Global Seven (G7) denounces transfers of Iranian missile systems to Russia.
19:41 Russian Leader Putin Endorses Speech Freedom Idea
In a situation that might leave his detained critics chuckling, Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasizes the significance of speech freedom and information. Putin, speaking in a video message to participants of the Brics nations' media summit in Moscow, commemorating Tass state news agency's 120th anniversary, asserts, "In a period when the intricate process of multipolarity is evolving, it's indispensable to safeguard information credibility's principles." Putin believes that genuine speech freedom, representing diverse viewpoints, boosts the hunt for compromises and shared solutions to world issues. He opines that media plays a significant role in constructing a fair global order, providing individuals with a "truthful and unbiased portrayal of the world." However, speech freedom and media independence have been non-existent in authoritarian Russia for years. Independent media outlets have been prohibited and closed down, while government dissidents are pursued by the legal system. Tass news agency, initially established as New Agency in 1904 under different names and titles, is currently Russia's largest news agency and serves as the government's primary voice.
Economic Giants of G7 Denounce Iran's Weapons Provision to Russia
The economically robust democratic nations of the G7 have forcefully criticized Iran for supplying weapons to Russia. Despite international appeals to cease these deliveries, Iran persists in arming Moscow, leading to an intensification of Russia's military aid to Ukraine in its battle against Russia, according to a collective statement by Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, the US, and the EU's foreign policy chief. Russia deploys Iranian weapons to kill Ukrainian civilians and strike crucial infrastructure. Recently, the UK and US reported that Russia had obtained ballistic missiles from Iran. The Iranian authorities rejected these allegations. The statement published by Italy, the current G7 presidency, declares, "Iran should immediately halt any backing for Russia's unlawful and unjustified war against Ukraine, ending the supply of ballistic missiles, drones, and related technology that pose a direct threat to the Ukrainian people and global and European security." The statement further mentions the G7's unwavering commitment to maintaining Iran accountable for its unacceptable support for Russia's unlawful war in Ukraine, which is endangering global security. Germany, France, and the UK have already imposed additional sanctions on Iran, while the EU is considering stricter penalties.
19:20 Scholz Confirms Negative on Taurus Cruise Missile DeliveryChancellor Olaf Scholz has ruled out providing long-range precision weapons to Ukraine in the future, irrespective of other partners' decisions. At a citizen dialogue in Prenzlau, Brandenburg, he reaffirmed his stance against delivering Taurus cruise missiles, which could reach targets near Moscow (approximately 500 kilometers), due to the "serious risk of escalation." "I said no to that. And that, of course, also applies to other weapons that could reach such distances if we had provided them," Scholz said. The farthest-reaching weapon Germany has supplied to Ukraine is the Mars II rocket launcher, capable of striking targets 84 kilometers away.
18:29 Stoltenberg Wonders if NATO Could've Prevented Russian Invasion of UkraineNATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg opines in an interview with "FAZ" that NATO could have given Ukraine more weapons to prevent a Russian invasion. "Now we are supplying war materials - then, we could have supplied war materials to prevent the war," Stoltenberg asserted. He labeled the conflict's start as the darkest day of his 10-year tenure. Stoltenberg plans to step down as NATO Secretary-General in October, handing over his post to former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.
17:50 Scholz Anticipates Decision on PCK Refinery in Schwedt by Year's EndOlaf Scholz is optimistic about reaching a decision by the end of the year regarding the PCK refinery in Schwedt's ownership structure. "We hope for clarity by the end of the year," the Chancellor commented at a citizen dialogue in Prenzlau, Brandenburg. He stated that Rosneft, the Russian co-owner, had been informed that its stake must be sold. Scholz also hinted at negotiations between potential investors from Qatar and mentioned the supply of Kazakhstani oil to Schwedt via a Russian pipeline, replacing Russian oil following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The initial extension of the Rosneft trusteeship by six months in early September aimed to promote negotiations. Expropriating the Russian stake is considered a legally challenging alternative.
17:24 Scholz Unwavering on Restraint in Using Long-Range Weapons in RussiaChancellor Olaf Scholz has reiterated that Ukraine will not be granted permission to employ weapons supplied by Germany with greater range to strike targets deep within Russia. "That remains the case," Scholz said at a citizen dialogue in Prenzlau, Brandenburg. "Therefore, I will adhere to my stance, even if other countries make different decisions," he said, referring to the US. "I won't condone it because I view it as risky."
16:57 Hofreiter Warns of Additional "Tens of Thousands" of Refugees from UkraineWith the impending expansion of border controls at Germany's national borders, the chair of the European Affairs Committee in the Bundestag, Anton Hofreiter, urges a unified strategy, particularly with Poland. Hofreiter warns that if we don't maintain consistent support for Ukraine, we can anticipate tens of thousands of refugees from the Russian aggression in Ukraine in the forthcoming years, referring to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk's criticism of additional border controls at Germany's external borders. Hofreiter calls for a European solution to immigration policy. He argues that if each member state implements its own border controls, it would be the start of the end of the EU. Hofreiter believes that Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Tusk will continue to collaborate closely in the future.
16:32 British Intelligence Shares Images of Destroyed Bridges in Kursk RegionThe British intelligence service has disseminated images of bridges over the Seym River that were destroyed by the Ukrainian army during the operation in the Kursk region. "Ukraine is hindering Russian logistics in the Kursk region by executing a series of attacks, which involve the annihilation of road and ponton bridges over the Seym River," the British Ministry of Defense stated on X. The images were captured in mid and late August. Ukraine launched its offensive in the Russian region of Kursk on August 6 and managed to advance several kilometers into Russian territory.
16:05 Injuries Reported in Ukrainian Attack on Belgorod RegionAt least five individuals sustained injuries in a Ukrainian attack on the southern Russian region of Belgorod, as per official reports. Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported that multiple shells struck a stretch of road between Belgorod and Shebekino, injuring four individuals and damaging several vehicles. In the nearby village of Vosnesenkovka, a woman was injured when a drone hit a private residence. The details are yet to be confirmed independently. Russia frequently targets civilian areas in neighboring Ukraine. One of the most frequently bombarded cities is the Ukrainian metropolis of Kharkiv, approximately 30 kilometers from the border. Ukrainian artillery and military drones frequently target regions in the southern Russian region of Belgorod across the state border. Over the summer, Russia began an offensive against Kharkiv with the objective of creating a buffer zone. However, Russian attacks have remained a few kilometers behind the border.
15:44 Exclusive Access: Converted Medical Train Aids Wounded UkrainiansSeveral Ukrainian hospitals have been damaged, and doctors and volunteers are working tirelessly around the clock. To ensure prompt treatment for the injured, a special train is being employed, among other things. A CNN team was granted access to this train.
15:26 Hollywood Star Michael Douglas Visits Kids in KyivAmerican actor Michael Douglas visited the "Iron Land" children's area at Kyiv Central Station on Friday. The Ukrainian State-Owned Railway Company, Ukrzaliznytsia, announced this on Facebook. According to the report, the Hollywood star interacted with passengers at the station. Earlier, he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife Olena in his capacity as a UN ambassador, along with his son Dylan.
14:49 Kyiv Seeks Permission for Long-Range Strikes: "It Seems Biden Won't Change His Mind"Retired Colonel Ralph Thiele anticipates that the debate over Taurus missile deliveries will be revived by Ukraine's request for the authorization of long-range attacks on Russia. Thiele expects that the US will persist in its denial.
13:58 Zelensky Confirms Release of Another 103 Prisoners of WarUkraine confirms a prisoner exchange with Russia. Another 103 individuals have been released from Russian captivity, according to President Zelensky. Among them are soldiers and personnel from the National Guard, border guards, and police. They are defenders of the regions of Kyiv, Donetsk, Luhansk, Saporizhzhia, Kharkiv, and the cities of Mariupol and the Azovstal plant.
13:38 US Approves Sale of Advanced Fighter Jets to RomaniaThe US government has approved the sale of 32 advanced F-35 fighter jets to Romania, a NATO ally and neighbor of Ukraine. US Ambassador to Bucharest Kathleen Kavalec explains, "Romania is a key NATO ally committed to security and stability in the Black Sea region and beyond." With the acquisition of these stealth, multi-role combat aircraft from Lockheed Martin, Romania will gain "unprecedented air defense capabilities," Kavalec adds. The first delivery is scheduled for 2031, with the total value of the deal estimated at up to $7.2 billion.
13:02 Russia: Over 200 Prisoners of War Released to UkraineRussia and Ukraine have released more than 200 prisoners of war, as per Russian reports. Each side has released 103 individuals, the Russian Defense Ministry reports. The Russian soldiers are currently in Belarus, receiving psychological and medical aid, the ministry states in a Telegram message. According to the ministry, the exchanged Russian soldiers were captured in Kursk. Ukrainian troops invaded the Russian region of Kursk in August. The Ukrainian side has not yet responded to the Russian statements on the exchange. On Friday, Ukrainian President Zelensky announced the release of 49 prisoners of war from Russia. It is unclear if these were part of the exchange now announced by Russia.
12:50 Russian Forces Claim Capture of Village in Eastern UkraineIn eastern Ukraine, Russian forces claim to have seized control of another settlement. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the village of Yelannoe Pervoye (Yelanne Perche in Ukrainian) has been taken. The tiny settlement is situated near the strategically significant city of Pokrovsk, which is under threat due to the Russian advancement. The Russian military has made impressive progress in the Donetsk region recently. Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated that the main objective of the Russian forces is to capture the industrially vital Donbass region, which encompasses Donetsk.
12:21 Medvedev Threatens Kyiv with Total DestructionRussian former president Dmitri Medvedev has warned of the complete annihilation of the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. Although Russia has legitimate reasons to use nuclear weapons due to Ukraine's advancement into the Russian region of Kursk, it has so far refrained from doing so. In response to Ukraine's use of long-range Western missiles, Russia could potentially turn Kyiv into "a gigantic molten spot" using its advanced, non-nuclear weaponry. Medvedev, the deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, has consistently used harsh language against the West and Ukraine.
11:50 Intense Fighting in KurakhoveIntense conflict around the city of Kurakhove in eastern Ukraine has reached a peak. The use of European long-range weapons is causing dissatisfaction among the local population. ntv correspondent Kavita Sharma reports from Dnipro.
11:12 Drone Attacks Cause Damage in Odessa RegionDetails are emerging regarding the large-scale drone attack that occurred last night in the Black Sea region of Odessa: According to the Ukrainian air force, Russia launched a total of 76 combat drones. Of these, 72 drones were shot down. The air force is not providing information on the outcomes of the attack. The governor of the Odessa region reports significant damage. Several buildings in a suburb of the regional capital Odessa were damaged by drone debris. The warehouses in Ismajil, through which Ukraine exports a portion of its grain, were hit. In Kyiv, several debris parts fell, according to official reports. A municipal company was hit, but no fire ensued.
10:31 Incorrect Maps Presented by Russians before War, According to StoltenbergOutgoing NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg speaks in an interview about the last diplomatic efforts before the war in Ukraine began in February 2022 to deter Russia from invading. The last meeting of the NATO-Russia Council, which Stoltenberg chaired, took place in January. The Russians demanded that all NATO troops be withdrawn from the eastern part of the alliance, he told the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung." "That was completely unacceptable, but I believe in dialogue. Therefore, we sat down with them again." At the meeting, the two Russian deputy foreign and defense ministers displayed false maps of NATO territory, claiming that there were no war plans on their part and that their country was, instead, threatened by Ukraine. "They showed maps, presumably to demonstrate how Russia is surrounded by NATO. But even these maps were wrong. For example, Denmark was not marked as NATO territory. That was incredible!" Stoltenberg still isn't sure whether this was a result of poor preparation or deliberate intent. Looking back, Stoltenberg regrets that NATO and its allies did not do more to strengthen Ukraine militarily earlier. "If Ukraine had been militarily stronger, the threshold for Russia's attack would have been higher. Whether it would have been high enough is impossible to say."
10:03 German Combat Brigade to Be Stationed in Lithuania as Per AgreementGermany and Lithuania have signed a government agreement that guarantees a combat-ready German brigade will be stationed in Lithuania. Military expert Thomas Wiegold discusses the background and significance of this agreement in an interview with ntv.
09:28 Kim Jong Un Seeks to Increase Cooperation with RussiaNorth Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reportedly pledged to enhance cooperation with Russia, as per state media. After talks between Kim and Russian Security Council chief Sergei Shoigu in North Korea, North Korean state media reported an extensive discussion on "deepening strategic dialogue between the two countries and strengthening cooperation to defend their mutual security interests," as well as the regional and international situation. Ukraine, the US, and South Korea have accused North Korea of supplying Russia with weapons and missiles for the Ukraine war. However, Pyongyang denies these allegations as "absurd."
08:59 Starmer and Biden to Discuss Provision of Advanced Weapons to Ukraine Again at UN General AssemblyA discussion on whether Ukraine should be allowed to utilize advanced Western weapons against targets in Russia is set to occur soon. British Prime Minister Starmer announced this after a meeting with US President Biden, in which they postponed a decision on the issue. Biden and Starmer will discuss this matter at the UN General Assembly in New York next week "with a larger group of people," as per Starmer. British media report that Biden is willing to permit Ukraine to use British and French missiles equipped with US technology, but not US-made missiles.
08:23 Zelensky on Trump's Claim: "Election Speeches are Election Speeches"American Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed he could end the Ukraine conflict in a day, yet hasn't provided a concrete strategy. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in an interview on CNN, explains his interpretation of Trump's statement. "I can't comprehend it today due to a lack of details on what he mean's," Zelensky says in the interview aired on Sunday. His stance is that there's an ongoing U.S. election campaign. "And campaign statements are campaign statements," he further clarifies. "Sometimes they're not entirely realistic." Zelensky also mentions having spoken with Trump two months ago. During that conversation, Trump expressed support for Ukraine, Zelensky reveals. The conversation was deemed positive.
07:27 ISW: More Troops Needed in Kursk to oust UkrainiansRussian forces persist in their counterattacks in the Kursk region, but the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has yet to identify a large-scale operation aimed at completely driving out Ukrainian forces. An assessment by the ISW, based in Washington, states that Russian authorities have primarily relied on conscripts with limited training and equipment, alongside parts of the regular Russian military, and other security forces along the border. The think tank suggests: "A Russian offensive to retake territory seized by Ukrainian forces in the Kursk Oblast will likely necessitate more personnel and resources than Russia has already gathered in this region – especially if most of the deployed units lack combat experience."
06:49 Ukraine Bombarded by Drones Throughout NightUkrainian military sources confirm Russian drone attacks on Ukraine throughout the night. The Russian military launched multiple drone squadrons, as per Ukrainian air force reports. Air raid alerts were issued in most territories, including Odessa. According to the navy, nine drones were shot down in Odessa alone. Explosions were heard in the city, as reported by the mayor. No casualties have been reported so far.
06:13 Mützenich Proposes International Peace Initiative Contact GroupSPD parliamentary group leader Rolf Mützenich advocates for an international initiative contact group to kickstart peace talks in the Ukraine conflict. "I believe it's time for Western allies to establish a contact group to initiate a peace process," he told the "Rheinische Post." German Chancellor and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky both agree that efforts for peace talks should be intensified, and that Russia should participate in the next peace summit, Mützenich adds. He suggests potential members of this contact group, including China, India, Turkey, and Brazil – countries that are reportedly growing less fond of Russia's ongoing attack war.
05:41 EU Considering New Strategy for Extending SanctionsReports indicate that the EU Commission is evaluating three options to determine how future sanctions against Russia might be extended. These scenarios were shared with European diplomats recently. The background relates to the frozen assets of the Russian central bank, which play a crucial role in the $50 billion credit financial aid from the G7 states to Ukraine. These assets have been frozen since the Russian attack on Ukraine.
03:40 Klitschko: Drone Debris Hits Kyiv BuildingUkrainian Mayor Vitali Klitschko announced via Telegram that drone debris hit a city building in Kyiv. Fragments fell on a municipal building in the Obolon district north of the city center around dawn. Klitschko also mentioned that rescue services were dispatched to the scene. Klitschko had previously reported that air defense units were active in Kyiv.
01:35 Kim Jong Un Agrees for Closer Cooperation with ShoiguNorth Korean leader Kim Jong Un agreed to strengthen cooperation with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, as reported by the state news agency KCNA. Shoigu and Kim discussed various security matters during Shoigu's visit to Pyongyang, ultimately reaching a favorable consensus. Shoigu had initiated closer relations between Russia and North Korea with a visit to Pyongyang in July of last year.
23:36 Zelensky to Present "Victory Plan" to Biden in SeptemberUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced a September meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden, stating, "I will present the victory plan." During an appearance in Kyiv, Zelensky explained this would involve a collaborative decision-making system to grant Ukraine with sufficient forces to manage the war towards peace. "Such conquests can be justifiably ended in various ways: either the occupying army is forced out by force or through diplomacy," Zelensky explained. This would secure the real independence of the nation. However, Kyiv relies on U.S. support for the required strong position.
10:59 Shifting Russian Attacks Towards South Intense combat persists in the eastern parts of the nation, as per the Ukrainian military. They reported 115 instances of conflict, as noted in their evening briefing from the General Staff in Kyiv. The most heated situations took place in the direction of Kurachove, while additional enemy activity was witnessed in Lyman and Pokrovsk, according to their statement. Kurachove is a small town situated south of Pokrovsk. Pokrovsk was previously recognized as the primary assault point for Russian troops. However, lately, the Russians have only managed limited territorial gains in this region. Instead, they've expanded their offensive front towards the south, aiming to seize the mining town of Hirnyk situated near Kurachove.
22:18 Desired Relief from Advance into Kursk - Zelensky Presidents Zelensky of Ukraine claims that their advance into the Russian Kursk region has resulted in the desired outcomes. In the Charkiv region, the enemy's progression has been halted; on the other hand, the Russian advance in Donetsk has slowed down, he mentioned. As of yet, Russia has not obtained any substantial achievements in their counterattack in Kursk. Experts had earlier voiced doubts concerning the deployment of significant Russian troop reinforcements from Donetsk and other regions to Kursk. Russia claims to have reclaimed 10 out of the 100 occupied villages.
21:46 Accusations of Fear from Zelensky towards Allies President Zelensky of Ukraine addressed the West, accusing them of harboring "fear" when it comes to providing assistance in eradicating Russian missiles. "Why isn't there a similar resolution to down Russian missiles and Shaheds in the skies of Ukraine, when they are able to jointly down missiles and drones in the Middle East?" Zelensky questioned at a conference in Kyiv. "They are afraid to even utter 'We are working on it.' This is embarrassing for the democratic world," he further added.
21:30 Estimated 8000 Iranian Drones Deployed by Russia As per the Ukrainian government, Russia has launched 8060 Iranian Shahed drones against Ukraine since the onset of the war. Official statements from Iran or Russia are yet to surface. Ukraine implicated the Iranian government of providing the kamikaze drones to Russia in the fall of 2022.
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20:43 Possible Approval for Long-Range Weapons for Ukraine - Biden, Starmer Discussion In Washington, Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the UK and President Biden of the US are set to engage in talks. Speculation arises if there will be declarations concerning the approval of long-range weapon use for Ukraine. Sources from the British "Guardian" suggest that Ukraine has been permitted to execute assaults using Storm-Shadow missiles. However, neither side is anticipated to reveal any information on this topic during today's discussion. "I wouldn't foresee an announcement today regarding the use of long-range weapons inside Russia – certainly not from the US," shares the Communications Director of the National Security Council, John Kirby. He only discloses that they are continuing to deliberate "the type of capabilities that will be made available to Ukraine" in liaison with Britain, France, and other allies. He refrains from offering a clear answer when inquired if the US government would announce any alterations. "I won't indulge in a hypothetical discussion about what we may or may not declare at a certain point."
You can review all previous developments here.
Despite Putin's endorsement of speech freedom, independent media outlets have been prohibited and closed down in authoritarian Russia for years, particularly in the context of the Ukrainian conflict.
The G7 nations strongly condemn Iran's weapon provision to Russia during the ongoing conflict, urging Iran to halt its support for Russia's military aid to Ukraine, which poses a direct threat to global and European security.
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