At 22:54, the team of President Zelensky reveals significant American interest in Ukraine's "success strategy"
According to the spokesperson of the Ukrainian President's office, Serhiy Nykyforov, there's been significant interest displayed by the US government towards President Zelensky's supposed "victory plan". Contrary to media reports suggesting ambiguity from Washington, Nykyforov disagrees, stating bluntly on Ukrainian television that it's unfounded. He further clarified that the plan was constructively received. Additionally, President Biden promised to return with "some decisions and answers" regarding the plan at the October 12 Ramstein contact group meeting in Germany.
22:25 Zelensky: Trump will back Ukraine Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speculates that if Donald Trump wins the November election, he'll side with Ukraine. This came after a meeting with Trump on Fox News. Zelensky admits uncertainty about the election results and potential presidency, but he asserted that he received strong assurances from Trump that he'd provide support to Ukraine.
21:40 Lavrov warns West against challenging Russia Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned the West against seeking to overpower a nuclear power like Russia in a protracted conflict, branding it a "suicidal venture." A mere week ago, Putin had expressed similar sentiments regarding the use of nuclear weapons. According to Putin, any attack on Russia, with or without support from a nuclear power, would be considered an act of aggression against Russia itself.
20:52 Explosion damages Russian railway bridge in Samara A railway bridge in the Russian region of Samara was compromised by an explosion. The blast targeted the concrete support structures beneath the rail tracks, according to the Telegram news channel Baza. The blast occurred near Kinel at approximately 13:30 local time, with an unidentified explosive device being the suspected cause. Train traffic over the bridge has been temporarily halted due to the incident.
20:02 Patrushev: West seeks to isolate Kaliningrad Nikolai Patrushev, an advisor to Russian President Vladimir Putin, accused the West of strategically isolating the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. At a meeting in the city, Patrushev decried the imposed sanctions as hindrances to transport flows between the region and the mainland. To circumvent these obstacles, Moscow plans to increase sea transport for the majority of freight and passenger traffic, vowing to reorganize road and rail traffic.
19:10 Lavrov: West aims to destroy Russia Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov sharply denounced the concept of international cooperation in the current global political climate. He called out the West for their disregard for fundamental globalization values they had previously advocated. In regard to Russia's conflict in Ukraine, Lavrov suspected covert, British-American machinations aimed at destroying Russia. Contemporary Western strategists, he alleged, are determined to bring about Russia's downfall through the illegitimate Ukrainian regime and have already mapped out a path for Europe's self-destruction.
18:22 Supreme Court Judge killed in Russian drone attack A Ukrainian Supreme Court judge was tragically killed in a Russian drone strike, according to regional military administrator Oleh Synyehubov's report on Telegram. The 61-year-old Leonid Lobojko was a passenger in a private car when it was hit near the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. Three women in the vehicle were grievously injured. Lobojko was delivering humanitarian aid at the time of the incident. The Supreme Court confirmed his death and extended its condolences to his family.
17:28 Ukrainian forces report Russian preparation for Zaporizhzhia attacks Russian troops are allegedly preparing offensives in the southern Zaporizhzhia region, as suggested by Ukrainian intelligence. In national broadcasts, Ukrainian military spokesman Vladyslav Voloshin warned of an imminent offensive. Russian forces, he reported, have amassed personnel and equipment near the occupied village of Pryjutne. Additionally, they had received 25 light buggies, which could be employed by small tactical infantry units for attacks. Voloshin advised preparedness for attacks on Zaporizhzhia in the near future. However, he noted that an extensive offensive would require more forceful reinforcements.
16:36 Ukrainian military claims killing of Russian drone center chief near Moscow The Ukrainian military intelligence service HUR announced the death of Russian Colonel Alexei Kolomeitsev, the head of the 924th State Center (Military Unit No. 20924) for unmanned aerial vehicles of the Russian Ministry of Defense. This center is responsible for the training of drone specialists and was implicated in arguably war crimes against Ukraine. The HUR acknowledged that Kolomeitsev was involved in the Ukrainian conflict.
15:25 Baltic Nations and Poland Seek EU Finances for Border ReinforcementsThe NATO nations of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland are petitioning the EU for funds to construct bunkers, barriers, and military bases on their borders sharing with Russia and Belarus. According to Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur, "the requirement for a (Baltic) defensive line emerges due to the current security situation." This move aligns with NATO's new defense strategy. Pevkur also mentioned the significance of joint action with Poland. In January, the trio of Baltic states revealed the "Baltic Defense Line" initiative, and Poland unveiled a comparable project titled "Eastern Shield" in May.
14:58 Russia Threatens Legal Action Over Nord Stream SabotageRussia has declared its intention to sue over the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines, as per a statement by a representative of Russia's Foreign Ministry. Russia has submitted "preliminary lawsuits" against Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Switzerland based on international terrorism prevention agreements. In case the matter remains unresolved, Russia plans to bring it before the International Court of Justice and challenge the West's attempts to suppress it.
14:20 NATO Chief: Kursk Offensive Troubles PutinNATO Military Committee chair Admiral Robert Bauer believes the Ukrainian offensive in the Russian region of Kursk creates a significant strategic challenge for President Vladimir Putin. Bauer added that the presence of a foreign army on Russian soil is a "strategic predicament" for Russia, and the logistical aspects also present operational challenges. On a strategic level, Kyiv is emboldening Putin with a "strategic predicament." If Putin insists on defending the homeland, he will be seen as unsuccessful because Ukrainian forces are now within Russian territory.
13:18 Sumy Death Toll Rises to Nine After Double Drone StrikeThe casualties from the double drone attack on Sumy have risen to nine, as per Ukrainian reports. There are currently 11 injured, with 113 patients evacuated from the affected hospital. An earlier Russian attack on a local clinic resulted in one death and damaged several floors. The evacuation of patients and staff began, and emergency services and law enforcement personnel arrived at the scene to offer aid. At the same time, Russia carried out an additional air strike. Ukrainian President Selenskyj expressed concern over the situation when eight deaths had been reported.
12:34 State Department Reviews Zelensky's Winning StrategyU.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the U.S. administration is evaluating Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's "triumph plan" presented to President Joe Biden during their White House meeting. Zelensky asked Biden for permission to employ Western weapons for long-range attacks on Russian military targets. Blinken mentioned that the U.S. and Ukraine's partners are currently examining the specifics of this plan and may contemplate "further measures" to help Ukraine secure a victory. Blinken also advocates for a tougher stance on the Ukraine conflict in the White House, but this policy has not been implemented by the president.
12:00 UK Reports Over 2000 Attacks on Ukrainian Health FacilitiesThe British Ministry of Defense reports that 2013 attacks on Ukrainian healthcare facilities have been recorded since Russia's invasion in February 2022. Staff members were targeted 235 times. In mid-August, the Russian army targeted a children's hospital in Kyiv. The ministry stated that Moscow's attacks on the healthcare system have resulted in 176 fatalities.
11:10 Ukraine Reports Three Dead, Officer Still Missing After Attack on Police HeadquartersThe death toll from the Russian attack on the police headquarters in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, has risen to three. A police officer is still believed to be trapped under the debris, and recovery efforts are underway, as per Ukraine's Ministry of Internal Affairs. This marks the second consecutive day of attacks on Ukrainian police facilities.
10:06 Russian Counterattack in Kursk Makes ProgressAustralian military analyst Mick Ryan believes the Russian counterattack near Kursk has made recent advances. In August, Ukrainian forces forced their way into the Russian region of Kursk and seized control of territory. After an initial shock, the Russians are now fighting back, gradually regaining ground, albeit at a slower pace, according to Ryan. A Ukrainian advance in western Kursk may have posed a threat to the Russian flank and isolated hundreds of their troops, as per Ryan's analysis, sourced from the U.S. Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
09:24 Ukrainian Air Force Successfully Repels 69 Drone AttacksThe Ukrainian Air Force reports that the Russian army used 73 combat drones and 4 missiles against Ukraine throughout the night. Ukraine managed to intercept 69 drones and 2 missiles. The number of casualties from a Russian drone attack on a hospital in the Sumy Oblast has risen to 7.
09:39 ISW Insight: Few Successful Long-Range Attacks Could Shift War's DirectionExperts at Institute for the Study of War (ISW) have pointed out that a few successful long-range attacks by Ukraine could substantially alter the war's trajectory. The ISW suggests that Russian authorities are making substantial attempts to influence international discussions over whether Ukraine should utilize Western weapons for launching long-range attacks against Russian military facilities. They express concerns that such attacks could apply substantial tactical pressure on the Russian offensive. The U.S. remains adamant in denying permission for Ukraine to conduct long-range attacks within Russian territory.
09:18 Ukrainian General Staff: Approximately 1500 Russian Casualties in the Past 24 HoursAs per Ukraine's General Staff, Russian forces have reportedly experienced another 1470 casualties (killed or wounded) within the past 24 hours. This brings the total since the full-scale invasion commenced two and a half years ago to 650,640. Within the same period, the Russians have also lost 42 armored combat vehicles, 14 tanks, 62 drones, and 55 artillery systems.
08:57 Hospital in Sumy Attacked by Russians, Six DeadRussian forces have reportedly attacked a hospital in Sumy, resulting in six fatalities, according to the local military administration. The attack was orchestrated using Shahed drones, and further drone attacks were carried out on a residential area and the hospital later. This occurred while emergency services were evacuating patients and staff from the hospital. The air force also reported that the Russians had dropped guided bombs on the Sumy region.
08:21 Goldschmidt Warns of Environmental Risks from Russian Oil ExportsFollowing Greenpeace's allegations of Russia utilizing subpar vessels to bypass the oil embargo, Schleswig-Holstein's Environment Minister Tobias Goldschmidt has sounded the alarm over potential environmental hazards posed by these tankers to the Baltic coast. Goldschmidt stated, "[The Russian regime] is flagrantly violating the oil embargo imposed in response to the Russian aggression against Ukraine." This ongoing conflict is threatening already fragile marine ecosystems. Numerous Western nations have accused Russia of circumventing EU sanctions by employing barely seaworthy ships due to the conflict. Goldschmidt has raised concerns that the risk of an oil spill is escalating, with most of the oil ending up on European shores.
07:52 Ukrainian Troops Repel Russian Attacks in PokrovskUkrainian and Russian troops have been engaged in intense combat in eastern Ukraine. Pokrovsk and its surrounding areas have been a focus of these hostilities for months, with Russian forces attempting to penetrate the region for several months. According to the Ukrainian general staff, 19 Russian attacks on Ukrainian defensive lines were repelled during the day. "The Ukrainian defenders are holding their ground," they reported. Russian troops are trying to approach the city from multiple directions to secure their advance against Ukrainian counterattacks. Vigorous fighting also continued in the area around Kurachove, with around 17 Russian attacks being repelled during the day. Reporting on the conflict cannot be independently verified.
07:41 Zelensky Views US Visit as a SuccessUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky did not secure widespread authorization for the utilization of Western weapons during his visit to the U.S. However, he regards the visit as a positive development. "Each discussion went as needed," he noted in a video address on the X platform. Zelensky unveiled Ukraine's peace plan in America. "Now our teams need to work on the implementation of every step and every decision," he stated. In the U.S., Zelensky met with President Joe Biden and his deputy Kamala Harris, a potential Democratic presidential candidate, to advocate for continuing support for Ukraine's defense against Russia. He also met with the Republican presidential candidate, Donald Trump, in New York. Trump reiterated his claim that, if elected, the conflict would conclude swiftly.
06:56 Qatar Continues Negotiations for the Return of Abducted ChildrenFollowing the rescue of nine children recently, thousands of children are still missing due to Russia's actions during the conflict, according to Ukrainian reports (see entry from 02:18). Many of these children have lost one or both parents due to the conflict and have been handed over to their grandparents, stated Dmytro Lubinez, the Ombudsman for Human Rights. Authorities in Qatar are currently engaged in negotiations for the safe return of more children. They have been provided with a list of 751 children whose release paperwork is complete, Lubinez clarified. According to Ukrainian authorities, around 20,000 children have been illegally transferred to Russia since the beginning of the war, with only a few hundred returning home thus far.
06:27 Blinken Chides China for Supporting Russian Armaments IndustryUS Secretary of State Antony Blinken voiced his concerns to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi about China's assistance to Russia's military technology sector. Blinken expressed his reservations at a press conference, stating, "If Beijing claims that it seeks peace and an end to the conflict, but simultaneously enables its companies to aid Putin in his aggression, this is not consistent." Wang emphasized that China's stance on the Ukraine conflict has consistently emphasized the need for reconciliation through diplomacy, accoring to a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
05:31 Ukrainian Forces Eliminate Two Russian Soldiers on Jet Ski with DroneUkrainian forces appear to have neutralized two Russian soldiers aboard a jet ski using a drone, according to Defense Express. The soldiers were maneuvering on the Dnipro River when a drone armed with an explosive payload struck their jet ski, as demonstrated in a video shared by activist Serhiy Sternenko.
According to an account from the autonomous Russian news source Mediazona, more than 71,000 Russian troops have reportedly met their end in Ukraine. Since mid-September, approximately 2,000 additional soldiers have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict, as per the report. Mediazona highlights that the actual numbers could be substantially higher, as their verified data stems from trustworthy sources such as obituaries, social media posts from relatives, regional media outlets, and notifications from local authorities.
02:18: Nine Abducted Minors from Ukraine Return Home
Nine adolescents, who were taken to Russia amidst the conflict, have safely returned to their native land. This homecoming occurred on a Friday, with Qatar serving as the mediator, as stated by Dmitro Lubinez, the Ukrainian Ombudsman, through a Telegram post. A 20-year-old individual was also involved in the operation. The return was made possible through a joint action plan and with the assistance of Qatar as a mediator. Initially, the information was not independently verifiable. The abducted children had been separated from their parents or guardians by the occupiers and hailed from areas such as Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, or Luhansk, Lubinez further disclosed.
00:31: Lukashenko: "An Invasion on Belarus Equates to World War III"
The strongman of the former Soviet republic of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, alleges that NATO has aggressive strategies aimed at his country and threatens to utilize nuclear weapons in response. "An invasion on Belarus means World War III," Lukashenko declared to the Belarusian state news agency Belta during an address to students in Minsk. In such a scenario, both Belarus and its ally Russia would utilize nuclear weapons. Lukashenko also acknowledges Vladimir Putin's recent alterations to Russia's nuclear doctrine in his speech. Lukashenko contends that NATO possesses concrete attack plans against Belarus. "The Americans and Poles have already positioned themselves along the border, particularly on the Polish side. We are aware that the Polish leadership is eager to implement these plans," he said. They are prepared and will respond promptly. Belarus lacks nuclear weapons of its own, but tactical nuclear weapons from Russia have been stationed in its territory since the end of 2023.
23:10: Former US Commander Hodges and Others Urge Biden to Take Decisive Action against Russia
Several former military officers and experts have penned an open letter to US President Joe Biden, advocating for bold measures to bring an end to the conflict in favor of Ukraine and precautions against potential threats from China. Among the signatories are former US forces in Europe commander Ben Hodges and former NATO deputy commander German Army Lieutenant General Gert-Johannes Hagemann. They urge actions against Russia and also with respect to China. They advocate for the lifting of restrictions on the use of Western weapons against Russian targets, as well as the delivery of 300 Abrams tanks and 1000 armored vehicles to Ukraine, in addition to a comprehensive weapons and technology embargo against Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, Belarus, and Azerbaijan. Furthermore, they put forth a proposition to expand NATO beyond transatlantic borders to include Japan, Australia, South Korea, the Philippines, and "any other democratic nation that expresses its desire to join."
22:15: Russian Intelligence Investigates International Journalists over Kursk
The Russian domestic intelligence agency, FSB, is reportedly scrutinizing three more foreign journalists based on their coverage of Ukrainian-occupied territories within the Russian border region of Kursk. The individuals under investigation are Kathryn Diss and Fletcher Yeung from the Australian television station ABC News, as well as Romanian journalist Mircea Barbu. They are accused of illegally crossing the Russian border, according to the Russian news agency RIA Novosti. The journalists could face up to five years in prison; however, it appears that none of them are currently in Russia. Some international media outlets, such as the German international broadcaster Deutsche Welle, the US news channel CNN, and the Italian broadcaster Rai, have reported from the Ukrainian-occupied territories in Kursk.
21:35: White House Refutes Republicans' Claims of Ukrainian President's Violation of Election Campaign Laws
The White House rejects claims from Republican lawmakers that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky violated election campaign laws by visiting a munitions factory. Spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre dismissed the assertion as a "political stunt" and urged Republicans to " abandon this allegation." The Ukrainian delegation requested the visit, which the Department of Defense facilitated by arranging transportation. "This is standard procedure," Jean-Pierre noted. Zelensky also visited the manufacturing site in Pennsylvania during his multi-day trip to the US, where 155mm artillery shells urgently required by Ukraine are produced. Several Democrats, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, were present. As a result, Republican lawmakers launched an investigation and the Speaker of the House called for the dismissal of the Ukrainian ambassador to the US in a letter.
Check out the past occurrences right here.
Upon discussing the potential for further military operations, President Zelensky's senior advisor warned that any large-scale escalation in Ukraine could result in significant consequences globally, echoing similar sentiments expressed by Russian leaders.
If President Trump won the US election, he might reconsider his stance on providing support to Ukraine, as indicated during his meeting with Zelensky.
