At 23:23, Bulgaria takes steps to prohibit the entrance of Ukrainian egg imports into the EU.
Bulgaria will propose the halt of egg imports from Ukraine at an impending EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting on September 23 in Brussels, as announced by Bulgarian Minister of Agriculture Georgi Takhov. This action is a manifestation of ongoing disagreements between Ukraine and Eastern EU member states regarding agricultural trade, which have resulted in border obstructions, Ukrainian corn and wheat import bans, and farmer protests in Poland and Bulgaria.
22:13 Merz Deems No Chance for Peace Process with Russia
German CDU leader Friedrich Merz expressed worries about the situation in Ukraine, acknowledging, "There isn't a possibility right now to initiate a peace process." Russia will cease its military activities only when they become ineffective or if Kyiv collapses. In the long run, Germany will have to carry on supporting Ukraine militarily, Merz claimed, stating, "We must defend freedom and peace against Russia, not with Russia." This acceptance is bitter, he said. "There's no other choice at the moment, at least as long as Putin and his regime are in power."
21:23 Kadyrov Blames Musk for Disabling His Cybertruck
Chechnya's President Ramzan Kadyrov accuses Tesla CEO Elon Musk of disabling his Cybertruck remotely. On his Telegram channel, Kadyrov had previously bragged about his Tesla Cybertruck equipped with a machine gun. He claimed to have received the "Cyberbeast" from Musk. Now, Kadyrov alleges that Musk disabled the Cybertruck in a recent Telegram message, stating, "Not cool, Elon." Musk already denies providing Kadyrov with the Cybertruck.
20:42 Zelensky Reports 40,000 Russian Soldiers in Kharkiv Region
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that the Russian government was forced to deploy 40,000 soldiers to the Kharkiv region, decreasing Russia's attack potential on the Donetsk front. Zelensky stated this in his nightly address. Ukraine had advanced into Russia last month.
20:17 Zelensky to Meet Biden, Harris, and Trump During US Visit
U.S. President Joe Biden will welcome Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House in Washington next week. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, according to U.S. government sources. Zelensky will also confer separately with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, who is running for president in November. Zelensky had previously announced plans to present Biden with "a plan for victory" in the war against Russia. During his visit, Zelensky will first appear at the UN General Assembly in New York and hold side meetings. He also intends to meet with U.S. Congress members and former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who is competing against Harris in November. Details about the planned meeting with Trump were not immediately available.
19:52 Stoltenberg On Peace Prospects: Putin Must Find the Price Too High
As he steps down as NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg emphasizes that military support for Ukraine should force Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table. Stoltenberg believes one can modify Putin's calculus, "because there is a limit to how high a price he is willing to pay." In Stoltenberg's perspective, military support for Ukraine increases the likelihood of convincing Putin to sign a peace agreement where Ukraine appears as a sovereign, independent nation. "Then it's up to Ukraine and Russia to negotiate," says Stoltenberg. NATO must enable Ukraine to convey the message that Putin cannot triumph on the battlefield because the price is too high. Stoltenberg will pass his position as NATO Secretary General to former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and, according to media reports, will become the head of the Munich Security Conference.
19:07 Ukraine Suspects Russia Prepares to Blow Up Own Dams
A Ukrainian military spokesperson claims that Russia is placing explosives on dams in its own territory around the city of Belgorod. Ukrainian military spokesman Vitali Sarantsev suspects that Russian forces plan to explode the dams to slow down a potential advance of Ukrainian forces. Alternatively, Russia may desire to pin the explosions on Ukraine and blame it for environmental damage. These assertions cannot be confirmed. Belgorod is located approximately 25 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, making it one of the Russian cities most impacted by Moscow's war against Ukraine.
18:36 Ukrainian Protests Against Russian Film at Zurich Festival
In spite of Ukrainian protests, the Zurich Film Festival has included a controversial documentary about Russian soldiers in the Ukraine war in its program. "Russians at War" is an anti-war film, and soldiers openly criticize Putin and Moscow's war. The film festival takes place in Switzerland's metropolis, Zurich, for the 20th time from October 3 to 13. Despite protests, "Russians at War" was previously screened at the Venice Film Festival and in Toronto.
As per a UN report, everyday power outages in Ukraine during winter could range from 4 to 18 hours. According to "Ukrajinska Prawda", Daniel Bell, chair of the UN investigation, foresees a harsh winter. He warns that further permanent outages following attacks could lead to catastrophic consequences. UN experts assessed power plants and consulted industry experts and energy company representatives for this report. The power outages stem from repeated Russian attacks on Ukraine's power supply. As reported by "Ukrajinska Prawda", in June 2024, 73% of thermal power plants had gone offline. Since winter 2022, Russian assaults primarily targeted power transmission facilities, but since March 2024, power generation facilities have been the primary target.
17:54 Von der Leyen and Zelenskyy discussing energy supply
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen plans to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Friday. They will discuss, among other things, assistance to ensure Ukraine's energy supply before winter. Von der Leyen points out that Russia has targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure to evidently plunge the country into darkness since the invasion's start. She emphasizes, "As friends and allies of Ukraine, we must utilize all our power to keep the lights on." The heating season will commence in two weeks. Von der Leyen assures that the European Union is ready to amplify support for Ukraine as temperatures drop.
17:33 Reported deaths in Russian attack on nursing home
The Kyiv Independent, citing the Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs, reports that Russian forces attacked a nursing home in Sumy, resulting in one death and at least 12 injuries. Governor Volodymyr Artiukh reported that 211 people resided in the nursing home. The attack caused partial damage to two floors of the building, with 147 residents evacuated without any reports of trapped individuals.
16:50 Terzenbach defends citizens' allowance for Ukrainian refugees
Daniel Terzenbach, the Federal Government Commissioner for the Integration of Refugees into the Labour Market, has defended the citizens' allowance for Ukrainian refugees. He explains, "This was a political decision to incorporate refugees from Ukraine into basic provision." Criticism for reducing state transfers to Ukrainian war refugees has grown recently. Since June 2022, refugees from Ukraine in Germany have benefited from basic security benefits, now referred to as the citizens' allowance, instead of the lower benefits available under the Asylum Seekers' Benefits Act.
16:15 Putin planning to increase drone production
President Vladimir Putin aims to escalate Russia's drone production by an astounding tenfold this year, with almost 1.4 million drones scheduled for production, as reported by Reuters. Both Russia and Ukraine have previously acquired drones abroad while also ramping up domestic production. Drones have emerged as one of the most influential weapons in the nearly three-year-long Russian invasion of Ukraine, used for reconnaissance and combat against infantry, armored vehicles, and strategically significant targets in the rear.
15:39 Ukrainian parliament dismisses controversial MP from committee
The Ukrainian parliament unanimously voted to remove MP Marjana Besuhla from her position as deputy chair of the parliamentary committee for national security and defense, as reported by the Kyiv Independent. Besuhla, who has been the subject of various controversies, has frequently made headlines with her harsh criticism of the former and current military leadership. She was earlier dismissed as head of the subcommittee for civilian oversight of the military in July, an action she attributed to her openly discussing problems in the armed forces. She subsequently departed from President Zelensky's party, "Servant of the People."
14:57 European Parliament advocates for Ukraine's access to Western weapons on Russian soil
The European Parliament recommends that EU member states allow Ukraine to employ Western weapons against military targets on Russian territory. According to the parliament, Ukraine necessitates the full capability to defend itself, which is not entirely achievable without lifting restrictions. A non-binding resolution promoting this stance was adopted by parliamentarians in Strasbourg, earning 425 votes in favor, 131 votes against, and 63 abstentions. The parliament also encourages EU states to boost, rather than reduce, aid to Ukraine, encourages expedited weapons deliveries, sanctions against Russia and its allies, and regulations to compensate Ukraine with seized Russian state assets for the damage caused.
14:30 Individual arrested following shooting at Wildberries headquarters
A man has been apprehended following a shooting episode at Wildberries' headquarters, resulting in two fatalities and several injuries. Vladimir Bakaltschuk, husband of the company's founder Tatiana Bakaltschuk, has been detained on suspicion of murder, attempted murder, assaulting a security officer, and assuming unlawful authority, according to his lawyers. He denies all charges. Forbes magazine claims that Tatiana Bakaltschuk is Russia's wealthiest woman. She alleges that armed individuals led by her husband Vladimir stormed the company's headquarters on Wednesday, aiming for a coup. When security refused them entrance, a confrontation ensued, leading to gunfire.
13:58 Ukrainian Village Georgyivka Taken by Russian Forces in Donetsk RegionThe Russian military claims to have seized another village in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region. According to reports from the Russian Defense Ministry, Georgiyivka has been taken over. In recent times, the ministry has frequently announced victories on the battlefield, where Ukrainian troops appear to be under significant stress. The primary objective of Russian forces currently seems to be the strategically significant city of Pokrovsk, whose fall could deal a severe blow to Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had previously spoken of a "extremely challenging" situation on the eastern Ukrainian front line.
13:31 Russian Soldiers Experience a Different Reception in Kursk than in DonbassIt appears that the Russian troops, who are projected to "liberate" Donbass from "Nazis" according to Kremlin rhetoric, are not as welcomed there as anticipated. State-controlled Rossia 1 broadcasts a soldier's account of working in Kursk and Bakhmut. The soldier notes a striking contrast: "Here, it's like being in our own country, they love us. But there, the reception was completely different."
13:09 Multiple Ukrainian Towns Re-NamedUkraine's parliament has re-named a total of 327 settlements in the country. The initiative aims to rid the country of Soviet and Russian influences, as stated by one of the law's authors, Roman Losynskyj, on Facebook. He describes the decision as "historic," but further renamings are planned. Deputies Yaroslav Zhelezniak reports that 281 parliamentarians voted in favor of the legislative proposal. In total, Ukraine has 450 deputies.
12:35 EU Chief von der Leyen Heads to Ukraine with Millions in SupportEU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is scheduled to visit Ukraine on Friday. During her time in Kyiv, she will discuss European support for Ukraine's energy supply this winter with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The EU plans to provide an additional 160 million euros for repairs to damaged power plants, 60 million euros for heating and related equipment for accommodation for displaced persons, and 100 million euros for the repair of power plants and the installation of new solar installations in Ukraine. According to von der Leyen, a portion of the funds will be financed through revenues from frozen Russian assets in the EU.
12:10 Large-Scale Explosion Reported at Russian Ammunition Depot in ToropezRussian ammunition depot in Toropez, located 500 kilometers behind the Ukrainian border, reportedly suffered a massive explosion. The size of the explosion is immense, and it even registers on the seismic scale, as reported by NTV correspondent Rainer Munz from Moscow. Munz explains the strategic significance of the depot for Russia.
11:50 Germany Plans to Increase Military Aid to Ukraine by over 400 Million EurosDespite financial challenges, Germany intends to provide an additional nearly 400 million euros in military aid to Ukraine this year. Finance State Secretary Florian Toncar wrote a letter to the Bundestag's Budget Committee, citing an increased requirement from the Federal Ministry of Defense and Ukraine's challenging situation in its conflict against Russia. The funds will primarily be used for the purchase of military equipment from German defense industries, writes Toncar. Ukraine's ongoing successes against Russian forces have exacerbated the situation for Ukraine, which has suffered heavy material losses due to Russia's increased superiority in artillery and guided bomb utilization. A "significant risk" exists that Ukraine will fail in its defensive struggle without substantially increased support.
11:32 Energy Infrastructure In Ukraine Under Pressure; Winter to be "By Far the Toughest Test"The IEA calls on Ukraine's partners to bolster its energy supply ahead of the winter. Attacks on Ukrainian power plants, heating facilities, and transmission networks have led to significant pressure on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, according to the IEA. Regular power outages and issues with water supply are occurring, and the situation could worsen as days shorten and temperatures drop. The risk exists that the power supply to essential facilities such as hospitals, schools, and cities could be further disrupted during the winter, and Ukraine's heating supply could be in peril. Ukraine's partners are encouraged to enhance the protection of energy infrastructure from attacks and cyberattacks. According to IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol, this winter will be "by far the toughest test" for Ukraine's energy system.
10:58 Thousands of Stalin Victims' Rehabilitation Revoked by RussiaRussia has rescinded the rehabilitation of more than 4,000 individuals who were victims of the purges under Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin. Since 2020, the Prosecutor General's Office has identified various cases in which people were rehabilitated despite having cooperated with the Nazis during World War II. Andrei Ivanov, an official spokesperson for the office, informed the "Kommersant" newspaper that those previously rehabilitated were both men and women who had collaborated with the Nazis. Joseph Stalin ruled Moscow from the mid-1920s until his death in 1953. During his tenure, several waves of repression took place, leading to the deaths of millions of Soviet citizens in purges. Show trials were common.
10:29 Earthquake Sensors registered Russian ammo depot assaultReports indicating a Ukrainian drone attack on a extensive Russian weapon storage facility in Toropez resulted in a significant explosion. This explosion was recorded by seismic monitoring systems and is said to be among the most significant assaults on Moscow's military reserves since the war's onset, as reported by "The Guardian". Footage circulating on social media shows a massive fireball climbing high into the night sky and booms reverberating across a lake in a region adjacent to the Belarusian border. Maxar satellite imagery reveals significant damage and destruction at the weapon storage facility.
09:58 Kyiv Confirms Downing of All Russian DronesUkraine's air defense claims to have brought down all 42 drones utilized by Russia in their attacks against Ukraine during the nighttime hours. An additional fourth of the missiles were also intercepted. Activity in air defense was noted in nine Ukrainian regions. The governor of the Charkiv region, adjacent to Russia, reports that six civilians suffered injuries in Kupjansk, eight kilometers from the front, due to a Russian attack. Civilian infrastructure, a school, a kindergarten, and ten residential buildings were damaged in Charkiv city. Damage to an educational institution was reported in the Tscherkassy region.
09:30 Russia: Claims Regaining Two Villages in KurskAccording to a high-ranking commander, the Russian military has made progress in its counteroffensive against Ukrainian forces that have infiltrated Kursk. In the western part of the Russian border region, the military reportedly recaptured the settlements of Nikolajewo-Darino and Darino. These recaptured settlements can be used to target Swerdlikovo, a logistics hub for Ukrainian forces. "Our entire front is advancing," said Major General Apti Alaudinow. Russian forces began their counteroffensive in Kursk at the start of September, after Ukrainian forces had infiltrated Kursk at the beginning of August. Meanwhile, Russian invasion forces are also advancing in eastern Ukraine, as reported by Alaudinow.
09:01 Despite Kremlin Protests: Indian Munitions Reach UkraineIndian artillery shells are finding their way to Ukraine, despite objections from Moscow, as reported by Reuters, citing information from Indian and European government officials, defense industry representatives, and customs data. The transfer of munitions to support Ukraine's defense has been ongoing for more than a year. European countries, including Italy and the Czech Republic, are purchasing the artillery shells and then redirecting them to Ukraine.
08:25 TASS Reports Another Corruption Case in Russian Defense MinistryAccording to TASS, Russian authorities have apprehended the head of the tank service of the Central Military District on suspicion of accepting a large bribe. Denis Putilov is accused of accepting a bribe of 10 million rubles ($107,000) in exchange for issuing contracts for the repair and maintenance of military vehicles. This is another instance of corruption involving a senior Russian military official since Andrei Belousov was appointed Russian defense minister in April 2024. Purges within the defense ministry have been ongoing for months.
07:52 Putin Extends Food Embargo for Two More YearsThe food embargo against Western countries, enacted in 2014 in response to "unfriendly actions from the West," has been extended by two years up until the end of 2026, as reported by TASS. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the decree. The embargo covers goods from the US, EU, Australia, and Ukraine, among others.
07:22 Russian Shelling Continues in ZaporizhzhiaRussian artillery fire in the southeastern Ukrainian region of Zaporizhzhia has resulted in the death of an elderly woman, as reported by regional governor Ivan Fedorov on Telegram. Two other women were injured. Russian forces have shelled the region more than 160 times over the past 24 hours, resulting in damage to infrastructure and residential buildings. The region remains primarily under Russian control.
06:50 Kyiv Reports Number of Children Killed in ConflictSince the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Russian aggression has resulted in the deaths of over 500 Ukrainian children and injuries to over 1600, as reported by Dmytro Lubinets, Human Rights Commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada, on Telegram. "Officially, 1,609 children have been injured and 575 have lost their lives. The actual figures could be much higher because we have no access to data from occupied territories in Ukraine," Lubinets added. "The Russian Federation is flagrantly and systematically violating the Geneva Conventions regarding the protection of civilians during war and the treatment of prisoners of war."
06:16 Zelensky Plans Meeting with HarrisUS Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris plans to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky next week in Washington, according to Bloomberg. Zelensky is expected to meet with US President Joe Biden at the United Nations General Assembly in New York from September 24-30. During his visit, Zelensky is expected to discuss his plans for Ukraine's membership in NATO and the EU, economic and security agreements, and the continued provision of modern weapons, as part of his "victory plan," with Harris and Biden.
05:44 Russia and Pakistan Plan Closer Economic ConnectionsRussia and Pakistan are planning to augment their commercial dealings and strengthen their economic bond, as declared by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk and Pakistani Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Islamabad. Moscow also promised assistance for Pakistan's attempt to join the international alliance BRICS. Despite facing growing economic seclusion due to Western sanctions following Russia's extensive invasion of Ukraine, trade between Moscow and Islamabad has increased and hit $1 billion in 2023. The nations hope to build upon their economic connections despite the restraints imposed by sanctions, Dar stated during a press conference.
04:48 Intense Battling Reported on Eastern Front in KyivThe General Staff in Kyiv describes the fighting, particularly between Pokrovsk and Kurakhove, as intense. More than half of the over 150 Russian assault attempts during the day occurred in this sector, with several still in progress, it reported.
03:48 French Aircraft Being Altered for UkraineThe French combat aircraft of the Mirage 2000-5 type destined for Ukraine are being modified to enable them to strike ground targets. This is reported by the French newspaper "Sud Ouest." In a detailed story on the work being done at the air force base Cazaux, it is mentioned that modifications are also being made to the aircraft. The Mirage 2000 is a multipurpose aircraft that was developed in the late 1970s and introduced in 1984. The 2000-5 version has improved radar systems and can carry fuel tanks, significantly increasing its range.
02:48 Trump Suggests Meeting with ZelenskyRepublican presidential candidate Donald Trump has hinted that he will likely meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who will be visiting the USA next week to speak at a UN Security Council session about the war in his country. "Probably yes," Trump responds to a reporter's question. He does not provide further details.
01:39 USA Plans to Augment Oil ReservesThe USA government under President Joe Biden intends to increase the country's strategic oil reserves. The USA aims to purchase up to six million barrels of oil, the Energy Department announced. It would be the largest replenishment of stocks since a historic release in 2012. The oil is to be delivered between February and May 2025. In response to high gasoline prices due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the US government had sold massive amounts of crude oil from its strategic reserve in 2022 to suppress market prices. It was the "largest oil reserve release in history."
00:34 Zelensky Urges Faster Delivery of Defense SystemsUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is pressing his Western allies to expedite the delivery of promised defense systems. "Not all the commitments made at the Washington summit for defense have been fulfilled yet," he warns in his evening video address. It is crucial to have an efficient defense system, especially as autumn sets in, he says, given the persistent Russian attacks on energy and heat supplies.
00:02 Eastern Europe Seeks NATO Response to Russian Airspace ViolationsDefense ministers of eastern NATO member states are calling for a joint NATO response to airspace violations by Russian drones and missiles. The representatives of nine states along the NATO eastern flank, meeting in Bucharest, express their "deep concern" over the repeated intrusions of Russian projectiles into their airspace and urge a "collective NATO response." They also stress the need to enhance capabilities for detecting, identifying, and if necessary, shooting down low and slow-flying objects.
23:25 Putin Commands Military Increase: Moscow and Leningrad Districts to be ReinforcedRussian President Vladimir Putin has ordered an increase in the number of active soldiers to 1.5 million. He stated that it is necessary to ensure that the armed forces have well-trained soldiers, as he met with defense experts. Earlier this week, he signed a decree to increase the troops by 180,000 soldiers. According to the president, the newly established military districts of Moscow and Leningrad will be particularly reinforced. This is the third troop increase ordered by Putin since the start of the large-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
22:24 British Military Advisor: War is 'Military Disaster' for KremlinThe British military advisor Nicholas Aucott has stated that Russia's war in Ukraine is a "military disaster for the Kremlin," according to a report by the Ukrainian news agency "Ukrinform." Factors such as the Ukrainian counteroffensive in Kursk and the destruction and damage of a quarter of the Russian Black Sea Fleet have led to an "overwhelming Russian military failure," said Aucott. The effective use of Ukrainian maneuver warfare stands in stark contrast to Russia's "meat grinder" tactics.
22:04 Zelenskyy: 'Victory Plan' is Completely DraftedAll components of the "Victory Plan" that Ukraine plans to present to the USA are finalized, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He plans to discuss the plan with US President Joe Biden during his visit to the USA at the end of the month. Zelenskyy did not reveal all the details, but he explained that the plan consists of four main points and a fifth point related to the post-war situation. The Ukrainian advance into the Russian region of Kursk is also part of the strategy, according to Zelenskyy.
You can read all previous developments here.
The European Union may need to consider the potential impacts of Bulgaria's proposed halt of egg imports from Ukraine on its agricultural trade negotiations, given the ongoing disagreements with Ukraine.
Germany, as a member of the European Union, will likely take a stance on this issue, considering its ongoing support for Ukraine in its conflict against Russia.
