First Occurrence of U.S. Glide Bombs in Ukraine at 10:57 (Fritz's time)
President Zelensky journeys to the U.S. to disclose his "victory strategy" and seek additional military assistance. Biden secures an arms package valued at nearly eight billion USD for Ukraine. According to ntv reporter Gordian Fritz, this is a significant increase compared to previous deliveries.
10:20 Intelligentsia Perspective: US anticipates severe retaliation if long-range missiles are authorized
The intelligence community in the U.S. views the use of Western long-range missiles against Russia's deep interior as a high-risk endeavor. Granting such permission from the West may result in severe repercussions, according to an unpublished intelligence report in "The New York Times." The agencies reportedly consider various Russian responses, ranging from arson and sabotage against European facilities to potentially lethal attacks on US and European military support sites. It is not anticipated that Russia would carry out these attacks publicly; rather, they would be executed through covert intelligence operations. According to "The New York Times," US intelligence also believes that Ukraine currently lacks sufficient long-range missiles to significantly influence the conflict's trajectory. The risk, according to this assessment, is outweighed by an uncertain success at a high cost. The newspaper implies that this uncertainty may contribute to the difficulty of President Biden's decision-making process.
09:57 Munz on New Putin Threat: Raw Material Export Ban "Will Not Significantly Impact the West"
Russia threatens the U.S. with consequences if it grants approval for the use of long-range weapons against Russian targets. President Putin plans to implement export restrictions on strategic raw materials as retaliation against the West, including uranium. ntv reporter Munz outlines the context and consequences.
08:40 Ukrainian Navy perplexed by Russian construction
An unidentified Russian construction project near the Crimean Bridge has left the Ukrainian Navy puzzled. Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk, as reported by "The Kyiv Independent" on Ukrainian television, states that construction is currently underway, but the purpose remains unclear. "It could be a defensive installation, a new crossing, or another hydrotechnical structure; however, it's still too early to draw conclusions." Pletenchuk doubts that the Russians will be able to complete the project due to deteriorating weather conditions. "They consistently attempt to place something new in the Kerch Strait to build various hydrotechnical structures or barriers. However, after each storm, they end up on the shore." The bridge connects Russia to the Crimean Peninsula, which was annexed by Russia.
08:08 Southern Ukrainian City under Attack, Several Deaths
The city of Ismajil in southern Ukraine was attacked. Three people were killed in the Russian drone attack this morning, reported 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 further reported damages to buildings and vehicles, as well as several fires.
07:40 Roth Demands "Significantly More" European Military Aid for Ukraine
SPD foreign policy expert Michael Roth is advocating for additional European military support for Ukraine. "The major European nations must increase their military involvement substantially so that Ukraine remains a free and democratic nation," Roth told "Tagesspiegel." "It's time to fully mobilize all resources to place Ukraine in the best possible position for potential negotiations." Roth contends that "whoever aims to end the conflict as quickly as possible must provide Ukraine with the necessary means." Military power and diplomacy work in tandem. "Russia will only be ready for negotiations when Putin is convinced that a victory over Ukraine is impossible."
07:09 Baerbock Defends Western Arms Deliveries to Ukraine and Warns Against Waning Support
Foreign Minister Baerbock defends the Western arms deliveries to Ukraine and cautions against diminishing support for Kyiv. "The notion that there would be no fighting or deaths in Ukraine if defense weapons were absent is as simplistic as it is erroneous," Baerbock said at the UN General Debate in New York on Thursday. "If Russia ceases its attacks, the war will end. If Ukraine ceases defending itself, it will be over for Ukraine." Russian President Putin responded to a peace conference invitation in June with a children's hospital bombing. As long as Putin does not indicate a willingness to engage in negotiations, curtailing our support would mean "that Ukraine's hospitals and children are left defenseless. It would mean more war crimes, possibly even in other nations." Baerbock emphasizes that Russia has "always played with the inviolability of the Baltic states and Poland's borders."
06:45 Slovenia: Should Not Rule Out Precision Weapons for Kyiv
Slovenia's government advises against premature decisions regarding the use of long-range Western weapons on Russian territory, despite German skepticism. "It's generally not wise to rule out certain topics beforehand," Prime Minister Robert Golob stated on the sidelines of the UN General Debate in New York. "It's a challenging topic, but I believe that all options should be explored and the one best suited to the current situation should be selected." When asked about the use of long-range cruise missiles, Golob replied, "It's usually not the best tactic to rule out certain topics beforehand. It's a difficult topic, but I think that at this stage, all options should be discussed, and the one best suited for the current situation should be chosen." To date, particularly Germany and the U.S. have shown resistance. Chancellor Olaf Scholz recently ruled out the delivery of long-range precision weapons to Ukraine in the future.
06:11 Baerbock Urges Iran to Stop Aiding Russia's HostilitiesGerman Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock calls on Iran to cease any backing for Russia's hostile actions against Ukraine and halt the shipment of ballistic missiles and drones. This was conveyed by the Foreign Ministry via platform X. Baerbock engaged in discussions with her Iranian counterpart Abbas Araktschi on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
06:01 Trump Prepares Meeting with ZelenskyPreviously serving US President Donald Trump intends to convene with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday in New York. The encounter is scheduled to take place at the Trump Tower in Manhattan, Trump disclosed. Zelensky, who interacted with President Joe Biden on Thursday, appears to have extended his stay in the US to engage with Trump. Prior to his US trip, Zelensky expressed a desire to meet with Trump, Joe Biden, and Vice President Kamala Harris to present his "victory strategy" to terminate the conflict in Ukraine. More details are available here.
04:25 Harris Offers Zelensky Support, Warns Against Election OutcomeDemocratic US Presidential candidate Kamala Harris pledges to Zelensky her unwavering support for Ukraine and issues a warning against a particular election outcome without explicitly mentioning the individual. "My commitment to the people of Ukraine remains unyielding. (...) I will persist in supporting Ukraine circumvent their victory in this war and live in safety and prosperity," Harris declares during a visit to Zelensky in Washington. She cautions that the war's conclusion cannot be resolved without Ukraine's involvement. However, in the US, some advocate for this, aspiring to compel Ukraine to surrender substantial portions of its territory, accept neutrality, and renounce security pledges from other nations. Harris characterizes these proposals as analogous to Putin's, implying that they amount to surrender.
02:08 Ukraine Reports Attacks West of KhersonRussian forces launched recurrent shelling on the settlement of Tomyna Balka west of the Ukrainian-controlled city of Kherson on Thursday, according to Prokrudin, the region's governor. This resulted in a woman's death and another person's injury, based on Telegram reports.
00:55 UK to Provide Additional Artillery Systems to UkraineThe United Kingdom will dispatch another batch of self-propelled artillery systems, AS90s, to the Ukrainian defense forces. Ten of these systems have already been dispatched, with six more set to follow within the next few weeks, as announced by the British Ministry of Defense.
23:33 UN Struggles to Fund Aid for Ukrainians during WinterThe United Nations acknowledges insufficient funds to facilitate aid for individuals in Ukraine during this winter season. "Our organizations are inadequately funded for this period of time," articulates Karolina Lindholm Billing, UNHCR's Ukraine representative. At present, the UNHCR owns just 47% of the required funds to support the displaced or afflicted Ukrainians, contrary to the 70% funded amount observed last year during the same period.
22:13 Biden announced Intensified US Aid for UkraineUS President Joe Biden declares the country's intention to intensify its assistance to Ukraine during his remaining time in office. This will boost the negotiating power of the government in Kyiv, he says before meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington. Biden's tenure concludes in January, and he may be succeeded either by Vice President Kamala Harris or Republican Donald Trump, who is expected to curtail US involvement in Ukraine.
21:34 Ukraine Predicts Russian Buildup to Increase Hostilities near ZaporizhzhiaAccording to intelligence reports from Ukraine, Russian forces are planning to boost their attacking activities in the Zaporizhzhia region soon. "There is a trend of intensification in the combat area sector in the Zaporizhzhia region," a spokesperson for the troops stationed in southern Ukraine informed national television. In the past 24 hours, there were five Russian attacks, and with our intelligence, we can expect this count to rise, as we detect that the enemy is amassing assault units near [the settlement] Pryiutne." Moreover, the spokesperson indicated the arrival of light armored vehicles. "This signifies that they are readying for offensive operations."
21:00 Biden Meets Zelensky: Russia Will Not TriumphAs their meeting commenced in Washington, US President Joe Biden assured Zelensky of ongoing US support. "Russia will not prevail, Ukraine will," Biden said, as he welcomed Zelensky to the Oval Office in the White House: "And we will stand by your side throughout this journey." For further information, click here.
You can review all previous developmentshere*.
The European Union could potentially play a crucial role in providing additional military aid to Ukraine, aligning with President Biden's calls for increased global support. This could help Ukraine maintain its defensive capabilities and bolster its position during negotiations with Russia.
Given the current tensions between Russia and the West, the European Union might consider implementing sanctions or diplomatic measures against Russia if the situation escalates further. This would demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine and demonstrate the EU's commitment to upholding international law and promoting peace.
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