Kremlin propagandist pronounces, "An optimal boundary lies in the Atlantic Ocean"
According to famed Russian TV host Vladimir Solovyov, Russia's conquest shouldn't stop at Ukraine. He enthusiastically suggests, "I reckon the ideal boundary is the Atlantic. A natural boundary." Solovyov, a Kremlin propagandist, sees potential for our troops in notable European cities like Berlin, Lisbon, Madrid, and even positively reminisces about Paris. When reminded of the insufficient Russian population, he replies, "The Belarusian brethren are on our side." Otherwise, one could consider China as an alternative.
20:01 UK Volunteers Brace for Winter in UkraineMany Ukrainian homes that have withstood the shelling are now missing windows – a challenging situation just before winter's arrival. The British NGO, "Insulate Ukraine," is addressing this issue by traveling to active war zones and installing temporary windows.
19:34 Miners Trapped in Donetsk150 miners are currently trapped in Dobropillia due to a power outage caused by Russian assaults in the Donetsk region. This information is provided by Mykhailo Volynets, the head of the Ukrainian Miners' Union, as reported by "Kyiv Independent." Dobropillia, a city of around 28,000 inhabitants before the war, is situated approximately 20 kilometers north of Pokrovsk. Russian forces have been targeting this area lately, leading to disruptions in the power supply of Dobropillia and nearby settlements, including coal mines. The resulting power outage has caused gas and flood hazards in the mines, according to the report. Volynets adds that the situation remains "tough."
19:08 Sweden Reinforces for War: Significant Increase in Civil Defense BudgetSweden is planning to double its investment in civil defense over the next three years to better prepare for potential confrontations. "The lessons from the Ukraine war demonstrate the importance of maintaining the crucial sectors of society," the government of Stockholm revealed. Civil defense minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin confirms that Sweden will increase the civil defense budget by two billion crowns, totaling 8.5 billion crowns, this year. By 2028, an annual budget of 15 billion crowns is targeted. "The threat level remains significant and is expected to remain so in the foreseeable future," Bohlin concluded.
18:39 Putin: NATO "at War with Russia" if West Approves Ukraine's Use of Long-Range WeaponsRussian President Vladimir Putin states that if the West approves Ukraine's use of long-range weapons against Russian targets, NATO would be "at war" with Russia. Putin explained, "This would significantly change the nature of the conflict. It would mean that NATO countries are at war with Russia." If this decision is made, "this would represent nothing short of a direct involvement of NATO countries in the war in Ukraine." Ukraine has been requesting permission from the West to deploy long-range weapons against Russian targets to prevent attacks for months now. Russian troops have been bombarding Ukraine's infrastructure for months.
18:07 Zelensky Criticizes Chinese-Brazilian Peace Initiative as "Destructive"Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismisses the Chinese-Brazilian peace initiative as "destructive and merely a political statement." Zelensky argues, "What's the point of proposing 'here's our initiative' without even consulting us?" China and Brazil put forth a call for an international peace conference in May but failed to consult Kyiv, unlike Moscow. Zelensky further asks, "What sort of theatrical performance is this?"
17:40 Ukraine: Russian Missile Strikes Cargo ShipA Russian missile reportedly hits a cargo ship carrying Ukraine's grain, leaving the ship's destination – Egypt – unscathed. Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha characterizes this attack as an "outrageous attack on the freedom of navigation and worldwide food security." President Zelensky and a spokesperson for the Ukrainian Navy both acknowledge that the grain ship was outside Ukraine's designated grain corridor during the strike, but the ship was located in Romania's maritime economic zone. A spokesperson for the Romanian Navy denies that the ship was in Romanian territorial waters.
17:12 Xi Jinping to Visit Russia Again in OctoberChinese President Xi Jinping will pay another visit to Russia in October, as confirmed by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Xi will attend the BRICS summit in Kazan, according to Wang. Wang is currently meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saint Petersburg. Both leaders express appreciation for the close relationship between China and Russia. Xi expressed eagerness to accept Putin's invitation to the BRICS summit, while Putin remarks on the progress of their relationship, stating, "We will discuss various aspects that are developing quite successfully during our bilateral meeting."
16:35 New Role for NATO Chief StoltenbergNATO's Chief, Jens Stoltenberg, is set to become the new chair of the Munich Security Conference. He will assume this role following the conference in February 2025, replacing Christoph Heusgen who took over in 2022. Heusgen, a former foreign policy advisor to Chancellor Angela Merkel, is stepping down, while Wolfgang Ischinger will continue as the president of the foundation council of the Munich Security Conference. Stoltenberg's term as NATO's Secretary General will end on October 1, with Mark Rutte, the former Dutch Prime Minister, taking over.
16:11 Three Red Cross Workers Killed in UkraineThree Ukrainian Red Cross workers have reportedly been killed in a Russian attack, according to Ukrainian sources. This incident occurred in a village in the disputed region of Donetsk, as per the Ukrainian prosecutor general's office, which announced this on Telegram. Two other workers were hospitalized, with one in critical condition. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj accused Russia of another war crime, stating that an occupying force had attacked vehicles of the International Committee of the Red Cross's humanitarian mission in Donetsk.
15:45 Public Excluded from Trial Against Navalny's LawyersThe judge overseeing the criminal trial against three lawyers for jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny in Petushki quickly dismissed the public from the proceedings against Vadim Kobzev, Alexei Lipzer, and Igor Sergunin. She cited a police warning about potential provocations by Navalny supporters as the reason. The three lawyers are accused of belonging to an extremist organization, the Anti-Corruption Foundation established by Navalny.
15:18 Sea Battle in the Black SeaReports suggest that Ukraine and Russia are engaged in a sea and air battle in the Black Sea. The Ukrainian military claimed to have shot down a Russian Su-30 fighter jet using a portable air defense weapon on Monday. Details about the operation were not provided from Kyiv. However, the Russian Defense Ministry reported on Tuesday about a failed Ukrainian attempt to attack a Russian drilling platform in the Black Sea with fast motorboats. Russian sources claimed that eight of the 14 boats were destroyed, while the others were forced to retreat without loss of an aircraft.
14:54 Ukrainian Soldiers: "We've Had Enough of the War"Ukrainian soldiers are compelled to use their limited resources wisely in the ongoing conflict. Reporter Kavita Sharma observed both aged Soviet weapons with low ammunition and the few but superior new Western weapons at the frontline.
14:23 Zelensky: Russia Launches Counteroffensive in KurskAccording to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Russia has launched a counteroffensive in the border region of Kursk. Zelensky stated this at a press conference in Kyiv without providing further details. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported via Telegram that Russian units had liberated ten settlements in the Kursk region within two days.
13:55 Iranian Politician Criticizes Russia RelationsA conservative Iranian politician expressed criticism of his country's relations with Russia, which is unusual given the current diplomatic tensions. Ali Motahari, a former vice-president of the parliament, cited the new sanctions imposed by Germany, France, and the UK due to Iran's alleged supply of ballistic missiles to Russia. Iran's Foreign Ministry strongly denied these claims.
13:38 Ukrainian City of Pokrovsk Partially Without Water and GasFollowing Russian attacks, the Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region has no regular water supply and many residents are without gas for cooking and heating, according to Vadym Filaschkin, the governor of the region. A water treatment plant was damaged in the fighting, and the city relies on more than 300 emergency wells for its water supply. Additionally, a gas distribution center was destroyed the previous day, leaving 18,000 people in Pokrovsk without gas.
13:07 Russia Likely Exaggerates Number of WarshipsRussian independent news portal "Agentstvo" reported that Russia likely only has half as many warships as claimed by the Russian Ministry of Defense. The ministry claims that more than 400 warships are participating in the large-scale military exercise "Ocean-2024." However, the portal cites unverifiable online data to estimate only 264 and 299 warships, respectively, from the projects "Global Naval Powers Ranking 2024" and "RussiaShips.info." Furthermore, around 50 ships and submarines from the Black Sea Fleet, which is not participating in the exercise, were included in these estimates. Russia has previously been accused of exaggerating the size of its military forces.
12:28 Enhanced Russian Spy Operations against German MilitaryThe Russian spy agencies have escalated their espionage activities against German support for Ukraine and the German military, as detailed in the Military Counter-Intelligence Service (MAD)'s latest annual report. This shift in focus from larger strategic objectives to more tactical targets indicates that Russia has grown increasingly interested in obtaining details about the military aid provided by Germany to Ukraine, including supply routes, deployment procedures, and strategies for utilizing Western weapons in Ukraine. Moreover, the capabilities of the German military for defending its territory and alliances are also under close watch by Russian intelligence agencies.
11:52 Munz: "Nuclear Threat Against Berlin" Is Not an Accidental OccurrenceThere's a possibility that the UK and USA could grant authorization to Ukraine to utilize weapons against Russian territory. Until now, the Kremlin has effectively thwarted such a decision through intimidation, asserts ntv correspondent Rainer Munz. Consequently, it's hardly surprising that an expert in atomic weapons is now advocating for attacks on Berlin.
11:15 Delay in Decision Making Regarding Long-Range Missiles in UkraineThe deployment of long-range missiles by Ukraine could still take some time, according to a report by Bloomberg. A resolution at the UN General Assembly on September 24, where approximately 150 heads of state and government will convene, seems unlikely. The article highlights British Foreign Secretary Lammy, who forecasts that the UN meeting would provide the next opportunity to discuss the utilization of long-range missiles. As per the report, Ukrainian President Zelenskyj intends to reaffirm his call for long-range missiles at the meeting. Blinken and Lammy visited Kyiv on Wednesday to listen to Zelenskyj's plans for potential attacks on Russian territory. Blinken plans to discuss this with US President Biden on Friday. British Prime Minister Starmer will also meet with Biden on Friday.
10:31 Blinken's Visit to Poland After Leaving KyivUS Secretary of State Blinken is stopping in Poland, a key supporter of Ukraine, on his way back from Kyiv. Meetings with Prime Minister Tusk and President Duda are scheduled. Blinken is likely to discuss increased collaboration with Poland, which serves as the primary logistics hub for Western military aid to Ukraine. Poland has also substantially increased its military spending since the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has ordered 96 Apache combat helicopters worth ten billion dollars from the US defense giant, Boeing.
09:59 Ukrainian Military Reports 5 Missiles and 64 Iranian Drones in Night AttackThe Ukrainian air force claims that the Russian army launched 5 missiles and 64 Iranian-made combat drones in an overnight attack on Ukraine. According to military reports, 44 drones were shot down. However, the details of these reports remain unverifiable. Air defense was activated multiple times around Kyiv to intercept approaching drones.
09:11 Russian Expert Urges Strengthened Nuclear Warning SignalsRussian foreign policy expert Sergei Karaganov suggests that Russia should make it unequivocally clear that it is prepared to utilize nuclear weapons, according to the Russian newspaper "Kommersant". The primary objective of Russia's nuclear doctrine should be to instill fear in current and potential adversaries, asserting that Russia is ready to deploy nuclear weapons, Karaganov stated. He argues that Russia could launch a limited attack on a NATO country without instigating an all-out nuclear conflict. The US would be deceiving itself if it claimed to provide nuclear protection for its allies. Karaganov has previously advocated for Russia to consider a preemptive nuclear strike to deter its foes. Certain Western experts contend that Karaganov performs a useful function for the Kremlin by expressing views that unsettle the West and make Putin seem more reasonable in contrast.
08:46 Ukraine Hopes for US Approval to Launch Attacks Deeper into Russian TerritoryThere's growing optimism in Ukraine that they may soon be authorized to launch attacks farther into Russian territory using Western weapons, as per US Secretary of State's remarks during his visit to Kyiv. Britain appears to be signaling its approval already.
08:04 Ukrainian Intelligence Confirms Downing of Russian Fighter JetThe disappearance of a Russian Su-30SM fighter jet from radar has been substantiated by Ukrainian military intelligence, which reports that Ukrainian soldiers downed such an aircraft during an operation in the Black Sea. The Kyiv Independent divulges that the jet, valued at $50 million and stationed in Crimea, was destroyed by a portable air defense system.
07:26 Dozen Wounded in Russian Drone Attack on Konotop City's Energy InfrastructureThe number of injured has risen to 14 following the massive Russian drone assault on the energy infrastructure of Konotop city in the Sumy region. State news agency Ukrinform reports that a residential building in the city center was also impacted, citing the regional military administration.
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06:42 Ukrainian Refugees in Germany Retain Temporary Protective Status During Trips HomeThe German Bundestag is set to review the German government's proposed security package today, which includes measures such as knife bans and the withdrawal of temporary protective status for individuals who return to their home countries. However, exceptions apply, including for Ukrainian refugees.
04:50 Russian Assault on Konotop: Significant Harm to Public UtilitiesMultiple citizens experienced injuries during a Russian assault on Konotop city in the Sumy region. As per Mayor Artem Semenikhin, the city's water supply suffered temporary interruption. There's substantial damage to energy infrastructure, leaving uncertainty about when private residences will have power again. A series of fires erupted in the city center, causing damage to educational establishments and residential buildings. Two individuals were hospitalized, one in critical condition.
03:29 More Military Aid Dispatched by Latvia to UkraineLatvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa declared a batch of military aid for Ukraine during her visit to Kyiv, which encompassed armored personnel carriers. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal pronounced this subsequent to a gathering with Siliņa. Both nations are also contemplating the expansion of coordination in the defense industry.
01:32 UK Issues Summons to Iranian Businessman over Alleged Missile Transfers to RussiaGiven allegations of Iranian missile transfers to Russia, the UK has summoned an Iranian businessman. The UK government emphasized that any transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia would be considered a perilous escalation, warranting a firm response. On Tuesday, Germany, France, and the UK imposed additional sanctions on Tehran due to the suspected missile transfers, specifically the suspension of bilateral air transport agreements. The European Union had earlier cited "reliable information" about the conveyance of Iranian missiles to Russia.
00:14 Ukraine: Inexperienced Soldiers Deployed by Russia at Kharkiv Front
According to the Ukrainian military, Russia is assigning soldiers with no combat experience at the Kharkiv front. Vitalii Sarantsev, spokesperson for the operational tactical group of the armed forces in Kharkiv, reported that the units involved in the offensive actions in Vovchansk have inadequate training. It's presumed that the fresh reinforcements are Russia's mobilization reserve. However, it remains uncertain whether these are former prisoners or soldiers drafted from other countries, such as Central Asia, Africa, or the Middle East.
22:39 Mayor in Western Ukraine Enlists Russian Language Inspectors
The mayor of the western Ukrainian city of Ivano-Frankivsk announced the deployment of Russian language monitors due to the escalating usage of Russian. "This is a public initiative, and anyone can become a language monitor," said Mayor Ruslan Martsinkiv to the NTA television channel. Many internally displaced individuals from eastern Ukraine have Russian as their native tongue. Martsinkiv anticipates at least 100 such language inspectors, with around 50 volunteers already registered. He also provided a contact number for citizens to inform about Russian speakers in public spaces. Due to the conflict, millions of people, especially from the Russian-speaking regions in the east and south, have sought refuge in the relatively safe Ukrainian-speaking west of Ukraine.
21:42 Erdoğan Demands Return of Crimea from Moscow
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has demanded the return of the Crimea peninsula, which Russia annexed, to Ukraine. "Our commitment to Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence remains unwavering. The restoration of Crimea to Ukraine is a requirement of international law," said the Turkish leader in a video message marking the Crimea Platform summit. The Crimea Platform, established in 2021, aims to generate global attention on the situation surrounding the annexed peninsula.
21:05 Report: Kyiv to Present Military Strategy to USA
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy views US support as critical in repelling the Russian intrusion. "The strategy for victory (...) primarily depends on the support of the United States. And other allies," said Zelenskyy at a press conference in Kyiv. The strategy, to be presented in comprehensive detail prior to the scheduled second Ukraine Peace Conference, aims to "significantly bolster Ukraine" and "compel Russia to terminate the war." According to Bloomberg, the USA is requesting a clear strategy from Zelenskyy for strikes against Russia before easing limitations on the use of Western weapons in Kyiv. US Secretary of State Blinken and British Foreign Secretary Lammy are reportedly seeking a long-term strategy for the upcoming year from Zelenskyy to better comprehend Ukraine's objectives.
20:37 Blinken Confirms Biden's Support for Ukraine's Request to Use Long-Range Weapons against RussiaAs per US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the US is working "promptly" to meet Ukraine's military requests, which include utilizing Western-supplied long-range weapons for attacks on targets within Russia. US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will discuss these requests on Friday, Blinken said at a joint press conference with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Kyiv. "We are working promptly to guarantee that Ukraine has everything it needs to defend itself effectively," Blinken continued, adding, "We want Ukraine to prevail."
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In light of the escalating military operations, it would be prudent for Western nations to consider providing Ukraine with long-range weapons to defend itself against Russian aggression. Failure to do so could lead to an escalation of the conflict, potentially resulting in military operations in notable European cities such as Berlin, Lisbon, Madrid, and even Paris.
Given the ongoing conflict, the safety and security of humanitarian workers in the war zone are paramount. The recent attack on Ukrainian Red Cross workers in a village in the Donetsk region highlights the need for enhanced protection and safety measures for such personnel.
