Baerbock affirms commitment to Ukraine aid, stating it's crucial or the situation would deteriorate.
19:11 Estonia: Russian Ammo Stockpile Severely Crippled for Two to Three MonthsThe Ukrainian drone strike on a Russian ammunition depot in Tver has significantly damaged Russia's ammunition reserves, as per Estonian sources. Colonel Ants Kiviselg, head of Estonian military intelligence, disclosed this to the Estonian news agency ERR. The attack on September 18 resulted in the destruction of approximately 30,000 tons of ammunition, Kiviselg noted. This equates to a supply lasting two to three months, he added. "The effects of this loss will be felt on the battlefield in the upcoming weeks."
18:25 Ukrainian Pilots Complete Alpha-Jet Training in FranceThe first group of Ukrainian pilots has successfully completed their Alpha-Jet training in France, as announced by the French military. Since March 2024, the French airforce has been training Ukrainian pilots to operate F-16 combat jets. Ukraine has been requesting combat aircraft from its Western allies since the war started. The Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, and Norway have collectively pledged over 60 F-16 jets to Ukraine, but the delay in pilot training has been an issue thus far. The F-16 combat jet is one of the world's most powerful military aircraft, used in over two dozen countries.
17:51 Scholz to Meet Zelensky in New YorkGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his trip to New York on Monday. Follow-up talks are scheduled with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, according to government sources. Zelensky will present an "Victory Plan" during his US trip to counter Russian aggression. A meeting with US President Joe Biden in Washington is scheduled for Thursday. "We want to emphasize in New York that this conflict, the Russian war of aggression, is a priority issue," a high-ranking government official stated at a briefing on the chancellor's trip.
17:02 Putin Declines Mexico InvitationRussian President Vladimir Putin will not attend Mexico's inauguration for President Claudia Sheinbaum, as per online media outlet "Ukrajinska Prawda." A Russian spokesperson confirmed Putin's invitation to the ceremony. Instead, a representative will stand in for the president. No reason was given by the spokesperson. Prior to this, Ukraine had demanded that Mexico arrest Putin should he visit the country, based on an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court. Mexico signed the Rome Statute in 2005, making it subject to the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court.
16:19 Russian Chess Federation Calls on Carlsen to Return Prize MoneyThe Vice-President of the Russian Chess Federation has urged chess world champion Magnus Carlsen to return the prize money earned from Russian tournaments. This was reported by betting provider "telecomasia.net" on its news portal. Carlsen had previously asked Russian and Belarusian players to participate in global tournaments under a neutral flag during an award ceremony. "I would like to remind Carlsen that the beginning of his professional career was in Russia," Vice-President Sergey Smagin stated. "He visited our country as a youngster, took part in various tournaments, and earned a substantial amount of money here. Before expressing negative opinions about Russia, Carlsen should first repay what he owes from his winnings."
15:26 Hungary Pushes for More Economic Cooperation with RussiaHungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has advocated for expanding economic cooperation with Russia in sectors unaffected by EU sanctions. He declared this at a joint press conference with Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko at an economic forum in Hungary. Szijjarto also reaffirmed that, in the view of the Hungarian government, EU sanctions "prove to be ineffective." Hungary is a member of both the EU and NATO. Visits by Russian cabinet members to these countries have become rare since the start of the Ukraine war.
14:57 US Citizen Killed by Russian Soldiers in UkraineA US citizen who fought for pro-Russian separatists in Eastern Ukraine has been tortured and murdered by Russian soldiers, according to Russian reports. A Moscow-based investigation committee in charge of investigating serious crimes stated that the crime occurred in April by three Russian soldiers. A fourth soldier is accused of helping conceal the body. No explanation was given by the committee for the crime's motive. Russell Bentley, also known as "Texas" or "Donbass Cowboy," joined the Moscow-supported pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine in 2014. Bentley fought on their side until 2017 and remained in Eastern Ukraine since then.
14:43 Zelensky Anticipates Biden's Rapid Backing for 'Victory Plan'Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky anticipates securing US President Joe Biden's endorsement for his plan to end the Ukraine war during his upcoming visit to Washington. "I truly hope he will support this plan," Zelensky mentioned at a joint press conference in Kyiv with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday. The "victory plan" requires swift decisions from allies that must be made between October and December, Zelensky added. "We believe that the plan will prove successful."
14:28 Russia Set to Retake Kursk Border RegionRussia is set to reclaim control over the border area of Kursk, which is currently under Ukrainian control, as suggested by Russian officials. "Our troops are performing admirably, and they will achieve this goal. Control will be restored once more," declared Russian Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov. Despite the challenging circumstances in the occupied Russian territories, a turnaround in Russia's favor is anticipated soon, Peskov added. The military will not disclose its plans publicly for regaining control. The exact timeline was not discussed by Peskov.
14:03 Russia Might Have Anticipated Ukraine's Advance in Kursk
Rumors suggest that Russian authorities and military in the Kursk region could have had prior knowledge of an upcoming Ukrainian attack, based on a report by The Guardian, which cites supposedly Russian documents discovered by Ukrainian forces during their offensive in Kursk. The Guardian cannot independently verify the documents' authenticity, but they are characterized by typical features of legitimate Russian military communication. These documents indicate warnings within Russian authorities and the military regarding specific Ukrainian advances onto Russian land, dating back to January 2024. Measures to fortify border defenses were reportedly put in place as early as mid-March. However, complaints persisted until June, alleging that units in the region were often only 60-70% staffed by trained reservists. Ukrainian forces launched a surprise attack on the Kursk region at the beginning of August.
13:30 BBC Claims Over 70,000 Russian Soldiers Killed in Ukraine Identified
A Russian news source and the BBC are reported to have named more than 70,000 Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine. The BBC Russian Service affirms that they have identified the names of 70,112 Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine, although experts believe the actual number is likely higher. This figure is derived from an analysis of public statements, obituaries, online notices, and grave markers in Russian cemeteries, covering the period from the war's beginning in February 2022 to September 19. Mediazona estimates that the true number of Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine exceeds 120,000. The Russian government considers the total number of Russian soldiers killed a state secret.
12:50 Ukraine Outlaws Telegram Use for Government, Military and Security Personnel
Ukraine has largely banned Telegram's use for government, military, and security personnel. The National Security and Defense Council announced this on their Facebook page, stating that the installation and utilization of Telegram on official devices belonging to government officials, military personnel, security and defense sector employees, and critical infrastructure operators is now prohibited. The reason given is national security concerns.
12:23 Raiffeisen Bank Exits Belarus Market
Austria's Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) is selling its Belarusian subsidiary and exiting the Belarusian market. RBI announced that it has signed a deal to sell its 87.74% stake to Soven 1 Holding Limited. This sale will significantly impact RBI's financials. RBI has already scaled back its Russian operations due to pressure from the European Central Bank. However, a Russian court has issued a temporary injunction preventing RBI from selling its subsidiary bank in Russia.
12:01 EU Planning €35 Billion Loan for Ukraine
The European Commission is reportedly planning to provide Ukraine with a €35 billion loan as part of the aid plans of the seven leading Western industrialized nations (G7). "Financial Times" sources confirm this, stating that the loan is part of the G7's intention to offer Ukraine $50 billion (approximately €46 billion) by utilizing profits from frozen Russian state assets.
Meanwhile, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has publicly announced financial aid of up to €35 billion from her X-account.
11:33 Russia Warns West: Avoid Escalating Weapons Provisions
The Russian government cautions the West against providing weapons with extended ranges targeting locations within Russian territory. According to Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, if such a situation were to arise, the conflict would transform into an entirely different form, posing hazardous consequences globally. Negotiations with the U.S. are not possible currently, the spokeswoman adds. There will be no meeting between Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his U.S. counterpart Antony Blinken at the UN General Assembly in New York, as both sides have "nothing to discuss." Previously, the outgoing NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized that Russia has not yet crossed multiple red lines drawn by President Vladimir Putin. "He has not done so because he understands that NATO is the most powerful military alliance in the world," said Stoltenberg.
10:53 EU: Forced Departure of Ukrainian Men of Conscription Age Not Feasible
The European Commission clarifies that male Ukrainian citizens of draft age cannot be forcibly evicted from European Union countries. "Ukrajinska Prawda" reports this. It is not feasible due to the Directive on Temporary Protection, Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson emphasizes. "We will support those who wish to return to Ukraine, and we will collaborate with Ukrainian authorities and the Ukrainian government to identify the best methods for facilitating their return. We will not expel anyone from the EU," she reaffirms. Previously, Poland's Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski had urged Western European countries to encourage Ukrainian men of conscription age to return to Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha reportedly supported this idea.
22:10 General Freuding Spots "Workarounds" in Russia SanctionsGermany's Ukraine aid coordinator, Christian Freuding, comments on Russia's defense industry: "Despite the challenges imposed by sanctions, the Russians appear to have found ways to keep their defense industry running, making use of detours and supporting partners like China, North Korea, and Iran." Although sanctions seem to take its effect, there's always the possibility of discovering "alternative routes or completely legal maneuvers."
20:30 von der Leyen Pledges More Aid to Ukraine's EnergyEU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced additional support for Ukraine's energy supplies this winter during her Kyiv visit. "With the heating season approaching and Russia still targeting energy infrastructure, we are committed to supporting Ukraine in its valiant efforts. I'm here to discuss our assistance, ranging from winter preparations to defense, EU membership, and G7 funding."
18:50 EU Contemplating Visa Constrictions for GeorgiansThe EU may restrict visa-free travel for Georgians due to democratic backslides under the ruling Georgian Dream party, an unnamed EU official told Politico. "Every possibility is on the table" if the trend towards authoritarianism persists, including a potential "temporary suspension of visa liberalization." Recently, the ruling party enacted a foreign agents law akin to Russia's suppressive legislation used against Kremlin critics.
17:32 Ukraine Denounces Poland's Crimea ProposalUkraine's Foreign Ministry condemned Poland's proposal on Crimea's status, stating that compromises are out of the question. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski suggested a referendum as a negotiating solution with Russia. "All emphasis should be on reclaiming the peninsula instead of catering to Russia's demands at Ukraine's expense and transgressing international law."
15:52 von der Leyen Officially Arrives in Kyiv - Talks with ZelenskyyExpected in Kyiv today, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is scheduled to discuss winter preparations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. "Certainly, the energy issue is of utmost importance," Zelenskyy mentioned. Besides energy, topics like military activities, arms deliveries, joint defense projects, and Ukraine's EU membership will be addressed, as well as additional financial aid for the country under conflict with Russia.
14:12 Ukraine Joins NATO Drone Exercise for First TimeDuring its prime role by the Dutch, Ukraine is partaking in a NATO exercise for the first time, aiming to test counter-drone systems. NATO reported that more than 60 anti-drone technologies, including sensors, drone-to-drone systems, jammers, and cybercatchers, were being used in this exercise. Ukraine's participation is in line with the NATO-Ukraine action plan for innovation cooperation, agreed upon during the July summit.
12:30 Activist Killed in Georgia Post-LGBTQ LawTransgender activist Kesaria Abramidze has been brutally murdered in her Georgian apartment, with multiple stab wounds. Her boyfriend is a primary suspect, accused of murder with "exceptional brutality and due to gender." Her death occurred a day after the passage of an EU and Human Rights criticized "family values" law which restricts LGBTQ rights, including banning gender reassignment procedures and mirroring Russia's restrictive legislation.
10:48 Lufthansa Mulls Frankfurt-Beijing Flight CancellationLufthansa is currently contemplating canceling the Frankfurt-Beijing daily flight, with a decision due in October. A spokesperson cited an "unfair and uneven playing field" for European airlines compared to those from China and the Middle East, affected by low operating costs, low labor standards, and substantial government investments in aviation. Additionally, these airlines can still take advantage of Russian airspace, which has been restricted for European and American airlines since the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
09:05 Russian Forces Bombard Sumy's Geriatric Center and Energy InfrastructureIn a fresh wave of bombings, Russian forces targeted a geriatric center and the energy infrastructure in the Ukrainian city of Sumy, resulting in at least one civilian fatality. The UN stated that the attacks on the power grid might have violated international humanitarian law, while the International Energy Agency predicted a power supply gap of up to one-third of peak demand during Ukraine's harsh winter months.
01:25 Over 1.18 Million Ukrainians in Germany NowThe refugee population in Germany has hit a new record, with around 3.48 million individuals registered by the midpoint of 2024, marking a 60,000 increase from the close of 2023. This represents the highest count since the 1950s, as per the "Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung" (NOZ), citing data from the German government in response to a parliamentary query placed by the Left party. Out of these 3.48 million refugees, approximately 1.18 million hail from Ukraine. This number saw an increase of about 45,000 compared to the end of 2023. The tally incorporates all individuals, irrespective of their residency status, ranging from asylum seekers to acknowledged refugees and tolerated individuals.
00:22 Lindner: Ukraine Aid Not Justification for Debt Brake Suspension
Politicians affiliated with the SPD and the Greens frequently cite an internal agreement within the traffic light coalition to momentarily suspend the debt brake for extensive Ukraine aid as part of the budget dispute. However, FDP leader and Finance Minister Christian Lindner dismisses such proposals: "I'm unaware of such an agreement. I wouldn't have endorsed a resolution of that sort." The conflict in Ukraine is indeed heart-wrenching, but not a national emergency under the German Constitution. "For Ukraine, we are actively working on a $50 billion aid program from the G7 nations, in addition to our bilateral assistance," Lindner elaborates.
23:23 Bulgaria Proposes EU Ban on Ukrainian Egg Exports
Bulgaria will advocate for a halt in egg imports from Ukraine during the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting scheduled for September 23 in Brussels. Bulgarian Minister of Agriculture Georgi Takhov confirmed this development. This call for a ban is a reflection of ongoing disagreements between Ukraine and eastern EU members over agricultural trade. These disagreements have previously resulted in border checks at the Ukrainian-Polish border, import bans on Ukrainian corn and wheat, and farmer protests in Poland and Bulgaria.
22:13 Merz Believes "No Path to Peace Process" with Russia
CDU leader Friedrich Merz expresses concern over the situation in Ukraine and states: "I don't see a viable path to initiate a peace process at the moment." Russia will cease its actions only when military intervention seems pointless or Kyiv falls. In the long run, Germany must continue to support Ukraine militarily. "I believe we must defend freedom and peace against Russia over the long term, not with Russia," Merz concludes, acknowledging the bitter reality. "There's no other alternative at the moment, at least as long as Putin and his regime remain in power."
You can review all prior events here.
here.
In light of the Ukrainian conflict, there has been a call for more economic cooperation between Hungary and Russia in sectors unaffected by EU sanctions.
Following the drone strike on a Russian ammunition depot in Tver, Colonel Ants Kiviselg revealed that the attack resulted in the destruction of approximately 30,000 tons of ammunition, effectively crippling Russia's ammunition reserves for two to three months.
