Delay in Announcement Regarding Long-Range Missiles: Decision Not Anticipated for Another Fortnight
Still some time needed for decision on Western missiles in Ukraine deployment The timing for deciding on Western long-range missiles in Ukraine might take a while longer. A decision before the UN General Assembly on September 24, where around 150 heads of state and government will be present, seems unlikely, as suggested by Bloomberg. The source mentions British Foreign Secretary Lammy, who believes that the UN meeting will be the next opportunity to talk about the use of long-range missiles. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is reportedly determined to reiterate his request during the gathering. On Wednesday, Lammy and US Secretary of State Blinken visited Kyiv to hear Zelenskyy's plans for strikes on Russian territory. Blinken is planning to discuss this with US President Biden on Friday. British Prime Minister Starmer will also meet with Biden on the same day.
Blinken lands in Poland after his Kyiv visit US Secretary of State Blinken stops by Poland, a strong supporter of Ukraine, as he returns from Kyiv. Planned meetings with Prime Minister Tusk and President Duda are in order. Blinken is likely to discuss further collaboration with Poland, serving as the primary logistics hub for Western military aid to Ukraine. Poland has also substantially increased its military expenditure since the Russian invasion of Ukraine and ordered 96 Apache combat helicopters worth $10 billion from US defense giant Boeing.
Ukraine reports Russian drone and missile attack The Ukrainian air force informs about an overnight Russian attack on Ukraine, employing 5 missiles and 64 Iranian drones. Despite partial success in shooting down 44 drones, the military reports lack detailed verification. Around Kyiv, air defense was activated multiple times to down incoming drones.
Russian expert calls for stronger nuclear threat Russian foreign policy expert Sergei Karaganov suggests that Russia should bolster its nuclear threat by demonstrating its readiness to use nuclear weapons. Karaganov emphasizes the objective of Russia's nuclear doctrine as "persuading all current and future enemies that Russia is prepared to utilize nuclear weapons." In his view, Moscow could execute a limited nuclear strike on a NATO country without provoking a full-fledged nuclear conflict. The US would be misleading if it claimed to safeguard nuclear protection for its allies. Prior to, Karaganov advocated for Russia to consider a nuclear preemptive strike as a means of intimidating its adversaries. Some Western experts consider Karaganov to serve a beneficial role for the Kremlin by expressing views that unsettle the West and make Putin appear less aggressive in contrast.
Optimism grows in Ukraine for Western long-range weapon approval A surge of hope is being fostered in Ukraine that they may be authorized to conduct assaults deeper into Russian territory using Western weapons in the future. During his visit to Kyiv, US Secretary of State stressed his intent to ensure that "Ukraine has all it necessitates." In Britain, early signs indicate a supportive stance.
Ukrainian Intelligence claims downing of Russian fighter jet Posting yesterday about a missing Russian Su-30SM fighter jet from radar, the Ukrainian military intelligence now reports that Ukrainian forces have managed to shoot down such an aircraft during an engagement in the Black Sea. The Kyiv Independent reported this. The $50 million fighter jet was supposedly based on the Crimean peninsula and was destroyed by a portable air defense system.
Massive drone attack on Konotop inflicts damages Following a massive Russian drone attack on the energy infrastructure of the city of Konotop in the Sumy region last night, 13 injuries have been documented, as reported by the state-run Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform, citing the regional military administration. Among the targets was a residential building in the city center.
German parliament to debate security package The German Bundestag is scheduled to debate today the government's proposed security package, which includes measures such as knife bans and withdrawal of refugee status for those traveling to their home countries. However, exceptions apply, including for Ukrainian refugees.
Russian state TV accuses bias against Trump in debate On Russian state television, several commentators are alleging "sabotage" against Trump during his debate versus Kamala Harris, as reported by the Kyiv Independent. Trump has claimed to have been disadvantaged. Trump's statements fact-checking were heavily scrutinized. Many observers considered Trump to have lost the debate. In the event of his victory, Trump has announced that he plans to quickly end the Ukraine war.
Russian attack on Konotop causes severe energy infrastructure damage Several civilians suffered injuries in a Russian attack on the city of Konotop in the Sumy region, as reported by Mayor Artem Semenikhin. The temporary disruption of the city's water supply, along with severe damage to its energy infrastructure, has no definite restoration timeframe for households. Multiple fires erupted in the city center, affecting educational and residential buildings. Two individuals were hospitalized, both critically ill.
Latvia pledges more military aid to Ukraine Latvian Prime Minister Eva Kflina has announced a military aid package for Ukraine during her visit to Kyiv, including armored personnel carriers, as confirmed by Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. Both countries are also in talks to expand cooperation in the defense industry.
01:32 UK Calls Out Iranian Businessman Over Alleged Missile Deliveries to RussiaAccording to a statement from the UK's Foreign Office, an Iranian businessman has been summoned due to suspicions of sending missiles to Russia. The British government has made it clear that any transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia would be seen as a potential threat and would prompt a firm reaction. On Tuesday, Germany, France, and the UK slapped more sanctions on Tehran in response to the alleged missile deliveries, specifically targeting the suspension of bilateral air transport agreements. Previously, the European Union had cited "solid evidence" of Iranian missiles being sent to Russia.
00:14 Ukraine: Inexperienced Russian Troops at Kharkiv FrontInformation from the Ukrainian military indicates that Russia is deploying untrained soldiers at the Kharkiv front. According to Vitalii Sarantsev, spokesperson for the operational tactical group of the forces in Kharkiv, the soldiers participating in offensive operations in Vovchansk are inadequately trained. It is assumed that the reinforcements recently dispatched by Russia are part of a mobilization reserve. It remains unclear whether these are former prisoners or soldiers conscripted from foreign countries like Central Asia, Africa, or the Middle East.
22:39 Western Ukrainian Mayor Introduces Russian Language PatrolsThe mayor of Ivano-Frankivsk, a city in western Ukraine, announced the establishment of patrols to oversee the usage of the Russian language. "This is a community-driven initiative, and anyone can sign up to be a language inspector," says the city mayor, Ruslan Martsinkiv, to the NTA television channel. Many displaced people from eastern Ukraine, who primarily speak Russian as their native language, have settled in the city. Martsinkiv anticipates around 100 such language enforcers, with about 50 volunteers already registering. He also provided the contact information for a hotline where citizens can report instances of Russian speakers in public spaces. Due to the conflict, millions of people, particularly from Russian-speaking regions in the east and south, have relocated to the relatively safe Ukrainian-speaking west of Ukraine.
21:42 Erdogan Asks for Crimea's Return from RussiaTurkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for the Crimea peninsula, annexed by Russia, to be returned to Ukraine. "Our commitment to Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence remains unwavering. The return of Crimea to Ukraine is a demand of international law," says the Turkish leader in a video message for the Crimea Platform summit. Established in 2021, the Crimea Platform was created to elevate international awareness of the situation surrounding the annexed peninsula.
21:05 Kyiv Readies to Share Military Strategy with USAUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has highlighted the United States' support as a crucial aspect of repelling the Russian invasion. "The plan for victory (...)relies primarily on the backing of the United States and other allies," Zelenskyy stated at a press conference in Kyiv. The strategy, to be presented detailedly before the planned Ukraine Peace Conference, aims to "significantly strengthen Ukraine" and "compel Russia to end the war." According to Bloomberg, the USA is demanding a clear strategy from Zelenskyy before lifting restrictions on the use of Western weapons. US Secretary of State Blinken and British Foreign Secretary Lammy are expected to visit Kyiv to discuss a long-term strategy for the upcoming year to better understand Ukraine's objectives.
20:37 Blinken Confirms Biden's Support for Ukraine's Use of Provided Long-Range Weapons Against RussiaAs reported by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the US is working diligently to address Ukraine's military needs, which include the use of Western-provided long-range weapons for strikes against Russian targets. US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will discuss these requests on Friday, according to Blinken, in a joint press conference alongside UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Kyiv. "We are working urgently to ensure that Ukraine has the means to defend itself effectively," Blinken added, emphasizing, "We want Ukraine to prevail."
You can catch up on previous developments here.
Despite the ongoing discussions about the deployment of Western missiles in Ukraine, the ongoing attack on Ukraine by Russian forces continues, with reports of 5 missiles and 64 Iranian drones being used in an overnight attack. This attack comes as US Secretary of State Blinken visits Poland following his Kyiv visit, where he is expected to discuss further collaboration and logistics support with Polish officials. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is determined to reiterate his request for approval to conduct deeper strikes into Russian territory using Western weapons during the UN General Assembly on September 24.
