Authority Figure: Pair meets unfortunate demise in missile attack close to Odessa
Two Fatalities and One Injury in Odessa Suburbs Due to Russian Rocket Attack as Per Ukrainian ReportsThree individuals met their demise and another was left injured following a Russian rocket assault on the suburbs of Odessa, as suggested by Ukrainian sources. The aforementioned unfortunate incidents occurred on Saturday evening, and the regional governor gave his approval to these accounts. It appears that a projectile armed with outlawed cluster ammunition was employed in this attack. The Ukrainian air force alleges that two rockets struck the suburbs.
12:28 Ukraine: Bridge and Command Center DemolishedThe Ukrainian military asserts that they have successfully destroyed a bridge constructed by the Russians. The precise location of the bridge, however, remains undisclosed by the Army General Staff. It is reported that six enemy concentration points were targeted from the air or utilizing artillery weapons the previous day. In addition to the bridge, an artillery system was also annihilated. Another strike was documented on a command and control center.
11:58 Ukrainian Women Clear Landmines in FieldsDue to the ongoing conflict between Ukrainian troops and Russian forces, there is a significant labor disruption, particularly in traditional male sectors. Consequently, women are increasingly becoming indispensable and many are acquiring new skills. The ntv foreign correspondent visits several of them in the southeast of the country and close to Kyiv.
11:25 Ischinger Proposes to Lessen Weapon Restrictions for UkraineFormer Munich Security Conference president Wolfgang Ischinger supports the relaxation of constraints on Ukraine's use of Western weapons. "It would be more transparent and less cumbersome for everyone if we simply declared: We guarantee Ukraine to use only the weapons systems we bestow in a manner consistent with international law," Ischinger told the "Süddeutsche Zeitung". This would imply that hospitals would no longer be targeted, "which the Russians have been doing continuously." Only military objectives such as airports or launching bases could be attacked - including on Russian soil, presumably to preempt attacks utilizing guided missiles.
10:53 Prisoner Exchange Increases After Kursk OffensiveThe increasing frequency of prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia in recent weeks is likely attributable to Ukraine's offensive in Kursk, as per analysts. Since the offensive began on August 6, there have been three such instances, resulting in the exchange of a total of 267 prisoners from each side, according to the Institute for the Study (ISW). In contrast, between January 1 and August 6, there were only three prisoner exchanges - amounting to slightly over 400 Ukrainians and Russians respectively. Ukrainian officials have reportedly claimed that the incursion into Kursk has fortified Ukraine's bargaining position in prisoner exchanges with Russia, with the Kremlin having repeatedly rejected Ukraine's efforts to negotiate such exchanges.
10:16 Britons: Russians Extend Advance on Eastern FrontRussian forces persist in progressing on the front in eastern Ukraine, registering gradual advancements in the area surrounding Wuhledar and to the south-east of the logistics base Pokrovsk, as reported by the British Defense Ministry. However, the Russians have not managed to make significant strides towards Pokrovsk itself in the past week.
09:46 Ukraine Reports Drone and Missile AttacksThe Ukrainian Air Force claims that Russia launched 14 drone attacks during the night. Ten of these were neutralized by air defenses. Additionally, a guided missile was tackled. Russia is also reported to have fired two ballistic missiles. The Air Force did not provide any information regarding the fate of these missiles or any casualties or damage inflicted as a result of the attacks. Authorities in the Kharkiv region reported fires due to Russian shelling, as well as damage to several buildings in the city of Kharkiv.
09:10 Face Recognition Payment System Expanding in Russian Subways: Human Rights Activist Sees "Substantial" RisksThe expansion of a face recognition payment system in Russian subways is prompting concern among human rights activists. The system, referred to as "Face Pay," has been operational in Moscow for three years and is now being introduced in six additional cities, including Kazan, where passengers can register for the system. In order to pay, they gaze into a camera-equipped apparatus at the turnstile, according to Russian media reports. Plans are also underway to offer this method in all Russian subways by next year. The radio network mentions that in Moscow, street cameras have been utilized for detaining suspected participators in protests critical of the government and journalists covering them. Andrei Fedorkov, a lawyer representing the banned Russian human rights organization Memorial to assist political prisoners, expresses concern regarding potential misuse of "Face Pay," recognizing "substantial" risks and perceiving it as "another powerful tool for surveillance and control over citizens."
07:31 Stegner justifies Attendance at Anti-Weapons Delivery ProtestSPD foreign policy specialist Ralf Stegner justifies his planned participation in a demonstration, where Sahra Wagenknecht, founder of the BSW party, is also expected to address. Stegner clarifies that he's attending independently and will express his views as a Social Democrat in his speech. He acknowledges that other speakers may have opposing views, and certain calls may be objectionable to him. "As long as extremists, antisemites, and racists are excluded, I support free speech." The group, "Never Again War - Lay Down Your Arms," has called for a "national peace rally" in Berlin on October 3. The protest demands negotiations for an immediate halt to conflicts in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip, and a ban on weapons deliveries to Ukraine, Israel, and other nations. The protest also criticizes the SPD-led federal government for its weapons procurement policy. Criticism of the rally was raised, for instance, by SPD foreign policy advocate Michael Roth: "Failure to brand Russia and Hamas as war provocateurs is a disgrace." FDP MEP Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann commented on Stegner's planned appearance: "This will harm your party and government." Read more here.
07:03 Kharkiv Suffers Attacks Again
Kharkiv has endured another round of attacks, as reported by Ukrainian authorities. Overnight, the city was targeted by Russian military forces, causing damage to a hospital building and sparking a fire at an educational institution after a rocket launcher assault. Luckily, no injuries were sustained. Kharkiv, frequently struck by artillery fire, is situated about 30 kilometers from the Russian border.
06:29 Russian Troops in Kursk Region Potentially Increased
The Ukrainian counteroffensive seems to be impacting Russian forces, according to the Institute for the Study of War. The offensive has prompted the Russian military to redeploy units from Ukraine to the Kursk region and deploy fresh troops from Russia to Kursk instead of the frontline in Ukraine. Initially, there were 11,000 Russian soldiers stationed in Kursk, but according to Ukrainian military estimations, the number has increased to between 30,000 and 45,000 soldiers.
05:11 Ukraine Initiates Production of 155-mm Artillery Shells
Ukraine has commenced production of 155-mm artillery shells, as reported by a government official in the Ukrainian newspaper "Kyiv Independent." Oleksandr Kamyshin, former Minister of Strategic Industries and current external advisor to President Volodymyr Zelensky, stated that defense production increased under his leadership and will triple by year's end.
03:04 Biden Advisor: Biden to Focus on Ukraine's Position for Remaining Term
U.S. President Joe Biden plans to dedicate the remainder of his term to improving Ukraine's position in its conflict with Russia, as revealed by his national security advisor, Jake Sullivan. Speaking at the Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference in Kyiv, Sullivan emphasized Biden's intention to put Ukraine in the best position to succeed for the next four months.
01:43 Report: Former UK Politicians Urge Long-Range Missiles for Ukraine
Five former British defense ministers and ex-Prime Minister Boris Johnson are urging Labour leader Keir Starmer to allow Ukraine to use long-range missiles in Russian territory, according to a Sunday Times report. They warned Starmer of the potential consequences of further procrastination, advising that President Putin would be emboldened by such delay.
00:52 Intelligence Chief: North Korea Poses Major Threat to UkraineFrom its allies, North Korea poses the most significant threat to Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian intelligence chief. "Of all these Russian allies, North Korea is our biggest concern," Kyrylo Budanow explained at the Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference in Kyiv. North Korea's military support for Russia, including significant quantities of ammunition, has "noticeably intensified the fighting," he said in response to a question about assistance from Russia's allies like Iran and China. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has announced intentions to strengthen ties with Russia after talks with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu on Friday. Kyiv is closely monitoring Pyongyang's weapons deliveries to Moscow and assessing their impact on the battlefield. "There's a direct link. They're delivering significant amounts of artillery, which is worrying," the Ukrainian intelligence chief concluded. Read more here.
23:21 Ukraine: Russia may Confront Recruitment Issues by Mid-2025Russia may face recruitment challenges by mid-2025, alleges Ukraine. By summer 2025, Moscow could find itself facing a dilemma, says Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanow at a conference in Kyiv - "either announce conscription or reduce the intensity of hostilities in some way." This could have serious implications for Russia. Currently, the Moscow government has not issued any statements on this matter.
22:18 Scholz: Russian aggression towards Ukraine is "mindlessly foolish" Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz critiques Russian President Vladimir Putin for risking Russia's future through its assault on Ukraine. "This conflict is senseless, even from Russia's standpoint," Scholz stated during a citizens' interaction in Prenzlau, Brandenburg, as a member of the German Bundestag's SPD. For his power aspirations, Putin dispatches countless Russian soldiers to suffer severe injuries and deaths, ultimately jeopardizing Russia's economic ties with multiple nations worldwide. Scholz concluded, "Ukraine will emerge with a more formidable military than before." Germany's military aid to Ukraine will continue to safeguard the invaded country against collapse and hinder the success of a blatant breach of European rules. "Putin is jeopardizing Russia's future," Scholz emphasized. A pacifistic resolution can only be achieved when Russia recognizes Ukraine's sovereignty.
21:59 Vietnam in Kursk: Mixed outcomes Ukrainian forces are making territorial advances in their push toward the western Russian region of Kursk, while simultaneously experiencing setbacks from Russian counterattacks. The pro-Ukrainian military channel Deep State reports three additional captured settlements. However, Russian counterattacks are forcing back Ukrainian troops near the Snagost village. A Deep State-published map indicates a substantial breakthrough in Ukraine's defensive lines. These claims have yet to be corroborated independently. In August, Ukrainian troops penetrated into the Russian border region of Kursk, according to their accounts, seizing approximately 1,300 square kilometers and 100 settlements, including the town of Sudscha. Analysts suggest smaller territorial gains. This week, Russian forces initiated their most substantial effort to drive Ukrainian troops out.
21:18 USA: Delays in Ukraine aid based on "complex logistics" According to U.S. officials, the delays in military aid to Ukraine are attributed to "complicated logistics." During a Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference video appearance in Kyiv, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan maintains, "This isn't about a lack of political will, but the complex and difficult logistics needed to deliver this support to the frontline." Acknowledging the challenges Ukraine faces, Sullivan adds, "The U.S. must contribute more and do better." U.S. President Joe Biden is committed to utilizing his remaining term in office to position Ukraine optimally for victory. Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are scheduled to meet at the UN General Assembly in New York at the end of September.
19:51 Scholz: Germany to pursue Nord Stream pipeline saboteurs criminally German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has labeled the sabotage of Nord Stream pipeline pipes in the Baltic Sea as a "terrorist act." Scholz intends to prosecute those responsible inside Germany. During a citizens' dialogue as an SPD parliamentarian in Brandenburg's Prenzlau, Scholz announced, "I have made my decision: all security agencies and the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office will investigate this without prejudice. Nothing will be covered up." Scholz emphasized, "We aim to bring those responsible, if we can apprehend them, before a German court." Scholz also called it a "flagrant lie" that Germany's government renounced Russian natural gas. Gas flow was halted through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline by Russia. The ensuing price surge, state-capped prices, and search for alternative gas sources have cost Germany over 100 billion euros. Explosions on the pipeline occurred after Russia had already ceased to supply Western Europe through the Baltic Sea. In August, the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office issued the first arrest warrant against a Ukrainian citizen for the sabotage incident.
19:16 G7 condemnations of Iranian weapons for Russia Iran's reported delivery of rockets to Russia has prompted the G7's major economies to harshly rebuke the arms provision. Despite repeated appeals to halt deliveries, Iran persists in arming Russia, further escalating its military support for Russia's conflict against Ukraine, as stated in a joint declaration from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, the U.S., and the EU's foreign diplomat. Russia uses Iranian weapons to kill Ukrainian civilians and assault critical infrastructure. Recent reports from the UK and U.S. indicate that Russia received ballistic missiles from Iran. Iran denies these allegations. "Iran must promptly halt supporting Russia's unjustifiable and illegal war against Ukraine and cease the delivery of ballistic missiles, drones, and relevant technology that pose a threat to the Ukrainian people and global and European security," the statement by Italy's G7 presidency states. "We remain resolved to hold Iran accountable for its unacceptable backing of Russia's illegal war in Ukraine, which is undermining international security." Germany, France, and the United Kingdom have already imposed fresh sanctions on Iran, while the EU is considering stronger penalties. Read more here.
19:41 Putin Spins the Tale of Free SpeechDespite having his critics locked up, Russian President Vladimir Putin thinks it's chucklesome to talk about freedom of speech and information. In a video message to attendees at the media summit of the Brics countries in Moscow, Putin celebrated the 120th anniversary of Russia's state news agency TASS. He claimed, "These are crucial times for multipolarity. Protecting information integrity is paramount." He added that real freedom of speech, which accommodates diverse viewpoints, aids in finding shared resolutions to global issues. Media, in his view, contribute to creating a balanced world view by supplying people with an unbiased perspective on the world. Regrettably, true freedom of speech and media independence haven't been a common sight in Russia for some time now. Independent media outlets have been succumbed to bans, while government critics face the harsh hand of the justice system. TASS, the Russian news agency, was established in 1904, initially operating under different titles. Today, it's the largest news agency in the country, playing the role of the government's megaphone.
19:20 Scholz Says Nein to Taurus Missile DeliveryGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz nixed the idea of sending long-range missiles to Ukraine, then or ever afterwards, even if other allies join the party. Scholz rejected the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles, which can reach as far as Moscow (some 500 kilometers), during a Q&A session in Prenzlau, Germany. His concerns centered around the potential for a significant flare-up. "I said no, and that rule applies to any other long-range weaponry as well," Scholz stated. "This situation remains unchanged, even if other countries choose different paths" (see also entry from 17:24). The longest-ranged weapon Germany has sent to Ukraine thus far is the Mars II rocket launcher, capable of striking targets 84 kilometers away.
Read up on previous happenings [here].
The European Union has expressed concern over the use of cluster ammunition in the Russian rocket attack on Odessa suburbs, as reported by Ukrainian sources.
In light of the ongoing conflict between Ukrainian troops and Russian forces, the European Union is considering lifting restrictions on Ukraine's use of Western weapons to better support their defense.
