Disregard excessive focus on Putin's warnings: "It's unnecessary to give much weight to the Kremlin's declarations"
18:07 Europes Potential New Sanctions Against IranAfter allegations of Iran supplying ballistic missiles to Russia, the 27 EU nations are considering new penalties towards Tehran. As per a press release, Europe has repeatedly warned Iran against sending ballistic missiles to Russia. The delivery is considered a direct threat to security and a significant escalation. The response will be swift and all-encompassing, including limiting Iran's aviation sector via restrictive measures. Germany is actively discussing the implementation of new sanctions, including the aviation sector, with its European and international partners. This may potentially result in a flight or landing ban.
17:25 Former Russian Minister Warns About More Russian Aggression - "Desire for Humiliation"Former Russian Foreign Minister Andrei Kosyrev alerts the West of future Russian hostilities. If Putin gains success in Ukraine, he believes that Putin, convinced of NATO's weakness and cowardice, will attack NATO nations in the Baltic before any guarantees are received. Putin's goal is not partial or full conquest; rather, his intention is to humiliate and disgrace the USA and NATO.
17:04 Taurus Debate Resumed: Coalition Politicians Urge Ukraine to Strike Russian TargetsPoliticians from coalition parties are urging Ukraine to utilize long-range weapons against Russian targets. They emphasize the necessity of enabling Ukraine, along with other European nations, Britain, and the USA, to destroy military objectives on Russian territory. This includes Germany's dispatch of the Taurus, specifically designed for neutralizing targets before they can launch devastating attacks. Green politician Toni Hofreiter shares a similar perspective, stating that the use of long-range weapons is essential for rebuilding damaged energy facilities in Ukraine.
16:35 Heavy Fighting in Kurachove - Ukraine Reports Intense AttacksRussian forces are reportedly intensifying assaults in eastern Ukraine near Kurachove, with the heaviest fights so far this month. Simultaneously, Russian troops are advancing towards Pokrowsk, a vital railway hub about 33 kilometers north of Kurachove. Their objectives are to create new frontlines, disrupt Ukrainian logistics, and seize control of the remaining eastern Donetsk region. According to Ukrainian military reports, nearly 100 attacks have been repelled near Kurachove and Pokrowsk in the past 24 hours. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praises his troops for holding their ground in Pokrowsk and Kurachove, labeling these areas the two toughest sections on the eastern front.
15:56 Russian Airspace Closed After Unverified Threat from Ukrainian DronesAuthorities in the Russian region of Murmansk have shut down their airspace due to perceived threats from Ukrainian drones. The region, approximately 1,900 kilometers from Ukraine, is under concern due to these drone threats. As a result, takeoffs and landings have been temporarily suspended at Murmansk and Apatity airports to ensure safety. This region, hosting the Northern Fleet and an airbase with strategic bombers, may target Ukraine with these missiles.
15:22 British Ministry Details IRanian Missiles Given to RussiaThe British Ministry of Defense has disclosed details regarding the Iranian missiles provided to Russia, identifying them as the Fath-360 model, also known as the BM-120. First presented in 2020, these missiles reportedly carry a 150-kilogram warhead up to 120 kilometers, boasting an alleged precision of 30 meters. This will improve Russia's ability to deliver pinpoint strikes against Ukrainian military targets or key infrastructure.
14:45 Czech Artillery Initiative Falls Short - Poland Fails to ContributeAccording to the Polish Gazeta Wyborcza, Poland has yet to contribute financially to the Czech artillery initiative aiming to furnish Ukraine with ammunition from various Western partners. Germany is currently the most significant and rapid contributor. If all goes according to plan, Ukraine will receive 100,000 shells this month, with a goal of 500,000 by the end of 2024 and more in 2025. Meanwhile, Russian actions in the market are causing difficulties, according to Prague reports.
14:20 NATO's Approval of Long-Range Weapons for Ukraine Likely Legitimate - PistoriusDefense Minister Pistorius asserts that NATO partner approval for Ukraine to use extended-range weapons against targets in Russia could be justified under international law. He states that the U.S. and UK are entitled to make decisions about their supplied weapons, asserting that Putin's threats do not merit further attention.
13:57 Zelenskyy Welcomes Home 49 War VictimsUkrainian President Zelenskyy announces the arrival of 49 war survivors from Russia, including ex-combatants from the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, which suffered under Russian siege in the spring of 2022. "Welcome home to 49 Ukrainians," the president proclaims, displaying photos of soldiers and civilians wrapped in Ukrainian national flags. As per Zelenskyy, they are comprised of military personnel, law enforcement officers, border guards, and civilians. Ukrainian news sources hint that 23 of these individuals are female. Zelenskyy does not initially discuss the circumstance leading to their return.
13:46 Tusk Dismisses Putin's Warning as OverratedPolish Prime Minister Donald Tusk shows no concern towards Russian President Putin's recent warnings about long-range weapons targeting Russian territories. Although Tusk stresses the importance of monitoring events in Ukraine and the Ukrainian-Russian borderline, he advises against exaggerating Putin's recent comments. In Putin's previous statement, he warned that the West would be directly at war with Russia if it allowed Ukraine to attack Russian territory with long-range rockets unless manufactured in the West.
13:21 Wei Fenghe Advocates for Dialogue to Solve ConflictsChinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe, speaking at an international security forum, advocates for "dialogue" as the only solution to conflicts on a global scale, citing the crises in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip. Wei believes that "addressing the crises in Ukraine and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through dialogue and promotion of negotiations" is the only viable path forward.
12:58 Germany Seeks Alternative Oil SuppliersThe German administration aims to bolster oil imports from Kazakhstan. "We acknowledge the potential increase in oil imports from Kazakhstan," a government spokesperson shared before Chancellor Olaf Scholz's upcoming trip to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. The intention is to diversify the supply options for Germany's PCK refinery in Schwedt, with Kazakhstan oil being one of the alternatives. However, alternative sources are required due to the reliance on Russian pipelines for Kazakh oil transport to Germany, presenting Moscow with leverage. Following Russia's attack on Ukraine, Germany halted the importation of Russian oil. Scholz's visit will also touch on gas imports from Central Asia. Regarding the tender for new gas power plants, the spokesperson clarified, "We need to secure gas from a source, and Central Asia boasts rich gas reserves."
12:26 France Recalls Iranian Diplomat Over Missile DeliveriesFrance has asked the Iranian diplomatic representative to appear at the French Foreign Ministry in Paris. Diplomatic sources cite the delivery of ballistic missiles to Russia as the cause for this action. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed a few days earlier that Russia had received Iranian missiles, which were scheduled to be deployed in Ukraine within the following weeks. Iran has denied these allegations.
12:03 Pentagon Views Russian Counteroffensive in Kursk as AdversarialThe Pentagon expresses little enthusiasm for Russia's counteroffensive in Kursk. "We've observed Russian troops trying to counterattack in the Kursk region," Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder stated on Thursday. "At present, I would describe it as relatively minor, but we are maintaining vigilance." Yet, Russian Defense Ministry claimed that their troops had recaptured ten settlements. These claims remain unverified. Ukrainian forces initiated the offensive in the Russian border region of Kursk about five weeks ago, claiming to have seized around 100 Russian villages and nearly 1,300 square kilometers since then.
11:38 Multiple Drone Attacks Result in DamageThe Ukrainian air force reports the destruction of 24 out of 26 drones during the night. In the Odessa region, an individual sustained injuries, and 20 houses were damaged. In the Mykolajiw region, drone debris ignited a fire at a food processing factory, as regional officials reported. Moreover, the Ministry of Energy confirmed injuries to the energy infrastructure in the Iwano-Frankiwsk region.
11:16 Russian Officials Meet with Kim in PyongyangRussian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu has met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang. The Russian Security Council communicates that the meeting transpired in "an environment of exceptional mutual trust and friendship." They believe that these discussions will "play a critical role" in the implementation of the pact that Kim and President Vladimir Putin signed in June. According to Putin, the agreement provides mutual assistance in confronting aggression from one signatory nation. The West accuses Moscow of procuring North Korean rockets and artillery shells for use in Ukraine to continue its offensive. To continue its Ukraine campaign, Russia seeks additional ammunition, prompting talks with countries including China, Iran, and North Korea.
10:17 Munz on Putin's War Threat to NATO: "Putin's Warning Seems Missed in Morning News"In the West, there's apprehension that allowing Ukraine to bomb Russian land could escalate things further. Indeed, Russian leader Vladimir Putin has made such a warning again. However, ntv correspondent Rainer Munz sees reasons for why Putin's aggressive stance might not have much backing.
09:42 Family: Imprisoned Belarus Opposition Leader in Critical ConditionImprisoned Belarusian opposition activist Maria Kalesnikava is reported to be in a critical state, as per her sister. For years, she has been held under inhumane conditions, and now she weighs just 45 kilos at a height of 1.75 meters, says Tatjana Chomitsch, quoting information from ex-prisoners. "I believe this is a critical moment, as no one can survive under such conditions for long," she says, accusing authorities of psychologically and physically torturing her sister. Belarus' Interior Ministry refuses to comment on Kalesnikava's detention conditions. Kalesnikava, who's become a symbol of resistance since 2020 protests against Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, is serving an 11-year sentence for alleged attempts to seize power.
09:20 Agreement Signed for Deployment of Lithuanian BrigadeGermany and Lithuania have agreed on guidelines to regulate the deployment of a combat-ready brigade in the NATO Baltic country. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and his Lithuanian counterpart Laurynas Kasciunas signed the agreement in Berlin. The agreement complements the NATO Status of Forces Agreement, clarifying the legal status of German soldiers and civilians in Lithuania. It ensures legal certainty by regulating residence rights, tax law, education, health care, road traffic, and public safety. For instance, it provides the legal basis for establishing German schools and kindergartens in Lithuania. The brigade is estimated to be operational by 2027.
08:56 Russia Expels Six British DiplomatsRussia has expelled six British diplomats, allegedly on spying charges. The FSB security agency claims to have documents implicating the British Foreign Office in coordinating political and military escalation aimed at ensuring Russia's defeat in the war against Ukraine. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accuses the British embassy of harming the Russian people. The British Foreign Office denies the accusations as "completely false," stating that Russia's actions are retaliation for British measures taken in response to Russian activities in Europe and the UK.
08:31 NATO's Involvement Feared as Putin Threatens West over Long-range Missile Request
Ukrainian President Zelenskyj has been advocating for long-range missiles to be used against Russian military targets for some time now. The US and UK are set to discuss this together. The Kremlin responds swiftly, with Putin issuing threatening remarks towards the West.
08:03 Russia Offers to Share Insights on Western Weapons
Russia is offering to share their insights on combating various Western weapons with their partners. Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin stated this at a security conference in China, reported by the Russian news agency RIA. He mentioned that wars have led to new warfare tactics, and Russian weapons are capable of countering Western weapons.
07:34 Internal Security Service Reports Arrests: Men Burn Military Vehicles in Kyiv for Russia
Five men have been arrested for setting fires to military vehicles in Kyiv on behalf of a Russian intelligence agency, according to the Ukrainian Security Service. The men are accused of setting fire to five military vehicles and distributing leaflets that discredit the military. The Security Service mentioned that the men came from various regions of Ukraine to work in Kyiv and were contacted by Russian agents on Telegram looking for quick money. They recorded their actions on their phones to receive promised payment, but never did.
07:05 Chief Rabbi Mourns Adopted Son Killed in War
Ukrainian Chief Rabbi Moshe Asman is mourning the loss of his adopted son, who was killed in the Russian invasion. Soldiers, veterans, and others attended a funeral service in Kyiv on Thursday to pay their respects to Anton Samborskij, who went missing at the end of July and was confirmed dead a few weeks later. Samborskij became a father to a daughter in May and was adopted by Rabbi Asman as a 10-year-old orphan. He was last heard from on July 17.
06:29 Japan Describes Encounter with Russian Military Aircraft
Japan scrambled fighter jets on Thursday after two Russian aircraft circled the Japanese islands. The Russian jets did not enter Japanese airspace, according to the Defense Ministry. The Tu-142 planes flew from the sea towards the southern region of Okinawa from morning till afternoon. In response, "we mobilized fighter jets of the Air Self-Defense Force on an emergency basis," the ministry stated. The Russian jets ended their flight in the north and also passed through the disputed Kurile region. Earlier this week, Russian and Chinese warships began joint exercises in the Sea of Japan, which is part of a large-scale naval drill. Russian military aircraft last circled Japan in 2019.
06:07 Moscow: USA Engages in Containment Policy Against Russia and ChinaDeputy Russian Defense Minister Alexander Fomin stated at a security conference in China that the USA is implementing a containment policy against Russia and China. This was reported by the Russian news agency Tass. Fomin reportedly said that Moscow and Beijing support the creation of a fair, multipolar world order based on equality and mutual respect, while the West is preparing for wars in Asia by establishing new security blocs in the region.
05:27 Black Sea Incident: Civil Merchant Vessel hit by Anti-Ship MissileThe Ukrainian navy has provided new details about an alleged Russian air raid on a civilian merchant vessel in the Black Sea. They suggest a Tu-22 bomber likely released a Ch-22 anti-ship missile at the ship. The ship, flying under the flag of Caribbean nation St. Kitts and Nevis, was heading from the southern Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk to Egypt with a load of wheat. It was reportedly beyond Ukrainian territorial waters. However, a BBC report claimed that the ship was within Romania's exclusive economic zone. The report also mentioned that a Ch-31 missile, utilized for radar suppression with less explosive power than the Ch-22, was used instead.
03:19 Tragic Incident at Border: Moldovan Soldier's DemiseA Moldovan soldier has faced an unfortunate end while serving on duty at the border with the separatist region of Transnistria. The Moldovan Defense Ministry reported that the soldier died from a bullet fired from his own weapon while fulfilling his duties at his post. Police and forensic experts are now investigating the incident. Soldiers have been stationed at the border between Moldova and Transnistria, as well as Russian troops, since a conflict in 1992 following the fall of the Soviet Union. Moldova has expressed its intention to reintegrate Transnistria into its territory. Incidents at the border are extremely rare.
02:18 UK PM: "No Intentions to Engage in Conflict with Russia"UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer denounced Russian President Putin's assertion that the provision of long-range weapons for attacks deep into Russian territory by the West constitutes NATO's involvement in the conflict. Starmer stated, "Ukraine has the right to self-defense." The UK backs this right and offers training opportunities in that context. "However, we are not seeking conflict with Russia - that is not our goal," the UK prime minister emphasized. Learn more here.
01:09 Former US Ambassador to Ukraine: Harris might Support Ukraine more ArdentlyFormer US Ambassador to Ukraine, William B. Taylor, believes that Democratic presidential hopeful Kamala Harris might support Ukraine more vigorously than current office-holder Biden, if she wins the election. Harris has demonstrated this stance in certain matters, Taylor mentioned at a Kyiv event. Biden has taken a more cautious approach in certain decisions, such as those related to HIMARS, Abrams, and F-16 fighter jets. At present, he also remains reluctant to allow Ukraine to conduct strikes deep into Russia's territory. Taylor anticipates a more aggressive stance from Harris - possibly due to the likelihood of a new foreign policy team entering the White House.
00:27 Zelensky Praise Estonia for Military AidUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomes Estonian President Alar Karis in Kyiv, expressing his gratitude for military aid. Estonia, an EU and NATO member, has agreed to allocate 0.25% of its annual GDP to aid Ukraine's defense needs. Discussions also covered the country's reconstruction and its aspirations to join the EU. Meanwhile, Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina also pledged more assistance during a meeting with Zelensky.
23:19 BND not Required to Disclose Military Evaluation to JournalistThe Federal Intelligence Service (BND) is not bound to disclose to a journalist whether it labeled a Ukrainian military victory as challenging or impossible in off-the-record conversations. The BND does not need to disclose which media outlets participated in these off-the-record discussions, at least for the time being. The court largely rejected the journalist's request for a temporary injunction. However, the BND must provide information on the number of confidential individual background discussions regarding the military situation in Ukraine this year. The journalist submitted the urgent application on behalf of a daily newspaper. The court's decision was prompted by a newspaper article from May, which reported that a CDU politician claimed that the BND was disseminating deliberately pessimistic assessments of the military situation in Ukraine to sway public opinion.
22:06 German Coalition Politicians Advocate for Using Long-Range Weapons against Russia
Politicians from the German coalition are advocating for granting Kyiv permission to employ long-range weapons against targets in Russia. It is both acceptable and consistent with international law to finally attack Russian military targets with long-range Western missiles, asserts SPD foreign policy expert Michael Roth to T-Online. Roth suggests military airfields, command centers, and launch bases as possible targets in Russia for long-range weapons. These bases are reportedly used for launching "brutal attacks on civilian Ukrainian targets," and can be most effectively countered there. The chairman of the defense committee, Marcus Faber of the FDP, states that approval for "striking Russian military airports with long-range weapons like ATACMS and Storm Shadow is long overdue." Green politician Anton Hofreiter stresses that "Russia indiscriminately terrorizes the Ukrainian civilian population daily with rocket attacks on hospitals, residential buildings, and the energy supply." To effectively shield the Ukrainian civilian population, the army must be authorized to strike military bases on Russian territory with long-range weapons.
21:35 Vance Discusses Trump's Ukraine Ideas
Republican vice-presidential candidate J.D. Vance suggests that Donald Trump's strategy to put an end to the Russian conflict might involve setting up a demilitarized zone between Ukraine and Russia. Vance elaborates on this in a conversation with TV producer Shawn Ryan, hinting at Trump bringing together Russians, Ukrainians, and Europeans to explore the possibility of a peaceful solution. Vance is optimistic, stating, "I think he could get to a deal very quickly." Trump's history includes expressed sympathy for Russian President Vladimir Putin and frequent criticisms of US aid to Ukraine. Moreover, Trump claims he could wrap up the war within 24 hours if elected, though he doesn't delve into the specifics of his plan.
21:03 "We are Russians. God is on our side" - Fascist Rally in St. Petersburg
These individuals can't be challenged, and she can't dispute their assertions: "We are Russians. God is on our side," echoes a sea of Russian nationalists and fascists during their protest in St. Petersburg. Over and over again, they roar: "Forward, Russians!" Their demonstration honors the anniversary of Alexander Nevsky's relics' transfer, a figure revered as a national hero and Orthodox Church saint.
20:28 Russian Television Host: "The Ideal Barrier is the Atlantic Ocean"
Prominent Russian TV personality Vladimir Solovyov believes that Russia shouldn't stop at the conquest of Ukraine. "I believe the ideal boundary is the Atlantic Ocean. A natural barrier," says the Kremlin propagandist. An idyllic location for our troops – Berlin, Lisbon, Madrid. And how attractive they appeared in Paris." When reminded that there aren't many Russians, he responds, "The Belarusian brothers are with us." Alternatively, one could consider China as an option.
20:01 British Aid Workers Prepare for WinterMany Ukrainian homes that have managed to endure bombardments thus far are missing windows, a pitiful state as winter approaches. The British NGO "Insulate Ukraine" is taking action: they venture into war zones to install short-term windows.
You can review all previous developments [here].
The European Union has expressed concerns over Iran's alleged supply of ballistic missiles to Russia, with the 27 EU nations considering new penalties towards Tehran. This follows the delivery of Iranian missiles to Russia, which the EU views as a direct threat to security and a significant escalation.
Germany, as a member of the European Union, is actively discussing the implementation of new sanctions against Iran, including measures that could potentially result in a flight or landing ban for Iranian aircraft.
