At 23:22, Republican Party Members in the U.S. Suggest Permission for Ukraine to Utilize American Weapons Against Russia
Key Republican Figures in the US Congress Urge Biden to Permit Ukraine to Utilize Long-Range Missiles against Additional Russian Targets. They Contend that Restrictions on the Use of U.S.-Supplied Weapons against Legitimate Russian Military Targets Should Be Lifted. In a Letter to Biden, These Individuals Stress the Importance of this Action. This Letter is Signed by Notable Figures, Including Michael McCaul, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
22:17 US Secretary of State and British Counterpart Announce Travel Plans to KyivThe United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his British counterpart David Lammy have announced plans to travel to Ukraine jointly later this week. This trip comes at a crucial time for Ukraine, Blinken stated at a press conference during his discussions in London. Russia is escalating its aggression against civilians, significant infrastructure, and the Ukrainian military. "We observe how it increases its attacks on cities, people, and particularly energy infrastructure prior to the cold months," Blinken explained.
21:36 Zelenskyy Criticizes Past Diplomatic StrategyUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is urging his diplomats to be more forceful in advocating for Ukraine's interests, as it has been under attack by Russia. The new Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha should change Ukrainian diplomacy so that both Ukraine and its partners can react more swiftly to challenges. Zelenskyy made these remarks in his evening video address, after officially naming Sybiha as the new minister at the Foreign Ministry. He stressed the importance of gaining greater understanding of Ukraine in Europe and strengthening ties with Latin America, Africa, and Asia. "We must fully utilize the potential of our strategic relations with the United States," Zelenskyy added from Kyiv.
20:57 Landmines Reduce Ukraine's GDPAccording to a report from the Ukrainian Ministry of Economy and the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, landmines are estimated to decrease Ukraine's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by $11.2 billion annually. This equates to 5.6% of the country's national wealth, measured by its economic output in 2021. The study revealed that regional tax revenues decreased by about $1.1 billion due to mines, and the value of Ukrainian exports decreased by around $8.9 billion. Data from the Ministry of Agriculture suggests that about 2.5% of arable land has become contaminated and unusable. The World Bank estimates that approximately $34.6 billion would be necessary to safely remove Ukraine's mines.
20:11 Kyiv Prepares for Toughest Winter YetThe Ukrainian government anticipates the most challenging winter since the start of the conflict due to disruptions in the energy sector. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal stated in Kyiv that ensuring a stable energy supply throughout the upcoming heating season will be difficult. "We have successfully navigated three heating periods," said Shmyhal, but the upcoming winter "will not be any easier, perhaps even the toughest." Ukraine is receiving equipment for its energy sector from various countries, including efforts to restore damaged power plants and make the energy system more resilient. "We are also increasing the autonomy of critical infrastructure," said Shmyhal.
19:27 Baerbock Remains Pessimistic about Peace TalksGerman Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has expressed skepticism regarding future peace negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the nearly two and a half year-long attack on Ukraine. Unfortunately, every peace suggestion proposed internationally has been met by Russia with "more terror, more suffering, and more casualties," Baerbock explained during a meeting with her Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Berlin. Putin's response has always been: "Instead of talking, I want to continue destroying Ukraine." Baerbock warns against being naive, as the Russian war is being waged on multiple fronts.
18:43 Moscow Feels Validated by Kyiv's Drone AttacksFollowing recent Ukrainian drone attacks towards Moscow, the Kremlin feels validated in its military approach. "We must continue the military special operation to protect ourselves from such incidents," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov to Russian news agencies. In the overnight attacks, a woman in an apartment building was killed. Although there are almost daily civilian casualties in Ukraine due to Russian drone or missile attacks, Peskov labeled the deadly Ukrainian attack as "the essence of the Kyiv regime."
18:07 First Civilian Death in Moscow Region from Ukrainian AttacksFor the first time since the conflict with Russia commenced, a person has been killed in the Moscow region due to Ukrainian drone attacks. Regional governor Andrei Vorobyov announced on Telegram that a 46-year-old woman was killed after a drone hit an apartment building in Ramenskoye, located on the southern outskirts of the capital.
17:23 Putin Stresses Russia's Need to Prepare for Defense against Military Aggression from All DirectionsIn his speech to attendees of the strategic command exercise "Ocean-2024," Russian President Vladimir Putin said that his country must be prepared to defend against any potential military aggression from all directions. "Russia must be prepared for all possibilities. Our armed forces must reliably protect the sovereignty and national interests of Russia and defend against any military aggression from all directions, including in the ocean and maritime areas," the president stated, according to the Russian news agency TASS. He added that "the navy plays a crucial role in achieving this objective."
16:51 Berlin, Paris, and London Prepare Retaliations Against IranGermany, France, and the UK criticize Iran for delivering ballistic missiles to Russia. They declared, "This is another rise in Iran's military support for Russia's aggressive campaign against Ukraine." These missiles could potentially reach European soil, aggravating the plight of the Ukrainian populace. "This action signifies an escalation on both Iran and Russia's sides and poses a direct threat to European safety." They had previously warned Iran against such actions, and now they plan to enforce sanctions, including suspending bilateral air transport accords. Iran Air and individuals and entities involved in this matter are also under scrutiny for sanctions. Previously, the U.S. had blamed Iran for arming Russia for its battle in Ukraine and imposed new sanctions against Tehran.
16:32 Shoigu Shuts Down Negotiations with UkraineRussian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu refuses to engage in peace talks with Ukraine as long as Ukrainian troops remain on Russian territory. "As long as they haven't left our territory, we will not negotiate with them," Shoigu stated on Russian television. Since early August, Ukraine has been conducting an offensive in the Russian region of Kursk, making their ground troops the first to enter Russian territory since the war began. Shoigu sees this aggression as an attempt to force Russia to negotiate under Ukrainian conditions and withdraw Russian forces from the Donbass.
16:04 Prisoner Soldiers Report on the FrontlineTo maintain an uninterrupted supply of soldiers, both Russia and Ukraine are enlisting prisoners for the frontline. Former prison warden Oleksandr now commands the soldiers in the 59th Brigade. "They will do whatever it takes to survive," he said. In the video, the men discussed their perilous deployment.
15:38 Plan to Force Ukrainian Troops Out of Kursk RegionThe Russian military has reportedly devised a plan to push Ukrainian troops out of the Russian border region of Kursk, according to the Kremlin. This was reportedly disclosed by TASS news agency, citing Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskow: "Of course, the military has all the necessary plans, but I don't believe these plans can be publicly disclosed," Peskow said when asked for an estimated timeline for removing Ukrainian troops from Russian territory. Ukrainian soldiers launched a massive assault on Kursk on August 6, resulting in large parts now being controlled by Ukraine.
15:13 Latvia Increases Border Security MeasuresDue to security concerns, Latvia has decided to extend its enhanced border security measures with neighboring Belarus until the end of the year. This decision was taken by the Latvian government in Riga. The reason for this extension is the persistently high number of illegal border crossings.
14:47 Ukraine Boosts Weapons ProductionAccording to government data, Ukraine is experiencing a substantial increase in weapons production this year. "In the first eight months of 2024, our weapons production has doubled compared to 2023," said Prime Minister Denys Schmygal in Kyiv. Ukraine plans to manufacture more than a million drones by the year's end. "We are progressing. The drone production is growing," said Schmygal.
14:23 Military Expert Applauds Scholz's Peacemaking InitiativeChancellor Scholz has proposed peace talks with Russia. While many voices criticize this initiative, military expert Ralph Thiele supports Scholz's initiative and urges swift action. The Ukraine may be on the verge of breaking through its defense lines following the Kursk offensive.
13:52 Warning: Inadequate Defense Spending by GermanyResearchers at the Kiel Institute for the World Economy have warned that Germany's defense spending is insufficient in the face of the threat posed by Russia. "Despite the rhetoric of a 'turning point,' the gap between Germany's and Russia's military capabilities continues to widen," the institute states. The researchers advocate for a sustained defense budget of at least 100 billion euros. "Russia is evolving into an increasingly significant threat to NATO. Meanwhile, our efforts to build up sufficient deterrence measures are slow," says study author Guntram Wolff. According to Wolff, the German government is barely managing to replace the weapons transferred to Ukraine. The stock of air defense systems and artillery howitzers is even significantly depleted.
12:25 Netherlands Lends Support to Ukraine's Weapons RequestUkraine has repeatedly urged the EU and U.S. to enable the use of weapons on Russian territory. Now, the Netherlands has given its approval, including the provision of promised fighter jets.
12:59 Russia Declares Capture of Four More Settlements in Donetsk
According to Russia's Ministry of Defense, Russian military forces have seized control of four more towns in the Donetsk region of Eastern Ukraine. The Southern Group of Forces has taken control of Krasnohorivka and Hryhorivka, the Eastern Group of Forces has captured Wodiane, and the Central Group of Forces has taken control of Halytsynivka. However, these assertions cannot be corroborated independently. Ukrainian military inspectors have at least identified three of the affected communities - excluding Hryhorivka - as occupied territory. Ukraine is currently experiencing intense pressure on its Eastern front.
12:20 Moscow Only Engages with One Dialogue PartnerIn June, a peace negotiation was held in Switzerland without Russia's participation. Now, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz indicates his readiness for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. But how does the Kremlin respond? Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov acts diplomatically, but not with Europe, according to ntv correspondent Rainer Munz.
11:50 Kyiv: Russia Increasingly Employs Chemical WeaponsUkrainian authorities warn that Russian forces in Ukraine are increasingly utilizing chemical weapons. The Ukrainian military headquarters reports on Facebook that Russian forces deployed 447 chemical munitions laced with hazardous chemicals and chemical warfare agents in August alone, and 4,035 times between February 15, 2023, and August 24, 2024. The Ukrainian military headquarters also claims that Russian troops are delivering chemical munitions containing prohibited chemical warfare agents and employing unidentified chemical compounds. They further state: "Russia is thus flagrantly violating the laws of warfare and disregarding the norms and commitments under the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction."
11:19 Presidential Office in Kyiv: Attacks on Russian Munitions Depots ApprovedThe head of the Ukrainian presidential office reaffirms Ukraine's request for its Western allies to authorize strikes against targets deep within Russian territory. Andriy Yermak explains that strikes against rocket depots in Russia are necessary. "Defense is not escalation." It's about preventing terror, Yermak writes on Telegram. Western nations are reluctant to allow Ukraine to utilize the weapons they've provided on Russian soil, citing fears of being drawn into the conflict.
10:53 Fires and Casualties - Russia Attacks with numerous Drones and Two MissilesAccording to local officials, at least three people sustained injuries and property damage, resulting in fires in Ukraine during Russian drone and missile attacks. The air defense shot down 38 out of 46 Russian drones over 13 regions, the air force reports on Telegram. Russia also utilized two missiles in its attack. Energy facilities in eight Ukrainian regions were also targeted, the energy ministry in Kyiv reports, resulting in disruptions to high-voltage lines and transformer stations.
10:27 End of Role Model Image: Putin's Children's Rights Representative Marries OligarchLong regarded as the epitome of the Russian woman, Maria Lwowa-Belova, the Russian children's rights representative, was married to an Orthodox priest since 2003. As a couple, they spoke in propaganda media about conservative values, Christian faith, and their experiences raising numerous children. She was also charged by the International Criminal Court in 2023 alongside Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin for the illegal expulsion of children from Ukraine. However, according to the independent portal Verstka, her traditional values and, particularly, her priest husband seem to have faded. Over the weekend, she reportedly married oligarch Konstantin Malofeew, with whom she had been in a relationship for some time. Remarkably, this relationship remains somewhat traditional, as Malofeew is the founder of the Kremlin-linked Christian TV station Tsargrad TV and an ardent proponent of monarchy and the Russian war.
09:59 Russia Reports Ukrainian Drone AssaultA woman is killed in a Ukrainian drone strike on Moscow, according to the region's governor. Videos show explosions in residential areas. Russian sources also claim that 144 drones were intercepted.
09:32 Russia's Navy Commences 'Ocean-2024' ManeuversRussia's navy begins its strategic drills "Ocean-2024" in various regions of the world's largest country by area. More than 400 warships, including submarines, and over 90,000 personnel from various naval units will take part in the exercises until September 16, the defense ministry in Moscow reported. The exercises are taking place in the Pacific, Arctic, Baltic, and Caspian seas, as well as the Mediterranean, where Russia has a base in the Syrian port city of Tartus.
09:10 Two Perish in Oil Pipeline Fire in Russian Region of OrenburgTwo individuals lose their lives in a fire at an oil pipeline in the Russian region of Orenburg, TASS news agency reports. An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing. The fire's origin remains unknown. Unconfirmed reports of the incident circulated on some Russian Telegram channels on Monday.
08:43 Shoigu Rules Out Negotiations for the MomentRussia will not engage in negotiations with Ukraine until its troops withdraw from Russian territories, TASS news agency reports, quoting Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu. Earlier, Kremlin spokesman Peskov had also ruled out negotiations.
07:43 Scholz Sets Stipulations for Russian Participation in Peace TalksGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz sets prerequisites for Russian participation in potential peace negotiations regarding Ukraine. At an SPD event on Monday evening, he emphasizes the necessity of providing military aid to Ukraine in combating its aggressor, Russia. Furthermore, he suggests exploring ways to diffuse the situation, requiring Russia to cease aggression. Scholz, as well as the Ukrainian leadership, advocates for another peace conference involving Russian participation. However, he points out, "It's obviously not feasible if the one supposed to attend continues proclaiming 'I'll keep attacking'," referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin, according to Scholz, even articulates a desire for more Ukrainian territory for a peaceful resolution. "In politics, what's crucial is clarity, firmness, and character. That's what's necessary to establish peace and security in Europe," Scholz underscores.
07:18 Fico Alleges Fascism in Ukrainian Military - Kyiv ProtestsUkraine is taken aback by the accusations of Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, as reported by Reuters. He implicated Kyiv in cleaning its military of "fascism." In response, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry asserted, "Ukrainian soldiers are safeguarding their families, homes, and land against Russian invaders, marked with the letter 'Z' - a symbol of the fascist aesthetics of modern Russia." The Ukrainian people have suffered "millions of casualties" in combating Nazism during the 20th century, the ministry added. Fico's "fascism" allegation mirrors Russian propaganda, which often depicts the Ukrainian leadership as Nazis. Ironically, far-right parties garnered merely 2.4 percent in the 2019 Ukrainian elections. Historian Timothy Snyder, however, locates clear fascist traits in the Putin system.
06:56 Russian Regional Governor Revises Casualty FiguresA woman dies and three civilians are injured as a result of a Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow, according to the governor of the region, Andrei Vorobyov, who announced this via Telegram. Initially, he had mentioned a child's death, which he could not substantiate. At least 43 individuals are housed in emergency shelters.
06:25 Greenpeace Prepares to Investigate Environmental Misdeeds by RussiaGreenpeace reopens a Kyiv office to accelerate reconstruction efforts in Ukraine and investigate environmental wrongdoings resulting from Russia's war of aggression. The environmental organization has already collaborated with local environmental organizations to achieve this goal. "Our objective is to facilitate Ukraine's eco-friendly reconstruction of social infrastructure with the help of solar and wind power," says the new office manager, Natalia Hosak. Greenpeace regularly highlights environmental damage in Ukraine caused by Russia's war of aggression, including the situation at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
06:02 Russia Announces Child Death in Moscow RegionFollowing a Ukrainian drone attack in the Moscow region, Russian reports indicate a child's death. Regional Governor Andrey Vorobyov stated on Telegram that at least 14 Ukrainian drones were intercepted in the capital region overnight. One of these drones caused a fire that is currently being extinguished by firefighters. "Unfortunately, a nine-year-old child perished," Vorobyov added. The interception of another drone in the capital region resulted in at least one injury when the projectile fell on a residential building. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin originally reported that 11 drones had been intercepted near the Russian capital.
05:31 Ukraine Repels Drone Attack on KyivUkrainian air defense forces have foiled a Russian drone attack on Kyiv, as announced by the Ukrainian capital's military administration on the Telegram messaging service.
04:36 Russia: Debris from Shot-down Drone Falls on Energy ComplexDebris from a drone shot down by Russian air defenses over the Tula region landed on an energy complex, according to Russian news agency TASS. "There were no casualties," TASS cited the Tula authorities as saying. The technical process and resource supply to consumers were unaffected, and the situation was under control.
03:29 Ukraine Attacks Moscow with DronesMoscow is under attack by Ukrainian drones following the interception of two Ukrainian drones over the Domodedovo district of Moscow, triggering emergency services to attend the crash site. No damage or casualty details were provided. The Domodedovo district, located approximately 50 kilometers south of the Kremlin, is home to one of Moscow's largest airports.
02:17 Russia's Air Defense Destroys Incoming DroneRussian air defense units have destroyed an incoming drone directed towards the Russian capital, according to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. "Preliminary information indicates no damages or casualties where the debris landed," Sobyanin said on Telegram. No statement has been released by the Ukrainian side.
00:12 Zelensky Praises Sweden for New Aid PackageUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Sweden for a defense aid package valued at $445 million. "This significant aid, comprising air defense systems, anti-tank weapons, and financial contributions to address Ukraine's urgent needs, will enhance our defense capabilities," Zelensky said on X. According to Swedish reports, the package also includes spare parts for Gripen fighter jets to prepare for a potential future Gripen aircraft delivery.
22:17 Foreign Office: Russia "most significant danger to tranquility" right at NATO's eastern edgeAfter the intrusion of Russian drones into Latvia and Romania, the Foreign Office has characterized Russia under President Vladimir Putin as "the most significant danger to peace and stability." Regrettably, Putin's Russia is currently the most significant danger to peace and stability directly at NATO's eastern edge," the office writes on X. "This fact has been highlighted, not least, by the drone incidents in Romania and Latvia." "We collaborate with our alliance partners and stand alongside them," the Foreign Office adds regarding the drones. Over the weekend, NATO and EU member states Latvia and Romania each reported the intrusion of a Russian drone into their territory.
21:42 US can't confirm Iranian missile shipments to RussiaThe US administration can't verify reports that Iran has shipped ballistic missiles to Russia, as per John Kirby, spokesperson for the US national security council.
21:28 Zelensky requests prompt execution of aid commitmentsUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged the swift execution of aid commitments with the West. "The course of the conflict relies directly on the efficiency of logistics in deliveries and the fulfillment of all obligations by our partners," Zelensky said in his evening video address. Weapons and equipment must arrive on schedule to be effective. "What is required in September should reach our troops in September."
20:52 Russian opposition politician cautions against providing Putin with a "graceful exit"Prominent Russian opposition politician Vladimir Kara-Mursa warns the West against giving Russian President Vladimir Putin a "graceful exit" from the Ukraine conflict. "It is highly important that Vladimir Putin does not win the conflict against Ukraine," says Kara-Mursa. "It is highly important that Vladimir Putin does not find a graceful exit from this conflict in Ukraine." Approximately a month after his release in a prisoner exchange, Kara-Mursa understands that there is "weariness" about the conflict in Western societies. However, Putin must "be defeated." He adds: "If, God forbid, the Putin regime is able to present the outcome of this conflict as a victory for itself and maintain power, we will be discussing another conflict or disaster within a year or 18 months."
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The European Union could potentially express concern over the escalating conflict between Ukraine and Russia, considering their advocacy for peace and stability in the region.
Given the complexity of the situation and the geopolitical implications, it would be logical for the European Union to engage in diplomatic discussions with key figures in the US Congress, such as Michael McCaul, to explore possible avenues for de-escalation and navigate potential implications of supplying weapons to Ukraine.
Alternatively, the European Union could decide to strengthen its relations with Ukraine by increasing economic and diplomatic support, thereby bolstering Ukraine's resilience against ongoing challenges while also showing a clear stance against Russian aggression.
