Just prior to the exchange, Ukrainian journalist succumbs in Russian detainment.
19:38 Moscow Shootout: Kadyrov Issues Blood Feud Warning to PoliticiansChechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has issued a blood feud threat towards three politicians from the North Caucasus region. During a speech to officers of the local security apparatus in Grozny, he accused them of ordering an assassination attempt on him. Kadyrov publicized the speech on Telegram. The controversy stems from a business conflict involving Russia's largest online retailer, Wildberries. This dispute escalated into a shooting incident in Moscow in September, resulting in two fatalities. Kadyrov's threats are specifically aimed at two politicians from the neighboring Dagestani republic: Suleiman Kerimov, a senator for the Russian Federation Council, and Riswan Kurbanov, a deputy in the State Duma in Moscow. The third individual mentioned in Kadyrov's speech is the Duma deputy Bekhan Barakhoev from the Ingush republic.
19:08 NATO Chief Rutte: No Anxiety over Trump Re-Election ProspectsNATO's new Secretary-General, Mark Rutte, has once again urged NATO members to stay calm regarding the potential re-election of former U.S. President Donald Trump. While addressing the alliance in London, Rutte noted that Trump recognizes the defensive war of Ukraine against Russia as concerns the "security of the United States." On Trump, Rutte stated, "He shares my belief that this conflict in Ukraine is not just about Ukraine, but also about the 'future security of the United States.'"
18:30 Field Commander Criticizes Ukrainian Officer ErrorsA commander within the 28th mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces has identified frequent errors from higher-ranking officers in the field in an interview. "The most severe errors tend to occur during rotations or when taking up new positions," the commander nicknamed "Kurt" told RBC Ukraine. "Some commanders lack proper planning, and moving units to new positions can be a major operation." Unfortunately, many officers within the Ukrainian military are not suited for their roles. "We have experienced situations where commanders simply pointed towards a map, and upon our arrival to replace another unit of another brigade, they had already departed," explained "Kurt." Unprofessional actions often result in the loss of positions, personnel, and equipment.
17:57 Ukraine: 60 Russian Attacks on Port Facilities in Three MonthsUkraine reports that Russia has attacked port facilities 59 times within the past three months. The intensity of these attacks is escalating, explained Vice-Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba. The goal is to disrupt Ukraine's exports. Russia aims to create a crisis in regions that depend on Ukrainian grain supplies, Kuleba alleged. According to his data, over 300 port facilities have been damaged or destroyed, and 22 civilian ships have been hit.
17:27 Moscow Denies Use of North Korean SoldiersThe Kremlin claims that reports of using North Korean soldiers in Ukraine are false, describing them as "another false narrative." Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "This appears to be yet another fake news story." Last week, the Kyiv Post reported six North Korean soldiers had been killed in a Ukrainian rocket attack on Russian-controlled territory in Donetsk, citing intelligence sources. South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun later called the reports "highly likely." As per Andrij Kowalenko, head of the Ukrainian military's disinformation countermeasures center, the number of North Korean soldiers in Ukraine is believed to be limited to a small contingent of labor troops.
16:51 Report: September Deadliest Month for Russia Since War StartedA Telegraph report indicates that September was the deadliest month for Russia since the start of the war, with an average daily loss rate of 1,271 Russian soldiers killed or wounded. This surpassed the previous high of 1,262 soldiers in May. September marked the fifth consecutive month in which the average daily loss rate exceeded 1,000 soldiers.
16:25 Rutte: Discussions with Zelenskyy on Long-Range WeaponsDuring a visit to the UK, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed the potential use of long-range weapons with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. Details are unclear. Zelenskyy tweeted, "I thank the UK for its continued support of our country's defense, including with long-range weapons." Starmer's office confirmed Britain's intent to strengthen Ukraine's position. However, Starmer added, "No war has ever been won by a single weapon. Regarding Storm Shadow specifically, the UK government's stance on the use of long-range missiles has not changed." Rutte stated, "We discussed this topic today, but ultimately, each individual ally makes their own decisions."
15:37 US Analysts: Russians intend to preserve aggressive paceMilitary analysts in the U.S. believe that the Russian military leadership has ordered a high frequency of attacks in Ukraine to make gains before the autumn, when soggy ground conditions known as Rasputitsa can hamper operations. Since late July, Russian forces have been launching attacks at a rapid pace in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine, as per a new report by the American think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW). It seems that the Russian military aims to escalate its push further to capture towns like Kurakhove and Pokrovsk. Experts anticipate that the Russians won't halt their advance even during muddy conditions, although it might lose effectiveness. According to ISW, the current Russian offensive is expected to reach its peak in the coming months, but that doesn't necessitate an end to operations in eastern Ukraine during the autumn and early winter.
14:54 Russia: Patriot Missile Defense System Targeted during Air StrikeThe Russian army alleges that they have struck a Patriot air defense system provided by the U.S. during an attack. Two launch pads for Patriot missiles, a control unit, and a radar were hit, as reported by the Ministry of Defense. The Russian army claims that one of the Patriot launch stations was destroyed and another was damaged. Additionally, Ukrainian troops and other military equipment were hit during the attack. The Russian claims about the attack cannot be independently verified.
14:19 NATO to Commence Nuclear ExerciseNATO will commence its annual nuclear exercise next Monday, as per NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The two-week exercise, "Steadfast Noon," will involve 60 aircraft from 13 countries, including F-35A fighter jets and B-52 bombers. Key geographical areas will be the UK, the North Sea, Belgium, and the Netherlands. "In an uncertain world, it's crucial that we test and strengthen our defense so that our adversaries know that NATO is ready and capable of responding to any threat," says Rutte.
13:51 Two Russian MiG-31Ks Arrive in BelarusFor the second time in two days, a MiG-31K capable of deploying hypersonic Kinzhal missiles has arrived in Belarus from Russia, according to the Ukrainian Pravda portal, citing a Belarusian project that monitors military activities. There had been no such aircraft from the Russian air force in Belarus for a year and a half.
13:11 Ukraine Admits Attack on Russian Military AirbaseUkraine acknowledges an attack on an airbase in the southern Russian Caucasus region of Adygea. A fuel and lubricant depot at the base in Maykop was damaged and caught fire, as per the head of the Ukrainian Center for Countering Disinformation, Andriy Kowalenko. Earlier, Ukrainian media reported that a military airport had been hit. Local authorities said a suburb of Maykop was struck by "enemy drones."
12:35 Ukraine Increases War Tax SignificantlyThe Ukrainian parliament has raised taxes to fund the ongoing war further. The key measure is an increase in the 2014-introduced war levy on income-dependent employed persons from 1.5% to 5%, although this won't apply to soldiers.
12:08 Ukraine Denies Report of Peace OfferA advisor to President Zelensky, Dmytro Lytvyn, denies a report in the Italian newspaper "Corriere della Sera" that Zelensky is willing to propose a ceasefire along the front line in exchange for Western security guarantees, according to Ukrainian media. The report did not cite sources.
11:49 Zelensky Meets with Starmer and Rutte in LondonUkrainian President Zelensky has arrived at the UK government's London headquarters. He will meet with UK government representatives and NATO officials to discuss his plans for the ongoing conflict against Russia. His schedule includes meetings with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, before traveling to Berlin and Paris for negotiations.
11:21 Russian Military Suppliers Utilize Widespread German MachinesInvestigations by SWR reveal that German machines are being extensively used by Russian military suppliers. The broadcaster has identified over 30 German manufacturers whose machines were imported to Russia last year, many of which are based in Baden-Württemberg. In total, over 300 machines made in Germany have been delivered to the aggressor. In around two-thirds of the cases, the machines were sent to Russia via Turkey. The German manufacturers told the report that they were unaware of this. They claimed to be in compliance with sanctions.
10:57 Casualties and 29 Damaged Buildings Reported after Saporizhzhia AttacksAccording to officials, Russian air strikes this morning in the southeastern Ukrainian city of Saporizhzhia resulted in injuries to 4 people and damage to 29 buildings. Russia appears to have used glide bombs, as reported by the Ukrainian police. Although the city remains under Ukrainian control, the Russian military occupies the nearby nuclear power plant. Russia has declared the entire region part of its state territory and is attempting to seize the area with heavy attacks.
10:22 Military Airport Reportedly Hit in Caucasus RegionUkrainian media reports suggest that a military airport in the southern Russian Caucasus region of Adygea was hit in the attack. However, the extent of the damage varies. Earlier this morning, local authorities reported the evacuation of the nearby village of Rodnikovy.
08:53 Russian Production of Su-57 Fighter Jets Almost Halted According to ReportAs per a report by the British "Telegraph", the production of the stealth fighter jet Sukhoi Su-57 in Russia is close to stalling. The reason for this is said to be a lack of essential components, particularly for electronics, due to Western sanctions, as suggested by Ukrainian experts from Frontline Insight.
08:29 Over 90 Ukrainian Drones Shot Down by RussiaThe Russian Ministry of Defense reportedly shot down 92 Ukrainian drones last night, as reported by the Kyiv Independent. Of these, 47 were allegedly intercepted over the southwestern region of Krasnodar, where it's claimed that Ukraine destroyed a depot with around 400 drones the previous day.
07:57 Economist Urges Less Reliance on US Arms IndustryGerman economist Moritz Schularick advises a significant shift in military spending. He proposes disregarding defense spending limitations to build long-term capacities. According to him, the federal special fund of over 100 billion euros is insufficient. Special funds, he believes, are seldom sufficient and often temporary sources of finance. Germany should strive to reduce its reliance on the US arms industry, he suggests. "These are things that you want to have at home."
07:41 African Women Recruited in Russia for Drone AssemblyRoughly 200 women from Africa are assembling drones in Russia for use in the Ukraine war, as reported by the Associated Press. These women said they were lured with job ads on social media promising a free flight ticket, payment, and an international adventure. They were required to complete a computer game and a Russian vocabulary test covering 100 words. Upon arrival, some women discovered that instead of participating in a student program in fields like hospitality, they were expected to work in a weapons factory where they assembled drones developed in Iran, which are being used to attack Ukraine.
07:21 Ukraine Targets Russia Deep Inside Its TerritoryIn the southern Russian Caucasus region of Adygea, a village was evacuated due to a fire caused by a drone attack, according to authorities. The village, Rodnikovy, is located near the city of Maykop, and there were no reported injuries. The area is near a military airport. Ukraine has reportedly intensified attacks on targets deep inside Russia to weaken the logistics of Russian invasion troops. In June, Ukraine attacked a fuel depot in the Adygea region.
06:58 Ukraine Can Hold Russian Territory for Extended PeriodAs per US estimates, Ukraine can maintain control over the territory it claims in the Russian region of Kursk for at least several months, if not longer. According to the financial news agency Bloomberg, this is based on statements by high-ranking US officials. Ukraine has not faced significant challenges in supplying the region, as Russian forces have mainly launched limited counterattacks and focused on advances in eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian forces now have a more consistent supply of artillery ammunition, thanks in part to the support of their allies, following months of shortages.
06:25 Pro-Russian Activists Barred from Entering GermanyTwo pro-Russian activists claim to have been banned from entering Germany. Elena Kolbasnikova stated in a Telegram video that she and her partner Max Schlund had received a letter from the Cologne city administration prohibiting them from entering Germany for 20 years. The letter alleged that they posed a threat to Germany's security. The couple had been organizing pro-Kremlin demonstrations in Germany since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. A 2021 investigation identified them as key figures of pro-Moscow sentiment in Germany and revealed that they had received financial support from a Russian government agency. In June, they announced through their lawyer that they had moved to Russia. Neither the Cologne public prosecutor's office nor the city administration initially wished to comment on the case.
06:04 Russian Court Convicts Former US Soldier in Absence
Former US soldier Trevor Reed, freed in a prisoner exchange, has been convicted in absentia by a Russian court for his military service in Ukraine. Reed is alleged to have joined the Ukrainian army as a mercenary in 2023, according to the Russian Investigative Committee. He was sentenced to 14.5 years in prison for "mercenary activities." According to the Investigative Committee, Reed served in the Donetsk region. The US State Department announced in July 2022 that Reed, who was freed in April 2022, was injured while fighting in Ukraine. The former US Marine was able to return to the US after his release.
05:30 Ukrainian News Portal Receives Pressure from Presidential Office
The Ukrainian news portal "Ukrajinska Prawda" (Ukrainian Truth) in Russia-attacked Ukraine complains of pressure from the presidential office in Kyiv. There are reported attempts to influence the editorial policy, including a ban on speaking with journalists and exclusion from events. Pressure is also applied to companies to stop advertising on the site. Concrete examples were not provided. The editorial staff announced that they will make any future attempts at influence by presidential office employees public. Before the Russian invasion in February 2022, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had conflicts with individual journalists and shut down TV channels and news sites.
03:50 Klitschko Warns of Difficult Winter
Kyiv's Mayor Vitali Klitschko pleads for peace during Ukraine's 35th anniversary festivities in Leipzig. His nation is encountering a tough winter, he expressed during a peace prayer at the Nikolaikirche. Several cities and communities in Ukraine have been devastated. In a prayer, Klitschko expresses optimism for peace. Leipzig and Kyiv share a partnership.
02:05 Zelenskyy's European Journey
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is visiting Germany, France, Britain, and Italy this week for discussions on Russia's conflict against his country. Today, he will meet with French President Emmanuel Macron at 3 pm for a "bilateral meeting," according to Paris. Zelenskyy mentions at a press conference with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic that he will also meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the upcoming days. A meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is also scheduled. On Friday morning, Zelenskyy will be received by Pope Francis in the Vatican.
00:01 Odessa Suffers Six Deaths in Rocket Attack
At least six people have perished and 11 have been injured, seven seriously, in a Russian missile attack on the southern Ukrainian seaport city of Odessa, as reported by officials. "The enemy's target was again the port infrastructure," the military governor of the region, Oleh Kiper, wrote on Telegram. According to his statement, a civilian container ship flying the Panamanian flag was hit. The deceased are Ukrainian nationals. According to Kiper, this is the third attack on a civilian vessel in the last four days, an attempt by Russia to obstruct the grain channel established by Ukraine.
22:58 Activist Sentenced to Long Prison Term by Russian CourtA Russian court sentenced an activist to 12 years in prison on Wednesday for alleged support of a pro-Ukrainian group. Eugene Mischenko is accused of giving information to the outlawed Russian Liberty Legion, a group based in Ukraine primarily consisting of Russian Putin opponents, according to the state news agency RIA Novosti. Mischenko is part of a group of activists known as "Nemtsov Bridge" who frequently place flowers and light candles at the site where Kremlin critic Boris Nemtsov was shot in 2015. The police regularly remove the makeshift memorial. The verdict against Mischenko falls on the day Nemtsov would have turned 65.
21:59 Zelenskyy Urges Massive EU ExpansionUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on the European Union (EU) to unite the entire continent and include "all democratic nations of Europe." "Despite numerous tensions, we must ensure our unity in Europe remains as stable as possible," Zelensky said at a summit in Croatia with leaders from Balkan countries. He also signed an agreement with Croatia covering defense and mine clearance. "If Europe is not united today, it will not be peaceful, so the ongoing accession processes must lead to a result," he continued. Zelensky not only advocates for Ukraine's EU membership, which initiated accession talks in June, but also for several Balkan countries that have been waiting for EU membership for years.
21:25 Ukrainian Military Claims Hit on Russian Drone Depot in KrasnodarThe Ukrainian military claims to have struck and destroyed a drone depot in the southern Russian region of Krasnodar. After a direct impact, an additional explosion was recorded, the General Staff in Kyiv reported. Approximately 400 drones of the Iranian type Shahed were reportedly stored in the targeted building. "The destruction of the Shahed drone depot will significantly reduce the ability of Russian occupiers to terrorize peaceful residents of Ukrainian cities and villages," it said. Russian authorities have confirmed a fire in a warehouse near the village of Oktyabrsky. The area has been blocked off, with about 800 square meters of the site on fire, the regional operational headquarters in the Krasnodar region reported. The coordinates match those reported by Kyiv for the drone strike. However, the operational headquarters made no statement about the cause of the fire and the items stored there.
20:51 Southeast Europe Summit: Twelve Countries Demand Russia's Withdrawal
Twelve Southeast European countries and Turkey have agreed that Russia's withdrawal from all occupied territories in Ukraine is a prerequisite for peace. They endorsed the peace plan of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and supported Ukraine's accession to NATO. This is stated in the final declaration of their summit in the Croatian city of Dubrovnik, which they signed together with Zelenskyy. Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic, known for his balancing act between the West and Russia, also signed the declaration. According to Croatian media, Vucic managed to have an originally planned demand for sanctions against Russia removed from the summit's final declaration.
In response to the escalating tensions between Kadyrov and the politicians in the North Caucasus region, the military operations in this region may intensify.
In the context of NATO and the potential re-election of Donald Trump, there is no reported anxiety about the impact of these events on military operations.
