Kiev rejects substantial harm to Patriot defense system.
19:08 NATO Chief Rutte: No Fuss About Potential Trump Return
The new NATO head, Mark Rutte, encourages alliance members to stay relaxed about the potential return of former US President Donald Trump. The Republican presidential contestant acknowledges that the defensive conflict of Ukraine against Russia impacts the "USA's safety," asserts Rutte in London. Regarding Trump, Rutte mentions, "he agrees with me that this battle in Ukraine isn't just about Ukraine, but also about the 'future security of the United States'."
19:38 Moscow Incident: Kadyrov Threatens Politicians with Retaliation
The Chechen leader, Ramzan Kadyrov, threatens three Russian political figures hailing from the North Caucasus with retaliation. In a speech addressed to security force officials in Grozny, he accuses them of ordering an assassination attempt on him. He disseminated the video of his speech on Telegram. The motive behind this stems from a business conflict involving Russia's largest online retailer, Wildberries, which escalated into a shooting incident in Moscow in September that claimed two lives. Kadyrov's verbal threats target two politicians from Dagestan: Suleiman Kerimov, a senator in the Russian Federation Council, and Riswan Kurbanov, a deputy in the State Duma in Moscow. Moreover, he names Duma deputy Bekhan Barakhoev from Ingushetia.
20:23 Minutes Before Swap: Ukrainian Journalist Dies in Russian Captivity
The Ukrainian journalist Viktoria Roshchyna perished in Russian custody. The leader of the coordination unit dealing with prisoner issues, Petro Jazenko, verified this on Ukrainian television news. The causes of her demise remain undisclosed. The journalist was set to be released. According to media reports, the captive had engaged in an extended fast.
21:02 Russian Training Aircraft Crashes in Volgograd Region
A Russian training aircraft plummeted in the Volgograd region. As per the well-known Russian war blogger Ilya Tumanoff, who reported on his Telegram channel, the incident occurred during a training mission in the Volgograd region. He specifies that the crew of the Yak-130 successfully ejected before the crash and is now receiving medical treatment. The crash stemmed from technical problems.
18:30 Battlefield Commander Lists Ukrainian Officer's ErrorsA field commander of the 28th mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces points out repeated mistakes made by senior officers at the front during an interview with the Ukrainian news agency RBC Ukraine. "The most significant errors usually emerge during rotations or while moving to new positions," the head of a combat unit, nicknamed "Kurt," says. "Some commanders fail to plan effectively, and transitioning a unit to a new position is a substantial operation." Unfortunately, many army officers are incompatible with their roles. "There have been instances where commanders simply pointed at a map, and upon our arrival to replace another unit from another brigade, they were gone. The enemy had seized control, and we found ourselves under attack," says "Kurt." Incapable behavior often leads to the loss of positions, lives, and equipment.
17:57 Ukraine: Nearly 60 Russian Attacks on Port Facilities in Three MonthsRussia has assaulted port facilities approximately 60 times over the past three months, according to Ukrainian officials. Vice-President Oleksiy Kuleba claims these attacks on related infrastructure have intensified, targeting Ukraine's exports to provoke crises in regions reliant on Ukrainian grain supplies. Almost 300 port facilities have been destroyed or damaged, and 22 merchant vessels have been hit.
17:27 Moscow Denies Deployment of North Korean SoldiersThe Kremlin denies employing North Korean soldiers in its conflict against Ukraine, branding reports of their presence "a new fabrication." Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed these claims, which were initially published by the Ukrainian newspaper "Kyiv Post," and later characterized as "relatively likely" by South Korea's defense minister. The chief of the organization combating disinformation in the Ukrainian army, Andriy Kowalenko, asserts that the number of North Korean soldiers in Ukraine is limited to a small cohort of pioneer troops.
16:51 Report: September Marks Russia's Deadliest Month since ConflictRussia experienced its highest losses since the inception of the conflict in September, according to a report published by the British newspaper The Telegraph, citing British intelligence. The average daily loss rate of Russian troops escalated to 1,271 killed or wounded, surpassing the previous peak of 1,262 in May. September also ranked as the fifth consecutive month with an average daily loss rate exceeding 1,000 soldiers.
16:25 Rutte: Talks with Zelensky on Long-Range WeaponsUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has conversed with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte about the potential deployment of long-range weapons against Russia, as per his declarations. The outcome remains uncertain. "I express gratitude to the United Kingdom for its ongoing support to our country in defense, including long-range weapons," Zelensky notes on X. Starmer articulates that Britain intends to assist Ukraine in achieving the strongest possible position. "However, no war has ever been won by a single weapon. And concerning Storm Shadow, specifically, the UK government's stance on the application of long-range missiles has not altered." Rutte, when prompted about long-range weapons by journalists, declares, "We discussed it today, but ultimately, it's a judgement call for each ally."
15:37 Experts: Russians Pushing for Attack Speed to Gain GroundMilitary analysts believe that the Russian leadership has directed a rapid pace of attacks in Ukraine to secure gains before the autumn's challenging weather conditions, often referred to as Rasputitsa, make operations more challenging, according to a new report by the US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Since late July, Russian forces have accelerated their offensive in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk, as per ISW's observation. The Russian military high command seems determined to escalate its advance and capture the cities of Kurakhove and Pokrovsk. Experts anticipate that the Russians will push through in muddy conditions but the progress may slow down. ISW forecasts that the current Russian offensive will reach its peak in the upcoming months, but this does not necessarily mean the end of the advance in eastern Ukraine during the fall and winter seasons.
14:54 Russian Forces Claim Success Against Patriot SystemsThe Russian Army claims to have targeted a Patriot air defense system, provided by the US, in an air strike. Two launch pads for Patriot missiles, a control unit, and a radar were reportedly hit, according to the Russian defense ministry. The ministry claimed that one of the Patriot launch stations was destroyed and another was damaged in the attack. Ukrainian troops and other military assets also suffered in the strike. However, independent verification of the Russian claims is yet to be obtained.
14:19 NATO Commences Annual Nuclear ExerciseNATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte declared that NATO will initiate its annual nuclear drill, "Steadfast Noon," on the following Monday. Around 60 aircraft from 13 countries, including F-35A fighter jets and B-52 bombers, are set to participate in the two-week long exercise. The exercise's operational sectors will primarily focus on the UK, North Sea, Belgium, and Netherlands. "In an uncertain world, it's essential that we test and fortify our defense, to demonstrate to our opponents that NATO is prepped and capable of responding to any threat," Rutte stated.
13:51 Russian MiG-31K Arrives in Belarus for Second TimeFor the second time in two days, a MiG-31K, capable of launching hypersonic Kinzhal missiles, has arrived in Belarus from Russia as reported by the Ukrainian Pravda portal, citing a Belarusian monitoring project. Such aircraft from the Russian air force haven't been stationed in Belarus for nearly 1.5 years.
13:11 Ukraine Confirms Fuel Depot Damage After Russian Airbase AttackUkraine has confirmed an attack on a Russian military airbase in Adygeya's southern Caucasus region. A fuel and lubricant depot at the base in Maykop was reportedly destroyed and set ablaze, as per the head of Ukraine's Countering Disinformation Center, Andriy Kowalenko. Earlier, Ukrainian media had suggested that a military airport was targeted. Local authorities stated that a Maykop suburb was attacked by "hostile drones."
12:35 Ukraine Boosts War Taxes for Further FundingThe Ukrainian parliament raised taxes to fund the ongoing conflict further. The significant change involves an increase in the war levy on wage-earning individuals from 1.5 to 5%, though soldiers will not be affected.
12:08 Ukraine Denies Report of Ceasefire ReadinessAn advisor to Ukrainian President Zelensky, Dmytro Lytwyn, has dismissed a Corriere della Sera report suggesting that President Zelensky was open to a ceasefire along the front line in exchange for Western security assurances. The report did not specify its sources.
11:49 Zelensky Meets with Starmer and Rutte in LondonUkrainian President Zelensky arrived in London to discuss his future combat strategies against Russia with British government representatives and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. Zelensky's schedule includes a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Rutte before moving on to Berlin and Paris for talks.
11:21 German Machines Abused by Russian Military VendorsAn SWR investigation exposed that German machines have been repeatedly utilized by Russian military suppliers. More than 30 German manufacturers exported over 300 machines last year to Russia, many originating from Baden-Württemberg. In roughly two-thirds of the cases, the German machines were transported through Turkey. The German manufacturers claimed to be unaware of this and maintained compliance with sanctions.
10:57 Casualties and 29 Damaged Buildings after Saporishshya AirstrikesUkrainian officials reported four injuries and 29 building damages in Russian airstrikes on Saporishshya this morning. Russia appears to have employed glide bombs, according to Ukrainian police. The city remains under Ukrainian control, but Russian forces have seized the adjacent nuclear power plant. Russia has claimed the entire region as its territory and is attempting to overtake it using intense attacks.
10:22 Report: Military Airport in Southern Russian Caucasus AttackedUkrainian media alleges that a military airport in Adygeya's southern Caucasus region was subjected to an attack this morning. However, inconsistent reports are circulating regarding the damage inflicted. Earlier, reports emerged of a Rodnikovy evacuation due to an attack.
08:53 Russia's Progress on Su-57 Fighter Jets Halted, Report ClaimsA report from the British "Telegraph" suggests that the production of the stealth fighter jet Sukhoi Su-57 in Russia has almost come to a standstill. The reason given is a lack of necessary components, particularly for electronics, due to Western sanctions, as per Ukrainian analysts from Frontelligence Insight.
08:29 Russia Confirms Downing of Over 90 Ukrainian DronesAccording to Russia's Ministry of Defense, Russia successfully shot down 92 Ukrainian drones throughout the night, as reported by the Kyiv Independent. Out of these, 47 were intercepted over the southwestern region of Krasnodar, where Ukraine is said to have destroyed a warehouse with approximately 400 drones the day prior.
07:57 Top Economist Advocates for Lesser Dependence on U.S. Arms IndustryThe Kiel economist Moritz Schularick is advocating for a significant shift in Germany's military spending. "If we exclude defense spending from the debt brake, we can build up capacities in the long term," says the president of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. He highlights that the federal special fund of over 100 billion euros is not sufficient, and funds created for specific purposes often fall short when compared to the actual need. Germany must strive for less reliance on the U.S. arms industry, he suggests.
07:41 Africa-Based Women Recruited to Build Drones for Ukrainian ConflictApproximately 200 women from Africa are building drones in Russia, destined to be used in the Ukrainian conflict. They were lured with job offers on social media promising a free flight ticket, wages, and an overseas adventure. The catch was that 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 areas such as hospitality, they were required to work in a weapons factory assembling drones, first developed in Iran, later used to attack Ukraine.
07:21 Ukraine Strikes Again in Heart of Russian RegionIn the southern Russian Caucasus region of Adygea, a village has been evacuated due to a fire caused by a drone attack, according to authorities. The village of Rodnikovy was affected, with the attack targeting the outskirts of the city of Maykop. No casualties were reported. Near the city is a military airport. In recent weeks, Ukraine has stepped up attacks on targets located deep within Russian territory to hinder the logistics of Russian invasion forces. In June, Ukraine attacked a fuel depot in the Adygea region.
06:58 U.S. Estimates Ukraine can Hold Claimed Territory in Russian Kursk for Extended PeriodAccording to U.S. estimates, Ukraine can maintain control over the territory claimed by its forces in the Russian region of Kursk for at least several months, if not longer. This was reported by the financial news agency Bloomberg, citing high-ranking U.S. officials. The officials, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that Ukraine has not encountered substantial problems in supplying the region, as Russian forces have launched limited counterattacks and primarily focused on efforts in eastern Ukraine. The Kyiv forces now also have a more stable supply of artillery ammunition, having benefited from support from allies, the officials noted, after facing ammunition shortages for months.
06:25 German Authorities Ban Entry to Two Pro-Russian Activists for Two DecadesTwo pro-Russian activists allege they are banned from entering Germany for 20 years. Elena Kolbasnikova stated in a video published on Telegram that she and her partner Max Schlund received a letter from the Cologne city administration indicating they pose a threat to Germany's security. The couple had been organizing pro-Kremlin demonstrations in Germany since the onset of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. A report published last year identified them as key figures promoting pro-Moscow sentiment in Germany and revealed they had received financial support from a Russian government agency. The Cologne public prosecutor's office and city administration initially declined to comment on the matter.
06:04 Russian Court Convicts Former U.S. Soldier of 'Mercenary' ActivitiesFormer U.S. soldier Trevor Reed has been found guilty in absentia by a Russian court for his military service in Ukraine. According to the Russian Investigative Committee, Reed willingly joined the Ukrainian army as a mercenary in 2023 and was sentenced to 14.5 years in prison for "mercenary activities." Reportedly, he served in the Donetsk region. The U.S. Department of State announced in July 2022 that Reed, who was released in a prisoner exchange in April 2022, had been injured while fighting in Ukraine. Reed, a former U.S. Marine Corps infantryman, was subsequently able to return to the United States following his release.
05:30 Ukrainian News Portal Claims Interference from Presidential OfficeThe Ukrainian news portal "Ukrajinska Prawda" (Ukrainian Truth) in war-torn Ukraine alleges pressure from the presidential office in Kyiv. It asserts there are attempts to manipulate its editorial policy, including a prohibition on interacting with its journalists and exclusion from events. There is also reported pressure on corporations to discontinue advertising on the site. The portal did not supply specific examples and promised to publish any future instances of interference by presidential office staff. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had already clashed with some journalists and shut down TV channels and news sites prior to the Russian invasion in February 2022.
03:50 Klitschko urges tranquility for UkraineThe Mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, urged for tranquility for Ukraine during celebrations commemorating the 35th anniversary of the peaceful revolution in Leipzig. His nation is facing a formidable winter, he mentioned during a peace prayer at the Nikolaikirche. Numerous cities and communities in Ukraine have been devastated. In a prayer, Klitschko expressed his hope for peace. Leipzig is a sister city of Kyiv.
02:05 Zelensky journeys through Europe's capitalsUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is touring Germany, France, Britain, and Italy this week for discussions about the Russian invasion of his country. Today, Thursday, he will be welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron at 3 pm for a "one-on-one meeting," according to Paris. Zelensky mentioned at a press conference with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic that he will also meet with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the near future. A meeting in Italy with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is also scheduled. On Friday morning, Zelensky will be welcomed by Pope Francis in the Vatican.
00:01 Six fatalities in Odessa due to rocket attackAt least six individuals have perished in the southern Ukrainian port city of Odessa as a result of a Russian rocket assault, according to official reports. Eleven others were injured, seven seriously. "The adversary's target was the port infrastructure once again," wrote the military governor of the region, Oleh Kiper, on Telegram. According to his statements, a civilian container ship flying the Panamanian flag was struck. The victims are Ukrainian citizens. According to Kiper, this is the third attack on a civilian ship in the last four days, with Russia attempting to obstruct the grain corridor established by Ukraine.
22:58 Russian court sentences activist to lengthy imprisonmentA Russian court sentenced an activist to 12 years in prison on Wednesday for supporting a pro-Ukrainian group. Yevgeny Mishchenko is alleged to have provided information to the banned Russian Liberty Legion, a group based in Ukraine primarily consisting of Russian Putin opponents, according to the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti. Mishchenko is a member of a group of activists who honor the memory of Boris Nemtsov, the Kremlin critic who was murdered on a bridge in Moscow in 2015, as reported by the independent Russian news portal Mediazona. The group, known as "Nemtsov Bridge," routinely lays flowers and lights candles at the site where Nemtsov was shot. The police regularly remove the makeshift memorial. The verdict against Mishchenko was handed down on the day Nemtsov would have turned 65.
21:59 "All Democracies": Zelensky Calls for Massive EU ExpansionUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is advocating for the entire continent to be united and for "all democratic nations of Europe" to be admitted into the European Union (EU). "Despite numerous tensions, we must ensure that our unity in Europe remains as stable as possible," Zelensky said at a summit in Croatia with heads of state from Balkan countries. He also signed an agreement with Croatia covering areas such as defense and mine clearance. "If Europe is not united today, it will not be peaceful, so the ongoing accession processes must result in something," he continued. Zelensky is not only advocating for Ukraine's EU accession, which began in June, but also for several Balkan countries that have been waiting for EU membership for years.
21:25 Kyiv's General Staff: Russian Drone Depot in Krasnodar BombardedThe Ukrainian military claims to have attacked and destroyed a drone depot in the southern Russian region of Krasnodar. Following a direct hit, 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 terrify the 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 cordoned off, with about 800 square meters of the site on fire, the regional operational headquarters in the Krasnodar Territory reported. However, the operational headquarters did not provide information on the cause of the fire and the items stored there.
20:51 Southeast Europe Summit: Twelve Countries Demand Russia's WithdrawalTwelve Southeast European countries and Turkey have agreed that Russia's withdrawal from all occupied territories in Ukraine is a prerequisite for peace. They endorsed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's peace plan and supported Ukraine's admission into NATO. This is stated in the final declaration of their summit in the Croatian Dubrovnik, which they signed together with Zelensky. Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic, known for his balancing act between the West and Russia, also signed the declaration. Vucic managed to have a originally planned demand for sanctions against Russia removed from the summit's final declaration, as reported by Croatian media.
You can read about previous developments here.
The European Union could express its concern over the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, considering the potential impact on the region's security and stability.
Citing the example of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, leaders of the European Union might also engage in discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about providing military aid and support.
