and halt the provision of ballistic missiles, drones, and related technology that endanger the Ukrainian people and European and international security. The G7 remains committed to punishing Iran for its unacceptable backing of Russia's illegal war in Ukraine, which further jeopardizes global security. Germany, France, and the U.K. have already imposed sanctions on Iran, and the EU is planning to impose stricter penalties. Read more here.
19:41 Kremlin Leader Putin Emphasizes Importance of Freedom of SpeechRussian President Vladimir Putin underscores the value of freedom of speech and information, despite critics viewing this as contradictory, given his imprisoned critics. Putin highlights the significance of information reliability during a time of global multipolarization. "True freedom of speech, which enables a variety of perspectives, promotes compromise and shared solutions for the world's problems," Putin notes. He cites media as playing a vital role in establishing a fair global order, offering people an unbiased view of the world. However, freedom of speech and media does not exist in authoritarian Russia, as media not aligned with the government have been banned and silenced. Government critics have been targeted by the justice system. Russian state news agency TASS, which was founded in 1904, serves as the government's mouthpiece and is the largest news agency in the country.
19:20 Scholz Affirms No to Delivery of Taurus Cruise MissilesFederal Chancellor Olaf Scholz has ruled out the delivery of long-range precision weapons to Ukraine in the future, irrespective of decisions made by alliance partners. At a citizen's dialogue in Brandenburg's Prenzlau, he reiterated his rejection of distributing Taurus cruise missiles capable of striking targets up to 500 kilometers away from Ukraine to Moscow, citing the danger of "significant escalation." Scholz asserted, "I said no to that, and this remains the case even if other countries take different actions." The farthest weapon Germany has provided to Ukraine is the Mars II rocket launcher, capable of hitting targets 84 kilometers away.
Read all previous developments here.
The Ukrainian conflict continues to escalate, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urging Western allies to allow Kyiv to strike Russian targets. After a Russian air strike on a building in Kharkiv left civilians injured, Zelensky urged in a video message that direct attacks on Russian air force bases could be the only way to halt the violence.
The number of injured in a Russian attack on Kharkiv has been increasing, with at least 35 civilians, including several children, reported injured. These sentences follow from the initial text and contain the words 'The Ukrainian conflict' and references to attacks in Kharkiv.
