Biden was warned by intelligence agencies prior to refraining from launching long-range weapons
12:36 American in Russia Accused of "Mercenary Activities"
As reported by state news agency RIA Novosti, an American citizen has been charged with "mercenary activities" in Russia since last Friday. The 72-year-old is alleged to have fought as a mercenary on the side of Ukraine during the ongoing conflict, according to the agency. The individual identified as Stefan Hubbard, a US citizen from Michigan, has been living in Ukraine since 2014. The report does not specify the exact time and location of the US citizen's arrest. According to RIA Novosti, he was transported to trial in a Moscow court by the military police.
12:01 Missile Strikes Police Station in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine
Further reports of Russian attacks come from the southern and central parts of Ukraine. A missile struck a police station in Kryvyi Rih in the morning, the local administration reports. A woman's body was found under the debris, and at least five others were injured. Rescue workers are still searching for survivors. Residential buildings also suffered damage. The Dnipropetrovsk Regional Prosecutor's Office has released photos of the missile attacks in Kryvyi Rih.
According to Ukrainian reports, another missile attack occurred on the city of Dnipro overnight, with an industrial facility as the target. At least eight people were injured as a result of Russian air strikes in the Kherson region, the local administration reports.
11:27 Unidentified Drone may have entered NATO Airspace in Romania
A Russian drone may have briefly entered NATO member Romania's airspace overnight, according to the defense ministry in Bucharest. The drone may have crossed Romanian airspace in the border area for less than three minutes, the ministry explains. The drone was reportedly involved in an attack on the southern Ukrainian city of Izmail, where Ukrainian authorities reported three deaths and more than a dozen injuries as a result of a drone attack early Friday morning.
10:57 Zelensky to Visit USA to Request Further Military Aid
President Zelensky is traveling to the USA to present his "victory plan" and request further military aid. Biden is reportedly securing a weapons package for Ukraine worth nearly $8 billion, according to ntv reporter Gordian Fritz.
10:20 US Intelligence Agencies Warn of Severe Retaliation if Ukraine Targets Russia with Long-Range Missiles
According to a report, US intelligence agencies see significant risks if Ukraine uses Western long-range missiles to target deep into Russia's territory. Allowing this could lead to severe retaliation, the "New York Times" reports, citing an unpublished intelligence assessment. Russian reactions could range from arson and sabotage against facilities in Europe to deadly attacks on US and European military support points. While Russia might not openly carry out such attacks, covert intelligence operations are more likely. The "New York Times" also reports that US intelligence agencies believe Ukraine does not have enough long-range missiles to fundamentally change the course of the war. According to this assessment, the risk is high, with uncertain success. This could partly explain why the decision is so difficult for US President Biden.
09:57 Putin Threatens Western Consequences if Long-Range Weapons Used Against Russia
Russia threatens the US with consequences if it approves the use of long-range weapons against targets in Russia. President Putin suggests certain export restrictions on strategic raw materials, including uranium, as retaliation against the West. ntv reporter Munz explains the background and implications.
08:40 Unidentified Russian Construction Near Crimea Bridge Puzzles Ukrainian Navy
An unidentified Russian structure near the Crimea Bridge is puzzling the Ukrainian Navy. The construction is underway, says navy spokesman Dmytro Pletenchuk, according to "The Kyiv Independent" on Ukrainian TV. Its purpose is unclear. "It could be a defensive installation, it could be another crossing, but it's still too early to draw conclusions," Pletenchuk said. He believes the Russians won't complete it given the deteriorating weather conditions. "They keep trying to place something new in the Kerch Strait to build various hydrotechnical structures or barriers, but after each storm, they end up on the shore." The bridge connects Russia to the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea, which Russia annexed.
08:08 City Near Romanian Border Attacked, Several Killed
The city of Ismajil in southern Ukraine was attacked. Three people were killed in a Russian drone strike this morning, said the governor of the Odessa Oblast, Oleh Kiper. All victims were elderly, including a woman in her 90s. Eleven others, including a child, were injured. Kiper also reported damaged buildings and cars, as well as several fires. The city of Ismajil is located on the border with Romania, with the northern mouth of the Danube River forming the border. Read more here.
07:40 Advocating for Enhanced Military Aid: SPD Foreign Policy Expert Roth Suggests More Assistance for UkraineSPD foreign policy expert Michael Roth encourages more substantial European military aid for Ukraine. He stated, "The prominent European nations need to contribute militarily more substantially so that Ukraine remains a free and democratic nation." Roth spoke with the "Tagesspiegel," emphasizing, "Now is the time to marshal all resources to position Ukraine best for potential negotiations." He believes, "Those seeking to end the war promptly must equip Ukraine with the necessary tools." Military capability and diplomacy are harmonious components. "Russia will only be receptive to negotiations if Putin is convinced victory over Ukraine is unattainable."
07:09 Baerbock: Lack of Support Would Leave Hospitals VulnerableForeign Minister Baerbock champions Western weaponry deliveries to Ukraine and cautions against wavering support for Kyiv. "The idea that there would be no conflict and casualties in Ukraine if defensive weapons were absent is as straightforward as it is incorrect," Baerbock said during the UN General Debate in New York. "If Russia ceases its assault, the war concludes. If Ukraine discontinues self-defense, it's game over for Ukraine." Russian President Putin retaliated to a June peace conference invitation by bombing a children's hospital. As long as Putin declines diplomatic talks, ending support would equate to "leaving Ukraine's hospitals and children unprotected. This would result in more war atrocities, possibly also in other countries." Baerbock underscores that Russia has "repeatedly jeopardized the inviolability of Baltic states and Poland's borders."
06:45 Slovenia: Premature Decisions Can Endanger Ukrainian DefenseSlovenia's government advises against hastily dismissing the use of long-range Western weapons on Russian territory, despite German reservations. "Announcing upfront that certain topics are off-limits isn't usually the smartest tactic," Prime Minister Robert Golob said during the UN General Debate in New York. "In this complex scenario, all alternatives should be considered, and the best one for the current situation should be chosen," Golob responded to a question regarding long-range cruise missiles. As of now, Germany and the U.S. are reluctant on this matter. Chancellor Olaf Scholz recently opposed the delivery of long-range precision weapons to Ukraine in the future.
06:11 Baerbock Urges Iran to Cease Russia Support and Missile TransferForeign Minister Annalena Baerbock implores Iran to halt any support for Russia's aggression against Ukraine and prohibit ballistic missile and drone transfers. The Foreign Office communicates this via the X platform. Baerbock encountered her Iranian counterpart Abbas Araktschi on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.
06:01 Trump Plans Meeting with ZelenskyFormer US President Donald Trump intends to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday in New York. The meeting will take place at Trump Tower in Manhattan, Trump reveals. Zelensky, who met with President Joe Biden on Thursday, extended his stay in the U.S. to engage with Trump. Prior to his US visit, Zelensky expressed his desire to meet with Trump, Democratic President Joe Biden, and Vice President Kamala Harris to present his "victory strategy" for ending the war in Ukraine. Read more about this here.
04:25 Harris Commits Support for Zelensky and Warns of Potential Election OutcomeUS Presidential candidate Harris promises Ukrainian President Zelensky support and cautions against a specific election victory (without mentioning the candidate's name). "My backing for Ukraine and its citizens remains steadfast. (...) I will continue to advocate for Ukraine and work diligently to ensure it emerges victorious and enjoys peace and prosperity," the Democrat remarks during Zelensky's Washington visit. She warns that an end to the war cannot be dictated without Ukraine's participation. Some U.S. individuals seek to force Ukraine to surrender substantial parts of its territory, accept neutrality, and abandon security guarantees from external countries. These proposals parallel those proposed by Kremlin leader Putin, she stresses, amounting to a capitulation.
02:08 Ukraine Reports Attacks West of KhersonRussian forces repetitively shelled the settlement of Tomyna Balka west of the Ukrainian-controlled city of Kherson on Thursday, according to Prokrudin, the local governor. A woman was killed, and another individual was hurt, according to Telegram.
00:55 UK to Supply More Artillery Systems to Ukraine's DefensesThe UK will provide an additional batch of self-propelled AS90 artillery systems to Ukraine's defense forces, the British Ministry of Defense confirms. Ten of these systems have already been supplied to Ukraine, with six more expected within weeks.
23:33 UN Struggles Financially to Assist Ukrainians During WinterThe United Nations admits it lacks the funds necessary to aid Ukrainians during the ongoing winter. "The funding level of organizations like ours is significantly insufficient at this time of year," says Karolina Lindholm Billing, the Ukraine coordinator for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). Currently, the UNHCR is only 47 percent funded to support the millions of Ukrainians affected by the war. By this time last year, the UNHCR had 70 percent of the necessary funds.
22:13 Biden: Upgrading U.S. Aid to UkrainePresident Joe Biden announces an upgrade in American aid for Ukraine during the remainder of his tenure. This move aims to fortify the Ukrainian government's bargaining power in Kyiv, Biden mentions before a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington. Biden's term concludes in January, potentially leaving the position to Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump, who is predicted to lessen U.S. involvement in Ukraine.
21:34 Ukraine: Russia Gearing Up for Intensified Assault in Zaporizhzhia RegionAccording to Ukrainian intelligence sources, Russian troops are planning to escalate their military activities in the Zaporizhzhia region. "There's a growing trend towards heightened conflict in the combat zone sector in the Zaporizhzhia region," a representative for the troops stationed in southern Ukraine stated on national television. "Over the past 24 hours, there have been five [Russian] assaults, and we anticipate this number to climb, as our intel suggests the enemy is assembling attack units near [the settlement of] Pryiutne." Furthermore, light armored vehicles have been reported on the Russian side, the representative added. "This implies they're preparing for offensive operations."
21:00 Biden and Selenskyj: Russia Won't TriumphAs their meeting commences in Washington, U.S. President Joe Biden promises Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky unwavering American support. "Russia won't emerge victorious, Ukraine will," Biden declared while welcoming Zelensky to the Oval Office at the White House: "And we'll accompany you every step of the way." Explore more details here.
Review all prior events here.
The US citizen, accused of "mercenary activities" in Russia, is alleged to have participated in military operations on the side of Ukraine during the ongoing conflict.The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has seen various military operations, including a missile strike on a police station in Kryvyi Rih that left several injured and a woman dead.
