explosions from a Russian air assault in Kharkiv result in 9 fatalities and injuries
19:49 Selenskyj expresses frustration over weapon shortage, blames US Congress
Selenskyj expresses his concern that Ukraine does not have sufficient weapons to fully equip its troops. He mentions that Ukraine needs to equip 14 brigades, but with the weapons supplied so far, they can only equip four. The Ukrainian president made these comments during an interview with a US journalist, parts of which were published on Telegram and in Ukrainian media. He attributes this shortage to slow deliveries, particularly during the time when US weapons shipments were held up in Congress for months at the beginning of the year. Selenskyj explains that they've used up all their reserves, both in depots and with reserve units. Now, however, these reserve units need to be re-equipped. Selenskyj has frequently pointed out that military aid from allies often arrives late, which impedes the war, especially in heavily contested regions in eastern Ukraine.
20:11 Selenskyj outlines victory plan
Selenskyj plans to present a victory plan in Washington. In a conversation with renowned US journalist Fareed Zakaria, Selenskyj announced that he would soon present a victory plan in Washington. He mentioned that he had prepared several points, four of which are fundamental. These points concern security, the geopolitical status of Ukraine, military support, and economic support for Ukraine. According to Selenskyj, the implementation of these points depends solely on US President Joe Biden, not on Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. No specific date for Selenskyj's visit to Washington has been set, but it is expected around the UN General Assembly at the end of September.
20:36 Mayor confirms 41 casualties after Russian attack on Kharkiv
The number of casualties from a Russian attack on the second-largest Ukrainian city, Kharkiv, has now been confirmed to be 41. According to the mayor, at least 41 people have been injured. A Russian guided bomb hit a multi-story residential building on Sunday afternoon, the mayor reported. A fire broke out and engulfed four floors. Twelve other buildings were also damaged.
17:54 Mayor confirms 30 casualties after Russian attack on Kharkiv
The number of casualties from a Russian attack on the second-largest Ukrainian city, Kharkiv, had risen. According to the mayor, at least 30 people have been injured. A Russian guided bomb hit a high-rise building, the mayor wrote on his Telegram channel. A fire broke out between the ninth and twelfth floors and rescue workers were still at the scene to extinguish it and search for more victims. The mayor later reported that the body of a woman was found under the rubble.
19:03 Starmer and Maloney to discuss proposal to allow Ukraine to use long-range weapons on Russian territory
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni are set to discuss a proposal on Monday that would allow Ukraine to use British Storm Shadow cruise missiles with extended range on Russian territory. This information comes from US news portal Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the matter. Starmer's visit to Rome comes just days after his meeting with US President Joe Biden in Washington. So far, Biden has opposed such a move, fearing it could escalate the war. According to the report, British officials will hold talks with their French and German counterparts in the coming days about the plan.
17:54 Authorities report more casualties in Russian attack on apartment building in Kharkiv
An airstrike by Russian forces on the city of Kharkiv in northeastern Ukraine has resulted in numerous civilian casualties, according to official reports. "A residential high-rise was damaged," President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on his Telegram channel. Mayor Ihor Terechov reports 35 injured, including several children. Previously, 28 injured had been reported (see entry from 15:25). Rescue teams were still at the scene in the afternoon to extinguish the fire that broke out between the ninth and twelfth floors after the bomb impact. They are also searching the rubble for more victims.
Kharkiv was once Ukraine's second-largest city with over a million inhabitants before the invasion ordered by Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. At the start of the war, Moscow attempted to capture the city, located about 30 kilometers from the border, but failed. Since then, Kharkiv has been one of the most shelled cities in Ukraine. Russian troops have repeatedly attacked it with artillery and rockets, and most recently with guided bombs, which are released from planes while still over Russian territory.
Ukrainian forces allegedly struck and wiped out a Russian military facility in Kursk's western region, as per official announcements. The Khorne group, linked to Kyiv's military, circulated a video presumed to be captured by a drone, but the building's specific location remained undisclosed. At the time of reporting, there were no confirmed casualties. This attack is thought to be retaliation for Russia's assault on a Poltava military academy. The refrain is, "Send us more conscripts and paratroopers, we'll manage." So far, there's been no reaction from the Russian side. As of now, the Ukrainian account's credibility is still under scrutiny. In relation to the Russian attack on a Poltava building, which appears to have been a communications school, 53 people perished, and 298 were wounded. The Ukrainian military went on the offensive against Kursk in early August, reportedly capturing approximately 1,300 square kilometers of Russian territory.
16:08 "Noble Imperialist": British Foreign Secretary Dismisses Putin's Intimidations as Empty ThreatsIn the context of ongoing discussions regarding lifting restrictions on Ukraine for utilizing Western weapons against Russian targets, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy offers a contrasting perspective to Russian President Vladimir Putin's warnings. "There's a lot of bravado. That's his style. He issues threats with tanks, missiles, and nuclear weapons," Lammy relayed to BBC. Despite Putin's warnings, "we cannot allow ourselves to be deterred from our course," Lammy asserted, referring to Putin as a "noble imperialist." When queried if Putin is deceitful when threatening nuclear war, Lammy responded: "Putin's objective is to sow confusion. It's all hot air."
15:25 At Least 28 Suffered Injuries in Kharkiv Following Guided Bomb AttackOver 28 individuals, including three minors, sustained injuries in a high-rise building in Kharkiv, northeast Ukraine, following an attack using a guided bomb. "The impact initiated a fire in a residential high-rise," Governor Oleh Syniehubov clarified on Telegram. Portions of the city's infrastructure also sustained damage (refer to entries from 09:46 and 07:03).
14:55 Moscow Threatens Washington Over Sanctions against Russian State Broadcaster RTMoscow strongly condemns the US sanctions imposed on Russian state-owned TV channel RT, and hints at retaliation. "America's actions will not go unanswered," noted Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, per the ministry's official website. Observers interpret this as a warning to American journalists still working within Russia. In March 2023, Russia detained US reporter Evan Gershkovich on suspected espionage charges. Gershkovich was held in detention for 16 months before being freed in a prisoner swap. Both Gershkovich and the Wall Street Journal refute the accusations. Zakharova accuses the US of censorship and an assault on freedom of the press. With its actions against RT, the US has started "another phase of restrictions against Russian media and journalists," Zakharova declares. The US government had previously accused RT of meddling with foreign countries' domestic affairs.
14:28 Iran's President Prepares for BRICS Summit Journey to RussiaIran is reinforcing its cooperation with Russia and will participate in the BRICS summit. Iranian President Massoud Peeseschkian will travel to Kazan on the Volga, as reported by Iran's ambassador to Moscow, according to Russian media. Ambassador Kasem Jalali also announced a bilateral meeting with Russian President Putin during the summit from October 22 to 24. The aim is to negotiate enhanced cooperation. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has accused Iran of providing Russia with rockets for utilization in Ukraine. Tehran denies this charge.
13:55 New Foreign Minister in Kyiv Urges: Ignore Putin's TacticsThe Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Andrij Sybiha, is urging Kyiv's allies not to yield to Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin's threats. He asserts that Putin's objective is to weaken support for Ukraine. "Instead, allies should bolster it," Sybiha writes on X. "Putin's threats are ineffectual." Sybiha underlines that Putin has repeatedly warned of unforeseen consequences, yet he's never followed through. This was the case when the West started supplying weapons to Ukraine, when Finland and Sweden joined NATO, and when Ukraine received its first F-16 fighter planes, the Foreign Minister continues. "When confronted with determination, Putin eventually retreats and concocts excuses to explain his actions to his people."
13:30 "Stiff-necked German Stand on Taurus Missiles Rejected"The controversy surrounding the delivery of German Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine intensifies, but Chancellor Scholz is unequivocal in his refusal to authorize the weapon. This stance is not well-received in Ukraine, as reported by ntv correspondent Kavita Sharma.
13:03 Governor: Couple Killed in Russian Missile Strike in OdessaAt least two individuals were killed in a Russian missile strike on Odessa's outskirts, according to Ukrainian reports. The fatalities, a couple, perished on Saturday evening, the regional governor alleged. Another person was wounded. Initial findings suggest that an illegal cluster munition was employed in the strike. The Ukrainian air force declared that two missiles impacted the outskirts.
12:28 Ukraine: Floating Bridge and Command Center DemolishedThe Ukrainian military announces the demolition of a floating bridge constructed by the Russians. The exact location of the bridge remains undisclosed by the Army's General Staff. In total, six enemy assembly points were targeted from the air or by artillery the previous day, it is revealed. Besides the floating bridge, an artillery unit was also destroyed. Another strike was reported on a command and control center.
11:58 Ukrainian Women Fill Vacancies Left by SoldiersDue to the large number of soldiers battling against Russian troops in Ukraine, there's a significant gap in the labor market, particularly in traditional male jobs. As a result, women are becoming increasingly sought after, and many are training to fill these vacancies. The ntv foreign report features some of these women in their new roles in the southeastern part of the country and near Kyiv.
11:25 Ischinger Suggests Lessening Weapon Restrictions for UkraineWolfgang Ischinger, the former head of the Munich Security Conference, proposes easing the limitations on Ukraine's use of Western weapons. Ischinger suggests that, "it would be more straightforward and simpler for everyone if we simply declared: We will bind Ukraine to utilizing the weapons systems we provide solely within the framework compatible with international law." This would mean that hospitals could not be targeted, a practice often adopted by the Russians. Only military objectives such as airports or launch sites would be permissible targets - including on Russian territory, for instance, to hinder attacks using guided missiles.
10:53 Prisoner Exchange Intensifies Post-Kursk Offensive
Experts suggest that the recent rise in prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia may be connected to Ukraine's Kursk offensive, initiated on August 6. Since then, three prisoner exchange operations have taken place, involving a total of 267 prisoners from both sides, as per an analysis by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). During the period of January 1 to August 6, only three prisoner exchange operations occurred, involving approximately 800 Ukrainians and 800 Russians each. Ukrainian officials claim that the Kursk offensive has enhanced Ukraine's negotiation power in prisoner exchanges with Russia, following the Kremlin's consistent refusal to engage in negotiations.
10:16 Russians Continuously Advance on Eastern Front
Russian troops continue to progress on the frontline in eastern Ukraine, making steady progress near Wuhledar and southeast of the logistics center Pokrovsk, according to the British Ministry of Defense. However, the Russians have not significantly drawn closer to Pokrovsk itself in the past week.
09:46 Ukraine Reports Drone and Missile Attacks
Ukraine's air force reports that Russia attacked with 14 drones overnight, with 10 being shot down by air defense. Additionally, a guided missile was intercepted. It is reported that Russia launched two ballistic missiles. The air force does not provide details on the outcome of these missiles or any casualties or damage resulting from the attacks. Authorities in the Kharkiv region report fires as a result of Russian shelling, and several buildings in the city of Kharkiv have been damaged.
09:10 Concerns Raise over Face Recognition Payment in Russian Subways
The expansion of a face recognition payment system in Russian subways is causing distress amongst human rights activists. According to the U.S.-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the "Face Pay" system, available in Moscow for three years, is now being introduced in six more cities, including Kazan, where passengers have been able to register for the system since last month. To pay, passengers simply look into a camera-equipped device at the turnstile. Plans are underway to introduce this method in all Russian subways next year. Some human rights activists, like Andrei Fedorkov, working with the banned Russian human rights organization Memorial to support political prisoners, believe that "Face Pay" could also be misused for this purpose, recognizing "significant" risks and believing it could become another powerful tool for surveillance and control of citizens.
08:02 Moscow: 29 Drones Downed Over Russian Territory
Russia's air defense reportedly shot down 29 drones over several regions during the night, according to the Moscow Defense Ministry. The drones were launched from Ukraine, with most of them being intercepted over the Bryansk region, bordering Ukraine.
07:31 Stegner Defends Participation in Anti-Arms Demonstration
SPD foreign policy expert Ralf Stegner defends his planned participation in a demonstration, where alleged figures such as Sahra Wagenknecht, co-founder of the Left Party (Die Linke), are also expected to speak. He clarifies that he will not be sharing the stage with anyone and will present his views as a Social Democrat. Stegner emphasizes that he does not agree with all of the speakers' views and does not endorse their various calls. "As long as fascists, anti-Semites, and racists are excluded, I will tolerate diverse opinions." The "nationwide peace demonstration" scheduled for October 3 in Berlin has been organized by an initiative named "Never Again War - Lay Down Your Arms." The initiative demands negotiations for the immediate cessation of wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and no weapons deliveries to Ukraine, Israel, or any other countries. It also criticizes the SPD-led federal government for its increased armament. Criticism of the demonstration came from SPD foreign policy spokesperson Michael Roth, who stated that, "Not mentioning Russia and Hamas as war drivers is a disgrace." FDP MEP Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann commented on Stegner's planned participation, saying, "This is truly damaging to one's party and government."
Kharkiv experienced another Russian military attack during the night, as stated by Ukrainian authorities. The region's governor reported that a hospital campus building was damaged due to a rocket launcher strike, and a fire broke out at an educational institution as a result. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Kharkiv, being only about 30 kilometers from the Russian border, is one of the cities frequently shelled in Ukraine.
06:29: Russian Troop Numbers in Kursk May Have Increased Significantly
It appears that the Russian military is experiencing personnel shortages due to the Ukrainian counteroffensive. The Russian military leadership is reportedly needing to redeploy units from Ukraine to the Kursk region and deploy newly formed Russian troops instead of focusing on the front in Ukraine, according to the Institute for the Study of War. Initially, there were approximately 11,000 Russian troops in the Kursk region. Currently, military estimates place the number of troops between 30,000 to 45,000 soldiers.
05:11: Ukraine Resumes Production of 155-mm Artillery Shells
Ukraine has started manufacturing 155-mm artillery shells, as reported by a Ukrainian official to the "Kyiv Independent." Oleksandr Kamyshin, who was previously the Minister of Strategic Industries and is now an external advisor to President Volodymyr Zelensky, stated that defense production in Ukraine has doubled under his leadership and is projected to triple by the end of the year.
03:04: Biden to Focus Remaining Term on Supporting Ukraine
According to Joe Biden's national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, the United States President plans to utilize the remainder of his term to bolster Ukraine's position in its conflict with Russia. At the Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference in Kyiv, Sullivan reported that Biden's primary goal is to put Ukraine in the best possible position to succeed in the following four months.
01:43: British Politicians Urge Labour Leader to Permit Ukraine to Use Long-Range Missiles on Russian Territory
Five former British defense ministers, including former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, are reportedly advocating for Labour leader Keir Starmer to approve Ukraine's use of long-range missiles on Russian territory, even without the support of the United States, according to the Sunday Times. The incumbent Prime Minister has been warned that "any further delay would only encourage President Putin," the article states.
00:52: North Korea is the Most Significant Threat to Ukraine from Russia's Allies, Says Ukrainian Intelligence Chief
As per the Ukrainian intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, North Korea poses the most significant threat to Ukraine among Russia's allies. "Of all these allies of Russia, North Korea is our biggest problem," he said at the Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference in Kyiv. North Korea is providing military support to Russia, including substantial amounts of ammunition, which "really affects the intensity of the fights," Budanov added.
00:00: Ukraine Expects Russia to Experience Recruitment Difficulties by Mid-2025
According to Ukraine, Russia is likely to encounter recruitment problems by mid-2025. By summer 2025, the Russian government will have to make a decision between declaring mobilization or reducing the intensity of hostilities, according to Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov at a conference in Kyiv.
22:20: German Chancellor Condemns Russian Attack on Ukraine as 'Plain Stupid'
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for risking Russia's future by attacking Ukraine. "The war is also stupid from a Russian perspective," he said in a citizens' dialogue as an SPD member of the German Bundestag in Brandenburg's Prenzlau. Putin is sending hundreds of thousands of Russian soldiers to severe injuries and death, damaging Russia's economic relations with several countries, and strengthening Ukraine's military. "And Ukraine will have a stronger army than it had before," Scholz added. Germany will continue to support Ukraine militarily to prevent collapse and maintain peace in Europe. "Putin is damaging his country's future." A peaceful solution can only be achieved if Russia recognizes that Ukraine is not a vassal state.
22:01: Battles for Kursk Result in Mixed Results for Both Sides
Ukrainian forces are making territorial gains in their operations in western Russia's Kursk region, but are also encountering Russian counterattacks. According to a pro-government Ukrainian military channel, Ukrainian units have seized three more settlements, while Russian counterattacks are pushing back Ukrainian troops in the village of Snagost. This has led to a significant breach in Ukrainian defensive lines, according to a map published by Deep State. However, these reports cannot be independently confirmed. In early August, Ukrainian troops invaded the Russian border region near Kursk, claiming control of approximately 1,300 square kilometers and more than 100 settlements, including the town of Sudcha. Observers suggest smaller territorial gains. This week, the Russian military made its first serious attempt to expel Ukrainian troops from the region.
21:41 USA: Delays in Aid to Ukraine Due to "Complex" CircumstancesDelays in providing US military aid to Ukraine are due to complex circumstances, as stated by US officials. "This isn't an issue of political intent," explains Jake Sullivan, the White House's national security advisor, during a virtual appearance at the Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference in Kyiv. "It's a matter of intricate and nuanced logistics to transport this equipment to the frontline," Sullivan clarifies. Despite the obstacles, the US must "strive harder and perform better" for Ukraine, Sullivan acknowledges. US President Joe Biden is committed to utilizing his remaining time in office to "place Ukraine in the strongest possible position to triumph," Sullivan declares. Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet at the UN General Assembly in New York later this month.
20:57 Scholz: Desires to Prosecute Nord Stream Pipeline Sabotage Suspects in GermanyGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz has deemed the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines as an "act of terror." He hopes to prosecute the perpetrators in German courts. "We demand that all relevant security authorities and the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office investigate without prejudice," Scholz stated at a public gathering in Prenzlau, Brandenburg. "We intend to bring those responsible to justice in Germany if we can apprehend them," he concluded. Scholz dismissed as a "gigantic falsehood" the claim that the German government had abandoned Russian natural gas. He blamed Russia for turning off the gas supply through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, leading to a spike in prices, state-subsidized rates, and the search for alternative gas sources, which has cost Germany "over 100 billion euros." The pipeline explosions occurred only after Russia had already ceased supplying 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 act.
20:24 G7 Denounces Iranian Rocket Supplies to Russia
Reports of Iran providing Russia with rockets have led the G7's leading economies to strongly condemn this provision of weapons. Despite repeated international pleas to halt these deliveries, Iran persists in arming Moscow, further intensifying its military support for Russia's conflict against Ukraine, according to a joint statement by the foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, the US, and the EU's top representative. Russia is using Iranian weapons to kill Ukrainian civilians and attack crucial infrastructure. As of late, the UK and US claimed that Russia had received ballistic missiles from Iran. Tehran denied these allegations. The statement, released under Italy's G7 presidency, demands that Iran "immediately cease all support for Russia's unlawful and unjustified war against Ukraine and halt the provision of ballistic missiles, drones, and associated technology that pose a direct risk to the Ukrainian people and international and European security." The G7 remains focused on holding Iran accountable for its unacceptable support of Russia's illegal war in Ukraine, which jeopardizes global security. Germany, France, and the UK have already implemented new sanctions on Iran, while the EU is considering more severe penalties. Read more here.
19:41 Kremlin Leader Putin Asserts Support for Freedom of SpeechThe notion that his imprisoned critics might find this amusing: Russian President Vladimir Putin stresses the significance of freedom of speech and information. "Given that the intricate process of multipolarity is unfolding, it's particularly vital to safeguard the principles of information credibility," Putin said in a video message to participants of the Brics countries' media summit in Moscow, celebrating TASS news agency's 120th anniversary. "True freedom of speech, reflecting diverse viewpoints, fosters the search for compromises and mutual solutions to the world's predicaments," Putin stated. Media plays a crucial role in establishing a fair global order, providing people with "an impartial and unbiased perspective of the world." However, freedom of speech and media have been nonexistent in authoritarian Russia for years. Independent media outlets have been banned and shut down, and government critics face persecution. Founded in 1904, TASS is now Russia's largest news agency and is seen as the government's mouthpiece.
19:20 Scholz Rules Out Delivery of Taurus Cruise MissilesChancellor Olaf Scholz has rejected the delivery of long-range precision weapons to Ukraine, both at present and in the future, regardless of the decisions made by alliance partners. At a public gathering in the Brandenburg town of Prenzlau, he reaffirmed his opposition to delivering Taurus cruise missiles, which can reach targets up to 500 kilometers away, citing the "substantial risk of escalation" this would entail. "I've said no to that. And that stands," Scholz stated. "That also applies to other weapons capable of reaching those distances," Scholz concluded. "That stance remains unwavering, even if other countries adopt a different position" (see also entry from 17:24). The most distant-reaching weapon Germany has provided to Ukraine is the Mars II rocket launcher, which can hit targets 84 kilometers away.
Read all previous developments [here].
20:36 The Commission expresses concern over the casualties in Kharkiv after a Russian attack, with the Mayor of the city confirming 41 injuries.
21:04 The Commission urges for international support and action following the confirmation of the heavy casualties in Kharkiv and the continuous Russian attacks on the city.
