At 23:19, the BND is not required to disclose their evaluation of Ukraine to journalists.
The German Federal Intelligence Service (BND) isn't obligated to disclose if it portrayed Ukraine's military triumph over Russia as challenging or impossible in private discussions with journalists. As per the Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig, the media participating in these private discussions with the press doesn't need to be revealed at this time. The journalist's request for a temporary order is predominantly denied. However, the BND must share the number of confidential, individual background discussions on Ukraine's military scenario that happened this year. The journalist from a daily newspaper submitted the urgent application. The court stated that the reason behind this was a newspaper article from May, which reported a CDU politician stating that the BND intentionally painted a negative image of Ukraine's military situation to influence public opinion.
22:06 Coalition Politicians Argue for Using Long-Range Weapons Against RussiaPoliticians from the coalition government support the notion of allowing Kyiv to utilize long-range weapons against targets in Russia. SPD foreign policy spokesman Michael Roth shares, "It's right and legal to finally attack military targets in Russia with long-range Western rockets." Roth suggests military airfields, command centers, or missile bases as potential Russian targets for long-range weapons. Roth reasons that these targets are where "the insidious attacks on civilian Ukrainian targets are carried out," and they can be effectively dealt with there. The Defense Committee chairman, Marcus Faber of the FDP, believes that "the approval to target Russian military airports with long-range weapons like ATACMS and Storm Shadow is long overdue." Green politician Anton Hofreiter emphasizes that "Russia terrorizes the Ukrainian civilian population daily with rocket attacks on hospitals, residential buildings, and energy supply." To protect the Ukrainian civilian population effectively, the army must be allowed to strike military bases on Russian territory with long-range weapons.
21:35 Vance Speaks on Trump's Ideas for UkraineAccording to Republican vice-presidential candidate J.D. Vance, Donald Trump's plan to resolve the Russian conflict might involve establishing a demilitarized zone between Ukraine and Russia. Vance explains in an interview with television producer Shawn Ryan that Trump could bring Russians, Ukrainians, and Europeans to the negotiating table to "discover what a peaceful solution might look like." "I think he could quickly reach a deal," Vance says. Trump is known for his sympathetic stance towards Russian President Vladimir Putin and his repeated criticism of US aid to Ukraine. The former president also claims he could end the war within 24 hours if elected, but he hasn't provided details of his plan.
21:03 Fascist March in St. Petersburg: "We are Russians. God is with us"They can't be challenged or contradicted: "We are Russians. God is with us," shout numerous Russian nationalists and fascists during their march through St. Petersburg. And repeatedly, they shout: "Onward, Russians!" The reason for their march is the anniversary of the transfer of relics of Alexander Nevsky, who is celebrated as a national hero and the Orthodox Church's saint.
20:28 Kremlin Propagandist: "The Atlantic is the ideal barrier"Popular Russian TV host Vladimir Solovyov thinks Russia shouldn't stop at the conquest of Ukraine. "I believe the ideal barrier is the Atlantic. A natural barrier," said the Kremlin propagandist. The perfect location for their troops - Berlin, Lisbon, Madrid. "And how beautiful they looked in Paris," he adds. When reminded that there aren't many Russians, he says, "The Belarusian brothers are with us." Otherwise, one could also turn to China.
20:01 British Volunteers Prepare for WinterIn many Ukrainian homes that have withstood the shelling so far, windows are missing - a difficult situation right before winter. The British NGO "Insulate Ukraine" is taking action: they travel to war zones and install temporary windows.
19:34 Miners Trapped in Donetsk150 miners are stuck in the Dobropillia mine due to a power outage caused by Russian attacks in the Donetsk region. Mychailo Volynets, the head of the Ukrainian miners' union, reports this to the "Kyiv Independent." Dobropillia, which had about 28,000 inhabitants before the war, lies almost 20 kilometers north of Pokrovsk. This city was a major target for Russian troops in recent months. The Russian attacks have disrupted the power supply to Dobropillia and nearby settlements, including coal mines. The power outage is resulting in the gassing and flooding of the mines, according to the report. Volynets adds that the situation in the region remains "difficult."
19:08 Sweden Strengthens for War: Significantly More Money for Civil DefenseSweden aims to double its spending on civil defense over the next three years to prepare for war. "The lessons from the Ukraine war show that it is important to ensure the functionality of society's key sectors," the Swedish government said. Swedish civil defense minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin reveals that his country will increase the civil defense budget by two billion crowns to a total of 8.5 billion crowns, equivalent to 740 million euros, this year. By 2028, an annual budget of 15 billion crowns is targeted. "The security situation remains serious and will remain so for the foreseeable future," said Bohlin.
Vladimir Putin, Russia's president, warns that if the West authorizes Ukraine to use long-range weapons against Russian targets, it would signify NATO going to war with Russia. He made this statement to a state television reporter, stating, "This would significantly shift the conflict's nature. It means NATO countries are at war with Russia." This action, according to Putin, would equate to direct NATO involvement in the Ukraine conflict. Over the course of Russia's attack on Ukraine, Moscow has consistently warned of escalations, alterations in the nature of the war, or even nuclear threats. Ukraine has been seeking the West's permission to utilize Western long-range weapons to counterattack Russian targets within its borders for some time now. For months, Russia has heavily attacked Ukrainian infrastructure with its military.
18:07 Zelensky Dismisses Chinese-Brazilian Peace Initiative as "Destroyive" Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukrainian president, rejects the Chinese-Brazilian peace initiative, labeling it as "destructive" and just a mere "political statement," during an interview with Brazilian media outlet Metropoles. Zelensky questions, "How can you present 'here's our initiative' without even asking us?" China and Brazil had proposed an international peace conference for May. Zelensky wonders, "What is this theatre for?" Unlike Moscow, Kyiv was not invited to participate.
17:40 Russian Missile Strikes Civilians According to Ukrainian sources, a Russian missile strikes a cargo ship carrying grain from Ukraine. President Zelensky reported that the ship had already left Ukrainian waters in the Black Sea at the time of impact. Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha describes it as a "bold attack on the freedom of navigation and global food security." The ship was heading to Egypt with no reported casualties. A Ukrainian navy spokesperson confirms that the grain ship was not within Ukraine's grain shipping corridor at the time of the attack, but instead in Romania's maritime economic zone. A spokesperson for the Romanian navy confirms that the ship was not within Romanian territorial waters.
17:12 Xi Jinping Planning Another Trip to Russia Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit Russia in October, according to a statement from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Xi will attend the BRICS summit in Kazan, Wang revealed. Wang is currently in St. Petersburg, meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Both leaders praised their positive relationship, Wang stated. Xi acknowledged Putin's invitation to the BRICS summit, expressing eagerness to attend. Putin confirms that their bilateral meeting will cover aspects of their relationship, which are "developing quite successfully."
16:50 US Ready to Adjust Military Aid for Ukraine US Secretary of State Antony Blinken affirms that the US is prepared to modify military support for Ukraine as required. Blinken acknowledged through a press conference in Warsaw that the US has not provided authorization for Ukraine to attack Russian targets with Western weapons, but vowed, "We're adjusting, we're adapting when necessary, including with respect to the capabilities that are available to Ukraine." Blinken had meetings with his British counterpart David Lammy in Kyiv, gathering information about the battlefield situation and Ukrainian necessities. Consequently, they will revisit their strategy and make adjustments if necessary.
16:35 New Role for NATO Chief Stoltenberg NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is set to assume the role of chairman of the Munich Security Conference, replacing Christoph Heusgen, who assumed the position in 2022. Stoltenberg will take up the role after the security conference in February 2025. Heusgen will depart as chairman, while the long-standing former chairman Wolfgang Ischinger will remain as president of the foundation's board. Stoltenberg will relinquish his post as NATO Secretary General in October to Dutch ex-Prime Minister, Mark Rutte.
16:11 Three Red Cross Employees Killed in Ukraine Three Ukrainian employees of the Red Cross were reportedly killed in a Russian attack in a village in the Donetsk region, according to Ukrainian authorities. The Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office reported two additional employees who were wounded in the attack, with one in critical condition. In a social media post, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack on the humanitarian mission, labeling it as yet another "Russian war crime." Ukrainian Human Rights Commissioner Dmytro Lubinets further accused Russia of violating the Geneva Conventions.
15:18 Naval Skirmish in the Black SeaReports suggest Ukraine and Russia are involved in a naval and aerial skirmish in the Black Sea. Ukraine's intelligence service claims they used a portable air defense weapon to down a Russian Su-30 fighter jet during a covert sea operation (refer to 08:04 entry). However, details about this operation from Kyiv are scarce. Conversely, Russia's Defense Ministry announced that Ukraine attempted an attack on a Russian drilling platform in the Black Sea using fast boats. Eight out of fourteen boats were reportedly shot down and sunk, with the remaining boats retreating. There's no mention of an aircraft loss in Moscow. Yet, military blog Rybar, which is close to the Russian Ministry of Defense, reported that a Su-30 was shot down during the Ukrainian attack defense.
14:54 Ukrainian Soldiers: "War's Tiredness"Ukrainian soldiers are compelled to use their limited firepower tactically and economically. ntv reporter Kavita Sharma has witnessed this duality firsthand - aged Soviet weapons with minimal ammunition, and a handful of more effective new Western weapons.
14:23 Zelensky: Russia Launches Counterattack in KurskUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reportedly claimed that Russia has initiated a counteroffensive in its border region of Kursk. Zelensky asserted that this move aligns with Ukraine's plans, without providing further details, during a press conference in Kyiv. According to Russia's Ministry of Defense, Russian units have liberated ten settlements in the Kursk region in two days, as announced via Telegram.
13:55 Criticisms Surface Over Iran-Russia RelationsAn influential Iranian conservative politician, Ali Motahari, has expressed concerns about Iran's relations with Russia amid new sanctions and diplomatic tensions. In a post on the X platform, Motahari criticized the new sanctions imposed by Germany, France, and the UK due to Iran's alleged delivery of ballistic missiles to Russia. However, Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly denies these missile deliveries.
13:38 Shortage of Basic Needs in Ukrainian City PokrovskFollowing attacks, the city of Pokrovsk in the Ukrainian region of Donetsk is facing a lack of regular drinking water supply, and many residents are without gas for cooking and heating, according to the governor of the region, Vadym Filaschkin. The city has been relying on over 300 emergency wells for its water supply since a water treatment plant was damaged in the fighting. Additionally, a gas distribution center was destroyed by the Russians the previous day, leaving 18,000 people in Pokrovsk without gas.
13:07 Russia's Navy: Overestimated or Understated?A report from independent Russian news portal "Agentstvo" questions the official claim of over 400 Russian warships participating in the large-scale military exercise "Ocean-2024." The portal cites difficult-to-verify online data from websites "Global Naval Powers Ranking 2024" and "RussiaShips.info," which suggest 264 and 299 warships respectively. The numbers also include around 50 ships and submarines from the Black Sea Fleet that are not participating in the exercise. Russia has been criticized for exaggerating the size of its military forces in the past.
12:28 Russian Intelligence Targets Bundeswehr and Ukraine AidThe annual report by Germany's Military Counterintelligence Service (MAD) highlights that Russian intelligence services have intensified their espionage activities against German Ukraine aid and the Bundeswehr. The shift in focus suggests that Russia is now highly interested in information regarding the military aid Austria provides to Ukraine, including weapon and ammunition transportation routes, deployment procedures, and details about the performance of Western weapons in Ukraine. Russia's interest in the Bundeswehr's own capabilities for territorial and alliance defense has also increased.
11:52 Munz: New Warning of Atomic Weapons Against Berlin Not UnintentionalBritain and the US could potentially grant Ukraine permission to use weapons against Russian territory. Therefore, it's not surprising that an atomic weapons specialist has proposed attacking Berlin, explains ntv correspondent Rainer Munz. The Kremlin has managed to thwart such decisions so far through threats.
11:15 Delay in Decision on Long-Range Missiles AnnouncedThe long-awaited decision regarding the deployment of Western long-range missiles in Ukraine may be further delayed. According to the US media outlet Bloomberg, a UN General Assembly resolution scheduled for September 24, where around 150 heads of state and government will convene, is unlikely. The authors cite British Foreign Minister Lammy, who suggested that the UN meeting will be the next opportunity to discuss the use of long-range missiles in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Zelensky is expected to reiterate his demand for such weapons at the meeting. Lammy and US Secretary of State Blinken visited Kyiv on Wednesday to discuss the matter with Zelensky, while Blinken is expected to meet with US President Biden on Friday. British Prime Minister Starmer will meet with Biden on Friday as well.
10:31 Blinken Drops by in Poland Post-Kyiv VisitUS Secretary of State Blinken swings by Poland, a key ally of Ukraine, following his time in Kyiv. Meetings with Prime Minister Tusk and President Duda are on the agenda. Blinken is expected to discuss potential future cooperation with Poland, who serves as the primary logistics base for Western military aid to Ukraine, during his stay. Poland has substantially boosted its military spending since Russia's invasion of Ukraine and has ordered 96 combat choppers from US defense giant Boeing, totaling a staggering ten billion dollars.
09:59 Ukraine Reports 64 Enemy Drones and 5 Missiles in Overnight AttackThe Ukrainian air force reports Russian forces attacked Ukraine overnight with 5 missiles and 64 drones of Iranian origin. 44 drones were thwarted. The military reports are not fully verifiable. Air defense was active numerous times in the Kyiv area to shoot down approaching drones.
09:11 High-Ranking Russian Analyst Calls for Stronger Nuclear StanceRenowned Russian foreign policy expert Sergei Karaganov suggests Russia should unambiguously communicate its readiness to use nuclear weapons. The primary objective of Russia's nuclear strategy should be "to persuade all existing and future adversaries that Russia is willing to deploy nuclear weapons," Karaganov stated to Russian newspaper "Kommersant". Russia could carry out a limited nuclear attack on a NATO nation without sparking an all-out nuclear war. The US would be misleading if they claimed to guarantee nuclear defense for their allies. Karaganov previously called for Russia to consider a nuclear preemptive strike as a scare tactic against adversaries. Some Western analysts believe Karaganov serves a purpose for the Kremlin by expressing views that alarm the West, thereby making Putin appear more reasonable by contrast.
08:46 Ukraine Hopes for US Approval for Long-Range Western MissilesOptimism is growing in Ukraine that they may be permitted to launch attacks further into Russian territory using Western weaponry in the future. US Secretary of State mentioned during his visit to Kyiv that he aims to ensure "Ukraine has everything it requires". In Britain, indications are favoring the green.
08:04 Ukrainian Intelligence Reports Downing of Russian Fighter JetAfter reports from yesterday suggesting a Russian Su-30SM fighter jet went off radar, Ukrainian military intelligence now claims Ukrainian forces have brought down a similar aircraft during operations in the Black Sea. Kyiv Independent reports. The fighter jet, valued at $50 million, was stationed in Crimea. It was reportedly destroyed by a portable air defense system.
07:26 Konotop Undergoes Massive Drone Attack, Dozens InjuredThe number of casualties has risen to 14 following a massive Russian drone assault on Konotop's energy infrastructure in the Sumy region. State news agency Ukrinform reports, citing the regional military administration. Among the targeted structures was a residential building in the city center.
More details can be found here.
here.
06:42 Ukrainian Refugees in Germany Keep Their Status on Return HomeThe German Bundestag will debate for the first time today the federal government's proposed security package, which, among other things, includes the withdrawal of refugee status for individuals who return home. However, exceptions exist, for example, for refugees from Ukraine.
06:04 Russian Media Accuses Bias Against Trump During DebateSeveral commentators on Russian state TV have charged "sabotage" against Trump during his debate against Kamala Harris, according to the Kyiv Independent. Trump was allegedly disadvantaged, they claim. Trump's statements were met with scrutiny by fact-checkers. In the opinion of many experts, Trump lost the debate. Trump has pledged that if he wins the election, he will immediately end the Ukraine war.
04:50 Konotop Suffers from Russian Attack, Severe Damage to Energy InfrastructureSeveral civilians sustained injuries in a Russian bombardment of Konotop in the Sumy region. According to Mayor Artem Semenikhin, the city's water supply was momentarily disrupted. There is also damage to the energy infrastructure, although the exact timetable for private households to regain power remains uncertain. After the city center attack, several fires broke out, and both school and residential buildings sustained damage. Two individuals were hospitalized, one in critical condition.
03:29 Latvia Bolsters Military Support for UkraineLatvia's Prime Minister Evika Silina announced a package of military aid for Ukraine during her visit to Kyiv. It will include armored vehicles. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal confirmed this during a meeting with Silina, according to X after their encounter. Both countries are also considering expanding cooperation in the defense industry, Shmyhal said.
01:32 UK Issues Summons to Iranian Businessman Over Alleged Rocket Supplies to RussiaWith suspicions of Iranian rocket deliveries to Russia, the UK has summoned an Iranian businessman, the Foreign Office announced in a statement. "The UK government has communicated that any transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia would be deemed a dangerous escalation and would warrant a significant response," it stated. On Tuesday, Germany, France, and the UK brought forward further sanctions against Tehran due to the suspected rocket shipments, particularly the suspension of bilateral air transportation agreements. The European Union had earlier cited "credible evidence" of Iranian rocket transfers to Russia.
00:14 Ukraine: Russia Deploys Inexperienced Troops in Vovchansk
Ukrainian military sources claim that Russia is deploying untrained soldiers at the Kharkiv front. As per Vitalii Sarantsev, a spokesperson for the operation tactical group in Kharkiv, the soldiers in the offensive actions in Vovchansk are inadequately prepared. It's suspected that these new reinforcements are a Russian mobilization reserve. It's uncertain if they're ex-prisoners or recruits from countries like Central Asia, Africa, or the Middle East.
22:39 Mayor in Western Ukraine Establishes Russian Language Monitoring Teams
The mayor of Ivano-Frankivsk, a western Ukrainian city, has announced the instigation of patrols to scrutinize the growing use of the Russian language. "This is a public initiative, and anyone can become a language inspector," shares Ruslan Martsinkiv, the city's mayor, with TV channel NTA. Many refugees from eastern Ukraine, whose native language is Russian, have arrived in the city. The mayor anticipates at least 100 language controllers, with 50 volunteers already registered. He also provided a hotline number for citizens to report Russian speakers in public spaces. Due to the conflict, millions have fled to the relatively safe Ukrainian-speaking west of Ukraine, mainly from Russian-speaking regions in the east and south.
21:42 Erdogan Calls for Return of Crimea from Russia
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has demanded the return of Crimea, annexed by Russia, to Ukraine. "Our commitment to Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence is unwavering. The return of Crimea to Ukraine is a requirement of international law," Erdogan states in a video message at the Crimea Platform summit. Established in 2021, the Crimea Platform aims to boost international attention towards the situation in the annexed peninsula.
21:05 Report: Kyiv to Showcase Military Strategy to USA
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that American support is crucial in repelling the Russian invasion. "Our plan for victory (...) mainly relies on U.S. support, and other partners," Zelenskyy says at a press conference in Kyiv. The presentation of the detailed plan, slated for the second Ukraine Peace Conference, aims to "bolster Ukraine" and "force Russia to end the war." According to Bloomberg, the U.S. is requesting a clear strategy for striking Russia before easing restrictions on the use of Western weapons. U.S. Secretary of State Blinken and British Foreign Secretary Lammy are expected to meet with Zelenskyy in Kyiv to discuss a long-term strategy for the following year, to better understand Ukraine's goals.
20:37 Blinken Confirms U.S. Support for Ukraine's Weapons Request
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has confirmed that the U.S. is working diligently to fulfill Ukraine's military requests, which include the use of Western-supplied long-range weapons against Russian targets. President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will discuss these demands on Friday, Blinken said at a joint press conference with his British counterpart David Lammy and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiga in Kyiv. "We are working urgently to ensure that Ukraine has the necessary means to defend itself effectively," Blinken continued, adding, "We want Ukraine to win."
You can find information about previous developments here.
In light of the ongoing conflict, Vladimir Putin, Russia's president, has warned that if the West authorizes Ukraine to use long-range weapons against Russian targets, it would signify NATO going to war with Russia. He stated, "This would significantly shift the conflict's nature. It means NATO countries are at war with Russia."
Following the report of a CDU politician suggesting that the BND intentionally painted a negative image of Ukraine's military situation to influence public opinion, the journalist's urgent application for a temporary order was predominantly denied, as the BND must share the number of confidential, individual background discussions on Ukraine's military scenario that happened this year.
