Kiev proposes assistance to adjacent nations at 01:25.
00:10 Kyiv's Ambassador Counters Mützenich's IdeaUkraine's Ambassador Oleksii Makeiev firmly disapproves of SPD faction leader Rolf Mützenich's suggestion to form an international contact group for a Ukraine peace initiative. Makeiev tells Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND) that a genuine path to peace requires another peace conference, inviting all nations to work towards a fair peace agreement. To restore peace and diplomatically press Russia to cease hostilities, Makeiev believes strong allies, not mediators, are necessary. The only plausible path to a just and lasting peace is President Volodymyr Zelensky's ten-point plan.
22:25 Ukraine Offers Aid to Stricken Neighboring NationsUkraine has offered to deploy its emergency response teams to aid Moldova, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic in their flood relief efforts. Newly appointed Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced this on social media, saying that President Zelensky had instructed him to do so and that he had coordinated with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.
22:01 Zelensky Urges Western Authorization for Attacks on Russian Air BasesUkrainian President Zelensky reiterates his plea to Western allies to grant authorization for Kyiv to target Russian air bases with the weapons they have provided. Following a Russian attack on a building in Kharkiv, Zelensky says in a video message that the only way to halt this "terror" is for Ukraine to have the ability to directly attack Russian air bases.
21:02 Casualties in Kharkiv After Russian Air StrikeA Russian airstrike on the city of Kharkiv in northeastern Ukraine has left one woman dead and numerous civilians injured, according to official reports. "A residential building was damaged," President Zelensky states on Telegram. By evening, authorities report one death and 42 injuries. Mayor Ihor Terechov confirms that several children are among the wounded. Firefighters battled a blaze that erupted between floors 9 and 12 after the strike, and they were also searching the debris for survivors. By evening, they discovered a woman's body in the rubble.
20:36 Mayor Reports 41 Injured after Russian Attack on KharkivThe number of injuries in Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, has continued to climb after a Russian attack. According to the mayor, at least 41 people have been injured. The number of injured has been revised several times since (see entries at 17:54 and 15:25 UTC). A Russian guided bomb hit a ten-story residential building on Sunday afternoon, Mayor Ihor Terechow reported. The resulting fire engulfed four floors. Twelve other buildings were also damaged.
20:11 Zelensky Discusses Victory Strategy in WashingtonUkrainian President Zelensky plans to present a victory strategy in Washington. In an interview with renowned US journalist Fareed Zakaria, Zelensky announced that he would soon present a victory strategy in Washington. "I have prepared several points, four of which are fundamental," Zelensky said. These points focus on security, Ukraine's geopolitical position, military support, and economic assistance. Zelensky emphasized that the implementation of these points depends solely on US President Joe Biden, not Russian President Vladimir Putin. A specific date for Zelensky's visit to Washington is yet to be confirmed, but it's expected around the UN General Assembly in late September.
19:49 Zelensky Criticizes Weapon Shortage and Blames US CongressUkraine is lacking sufficient weapons to fully outfit its troops, Zelensky stated in an interview with a US journalist, parts of which were published on Telegram and in Ukrainian media. Zelensky attributed the shortage to delays in deliveries, particularly during the period when US weapons deliveries were blocked in the US Congress at the beginning of the year. "Our reserves, both in storage and with reserve units, have been depleted," Zelensky explained. "We have given away all the weapons available." However, now these reserve units require rearmament, he emphasized. Zelensky has repeatedly pointed out that promised military aid from allies often arrives with delays, making it challenging to defend heavily contested regions in eastern Ukraine.
19:03 Starmer and Meloni to Discuss Ukraine's Use of Long-Range Weapons on Russian TerritoryBritish Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni plan to discuss a plan on Monday that would allow Ukraine to use British Storm Shadow cruise missiles with extended range on Russian territory. This was reported by the US news portal Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the matter. Starmer's trip to Rome follows his meeting with US President Joe Biden in Washington. So far, Biden has opposed such a move, fearing it could escalate the conflict. According to the report, British officials will hold conversations with their French and German counterparts in the coming days about this proposal.
17:54 Authorities Report More Victims in Russian Strike on Kharkiv Flat Building In a Russian air raid on Kharkiv, Ukraine, numerous civilians have been injured, as per official announcements. A residential tower block was hit, as stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on his Telegram channel. Mayor Ihor Terechov reported 35 casualties, including several children. Initially, 28 injuries were reported (see entry from 15:25). Firefighters were still on the scene in the afternoon, putting out a blaze that ignited between the ninth and twelfth floors following the bombing. They were also searching the debris for further victims.
Kharkiv, which previously had over a million inhabitants before Putin's Kremlin-ordered invasion, was Ukraine's second-largest city. At the start of the conflict, Moscow attempted to conquer the city, located approximately 30 kilometers from the border. However, they were unsuccessful. Since then, Kharkiv has been one of the most bombarded cities in Ukraine. Russian troops have attacked it with artillery and rockets, and more recently with guided bombs, which are dropped from planes while still in Russian territory.
16:56 Ukrainian Air Force Allegedly Destroys Russian Barracks in Kursk Attack The Ukrainian air force is reported to have destroyed a barracks used by the Russian military in the western Russian region of Kursk. This information was shared by the Khorne group, which is close to the military in Kyiv, along with a video that seems to have been captured by a drone. The precise location of the building was not disclosed, and there were no initial reports of casualties. The attack is said to be retaliation for the Russian attack on a military school in Poltava. "Send us more recruits and paratroopers, we'll handle you," the message reads. There has been no reaction from the Russian side. The Ukrainian account cannot be confirmed independently at this time. The Russian attack on a building in Poltava, which was allegedly housing a communications school, resulted in 53 fatalities and 298 injuries. Ukraine initiated an offensive against the western Russian region of Kursk in early August. The military is said to have taken control of around 1300 square kilometers of Russian territory.
16:08 "Imperialist Fascist": British Foreign Secretary Disregards Putin's Threats as "Bluster" In the context of debates about easing restrictions on Ukraine's use of Western weapons against Russian targets, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy diminishes Putin's threats. "There's a lot of noise. That's his tactic. He threatens with tanks, he threatens with rockets, he threatens with nuclear weapons," Lammy told the BBC. Despite Putin's threats, "we must not be discouraged from our course," Lammy asserted, labeling the Russian president as an "imperialist fascist." When asked if Putin is lying when he threatens nuclear war, Lammy said, "What Putin is doing is attempting to muddle the waters. That's just bluster."
15:25 At Least 28 Injured in Kharkiv by Guided Bomb A guided bomb attack has reportedly injured at least 28 people, including three children, in a high-rise building in Kharkiv, northeast Ukraine. "The impact caused a fire in a residential high-rise," explains Governor Oleh Syniehubov on Telegram. Local infrastructure was also affected (see also entries from 09:46 and 07:03).
14:55 Moscow Threatens Washington Over Sanctions Against Russian State Broadcaster RT Moscow vigorously condemns US sanctions against the state-owned Russian TV channel RT and threatens retaliation. "The actions of the US government will not go unanswered," says Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, as reported by the ministry's official website. Observers view this as a warning to American journalists still working in Russia. In March 2023, Russia arrested US reporter Evan Gershkovich on suspicion of espionage. The Wall Street Journal correspondent was in detention for 16 months before being released in a prisoner exchange. Both Gershkovich and the newspaper have consistently denied the accusations. Zakharova accuses the US of censorship and an attack on press freedom. With its actions against the RT group, Washington has apparently initiated "another wave of restrictions against Russian media and journalists," she says. The US government had previously levied serious charges against RT and accused the media group of interfering in the sovereign affairs of countries worldwide.
14:28 Iran's President to Visit Russia for BRICS Summit Iran is strengthening its ties with Russia and will participate in the BRICS summit. President Massoud Peseschkian will travel to Kazan on the Volga, according to the Iranian ambassador in Moscow, as reported by Russian media. Ambassador Kasem Jalali has also announced a bilateral meeting with Russian President Putin during the summit from October 22 to 24. A comprehensive cooperation agreement is planned. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has accused the Islamic Republic of supplying Russia with missiles for use in Ukraine. Tehran denies this.
13:55 New Foreign Minister in Kyiv Warns: Don't Be Deceived by Putin's Threats Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha advises the country's allies not to be swayed by Putin's threats. He believes Putin's objective is to diminish support for Ukraine. "Instead, allies should strengthen it," Sybiha writes on X. "Putin's threats aren't effective." He points out that Putin has issued dire warnings numerous times but has never followed through, such as when the West started supplying weapons to Ukraine, when Finland and Sweden joined NATO, and when Ukraine received its first F-16 fighter jets.
13:30 "German Taurus Stance Perceived as Stubborn by Ukraine"The discussion about providing German Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine is intensifying, yet Chancellor Scholz remains unmoved, refusing to approve the supply. This stance is not welcomed in Ukraine, as reported by ntv correspondent Kavita Sharma.
13:03 Governor: Couple Perishes in Odessa Rocket AttackIn a Russian rocket assault on Odessa's suburbs, at least two people, a couple, lost their lives, according to Ukrainian reports. The unfortunate incident occurred on Saturday night, the governor of the region mentioned. Another individual was injured. Preliminary investigations suggest the use of a prohibited weapon, a warhead containing cluster munitions. Ukrainian air forces report two rockets struck the suburbs.
12:28 Ukraine: Ponton Bridge and Command Center AnnihilatedThe Ukrainian military claims to have destroyed a ponton bridge erected by the Russians. The general staff of the army does not specify the location of the water body. They affirm that they hit six enemy gathering points from the air or with artillery the previous day, including the ponton bridge and an artillery system. There was also a reported hit on a command and control center.
11:58 Ukrainian Women Clear Landmines on FarmlandsWith thousands of soldiers battling Russians in Ukraine, labor gaps emerge, particularly in traditionally male roles. As a result, women are increasingly in demand and many are upskilling. The ntv foreign report visits some of these women in the southeast of the country and near Kyiv.
11:25 Ischinger Proposes to Lift Restrictions on Ukraine's Use of Western WeaponsThe former Munich Security Conference head, Wolfgang Ischinger, advocates for easing the restrictions on Ukraine's use of Western weapons. "If we were clear and straightforward, it would be more straightforward for everyone if we simply declared: We commit Ukraine to using the weapons systems we provide only within the confines compatible with international law," Ischinger said to the "Süddeutsche Zeitung". This means hospitals could not be targeted, an activity frequently undertaken by the Russians. Only military targets such as airports or launch pads could be attacked - including on Russian soil, for instance, to hinder glide bomb attacks.
10:53 Prisoner Swap Frequencies Spike After Kursk OffensiveFrequent prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia in recent times could be due to the Ukrainian offensive in Kursk, according to observers. Since the offensive began on August 6, there have been three such exchanges, resulting in a total of 267 prisoners from each side being released. Between January 1 and August 6, only three exchanges occurred, with a combined total of more than 400 Ukrainians and Russians. Ukrainian officials claim that the incursion into Kursk strengthened Ukraine's negotiating position in prisoner exchanges with Russia, following the Kremlin's consistent refusal to engage in negotiations beforehand.
10:16 Russians Progress Slowly on Eastern FrontRussian troops continue to advance on the front in eastern Ukraine, but they are making gradual progress near Wuhledar and to the southeast of the logistics center Pokrovsk, the British Ministry of Defense explains. Although the Russians have not made significant strides towards Pokrovsk in the last week.
09:46 Ukraine Reports Drone and Missile StrikesUkraine's air force reports that Russia attacked with 14 drones overnight. Ten were shot down by air defense. Also, one guided missile was intercepted. Additionally, two ballistic missiles were fired. There is no information regarding their fate or the resulting casualties or damage due to the attacks. Evidence of fires resulting from Russian shelling was reported in the Kharkiv region, and damage was reported in several buildings within the city of Kharkiv.
09:10 Concerns Rise over Expansion of Face Recognition Payment System in Russian SubwaysThe expansion of a face recognition payment system in Russian subways is causing concern among human rights activists. The system, named "Face Pay", has been operating in Moscow for three years and is now being introduced in six additional cities, including Kazan, where passengers may register for the system. Payment is facilitated by checking into a camera at the turnstile, as reported by Russian media. Plans are underway to introduce the method in all Russian subways later on in the year. Concerns are raised about the potential misuse of this system, with human rights activist Andrei Fedorkov highlighting the "significant risks" and believing that it "will become another powerful tool for surveillance and control of citizens".
07:31 Stegner Justifies Attendance at Anti-Weapons Protest with Sahra WagenknechtSPD foreign policy expert Ralf Stegner justifies his planned appearance at a protest alongside Sahra Wagenknecht, co-founder of the Left Party. Stegner clarifies that he is not appearing with anyone and will express his social democratic views in his speech. He acknowledges that other speakers may hold dissimilar views to his own, and some calls may contain content he disagrees with. "As long as fascists, anti-Semites, and racists are barred, I advocate for freedom of speech." The "national demonstration for peace" on October 3 in Berlin was initiated by an organization named "Never Again War - Lay Down Your Arms." It advocates for immediate peace negotiations in Ukraine and Gaza, and opposes the supply of weapons to Ukraine, Israel, or any other region. The initiative also criticizes the SPD-led federal government for "arming excessively." Criticism of the demonstration surfaced, for instance, from SPD foreign policy expert Michael Roth: "Failing to label Russia and Hamas as aggressors is an embarrassment." FDP MEP Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann condemned Stegner's planned appearance, saying, "This genuinely harms one's own party and government." Read more here.
07:03 Kharkiv Endures Repeated Shelling
Ukrainian authorities claim that Kharkiv is under attack once again. The city's governor reports a damaged building on a hospital campus following a rocket launcher assault, as well as a fire at an educational establishment after bombardment. No report of injuries exists. Kharkiv, frequently targeted by shelling, lies approximately 30 kilometers from Russia.
06:29 Russian Forces in Kursk Region Seem to be Augmenting
As per the Institute for the Study of War, the ongoing Ukrainian counteroffensive seems to be tying up an escalating number of Russian personnel. The offensive has compelled the Russian armed forces to redeploy troops from Ukraine to the Kursk region and deploy fresh troops from Russia to Kursk rather than the Ukrainian frontline. Initially, 11,000 Russian soldiers were stationed in the Kursk region, with current estimates ranging between 30,000 and 45,000 soldiers.
05:11 Ukraine Commences Production of 155-mm Artillery Shells
According to a government official reported in the Ukrainian newspaper "Kyiv Independent," Ukraine has commenced the production of 155-mm artillery shells. Oleksandr Kamyshin, the former Minister of Strategic Industries and current external advisor to President Volodymyr Zelensky, stated that under his leadership, defense material production has doubled and is set to triple by the year's end.
03:04 Biden Aide: President to Prioritize Ukraine in Remaining Term
A high-ranking U.S. President Biden aide indicates that Biden plans to focus on bolstering Ukraine's position in its conflict with Russia during the remainder of his term. Speaking at the Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference in Kyiv, the aide mentioned Biden's aim to "position Ukraine optimally to thrive" within the next four months.
01:43 Report: Ex-British Politicians Advocate for Long-Range Missile Use in Russia by Ukraine
Several former British defense ministers and ex-Prime Minister Boris Johnson reportedly urge Labour leader Keir Starmer to permit Ukraine's use of long-range missiles on Russian territory, even without U.S. backing. The Sunday Times reported that they cautioned the current prime minister about "'postponing any longer' encouraging President Putin."
00:52 Spy Chief: North Korea Pose the Most Imminent Threat to Ukraine from Russia's AlliesAccording to Ukrainian intelligence, North Korea epitomizes the most pressing danger among Russia's allies. "Of all these allies of Russia, North Korea is our primary concern," Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanow stated at the Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference in Kyiv. North Korea's military support to Russia, notably large volumes of ammunition, has "escalated the intensity of fighting," he explained in response to a question regarding support from Russia's allies like Iran and China. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced intentions to strengthen ties with Russia during conversations with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu on Friday. Kyiv closely monitors Pyongyang's weapons transfers to Moscow and observes their impact on the battlefield. "There's a direct connection. They're providing large quantities of artillery, which is concerning," Ukrainian intelligence chief Budanow remarked. Read more here.
23:21 Ukraine: Russia may encounter recruitment difficulties by mid-2025According to Ukraine, Russia may confront recruitment challenges by mid-2025. By summer 2025, Moscow's government might encounter a predicament, as per Ukrainian spy chief Kyrylo Budanow at a conference in Kyiv - "either administer mobilization or somehow decrease the intensity of hostilities." This could be instrumental for Russia. Moscow's government has yet to issue a comment on this matter.
22:20 Scholz: Russian attack on Ukraine is "extremely foolish"German Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticizes Russian President Vladimir Putin for risking Russia's future with the invasion of Ukraine. "The war is also foolish from Russia's perspective," he says at a town hall meeting as an SPD member of the German parliament in Prenzlau, Brandenburg. Putin's imperialistic ambitions lead him to send hundreds of thousands of Russian soldiers to potential injuries and death, and damage Russia's economic relations with numerous countries worldwide. "And Ukraine will have a stronger army than before," Scholz adds. Germany will continue to provide military aid to Ukraine to prevent the country's collapse and prevent a flagrant disregard of European rules. "Putin is endangering his country's future." A peaceful resolution can only be achieved if Russia acknowledges that Ukraine is not a vassal state.
22:01 Mixed Outcomes Reported in Kursk BattlesUkrainian forces gain new territories while facing Russian counterattacks in Kursk. Ukrainian units capture three more settlements, as per Deep State, a pro-government Ukrainian military channel. However, Russian forces push back Ukrainian troops near the village of Snagost, resulting in a significant breach in Ukrainian defenses, revealed by a Deep State map. Independent verification of these claims is not yet possible. In August, Ukrainian troops entered the Russian border area near Kursk, claiming control over 1,300 square kilometers and about 100 settlements, including Sudcha. Observations suggest smaller territorial gains. This week, Russian forces launched a serious offensive to dislodge Ukrainian troops.
21:41 USA: Ukraine Aid Delays due to "Logistical" ChallengesNational security advisor Jake Sullivan attributes US military aid delays to Ukraine to "difficult logistics." The White House, according to Sullivan, is not lacking political will. "This is a question of complex logistics to deliver material to the front," Sullivan says during the Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference in Kyiv. Despite the obstacles, Sullivan emphasizes the need for more US support for Ukraine. In his remaining presidency, Biden aims to strengthen Ukraine's position to win the conflict. Biden and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy will meet at the UN General Assembly later this month.
20:57 Scholz: Wants Nord Stream Saboteurs Prosecuted in GermanyGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz labels the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage as a "terrorist act." Scholz calls for those involved to be brought to trial in Germany. "We will order all security agencies and the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office to investigate fully," Scholz said during a town hall meeting in Prenzlau, Brandenburg. "Nothing will be covered up," he stressed. "We will seek to try those responsible in a German court if possible." Scholz disputes the claim that the German government has abandoned Russian natural gas, stating that it was Russia that turned off the gas supply through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline. The subsequent price increase, capped prices, and search for alternative gas sources have cost Germany "well over 100 billion euros." The pipeline explosions only occurred after Russia had already stopped supplying Western Europe through the Baltic Sea. In August, the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office issued an arrest warrant against a Ukrainian citizen in connection with the sabotage.
20:24 G7 Criticizes Iran's Supply of Rockets to RussiaG7 nations, led by Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, the US, and the EU's foreign policy chief, condemn Iran for arming Russia with rockets. Despite international calls to halt such deliveries, Iran continues to supply Russia with weapons, further escalating Iran's military support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. According to a joint statement, Russia uses Iranian weapons to kill civilians and attack infrastructure. Reports suggest that Russia received ballistic missiles from Iran, which Iran denies. "Iran must immediately cease all support for Russia's illegal and unjustified war against Ukraine and stop supplying ballistic missiles, drones, and related technology that pose a direct threat to the Ukrainian people and European and international security," the statement published by Italy's G7 presidency reads. "We remain resolute in holding Iran accountable for its unacceptable support for Russia's illegal war in Ukraine, which threatens global security," the statement concludes. Germany, France, and the UK have already imposed sanctions on Iran, and the EU is considering further sanctions. Read more here.
19:41 Kremlin Chief Putin Endorses Freedom of Speech
Critics imprisoned in Russia might find it laughable: Russian head honcho Vladimir Putin emphasizes the significance of free speech and data transparency. "In the midst of the intricate progression of multipolarity, it's especially crucial to safeguard the principles of data credibility," Putin speaks in a video message to attendees of the media meeting of the Brics nations in Moscow, commemorating TASS's state news agency's 120th anniversary. "True free speech, showcasing contrasting perspectives, enables the hunt for middle grounds and joint remedies to the world's challenges," Putin continues. Information sources have a substantial role in constructing a fair worldwide order, offering individuals "an unbiased and unfiltered view of the world." However, free speech and the media aren't practiced in Russia's autocratic rule. Independent news outlets are outlawed and shut down, and government adversaries are prosecuted by the judicial system. TASS, a Russian agency, has been in existence since 1904, initially under different titles and roles. Now its largest news agency in the nation, it's also generally considered the government's megaphone.
19:20 Scholz Stands Firm on Taurus Cruise Missile Delivery RefusalChancellor Olaf Scholz has made it clear that he won't agree to the provision of long-range precision weapons to Ukraine in the future, despite decisions from alliance peers. In a citizen dialogue in the Brandenburg town of Prenzlau, he reiterated his refusal of Taurus cruise missiles, which can reach Moscow (approximately 500 kilometers), arguing that it "presents a considerable escalation risk." Scholz stated, "I said no to that. And of course, that also applies to other weapons capable of such extensive distance if we had provided them." He added, "That remains the case. (.) Even if other countries take different stances." The furthest-reaching weapon Germany has dispatched to Ukraine is the Mars II rocket launcher, which can impact targets 84 kilometers away.
You can review all previous updates [here].
After the attack on Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky has been urging Western allies to grant authorization for Kyiv to directly target Russian air bases with the weapons they have provided, as a means to halt the Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities (22:01 Ukraine Offers Aid to Stricken Neighboring Nations, 21:02 Casualties in Kharkiv After Russian Air Strike, 20:36 Mayor Reports 41 Injured after Russian Attack on Kharkiv, 19:49 Zelensky Criticizes Weapon Shortage and Blames US Congress, 19:03 Starmer and Meloni to Discuss Ukraine's Use of Long-Range Weapons on Russian Territory).
Firmly disapproving of the idea of forming an international contact group for a Ukraine peace initiative suggested by SPD faction leader Rolf Mützenich, Ukraine's Ambassador Oleksii Makeiev believes that strong allies, not mediators, are necessary to restore peace and diplomatically press Russia to cease hostilities (00:10 Kyiv's Ambassador Counters Mützenich's Idea).
