At 22:59, Russia shifts its location towards the south.
Intense combat persists in the nation's east, as per the Ukrainian military's report. They've counted 115 engagements, the General Staff in Kyiv revealed in their nightly brief. The day's most intense spot was towards Kurachove, while enemies were also active in the directions of Lyman and Pokrovsk, the report stated. Kurachove is a small town situated south of Pokrovsk, which had previously been regarded as the primary focus of the Russian troops' offensive. However, the Russians have only managed modest territorial gains in that area recently. Instead, they expanded their frontline of attack towards the south to seize the mining town of Hirnyk, located near Kurachove.
At 22:18, President Zelensky of Ukraine announced that the advance into the Russian Kursk region had resulted in the desired results. In Kharkiv, the enemy was halted, and in Donetsk, the Russian advance had slowed down, they said. So far, Russia has not recorded any significant successes in its counterattack in Kursk. Many experts have raised doubts about the deployment of larger Russian troop formations from Donetsk and other regions to Kursk. Russia asserts that they have recaptured ten of the one hundred villages they had initially occupied.
President Zelensky accused the West of fearing to discuss helping Ukraine shoot down Russian missiles during a conference in Kyiv. "If the allies together shoot missiles and drones in the Middle East, why is there still no similar decision to shoot down Russian missiles and (Iranian) Shaheds in the sky of Ukraine?", he asked. "They are afraid to even say: 'We are working on it'. And this happens not even when missiles and drones are literally heading towards the territory of our neighbors," the Ukrainian leader said. "This is shameful for the democratic world."
According to the Ukrainian government, Russia has launched 8060 Shahed drones, created by Iran, against Ukraine since the war began. No statements from Iran or Russia are available yet. Ukraine accused the Iranian government of supplying the kamikaze drones to Russia in the fall of 2022.
In Washington, talks between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Joe Biden are underway. There is great anticipation to see if there will be any announcements regarding the approval of long-range weapons for Ukraine. Sources from the British "Guardian" suggest that Britain has given Ukraine permission to conduct attacks with Storm Shadow missiles, but no announcements will be made on this topic during today's meeting. John Kirby, communications director of the National Security Council, only says they are continuing to talk with Britain, France, and other allies about providing Ukraine with the necessary capabilities. He also does not answer clearly whether the US government would make an announcement if there were a change.
German jets were deployed to intercept Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea. A Tu-142 Bear maritime reconnaissance/anti-submarine warfare aircraft was spotted with an Su-30 escort, flying without a flight plan or transponder, according to a Luftwaffe post on X. German Eurofighters based in Laage and Lielvarde in Lithuania escorted the Russian jets, as such incidents have occurred repeatedly in recent months.
Colonel Sergii Osatschuk explains how Ukraine would benefit from the use of long-range missiles in Russia's hinterland, as Ukraine seeks permission to use long-range missiles in Russia's territory. Britain and the US are currently considering this proposal.
President Zelensky plans to invite Russia to the next peace summit in Switzerland in November, according to reports, but it remains unclear whether Russia will attend. High-ranking representatives have repeatedly rejected participation, and Moscow continues to assert its intention to achieve all its war aims in Ukraine or sets poisoned peace or negotiating conditions that amount to a dictate for Ukraine.
Security expert Nico Lange sees the usual psychological games in Putin's statements after the release of long-range weapons to Ukraine. Putin threatens the West following the release of long-range weapons to Ukraine, and Lange believes the Federal Chancellor overreacted to his latest statements.
The EU plans new sanctions against Iran for providing Russia with missiles, as Iran has been delivering missiles to Russia throughout the war. The new sanctions are yet to be announced.
Following reports suggesting that Iran is supplying missiles to Russia, the 27 EU nations are mulling over fresh sanctions against Tehran. According to an EU press release, Iran has been advised multiple times to halt the transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia. This transfer poses a direct threat to security and constitutes a substantial escalation. The EU's countermeasures will be prompt and far-reaching, potentially encompassing sanctions for Iran's aviation sector, such as a potential flight or landing ban. Germany is actively engaged in discussions with its EU and international counterparts regarding the imposition of new sanctions, particularly within the aviation sector.
17:25 Ex-Russian Foreign Minister Kozyrev Warns West of Further Russian Aggression - "Ultimate Goal is Embarrassment"
Former Russian Foreign Minister Andrei Kozyrev forewarns the West of potential additional Russian aggression. Kozyrev believes that if Putin receives rewards in Ukraine, he will exploit NATO's perceived weakness and cowardice to launch attacks against NATO states in the Baltic region before securing any guarantees from NATO. Kozyrev suggests that Putin's motive is not territorial acquisition, but rather the intentional embarrassment and discreditation of the U.S. and NATO.
17:04 Taurus Debate Resurfaces: Coalition Politicians Advocate for Delivery of Long-Range Weapons to Ukraine
Politicians affiliated with coalition parties advocate that Ukraine should be permitted to employ long-range weapons to target areas in Russia. They argue that this will enable Ukraine, along with other European nations, the UK, and the US, to neutralize military targets on Russian soil before heavy attacks can be mounted. FDP politician Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann emphasizes that this implies that Germany must supply the Taurus missiles, which were specifically designed for this purpose. Green politician Toni Hofreiter concurs, stating that long-range weapons are necessary to suppress Russian launch bases and facilitate the reconstruction of damaged energy facilities in Ukraine.
16:35 Intense Fighting in Kurachove - Ukraine Reports Severe Attacks
Russian forces are reportedly intensifying their attacks in eastern Ukraine near the contested city of Kurachove, with the most substantial fighting this month having taken place. Meanwhile, Russian troops are advancing towards the town of Pokrovsk, a significant railway hub located 33 kilometers north of Kurachove. The goal behind this move is to open new frontlines, disrupt Ukrainian logistics, and acquire control over the eastern Donetsk region. The Ukrainian military claims to have repelled 64 attacks near Kurachove and 36 near Pokrovsk in the preceding 24 hours. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commends his troops for maintaining their positions in Pokrovsk and Kurachove, two of the most difficult sectors on the eastern front.
15:56 Ukrainian Attacks Allegedly Occur 1,900 km from Border - Russian Region Closes Airspace
Authorities in the Russian region of Murmansk cite a threat from Ukrainian drones as the reason for reinstalling the airspace closure, with the region being approximately 1,900 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. The Federal Air Transport Agency, Rosaviatsiya, has paused takeoffs and landings at both Murmansk and Apatity airports due to safety concerns. The region is home to the Northern Fleet and an airbase that hosts strategic bombers responsible for striking Ukraine.
15:22 British Ministry of Defense Reveals Details - These Iranian Missiles Now in Russian Possession
The British Ministry of Defense has disclosed information about the Iranian missiles reportedly supplied to Russia, which are short-range ballistic missiles of the Fath-360 type (or BM-120). These missiles, introduced in 2020, are capable of carrying a 150-kilogram warhead for up to 120 km and striking targets with an alleged precision of 30 meters. The daily intelligence report from the Ministry of Defense in London indicates that this will augment Russia's capacity to deliver precise strikes against Ukrainian military or civilian infrastructure close to the frontline.
14:45 Czech Artillery Initiative Faces Financing Challenges - Poland has not Provided Funds
According to Gazeta Wyborcza, Poland has yet to contribute any funds to the Czech artillery initiative, which aims to obtain ammunition for Ukraine worldwide through the support of various Western partners. Germany is reportedly the largest and quickest contributor. If all goes as planned, Ukraine is anticipated to receive 100,000 rounds in April, with a goal of reaching 500,000 by the end of 2024 and even more in 2025. Issues with Russian involvement in the market are causing problems, as reported by Prague.
14:20 Pistorius Endorses Legitimacy of Long-Range Weapons Use for Ukraine by NATO Allies
German Defense Minister Pistorius maintains that a possible authorization by NATO partners to permit Ukraine to employ long-range weapons against targets in Russia is legally justified. Pistorius notes that the U.S. and UK have the freedom to make such decisions regarding the weapons they have supplied, and that the Geneva Conventions sanction this. When asked about Russian President Putin's warnings regarding NATO being in conflict with Russia, Pistorius simply states, "Putin's threats are Putin's threats. There's not much more to say. He issues threats whenever he desires, and bribes whenever he deems it appropriate."
13:57 Zelenskyy welcomes home 49 POWs from RussiaUkrainian President Zelenskyy has welcomed back 49 prisoners of war from Russia, including ex-fighters from Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant, which was under Russian siege in the spring of 2022. Zelenskyy declared, "49 Ukrainians are back home," posting photos of soldiers and servicewomen draped in Ukrainian flags. The returning individuals reportedly hail from the army, national guard, national police, border guard, and civilians. Reports suggest that 23 of the 49 returnees are females. Zelenskyy did not initially reveal whether their release was due to a prisoner swap with Russia.
13:46 Tusk dismisses Putin's bomb threatsPolish Prime Minister Donald Tusk is unfazed by Russian President Putin's recent threats regarding long-range weapons targeted against Russia. Despite acknowledging the seriousness of the situation in Ukraine and along the Ukrainian-Russian border, Tusk shrugs off Putin's statements, commenting, "I wouldn't place too much weight on the latest declarations from President Putin. Such statements mainly reflect the precarious situation of the Russian military on the front." Putin previously warned that any West-backed Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory, using Western-produced long-range rockets, would directly provoke Russia.
13:21 Beijing advocates for negotiations in Ukraine and Gaza crisesChinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe, speaking at an international security forum in Beijing, urged "negotiations" as the sole solution to international conflicts like those in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip. He established that "promoting peace and negotiations is the only way to mitigate" these crises.
12:58 Germany seeks to enhance Kazakh oil importsThe German government is looking to boost oil imports from Kazakhstan. "We're favorable to the potential expansion of oil supplies from Kazakhstan," a government official said, preparing for Chancellor Olaf Scholz's expedition to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan starting this weekend. The goal is to provide the PCK refinery in Schwedt with multiple supply options, with Kazakh oil being one option. However, additional alternatives are required, given that Kazakh oil travels through Russian pipelines to Germany, giving Moscow leverage. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Germany halted imports of Russian oil. Scholz's itinerary also includes discussions on Central Asian gas supplies. In relation to new gas-fired power plant tenders, it's clear: "We need to source gas from someplace, and Central Asia is particularly rich in this regard," the official declared.
12:26 France summons Iranian diplomat over ballistic missile deliveryFrance has summoned the Iranian diplomatic representative to the Foreign Ministry in Paris. The reason is suspicion of the delivery of ballistic missiles to Russia, as reported by diplomatic sources. Previously, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Russia had received missiles from Iran, which were set to be deployed in Ukraine within weeks. Iran has denied these allegations.
12:03 Pentagon assesses Russian Kursk counteroffensive as 'minimal'The Pentagon downplays Russia's counteroffensive in Kursk. "Russian units have been attempting to carry out a counteroffensive in the Kursk region," said Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder on Thursday. "At the present, I would classify it as small, but we're keeping a close eye on it," Ryder added. Russian Defense Ministry claims have reported its troops recapturing ten settlements. However, these claims remain unverified. Ukrainian forces launched an offensive on the Russian border region of Kursk around five weeks ago and allegedly seized around 100 villages and nearly 1,300 square kilometers.
11:38 Ukrainian forces claim downing of 24 out of 26 drones, causing damageThe Ukrainian air force claims it shot down 24 out of 26 drones overnight. The drone attacks resulted in one injury in the Odessa region and property damage to 20 homes. Additionally, drone debris caused a fire at a food processing plant in the Mykolaiv region, according to regional authorities. Moreover, energy infrastructure in the Ivano-Frankivsk region was also damaged, as reported by the Ministry of Energy.
11:16 Shoigu meets with Kim in PyongyangRussian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu held talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang. The conversations transpired in a "unique atmosphere of trust and camaraderie," according to the Russian Security Council. The discussions "will make a significant contribution" to implementing the defense pact signed by Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin in June, which provides for "mutual assistance in the event of aggression against one of the contracting parties." The West suspects Moscow of employing North Korean rockets and artillery shells in Ukraine. Russia is mass-producing ammunition to support its offensive in Ukraine, thereby seeking partnerships with countries like China, Iran, and North Korea.
10:17 Munz on Putin's War Threat to NATO: "Putin's Warning doesn't even Make the Morning News"In the Western world, there are concerns that allowing Ukraine to carry out long-range attacks on Russian soil could result in an escalation. Indeed, Russian President Vladimir Putin has once again issued such a warning. However, ntv correspondent Rainer Munz raises several reasons why Putin's tough talk might be all bluster.
Read more here.
09:42 Family: Belarusian Opposition Leader in Critical ConditionAccording to her sister, imprisoned Belarusian opposition leader Maria Kalesnikava is in a critical health condition. For four years, she has endured inhumane treatment, weighing just 45 kg at a height of 1.75 meters, says Tatiana Chomitsh, citing information from former prisoners. "I believe this is a critical moment," she says, accusing the authorities of psychologically and physically torturing her sister. The Belarusian Interior Ministry does not respond to a request about Kalesnikava's medical care. Kalesnikova, who has become a symbol of resistance since the 2020 protests against Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, is serving an 11-year prison sentence for alleged attempts to overthrow the government.
09:20 Agreement on Lithuanian Brigade Stationing SignedGermany and Lithuania have signed an agreement to govern the details of a combat-ready brigade's deployment to the Baltic NATO country. Defense Ministers Boris Pistorius and Laurynas Kazlauskas signed the agreement in Berlin. The agreement complements the NATO Status of Forces Agreement, clarifying the legal status of German soldiers and civilians in Lithuania. It provides legal certainty by regulating living arrangements, tax laws, school systems, healthcare, traffic laws, and public safety. For example, it establishes a legal framework for setting up German schools and kindergartens in Lithuania. The brigade is expected to be operational by 2027.
08:56 Russia Boots British Diplomats for SpyingRussia has expelled six British diplomats on charges of espionage. The FSB claims to possess documents proving that the British Foreign Office is coordinating political and military escalation, with the goal of ensuring Russia's defeat in the war in Ukraine. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accuses the British embassy of intentionally harming Russian citizens. The British Foreign Office dismisses the accusations as "completely false," stating that Russia's actions are a response to measures taken by the UK in response to Russian activities in Europe and the UK.
08:31 Putin Threatens the West Over NATO's Potential Role in Ukraine ConflictUkrainian President Zelensky has been pushing for permission to use long-range missiles to target Russian military positions for some time now. The US and UK are now discussing this possibility. Russian President Putin responds swiftly with a warning to the West.
08:03 Russia Offers Insights on Western WeaponsRussia is offering to share its expertise on Western weapons being used in the Ukraine conflict. Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin, addressing a security conference in China, stated that Russia has invaluable experience in combating various Western weapons. He professed that Russia is prepared to share this knowledge with its partners, as the conflict has led to modern warfare tactics. Russian weapons, he claimed, are capable of neutralizing Western weapons.
07:34 Ukraine's Security Service Announces Arrests: Men Set Fires in Kyiv on Russia's BehalfFive men have been arrested for allegedly setting fires in Kyiv at Russia's behest, according to Ukraine's security service. The men are accused of burning five military vehicles and distributing leaflets intended to undermine the military. The service claimed that the men traveled to Kyiv from various Ukrainian regions in search of work, and were contacted by Russian agents over Telegram with the promise of quick pay. They documented their actions on mobile phone recordings to claim their payment, which never materialized.
07:05 Ukraine's Chief Rabbi Mourns Adopted Son Killed in WarUkraine's Chief Rabbi, Moshe Azman, is mourning the death of his adopted son, Anton Samborskij, who was killed in the Russian invasion. A memorial service was held in Kyiv on Thursday, attended by soldiers, veterans, and others. Samborskij, 32, was reported missing in late July, and his death was confirmed weeks later. He had become a father just a few weeks before being drafted. Rabbi Azman had adopted him as a 10-year-old orphan.
06:29 Japan Describes Encounter with Russian Military AircraftJapan's military dispatched fighter jets on Thursday in response to two Russian aircraft that circled the country. The Russian jets did not enter Japanese airspace, according to defense officials. The Tu-142 aircraft flew from the sea towards Okinawa in the southern portion of Japan from morning until afternoon. In response, "we deployed fighter jets from the Self-Defense Force in an emergency," the ministry said. The Russian jets left the area in the north and also crossed the Kuril Islands, a territory in dispute between Japan and Russia. Earlier in the week, Russian and Chinese warships began joint exercises in the Sea of Japan, part of a large-scale naval drill. Russian military aircraft last circled Japan in 2019. Source
06:07 Moscow: USA Employs Containment Strategy Against Russia and ChinaRussian Defense Deputy Minister Alexander Fomin asserts at a Chinese security conference that America is implementing a containment strategy against both Russia and China. This information is reported by the Russian news agency Tass. Fomin allegedly states that Moscow and Beijing advocate for the formation of a just, multilateral world order, characterized by equality and mutual respect, while the West is preparing for potential wars in Asia by establishing new security alliances in the region.
05:27 Ukraine: Cargo Ship Suffers Missile AttackThe Ukrainian Navy has detailed recent reports on an alleged Russian airstrike on a civilian ship in the Black Sea. The navy claims that a Tu-22 bomber possibly discharged a Ch-22 anti-ship missile at the vessel. The ship, flying the flag of the Caribbean nation of St. Kitts and Nevis, was supposedly outside Ukrainian territorial waters, traveling from the southern Ukrainian seaport of Chornomorsk to Egypt with a load of wheat. A BBC report indicates that the ship was in Romania's exclusive economic zone during the incident. The report additionally mentions that a Ch-31 missile, used for radar suppression and carrying less explosive power than the Ch-22, was allegedly utilized instead.
03:19 Tragic Incident at Border: Moldovan Soldier Fatally Wounds HimselfA Moldovan soldier has regrettably passed away in undefined circumstances while on duty at the border with the separatist region of Transnistria. The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Moldova reveals that the soldier was fatally struck by his own weapon while carrying out his tasks at his post. Police and forensic investigators are now probing the incident. Soldiers from Moldova, Transnistria, and Russian troops have been deployed at the separation line between the two parties since a conflict erupted in 1992 following the disintegration of the Soviet Union. Moldova has pledged to reintegrate Transnistria into its territory. Incidents at the separation line are an uncommon occurrence.
here.
02:18 UK Prime Minister: No Intent to Cause Conflict with RussiaUK Prime Minister Keir Starmer denies Russian President Putin's statement that the West's distribution of long-range weapons constitutes NATO's direct involvement in the conflict. "Ukraine has a right to self-defense," says Starmer. The UK firmly upholds this right and offers training opportunities within that context. "However, we are not seeking conflict with Russia – that is not our aim at all," Starmer emphasizes. Read more here.
01:09 Ex-US Ambassador in Kyiv: Harris Might Embrace Ukraine More FerventlyFormer US Ambassador to Ukraine, William B. Taylor, opines that Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris would support Ukraine more ardently than current President Biden if she emerges victorious in the election. Harris has displayed such support in various areas, Taylor noted in an event at the American University in Kyiv. Biden has been more moderate in some decisions, such as those pertaining to HIMARS, Abrams, and F-16 fighter jets. Presently, he is also tentative about authorizing Ukraine to launch attacks deep into Russia. Taylor forecasts a "more fervent" approach from Harris – mainly because she is likely to introduce a different foreign policy team to the White House.
00:27 Zelensky Pays Homage to Estonia for Military AidUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reciprocates gratitude to Estonian President Alar Karis in Kyiv for military assistance. Estonia has committed to dedicating 0.25% of its annual GDP to Ukraine's defense needs. The discussions also covered reconstructive efforts and Ukraine's EU aspirations. Furthermore, Latvian Prime Minister, Evika Siliņa, vowed more support during a meeting with Zelensky.
23:19 BND Not Mandated to Reveal Ukraine Assessment to JournalistThe Federal Intelligence Service (BND) is not obligated to reveal to a journalist whether it deemed a Ukrainian military victory in Ukraine as challenging or impossible during confidential discussions, the Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig has ruled. The BND is not required to disclose which media outlets took part in these background discussions. However, the BND must provide information about the number of confidential individual background discussions on the military situation in Ukraine this year. The journalist's request for an interim order was largely declined. The court indicated that the journalist filed an urgent application following a newspaper article from May, which reported that a CDU politician claimed the BND intentionally disseminated a negative assessment of the military situation in Ukraine to sway public opinion.
22:06 Lawmakers Back Use of Long-Range Weapons Against RussiaPoliticians from the traffic light coalition support providing Kyiv the authorization to use long-range weapons against Russian targets. It's both just and in accordance with international law to finally attack military targets in Russia with long-range Western rockets, says SPD foreign policy expert Michael Roth to T-Online. Roth lists military airfields, command centers, and missile bases as potential Russian targets for long-range weapons. These bases serve as launching platforms for the "inhumane attacks on civilian Ukrainian targets," and they can be most effectively counteracted there. The chairman of the defense committee, Marcus Faber of the FDP, considers the approval to "target Russian military airports with long-range weapons such as ATACMS and Storm Shadow past due." Green politician Anton Hofreiter stresses that "Russia terrorizes the Ukrainian civilian population daily with rocket attacks on hospitals, residential buildings, and energy supplies." To effectively protect the Ukrainian civilian population, the military must be permitted to bomb military bases on Russian territory with long-range weapons.
21:35 Vance Discusses Trump's Ukraine StrategyAs per Republican vice-presidential candidate J.D. Vance, Donald Trump's strategy to conclude the Russia conflict might involve setting up a demilitarized zone between Ukraine and Russia. Vance, in an interview with TV producer Shawn Ryan, suggests that Trump could gather Russians, Ukrainians, and Europeans to the negotiation table to explore the possibility of a peaceful resolution. Vance expresses confidence in Trump's ability to reach an agreement swiftly. Trump is renowned for his pro-Russian sympathies and frequent criticisms of US support for Ukraine. He also boasts about ending the conflict within a day if elected, but fails to provide specifics of his plan.
21:03 "Russians, God is with Us" - Fascist Protests in St. PetersburgThe Russians can't be challenged on this matter, and she can't refute them: "Russians, God is with Us," echo numerous Russian nationalists and fascists during their march through St. Petersburg. And repeatedly, they shout: "Forward, Russians!" The impetus behind their march is the celebration of Alexander Nevsky, a revered national hero and Orthodox Church saint, whose relics are being transferred.
20:28 Solovyov, Russian Propagandist: "The Atlantic is our Limit"According to popular Russian TV host Vladimir Solovyov, Russia's ambition should not stop at the conquest of Ukraine. "I believe the ideal boundary is the Atlantic. A natural boundary," says the Kremlin propagandist. The dream location for our troops - Berlin, Lisbon, Madrid. And how picturesque they appeared in Paris." Being reminded about the lack of Russian population, he replies: "The Belarusian brothers support us." Or alternatively, one could consider China.
20:01 British Aid Workers Ready for WinterMany Ukrainian homes that have survived shelling thus far lack windows, a disastrous situation approaching winter. The British NGO "Insulate Ukraine" is addressing this issue by visiting war zones and installing temporary windows.
Review all previous events here.
The European Union has been closelymonitoring the situation in Ukraine, expressing concern over Russia's actions in the region.
With the intense combat persisting in Kurachove, Ukraine, many EU officials are urging for stronger actions against Russia for its alleged supply of missiles to Moscow. The European Union is considering enacting new sanctions against Iran, as the country is believed to be providing Russia with these missiles.
