Moscow issues potential sanctions warning towards Washington, pertaining to penalties against Russian state broadcasting channels.
United States Slams Russia Over Sanctions Against RT and Threatens RetaliationThe United States is facing harsh criticism from Russia for imposing sanctions against state-owned Russian TV channel RT. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has warned that America will not go unanswered. The US action against RT is seen as a threat to American journalists still working in Russia, following the arrest of US reporter Evan Gershkovich on spying charges last year. The Wall Street Journal correspondent spent 16 months in detention before being released in a prisoner exchange. Both Gershkovich and the newspaper have consistently denied the allegations. Zakharova now accuses the US of censorship and an attack on press freedom. With its action against RT, Washington has started another wave of restrictions against Russian media and journalists, she says. Previously, the US had made serious allegations against RT, accusing the media group of interfering in the sovereign affairs of countries worldwide.
14:28 Rouhani Visits Russia for BRICS SummitIran's President Hassan Rouhani will travel to Kazan, Russia, to participate in the BRICS summit. The Iranian ambassador in Moscow confirmed the visit, citing Russian media reports. Rouhani is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the summit, which takes place from October 22 to 24. A comprehensive cooperation agreement is planned between the two countries. The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has accused Iran of supplying Russia with missiles for use in Ukraine. However, Tehran denies these claims.
13:55 New Ukrainian Foreign Minister Warns Allies Against Putin's ThreatsUkraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has urged Ukraine's allies not to be swayed by Russian President Vladimir Putin's threats. According to Kuleba, Putin's aim is to weaken support for Ukraine. He urges allies to strengthen their support instead. Putin's threats have not materialized in the past, Kuleba says, citing examples such as the West supplying weapons to Ukraine, Finland and Sweden joining NATO, and Ukraine receiving F-16 fighter jets. When confronted with strength, Putin retreats and finds a way to justify his actions to his people, Kuleba adds.
13:30 German Government's Decision on Taurus Missiles Sparks DisputeThe decision by the German government not to approve the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine has sparked controversy. Ukraine is unhappy with the decision, as reported by NTV correspondent Kavita Sharma.
13:03 Civilians Killed in Odessa Rocket AttackAt least two civilians were killed in a Russian rocket attack on the outskirts of Odessa, according to Ukrainian sources. The attacked area contained a couple, who were killed on Saturday evening, and another person who was injured. Preliminary investigations suggest that a banned cluster munition was used in the attack. The Ukrainian air force reported two rockets hitting the outskirts of Odessa.
12:28 Ukrainian Forces Report Bridge and Command Center DestructionThe Ukrainian military claims to have successfully destroyed a bridge built by Russian forces. The location of the bridge has not been disclosed. The General Staff of the Army reports that six enemy concentration areas were hit last day, resulting in damaged infrastructure, artillery systems, and a command and control center.
11:58 Ukrainian Women Clear Landmines from FarmlandsThe labor market is affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, leading to a shortage of male workers in traditional professions. As a result, women are being recruited to fill these roles. The ntv foreign report highlights the efforts of some of these women, who are clearing landmines from farmlands in the southeast of the country and around Kyiv.
11:25 Ischinger Suggests Lifting Weapon Restrictions for UkraineWolfgang Ischinger, former head of the Munich Security Conference, proposes easing the restrictions on Ukraine's use of Western weapons. He suggests giving Ukraine a clearer mandate to use the weapons provided, without targeting civilians or hospitals.
10:53 Prisoner Exchanges Increase After Kursk OffensiveThe increase in prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia may be a result of the Ukrainian offensive in Kursk, as claimed by observers. This offensive began on August 6, and since then, there have been several prisoner swaps involving a total of 267 prisoners from each side.
10:16 British Military Reports Gradual Advance of Russian TroopsRussian troops are reportedly making gradual progress in the conflict in eastern Ukraine, according to the British Ministry of Defense. The soldiers are making minor advancements in the vicinity of Wuhledar and south-east of the logistics center Pokrovsk. However, the Russians have not made significant progress towards Pokrovsk itself in the past week.
09:46 Ukraine Reports Drone and Missile AttacksThe Ukrainian military has reported drone and missile attacks in different regions of Ukraine, including in the Odesa, Mykolaiv, and Zaporizhzhia regions. According to the source, these attacks are part of Russia's ongoing military campaign in Ukraine.
Ukraine's air force alleges that Russia attacked the nation with 14 drones during the night. Ten of these drones were successfully taken down by air defense, while a guided missile was also intercepted. Moreover, two ballistic missiles were fired by Russia, but the air force hasn't provided information regarding their fate or any potential damage or casualties they might have caused. Local authorities in the Charkiv region reported fires due to Russian shelling and damage to several buildings in the city of Charkiv.
09:10 Accepting Payments Using Facial Recognition System Expanding in More Russian Subways: Human Rights Advocates Warn of Severe Risks Concerns are rising amongst human rights advocates over Russia's decision to expand a facial recognition-based payment system in its subways. The system known as "Face Pay," which was introduced in Moscow three years ago, is now being offered in six more cities, including Kazan. In this system, passengers have to look into a device equipped with a camera at the turnstile to make payments. Plans are underway to make this payment method available in all Russian subways next year. Russian media reports indicate that in Moscow, street surveillance cameras have been used to detain individuals suspected of involvement in government-critical protests and journalists covering such events. Human rights lawyer Andrei Fedorkov, who works with the outlawed Russian human rights organization Memorial to support political prisoners, is worried that "Face Pay" could also be used for such purposes. He sees "significant" risks and believes it could become an additional tool for surveillance and control of citizens.
08:02 Russia: 29 Drones Shot Down Over Russian Territory Russia's air defense has successfully shot down 29 drones over various regions, according to the Ministry of Defense in Moscow. These drones have reportedly been launched from Ukraine, with the majority of them being intercepted over the Bryansk region, which is adjacent to Ukraine.
07:31 Stegner Defends Attending Anti-Weapons Delivery Protest SPD foreign policy expert Ralf Stegner plans to attend a demonstration where Sahra Wagenknecht, co-founder of the Left Party, is also set to speak. Stegner clarifies that he is not appearing with anyone and will present his views as a Social Democrat. He points out that there are other speakers whose views he does not endorse and various calls whose content he does not support. "As long as fascists, anti-Semites, and racists are excluded, I support freedom of expression." The "national demonstration for peace" on October 3 in Berlin was called by an initiative called "Never Again War - Lay Down Your Arms." The initiative demands negotiations for the immediate cessation of wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and no weapons deliveries to Ukraine, Israel, and the world. The initiative also criticizes the SPD-led federal government for "arming like never before." Criticism of the demo came from SPD foreign policy expert Michael Roth: "That Russia and Hamas are not named as the warmongers is a disgrace." FDP MEP Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann expressed her concern about Stegner's planned appearance, stating, "This is really damaging his party and government."
07:03 Kharkiv Under Siege Again Kharkiv was attacked once more by Russian military forces during the night, according to Ukrainian authorities. The regional governor reported that a building on a hospital campus was damaged, and a fire broke out in an educational institution after a rocket launcher attack. Fortunately, no casualties were reported. Kharkiv is one of Ukraine's most frequently shelled cities, and the second-largest city is only about 30 kilometers from Russia.
06:29 Personnel Resources in Kursk Appear Depleted Due to Ukrainian Offensive The Ukrainian counteroffensive in Russia seems to be significantly impacting personnel resources on the Russian side: According to the Institute for the Study of War's assessment, the offensive has led the Russian military leadership to transfer units from Ukraine to the Kursk region and deploy newly formed troops from Russia in Kursk instead of at the front line in Ukraine. At the outset of the offensive in August, there were reportedly 11,000 Russian soldiers stationed in the Kursk region, with current estimates ranging from 30,000 to 45,000 soldiers.
05:11 Ukraine Commences Production of 155-mm Artillery Shells Ukraine has initiated production of 155-mm artillery shells, as confirmed by a Ukrainian official to the Kyiv Independent. Oleksandr Kamyshin, the former Minister of Strategic Industries and current advisor to President Volodymyr Zelensky, stated that defense material production has doubled during his leadership and will triple by year's end.
03:04 Biden Plans to Strengthen Ukraine's Position During Remaining Term U.S. President Joe Biden is reportedly committed to utilizing the remainder of his term to help Ukraine achieve the best possible position in its conflict with Russia, according to his national security advisor, Jake Sullivan. Speaking at the Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference in Kyiv, Sullivan emphasized Biden's desire to put Ukraine in the best possible position to succeed during the next four months.
01:43 Former British Politicians Urge Labor Leader to Allow Ukraine to Use Long-Range Missiles on Russian Territory Without U.S. Support Five former British defense ministers and former Prime Minister Boris Johnson have reportedly urged Labour leader Keir Starmer to support Ukraine's use of long-range missiles on Russian territory, even without U.S. backing. The Sunday Times reports that they warned Starmer that further delays would embolden Russian President Putin.
00:52 Intelligence Chief: North Korea Poses Significant Threat from Russia's Allies to UkraineAs per the Ukrainian intelligence chief, North Korea poses the most significant threat coming from Russia's allies. During the Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference in Kyiv, Kyrylo Budanov asserted that North Korea's military aid to Russia, including substantial ammunition stocks, is considerably escalating the violence in the region. Moreover, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has expressed interest in strengthening ties with Russia. Ukrainian city, Kiew, is keeping a close eye on Pyongyang's weapon shipments to Moscow and observing their impact on the battlefield. "There's a direct link. They're providing massive artillery, which is quite worrying," Budanov stated in addition. Read more here.
23:21 Ukraine: Russia to Encounter Recruitment Challenges by Mid-2025As reported by Ukraine, Russia may face recruitment difficulties by mid-2025. In Kyiv at a conference, Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov stated that by summer 2025, the Russian government is likely to face a dilemma: either to declare mandatory conscription or decrease the intensity of hostilities. This could have a decisive impact on Russia. No official statement has been made by the Russian government yet.
22:20 Scholz: Russian Attack on Ukraine is 'Absurdly Unwise'German Chancellor Olaf Scholz accuses Russian President Vladimir Putin of jeopardizing Russia's future by attacking Ukraine. "The conflict is absurdly unwise from Russia's perspective," he claims during a citizen dialogue session as an SPD member of the German parliament in Prenzlau, Brandenburg. Putin's imperialistic objectives are causing tens of thousands of Russian soldiers severe injuries and fatalities while damaging Russia's commercial relationships with numerous nations worldwide. "Ukraine's military will become more robust than before," Scholz concludes. Germany will persist in militarily supporting Ukraine to guard against the country's collapse and to prevent a significant violation of rules in Europe from succeeding. "Putin is ruining Russia's future." A peaceful outcome can only be achieved if Russia acknowledges that Ukraine is not a vassal state.
22:01 Ukraine Reports Mixed Success in Kursk RegionUkrainian troops are gaining new territorial control in their advance into the western Russian region of Kursk but are also losing ground due to Russian counter-attacks. According to the pro-government Ukrainian military channel, Deep State, Ukrainian units have seized three additional settlements. However, Russian counter-attacks are pushing back Ukrainian troops in the vicinity of the village of Snagost. A map published by Deep State showcases a noticeable achievement in the Ukrainian defense lines. These developments cannot yet be confirmed objectively. In early August, Ukrainian troops stormed the Russian border region of Kursk and, based on their reports, secured about 1,300 square kilometers and approximately 100 settlements, including the town of Sudzha. Analysts estimate less territorial growth. This week, the Russian military started its first notable attempt to drive out Ukrainian forces.
21:41 USA: Delays in Aid to Ukraine Due to 'Logistical' ChallengesDelays in US military aid to Ukraine are due to "complex logistical issues," according to the US. "This is not a question of political will," says Jake Sullivan, national security advisor to the White House, in Kyiv. "This is about overcoming the challenging and intricate logistics to send this support to the front," Sullivan explained during the Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference, which he attended via video. In light of Ukraine's issues, the US needs to "do better and more," Sullivan acknowledges. US President Joe Biden is "determined" to utilize the remainder of his term to "position Ukraine optimally for victory," he announces. Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will hold talks at the UN General Assembly in New York at the end of September, Sullivan adds.
20:57 Scholz: Prefer Saboteurs of Nord Stream Pipeline to Face Trial in GermanyOlaf Scholz categorizes the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipeline's pipes in the Baltic Sea as a "terrorist action." The Chancellor is adamant that the perpetrators should be prosecuted in Germany. He expressed this during a citizens' dialogue session as an SPD member of the German parliament in Prenzlau, Brandenburg. "This decision is to encourage all security agencies and the Federal Public Prosecutor to investigate the case, disregarding any individuals," he emphasized. "We want to bring the suspects to trial in a German court if we can apprehend them." Scholz also dismissed claims that the federal government has discontinued Russian natural gas. It was Russia that halted gas supplies to Western Europe through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline. The subsequent skyrocketing prices, subsidized rates, and search for other gas sources have cost Germany "over 100 billion euros". The explosions on the pipeline only took place after Russia had already ceased supplying Europe through the Baltic Sea in August. The Federal Public Prosecutor issued its first arrest warrant against a Ukrainian citizen in relation to the sabotage act last month.
20:24 G7 Criticizes Iranian Arms Delivery to RussiaAfter reports of Iran providing rockets to Russia, the G7's democratic powers firmly criticize the supply of weapons. Despite numerous international appeals to halt the shipments, Iran persists in arming Russia, thereby intensifying its military support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as per a joint statement by the foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, the US, and the EU's High Rep. Russia employs Iranian weapons to kill Ukrainian civilians and target vital infrastructure. Recently, the UK and US accused Russia of obtaining ballistic missiles from Iran. Iran denies these allegations. "Iran must immediately halt all backing for Russia's unlawful and unwarranted war against Ukraine and cease the supply of ballistic missiles, drones, and related technology threatening directly the Ukrainian populace and European and international security," the statement published by Italy's G7 presidency states. "We remain resolute in holding Iran accountable for its unacceptable support for Russia's unlawful war in Ukraine, which further impairs global security." Germany, France, and the UK have already imposed new sanctions on Iran, while the EU plans to impose harsher penalties. Learn more here.
19:41 Putin Claims to Encourage Free Speech and InformationThough his jailed critics might find this amusing: Russia's President Vladimir Putin underlines the significance of free speech and information. "In a time when the multifaceted process of multipolarity is developing, it's crucial to shield the principles of information credibility," Putin says in a video message to participants of the Brics countries' media summit in Moscow, celebrating Tass's 120th anniversary. "Authentic freedom of speech, showcasing various viewpoints, facilitates compromises and shared solutions for global issues," Putin adds. Media plays a significant role in constructing a balanced world order by offering individuals a "clear and impartial view of the world." Unfortunately, freedom of speech and media in authoritarian Russia are non-existent. Media that disagree with the government have been prohibited and shut down. Dissenting voices are persecuted in Russia's justice system. Since 1904, the Russian agency Tass has existed, albeit under different names and titles. Tass is considered to be the government's mouthpiece, making it the country's largest news agency.
19:20 Scholz Reasserts His Stance Against Taurus Cruise Missile DeliveryChancellor Olaf Scholz has ruled out delivering long-range precision weapons to Ukraine in the future, regardless of other partners' choices. In a citizen's dialogue in Prenzlau, Brandenburg, he reiterated his opposition to providing Taurus cruise missiles with a range of around 500 kilometers to Ukraine (targeting Moscow). "I said no to that. And that, of course, also applies to other weapons capable of reaching that far," Scholz stated. "That stance remains consistent. Even if other nations make contrasting decisions." (Refer to entry from 17:24 for further details.) The farthest weapon provided by Germany to Ukraine is the Mars II rocket launcher, which can reach targets 84 kilometers away.
Read all previous developments [here].
The President of the Council in the United Nations Security Council could potentially raise the issue of the sanctions against RT, as a means to address the US-Russia tensions.
In the context of the BRICS summit, the President of the Council could play a role in facilitating discussions between President Rouhani and President Putin on the comprehensive cooperation agreement between Iran and Russia.
