At 9:59, Ukraine currently possesses 64 Russian aerial drones and 5 targeted missiles.
Ukrainian Forces Repel Russian Assault with Iranian-Supplied Weapons, Claims Air Force
Late at night, the Russian military launched an attack on Ukraine using 5 missiles and 64 combat drones of Iranian origin, as reported by the Ukrainian air force. They successfully intercepted 44 of these drones. The details of the incident remain unverified. Air defenses were active around Kyiv to fend off approaching drones.
09:11 Russian Expert Advocates for Enhanced Nuclear Threat
Russian diplomacy specialist Sergei Karaganov suggests that Russia should firmly demonstrate its readiness to use nuclear weapons. The primary aim of Russia's nuclear policy should be to persuade all current and future adversaries of its readiness to employ these weapons, he stated in the Russian newspaper Kommersant. Russia has the capability to execute a limited nuclear strike on a NATO country without igniting a full-scale nuclear war, Karaganov mentioned. He has previously proposed considering a preemptive nuclear strike to intimidate adversaries. Western analysts believe Karaganov serves a beneficial role for the Kremlin by expressing views that alarm the West, thereby making Putin seem more moderate in comparison.
08:46 Ukraine Anticipates US Approval for Western Long-Range Missiles
Optimism is growing in Ukraine that it might soon be permitted to launch attacks deep into Russian territory using Western weapons. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized during his visit to Kyiv that he would ensure "Ukraine has all it needs." In the UK, indications point towards approval:
08:04 Ukrainian Intelligence Reports Destruction of Russian Fighter Jet
Following claims yesterday of a Russian Su-30SM fighter jet disappearing from radar, the Ukrainian military intelligence service now reports that Ukrainian forces downed such an aircraft during operations in the Black Sea. The Kyiv Independent reports that the $50 million aircraft, stationed in the Crimean peninsula, was destroyed by a portable air defense system.
07:26 Ukraine Reports Dozens Injured After Massive Drone Attack on Konotop
The number of casualties resulting from the overnight Russian drone attack on Konotop's energy infrastructure in the Sumy region has risen to 13, according to Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform, citing the regional military administration. A building in the city center was among those struck.
06:42 Ukrainian Residents in Germany Maintain Protected Status during Home Visits
The German Bundestag is set to discuss the government's proposed security package for the first time today, incorporating measures such as knife bans and withdrawal of asylum status for those returning to their home countries. However, exemptions exist, such as for refugees from Ukraine.
06:04 Russian Media Blames Trump for Debate Sabotage
Several commentators on Russian state television have accused sabotage against Trump during his debate against Kamala Harris, as reported by the Kyiv Independent. Trump was "handicapped," they asserted. The scrutiny of Trump's statements was criticized. Many observers believed Trump had lost the debate. The Republican has declared he would immediately terminate the Ukraine war if he wins the election.
04:50 Russian Attack on Konotop: Substantial Damage to Energy InfrastructureA Russian assault on Konotop in the Sumy region has left several civilians injured. Mayor Artem Semenikhin reported a temporary disruption in the city's water supply. There is also significant damage to energy infrastructure, and it is unclear when private homes will regain power. Following the attack in the city center, there were several fires, and school and residential buildings were damaged. Two individuals were taken to the hospital, one in critical condition.
03:29 Latvia Announces Additional Military Aid to UkraineLatvia's Prime Minister Evika Silina introduced a military aid package for Ukraine during her Kyiv visit. It will include armored personnel carriers. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal confirmed this statement following his meeting with Silina. Both countries are also reportedly discussing the expansion of cooperation in the defense industry.
01:32 UK Recalls Iranian Businessman Over Suspected Missile Supply to RussiaAmid rumors of Iranian missile supplies to Russia, the UK has summoned an Iranian businessman, as per a statement from the Foreign Office in London. "The UK government has made it clear that any transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia would be seen as a dangerous escalation and would necessitate a firm response," the statement explained. On Tuesday, Germany, France, and the UK imposed further sanctions on Tehran in retaliation to the alleged missile supplies, particularly the suspension of bilateral air transport agreements. The European Union previously referenced "credible information" regarding the supply of Iranian missiles to Russia.
00:14 Ukraine: Russia Deploys Inexperienced Soldiers at Kharkiv FrontAccording to reports from the Ukrainian military, Russia is employing soldiers lacking combat experience at the Kharkiv front. Spokesperson Vitalii Sarantsev for the operational tactical group of the armed forces in Kharkiv revealed that inexperienced units involved in attack operations in Vovchansk are poorly trained. It remains unclear whether these reinforcements are former convicts or soldiers recruited from other countries, such as Central Asia, Africa, or the Middle East.
22:39 Mayor in Western Ukraine Implementing Language Monitoring PatrolsThe mayor of Ivano-Frankivsk, a city in western Ukraine, has instituted patrols to monitor the growing usage of Russian. Mayor Ruslan Martsinkiv shared this initiative with the NTA TV channel, stating, "This is a community-driven initiative, and anyone can participate as a language supervisor." Many displaced individuals from Ukraine's eastern regions, where Russian is widely spoken, reside in Ivano-Frankivsk. Martsinkiv is hoping for at least 100 such language regulators, and currently, around 50 volunteers have signed up. He also provided a hotline number for citizens to report individuals speaking Russian in public spaces. The conflict has driven millions, particularly those from Russian-speaking regions in the east and south, to seek safety in the Ukrainian-speaking western part of Ukraine.
21:42 Erdogan Pushes for Crimea's Return from RussiaTurkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan calls for the Russian occupation of Crimea to be reversed and for the peninsula to be returned to Ukraine. "Our commitment to Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence remains unwavering," Erdogan declares in a video message during the Crimea Platform summit. This international gathering, established in 2021, aims to raise awareness worldwide regarding the Crimean situation.
21:05 Report: Zelenskyy Preparing Military Strategy for US AssistanceUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasizes the significance of US aid in countering the Russian invasion. "Our path to victory (...) primarily hinges on US support, as well as help from our other allies," Zelenskyy confirms at a press conference in Kyiv. The military strategy, which Zelenskyy will present before the planned second Ukraine Peace Conference, aims to intensify Ukraine's defense capabilities and pressure Russia to halt the conflict. The US reportedly requests a distinct approach from Zelenskyy when it comes to striking Russian targets before easing restrictions on the use of Western weaponry. US Secretary of State Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary Lammy reportedly met with Zelenskyy in Kyiv to discuss a long-term strategy for the coming year, in order to better comprehend Ukraine's objectives.
20:37 Blinken Confirms Biden's Support for Ukraine's DefenseUS Secretary of State Antony Blinken discloses that the US is working diligently to meet Ukraine's military demands, including the provision of long-range Western weapons for striking targets within Russia. US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer are scheduled to discuss these requirements on Friday, according to Blinken. He spoke at a joint press conference alongside British counterpart David Lammy and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiga in Kyiv. "We're working diligently to equip Ukraine with all the resources it needs to defend itself efficiently," Blinken says, adding, "Our priority is that Ukraine emerges victorious."
You can follow all prior developments here.
Despite the recent successful repellance of a Russian assault on Ukraine using Iranian-supplied weapons, the Ukrainian conflict continues to pose significant challenges. In light of these developments, a Russian expert has advocated for an enhanced nuclear threat, suggesting that Russia should demonstrate its readiness to use nuclear weapons as a deterrent against adversaries. This proposal has raised concerns in Western analysts, who believe it serves to further escalate tensions in the region. Under these circumstances, the international community must remain vigilant and work together to promote peace and stability in Ukraine.
