Non-Ukrainian individuals will soon have authorization to hold officer positions within the Ukrainian military.
21:44 Patriot System Under Assault in Ukraine: Kyiv Claims Minimal DamageThe Russian military has taken aim at Patriot missile launchers belonging to the American air defense system in Ukraine, but reports suggest minimal damage. According to Yuriy Ignat, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force, only some equipment components were harmed, neither destroyed nor inoperable. The affected Patriot unit continues to function. This information was echoed by a Ukrainian military blogger, who reported on the incident through Telegram. It was indicated that the Russian attack targeted a Patriot unit located in the city of Pavlograd within Dnipropetrovsk region. (Refer to the 14:54 entry.)
21:02 Incident with Russian Training Aircraft in Volgograd RegionA Russian military training aircraft is reported to have experienced an accident in the Volgograd region. As per Russian war blogger Ilya Tumanoff's post on Telegram, the incident occurred during a training session. The rescue team managed to extract the crew, who are currently recovering at a hospital. The crash was attributed to a technical malfunction.
20:23 Tragic Death of Ukrainian Journalist in Russian CustodyIn a grim development, Ukrainian journalist Victoria Roshchyna passed away in Russian captivity. Petro Jazenko, the head of Ukraine's coordination team for prisoners, confirmed this news on Ukrainian television. The circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear at present. Roshchyna was to be exchanged imminently, yet, the cause of her untimely demise remains a mystery. Rumors indicate that she had embarked on a prolonged hunger strike.
19:38 Chechen Leader Warns Russian Politicians of Blood FeudChechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov hurled threats against three North Caucasus Russian politicians over accusations of plotting to assassinate him. Addressing his security personnel in Grozny, he pointed fingers at Suleiman Kerimov, senator in the Russian Federation Council, Riswan Kurbanov, deputy in the State Duma in Moscow, and Bekhan Barakhoev, Duma deputy from the neighboring republic of Ingushetia. Kadyrov's threats were triggered by a business conflict involving Russia's largest online retailer, Wildberries. This conflict escalated to a shooting incident in Moscow, claiming two lives, in September.
19:08 NATO Secretary-General Rutte: No Anxiety Over Potential Trump ReturnNATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte once again urged alliance members to maintain a composed stance regarding Donald Trump's prospective re-election as US President. Rutte emphasized that Trump acknowledges the conflict in Ukraine against Russia as being uniquely pertinent to American security. He further asserted, "He agrees with me that this fight is not exclusively pertaining to Ukraine, but carries significant implications for American future security as well."
18:30 Field Commander Highlights Ukrainian Officer's BlundersA field commander from the 28th mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces revealed common errors committed by higher-ranking officers on the battlefield in an interview with RBC Ukraine. The commander, codenamed "Kurt," outlined that the majority of such mistakes occur during rotations or when assuming fresh positions. Poor planning or lack thereof often results in complications when reshuffling troops to new locations. According to "Kurt," mismanagement and unprofessional behavior by several officers often result in the loss of positions, personnel, and equipment.
17:57 Ukraine: Nearly 60 Russian Attacks on Port Facilities in Three MonthsRussian forces have attacked port facilities in Ukraine around 60 times within third months, as per Ukrainian reports. Vice Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba claims that the frequency and intensity of these attacks are on the rise. The objective is to disrupt Ukraine's maritime exports and foster a crisis in regions dependent on Ukrainian grain supplies. As a result, close to 300 port facilities have been destroyed or damaged, while 22 civilian ships have been hit.
17:27 Russian Government Denies Using North Korean SoldiersThe Russian government has refuted allegations of deploying North Korean soldiers in its conflict against Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman, Dmitri Peskov, dismissed these claims as "fake news." Ukrainian newspaper "Kyiv Post" had earlier reported, citing intelligence sources, that six North Korean soldiers had lost their lives in a Ukrainian rocket attack on Russian-held territories in Donetsk. South Korea's Defense Minister, Kim Yong Hyun, expressed skepticism, while acknowledging the likelihood of these claims being true. According to Ukrainian Army's Center for Countering Disinformation's head, Andriy Kowalenko, the number of North Korean soldiers in Ukraine is "minimally small," primarily comprising sentry personnel.
16:51 September: Deadliest Month for Russia in War Since BeginningRussia has suffered its highest casualties in September, as per British intelligence reports. The average daily death toll and casualty rate inflated to 1,271 killed and wounded soldiers between September 1st and 30th. This marks the highest daily toll rate since May, which had stood at 1,262 soldiers. September represents the fifth consecutive month with an average daily loss rate exceeding 1,000 soldiers.
16:25 Rutte: Meeting with Zelensky on Long-Range WeaponsUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has had chats with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Chief Mark Rutte about possibly using long-range weapons against Russia, as he mentioned. The end result is still unclear. "I am thankful for the UK's ongoing support of our country in defense, including long-range weapons," Zelensky writes on X. Starmer shares that the UK wants to aid Ukraine in achieving a strong stance. "However, no war has ever been won with a single weapon. And concerning Storm Shadow, the stance of the British government on the use of long-range missiles remains unchanged," Starmer explains. Rutte clarifies to journalists about long-range weapons: "We discussed it today, but ultimately, it's up to each ally individually."
15:37 US Analysts: Russians Pursue Rapid Attack MomentumUS military analysts speculate that the Russian military command has ordered a swift series of attacks to make progress before autumn sets in - the so-called Rasputitsa - which will make attacks more complex, according to a new report by the US-based think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Since late July, Russian forces have been attacking relentlessly in the Donetsk area of eastern Ukraine, as per ISW. The Russian military leadership is likely planning an amplified push to advance further and capture the cities of Kurakhove and Pokrovsk. Analysts anticipate that the Russians will not halt their advance even in unfavorable conditions, but it will be less effective. ISW forecasts that the current Russian offensive will reach its peak in the coming months, yet this doesn't signify the termination of the advance in eastern Ukraine during autumn and early winter.
14:54 Moscow: Patriot System Targeted in Air StrikeThe Russian military claims to have attacked a Patriot air defense system provided by the US in a strike. Two launch platforms for Patriot missiles, a control unit, and a radar were hit, as reported by the defense ministry. As per army reports, one of the Patriot launch stations was destroyed and another was damaged. Ukrainian soldiers and additional military equipment were also hit in the attack. The Russian assertions about the attack cannot be confirmed independently.
14:19 NATO Begins Nuclear Training ExerciseNATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has announced that the alliance's annual nuclear exercise, "Steadfast Noon," will commence on the following Monday. The two-week exercise will see 60 aircraft from 13 countries participate, including F-35A fighter jets and B-52 bombers. Key locations include the UK, the North Sea, Belgium, and the Netherlands. "In an uncertain world, it's essential that we test and fortify our defense so our opponents understand that NATO is prepared and capable of responding to any threat," Rutte says.
13:51 Two Russian MiG-31Ks Arrive in BelarusFor the second day in a row, a MiG-31K capable of carrying hypersonic Kinzhal missiles has landed in Belarus from Russia, as reported by the Ukrainian Pravda portal, citing a Belarusian project monitoring military activities. There had not been any such aircraft from the Russian air force in Belarus for 1.5 years.
13:11 Ukraine Verifies Destruction of Fuel Depot Following Attack on Russian Military BaseUkraine has confirmed an attack on a Russian military airbase in the southern Russian Caucasus region of Adygeya. A fuel and lubricant depot at the base in Maykop was destroyed and set ablaze, according to the head of Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation, Andriy Kowalenko. Earlier, Ukrainian media reported that a military airport had been hit. Local authorities stated that a suburb of Maykop had been struck by "enemy drones."
12:35 Ukraine Boosts War Taxes DramaticallyThe Ukrainian parliament has increased taxes further to finance the war. Key to this is an increase in the 2014-introduced war levy on income-dependent employed individuals from 1.5 to 5 percent. However, this will not apply to soldiers.
12:08 Ukraine Denies Reports of Readiness for TruceAn advisor to President Zelensky, Dmytro Lytwyn, has denied a report by the Italian newspaper "Corriere della Sera" claiming that Zelensky is ready for 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 British government's headquarters in London, where he will meet with representatives from the British government and NATO to discuss his war plans against Russia. He is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte before traveling to Berlin and Paris for talks.
11:21 Russian Military Equipment Manufacturers Use Plentiful German MachinesAccording to an investigation by SWR, German machinery is being widely used by Russian military suppliers. The broadcaster identified over 30 German manufacturers whose machinery was imported to Russia last year, most of which are based in Baden-Württemberg. In total, more than 300 machines made in Germany were sent to the aggressor. In about two-thirds of the cases, the machines were dispatched to Russia via Turkey. The German manufacturers claimed that they were unaware of this and that they adhere to sanctions.
10:57 Injuries and 29 Damaged Structures After Assaults on SaporishshyaAs per officials, four individuals were harmed and 29 structures were damaged in Russian airstrikes on the southern Ukrainian city of Saporishshya this morning. Reports suggest that Russia utilized glide bombs, as stated by the Ukrainian police. Although the city is under Ukrainian control, the nearby nuclear power plant is controlled by Russian military forces. Russia has declared the entire region as part of its sovereign territory and is attempting to seize it through heavy assaults.
10:22 Reported Strike on Military Airbase in Caucasus RegionUkrainian news outlets claim a military airbase was hit during the attack on the southern Russian Caucasus region of Adygeya. However, the extent of the damage fluctuates. This morning, local authorities reported the evacuation of the adjacent village of Rodnikovy.
09:37 Footage Showcases Major Blasts at Russian Drone WarehouseVideo footage from Russia's southern Krasnodar region displays flames, explosions, and showers of sparks during yesterday's attack on a drone facility. The building reportedly housed around 400 drones of the Iranian Shahed type:
08:53 Production of Stealth Jet Su-57 Almost Halted, Report ClaimsBased on a report by the British "Telegraph", production of the stealth fighter Su-57 in Russia has almost stalled. The reason, according to Ukrainian analysts from Frontelligence Insight, is a lack of components, especially for electronics, due to Western sanctions.
08:29 Russia States It Downed Over 90 Ukrainian DronesRussian Defense Ministry indicates that Russia shot down 92 Ukrainian drones overnight, according to the Kyiv Independent. From these, 47 were intercepted over the southwestern Krasnodar region, where Ukraine is reported to have destroyed a depot with around 400 drones yesterday.
07:57 Economist Advises Radical Shift in German Military SpendingKiel economist Moritz Schularick recommends a fundamental reevaluation of German military expenditure. "If we exempt defense spending from the debt constraint, we can genuinely develop capabilities in the long-term," says the president of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. The federal special fund of over 100 billion euros alone is not sufficient, he states. "The problem with special funds is that they are often just a drop in the ocean compared to the requirement and not a permanent financing solution." Germany must not grow more reliant on the U.S. arms industry, he suggests. "These are things we should possess domestically."
07:41 Russia Attracts African Women for Drone AssemblyApproximately 200 women from Africa are manufacturing drones in Russia for use in the Ukraine conflict. Women affected by this shared with news agency AP that they were lured by social media ads promising a free flight ticket, money, and an overseas adventure. They had to pass a computer game and a Russian vocabulary test covering 100 words. Instead of participating in a work-study program in fields like hospitality, some women discovered upon arrival that they had to work in a weapons factory. There, they have to assemble drones developed in Iran, which are subsequently utilized to attack Ukraine.
07:21 Ukraine Strikes Deep into Russia's Territory AgainAccording to authorities, a village in Russia's southern Caucasus region of Adygea has been evacuated following a blaze caused by a drone attack. The village, Rodnikovy, was struck in the outskirts of the city of Maykop, with no casualties reported. Near the city lies a military airport. In recent weeks, Ukraine has escalated 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 USA Predicts Ukraine Can Hold Territory in Russian Kursk for Extended PeriodAccording to a US assessment, Ukraine can maintain control over the territory it claims in the Russian region of Kursk for at least several months, if not longer. This is reported by the financial news agency Bloomberg, citing high-ranking US officials. The officials, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that Ukraine has not faced significant challenges in providing the region, as Russian forces have only launched limited counterattacks and focused on advances in eastern Ukraine. The Kyiv forces now also have a more stable supply of artillery ammunition, thanks in part to the efforts of their allies, after months of shortages, the officials said.
06:25 Pro-Russian Activists Prohibited from Entering GermanyTwo pro-Russian activists claim they are no longer permitted to enter Germany. Elena Kolbasnikova stated in a video posted on Telegram that she and her partner Max Schlund received a letter from the Cologne city administration barring them from entering Germany for 20 years. The letter stated that they posed a threat to Germany's security. The couple had organized pro-Kremlin demonstrations in Germany since the start of Russia's war against Ukraine. An investigation published last year identified them as key figures of the pro-Moscow stance 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 Declares Ex-US Soldier Guilty of 'Mercenary' ActsAn absentee Russian court has found former American soldier Trevor Reed guilty of engaging in 'mercenary' activities during his service in Ukraine, as per the Russian Investigative Committee. Reed allegedly chose to join the Ukrainian armed forces in 2023 and was subsequently sentenced to 14.5 years in prison. He reportedly operated in the Donetsk region. The US State Department confirmed in July 2022 that Reed, who was previously released in an exchange of prisoners in April 2022, had suffered injuries from fighting in Ukraine.
05:30 Ukrainian News Outlet "Ukrajinska Prawda" Accuses Presidential Office of InterferenceUkrainian news platform "Ukrajinska Prawda" (Ukrainian Truth) has raised concerns over alleged meddling from the presidential office in Kyiv. The outlet stated that attempts have been made to manipulate its editorial policies, such as banning contact with its journalists and preventing advertisement on the site. Additionally, there have been pressures on companies to stop supporting the platform. "Ukrajinska Prawda" did not disclose specific instances of this interference, but has vowed to publicize any further such attempts by the presidential office staff. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had previously clashed with journalists and shut down news outlets before the Russian invasion in February 2022.
03:50 Klitschko Expresses Concerns Over Tough Ukrainian WinterKyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko urged peace for Ukraine during celebrations commemorating the 35th anniversary of the Leipzig Peace Revolution. He expressed concern about the difficult winter ahead, with numerous Ukrainian cities and communities devastated. In a prayer at St. Nicholas Church, Klitschko expressed hope for peace. Leipzig remains a partner city to Kyiv.
02:05 Zelensky's European Travels for Discussions on Russian InvasionUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is currently visiting Germany, France, the UK, and Italy for discussions on the ongoing Russian invasion of his country. This Thursday at 3 pm, Zelensky will be received by French President Emmanuel Macron for a "bilateral meeting," according to French officials. Zelensky has also announced meetings with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in the near future. On Friday, Zelensky will meet with Pope Francis at the Vatican.
00:01 Tragic Losses in Odessa from Russian Rocket StrikeAt least six individuals have perished and eleven more have been injured, five severely, in the Russian rocket attack on the Southern Ukrainian port city of Odessa. The targeted area was once again the port infrastructure, according to military governor Oleh Kiper's message on Telegram. The assault reportedly struck a civilian container ship under the Panamanian flag. The casualties are all Ukrainian citizens. These attacks on civilian vessels, aimed at disrupting the grain corridor established by Ukraine, have occurred three times in the past four days.
22:58 Russian Court Convicts Activist of Long Prison TermA Russian court sentenced activist Eugene Mishchenko to 12 years imprisonment on Wednesday for alleged support of a pro-Ukrainian group. Mishchenko is accused of providing information to the illegal Russian Freedom Legion, a primarily Russian Putin opponents-backed group based in Ukraine, according to RIA Novosti. As reported by the independent Russian news portal Mediazona, Mishchenko is a part of the "Nemtsov Bridge" group, which honors the memory of Boris Nemtsov, a Kremlin critic who was assassinated on a bridge in Moscow in 2015.
21:59 Zelensky Urges EU to Expand to Include All Democratic European NationsUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is advocating for the European Union (EU) to unite all democratic European nations. He urged for stability in the continent's unity during a summit in Croatia with leaders of Balkan nations. He also signed an agreement covering defense and mine clearance with Croatia. "If Europe is not united now, it will not be peaceful, so ongoing accession processes must lead to a conclusion," Zelensky stated. He is not only advocating for Ukraine's EU entry, which started last June, but also for several Balkan countries that have been seeking EU membership for years.
21:25 Ukrainian Military Claims Russian Drone Depot Hit in KrasnodarThe Ukrainian military claims to have successfully targeted and destroyed a Russian drone depot in the Krasnodar region of Russia. The General Staff of Ukraine reported a direct hit, resulting in a subsequent explosion. Approximately 400 Iranian-made Shahed drones were believed to be stored in the targeted building. "The destruction of the Shahed drone depot will severely hamper the ability of Russian occupiers to scare Ukrainian civilians in cities and towns," stated the General Staff. Russian authorities confirmed a fire in a warehouse near Oktyabrsky village, with about 800 square meters burnt. However, they did not clarify the cause of the fire or the content of the warehouse.
20:51 Southeast Europe Meeting: Dozen Nations Call for Russia's Exit from UkraineTwelve nations in Southeast Europe, along with Turkey, have consensus that Russia vacating all occupied territories in Ukraine is essential for tranquility. They endorse the peace proposal of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukraine's joining NATO. This stance is voiced in the concluding declaration of their meeting in Dubrovnik, Croatia, co-signed by Zelensky and the leaders of the participating nations. Notably, Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic, renowned for his delicate diplomacy between the West and Russia, also put his signature on the declaration. Vucic managed to eliminate from the meeting's concluding declaration a proposed sanction against Russia, as indicated by Croatian media reports.
You can dive into the previous occurrences here.)
After the Russian military targeted a Patriot missile launcher unit in Ukraine, a military analyst speculated that the Russian military command is pursuing rapid attack momentum before the autumn sets in, aiming to make progress before the conditions become more complex.
Moreover, following the Russian attack on a Patriot unit in Pavlograd, the Ukrainian military reported that a Patriot unit had continued to function despite some equipment components being harmed.
