North Korea characterizes U.S. military support as tinkering with danger
North Korea Blames Illegal Arms Deals to Russia, Calls $8 Billion US Aid to Ukraine a Foolish Move and a Dangerous Game against Nuclear Power Russia North Korea condemns Russia for alleged illegal arms supplies and views the $8 billion military aid the US has pledged to Ukraine as a reckless act and a dangerous escalation against nuclear-armed Russia. The new aid, announced by US President Joe Biden during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Washington, aims to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities, with a focus on weapons with increased range, enabling Ukraine to strike Russia from a secure distance.
00:25 Casualties Rise to Ten in Russian Attack on Sumy Hospital After a Russian air strike on a hospital in the Ukrainian border city of Sumy, a total of ten deaths have been reported. The first attack on the hospital killed one person, according to Ukrainian Interior Minister Igor Klymenko. The hospital was subsequently targeted during the evacuation of patients, resulting in further fatalities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accuses Russia of waging a "hospital war."
22:54 US is Highly Interested in Zelenskyy's "Victory Plan" According to Serhiy Nykyforov, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Presidential Office, the US government shows significant interest in President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's so-called "victory plan." Contrary to media reports suggesting a cautious stance from the US, Nykyforov asserts that the plan has been positively received. He reveals that US President Joe Biden has promised to address the plan during the Ramstein Contact Group meeting in Germany on October 12, with potential decisions and responses.
22:25 Zelenskyy Expects Trump's Support if He Secures Re-election Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy anticipates that Donald Trump will support Ukraine if he wins the November election. Zelenskyy spoke with Fox News following a meeting with the US Republican. He indicates that Trump has personally assured him of his support for Ukraine. "I don't know what will happen after the elections and who will be the president," Zelenskyy says. "But I have received direct information from Donald Trump that he will be on our side, that he will support Ukraine."
21:40 Lavrov Warns Against Fighting a Nuclear Power "To the End" In his speech at the United Nations General Assembly, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov cautions against wanting to engage a nuclear power, namely Russia, in a full-scale conflict. Lavrov describes such attempts as a "suicidal undertaking." Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously threatened to use nuclear weapons in response to any conventional attack on Russia that is backed by a nuclear power.
20:52 Explosion Damages Railway Bridge in Russian Region of Samara A railway bridge in the Russian region of Samara has suffered damage following an explosion. The concrete structures supporting the tracks have reportedly been affected. The explosion occurred around 13:30 local time near the city of Kinel, and rail traffic over the bridge has been temporarily suspended.
20:02 Patrushev Accuses West of Trying to Isolate Kaliningrad Nikolai Patrushev, an advisor to Russian President Vladimir Putin, accuses the West of attempting to isolate the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. He claims that Western countries are using sanctions to significantly impede the passage of freight and passengers to the region. Responding to these challenges, Moscow plans to transfer the majority of road and rail cargo traffic between Kaliningrad and the Russian mainland to sea routes.
19:10 Lavrov Suggests US and UK Conspire to Destroy Russia Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov rejects the possibility of mending international relations. In his speech at the United Nations General Assembly, Lavrov questions the credibility of global collaboration given the West's destruction of supposedly "untouchable values" of globalization. He suspects a British-American conspiracy to obliterate Russia, citing allegations of secret plans to dismantle the former Soviet Union as early as 1945. "Today's Anglo-Saxon strategists have no qualms about disclosing their intentions," Russia's Foreign Minister asserts. "They intend to bring down Russia through the illegitimate Nazi regime in Kyiv, but they are simultaneously preparing Europe for a self-destructive endeavor."
18:22 Ukrainian Supreme Court Judge Killed in Russian Drone Strike In a drone attack carried out by Russia, a judge of the Ukrainian Supreme Court has been killed. Leonid Lobojko, aged 61, was killed when a drone hit his vehicle in a suburb of the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. Three women in the car sustained serious injuries. At the time of the attack, Lobojko was distributing humanitarian aid in the region. The Ukrainian Supreme Court confirmed Lobojko's death and extended its condolences to his family.
17:28 Ukraine: Russia Gears Up for Assaults in Saporizhzhia RegionRussian soldiers are readying themselves for attacks in the southern Saporizhzhia region, based on Ukrainian intel. Ukrainian Armed Forces' Southern Command's spokesperson, Vladyslav Voloshin, stated on national television that Moscow is amassing troops near the occupied village of Pryjutne. He added that Russian troops in the area have been issued 25 light buggies, which could be utilized by small squads for offensive activities. "This suggests we're preparing for near-future offensives targeted at Saporizhzhia," Voloshin said. However, a bigger offensive would require more troops, he pointed out.
16:36 Ukraine Declares Death of Russian Drone Center Chief in Moscow RegionThe Ukrainian military intelligence service, HUR, claims the demise of Russian Colonel Alexei Kolomeitsev in Moscow's Kolomna city. According to HUR, Kolomeitsev served as the head of the 924th State Center (Military Unit No. 20924) for unmanned aerial vehicles in the Russian Ministry of Defense. This unit is responsible for educating specialists for drone combat operations, including the Shahed drones. HUR underscores the colonel's involvement in alleged war crimes against Ukraine.
15:50 Baltic States and Poland Seek EU Aid for Border DefenseThe Baltic countries, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, aim to request EU financial assistance for constructing defensive bunkers, barriers, and military bases at their borders with Russia and Belarus. Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said, "This defense line's necessity arises due to the security situation." He also mentioned that this initiative aligns with NATO's new defense concept. According to him, coordinating activities with Poland is crucial. In January, the Baltic states announced the "Baltic Defense Line" project, while Poland announced its "Eastern Shield" project in May.
15:12 Russia Threatens Legal Action over Nord Stream SabotageRussia indicates willingness to bring the alleged sabotage of Nord Stream pipelines to court. The Russian Foreign Ministry has filed "pre-trial claims" against Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Switzerland based on antiterrorism agreements. If the matter isn't resolved during this phase, Russia will proceed with legal action at the International Court of Justice, asserting that the West won't escape scrutiny.
14:26 NATO Official: Kursk Offensive Creates a Problem for PutinNATO Military Committee Chair Admiral Robert Bauer believes the Ukrainian offensive in the Russian Kursk region poses a strategic challenge for Putin. He stated, on Interfax Ukraine, "For the first time since 1941, a foreign power is on Russian soil." This, he added, presents both strategic and operational problems for Russia. According to Bauer, Kyiv is creating a "strategic dilemma" for Moscow, as Putin can't claim defense of the motherland when Ukraine is on Russian soil.
13:44 Ukraine Reports Eight Dead in Sumy from Russian Drone StrikesThe death toll from Russian drone attacks in Sumy has increased to eight, according to Ukrainian authorities. Eleven wounded individuals are currently receiving medical care, and 113 patients have been transported from the struck hospital. Earlier, a Russian drone hit a clinic, killing one person and injuring several others, leading to evacuations. During the evacuation, another Russian drone strike occurred. Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed concern when the death toll was at seven.
12:56 Blinken Evaluates Zelensky's Ukraine Victory PlanU.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scrutinizing Ukraine's "victory plan" presented by President Volodymyr Zelensky to U.S. President Biden during their White House meeting. Zelensky appealed for permission to utilize Western weapons for long-range attacks on Russian military targets. Blinken confirmed that the U.S. government and Ukraine's partners are examining the plan's specifics and may consider additional measures to support a Ukrainian victory. Despite Blinken advocating for a harder stance in the Ukraine war, this policy is not yet being implemented by Biden.
12:25 London: Over 2000 Attacks on Ukrainian Medical Facilities since War BeganThe British Ministry of Defense reported 2013 attacks on Ukrainian medical facilities since Russia's invasion in February 2022. Staff have been targeted 235 times. In July 2022 alone, Russian forces shelled a children's hospital in Kyiv. Since the conflict began, these attacks on Ukraine's healthcare system have resulted in 176 fatalities, as per the ministry.
11:48 Ukraine Reports Four Dead After Police Headquarters Attack in Kryvyi RihThe number of fatalities in Russia's assault on the police headquarters in Kryvyi Rih has grown to four. One police officer is still believed to be trapped under the ruins, and rescue efforts are ongoing, as per Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs. Kryvyi Rih experienced its second police center attack within two days.
10:58 Military Analyst: Russian Advance in Kursk ProgressingAmerican military analyst Mick Ryan suggests that the Russian advance in Kursk is making some progress. In August, Ukrainian forces moved into the Russian region of Kursk and seized territory. Following an initial shock, the Russians are putting up a fight. They're regaining ground, albeit at a slower pace, as per Ryan's assessment. A potential Ukrainian push west of the Russian counterattack may have posed a threat to the Russians' flank security and cut off hundreds of Russian troops, according to Ryan, based on information from the U.S. Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
10:30 Ukrainian Air Defenses: 69 Drone Strikes RepelledThe Ukrainian Air Force reports that Russian troops launched 73 combat drones and 4 missiles against Ukraine overnight on Saturday. Ukrainian defenses managed to intercept 69 drones and 2 missiles. The number of casualties from a Russian drone attack on a hospital in the Sumy Oblast has risen to 7.
09:52 Shift in U.S.-Ukraine Relations: Zelensky and Trump MeetAfter a five-year hiatus, there are face-to-face discussions between Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump had recently criticized U.S. aid to Ukraine.
09:39 ISW: Limited Long-Range Attacks Could Alter War's TrajectoryThe Institute for the Study of War (ISW) suggests that a few limited long-range attacks could significantly alter the direction of the war.
09:18 Ukrainian Military: Over 1400 Russian Casualties in Past 24 HoursAccording to the Ukrainian Military, Russian forces have suffered another 1470 casualties in the past 24 hours, either killed or wounded. This brings the total casualties since the start of the full-scale invasion two and a half years ago to 650,640. In the past 24 hours, Russia has also lost 42 armored combat vehicles, 14 tanks, 62 drones, and 55 artillery systems.
08:57 Hospital Attacked in Sumy, 6 KilledRussian forces attacked a hospital in Sumy, resulting in 6 deaths, according to the military administration of the Sumy Oblast. The attack was carried out using Shahed drones, followed by another drone attack on a residential area and a further attack on the hospital while rescue workers were evacuating patients and staff. The air force also reported that the Russians had dropped guided bombs on the Sumy Oblast.
08:21 Environmental Concerns Raised Over Russian Oil Exports to Baltic SeaFollowing Greenpeace's allegations of Russian oil exports via the Baltic Sea, Schleswig-Holstein's Environment Minister Tobias Goldschmidt raises concerns over the potential dangers posed by tankers to the Baltic coast. "The Russian regime is blatantly disregarding the oil embargo imposed in response to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine," said Goldschmidt, a Green Party politician. This war is posing a threat to already struggling seas. Several Western countries accuse Russia of using almost seaworthy ships to evade EU sanctions due to the war of aggression. "The risk of an oil spill is increasing," warns Goldschmidt. "And this oil would mainly end up on our shores, from Fehmarn to Eckernförde."
07:52 Ukrainian Forces Hold Out Against Russian OffensivesHeavy fighting continues between Ukrainian and Russian troops in eastern Ukraine. Pokrovsk and its surrounding areas were the focal point of clashes yesterday, with Russian forces attempting to advance against them for months. The General Staff in Kyiv reported in its evening situation report that 19 Russian advances against Ukrainian defense lines had been repelled during the day. "Ukrainian defenders are holding their ground despite the intense pressure," it stated. Russian troops are attempting to approach the city from various angles and secure their advance against Ukrainian counterattacks. Heavy fighting also took place in the region around Kurachove, with around 17 Russian attacks repelled during the day. The reports on combat operations cannot be independently verified.
07:41 Zelensky Views U.S. Visit Positively
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky did not secure approval for extensive use of Western weapons in the U.S. However, he considers his visit to be positive. "Every discussion went as needed," he said in a video address on the platform X. The Ukrainian peace plan was presented in America. "Now our teams need to work on implementing each step and every decision." In Washington, Zelensky met with U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, as well as Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, to lobby for continued support for Ukraine's defense against Russia. He also presented his country's defense needs to the Council on Foreign Relations.
06:56 Negotiations Underway for Return of Detained Ukrainian Children
Recently, nine children who were taken by Russia during the war have been rescued, according to Ukrainian reports. (See entry from 02:18) Many of them had lost one or both parents due to the war and were given to their grandparents, according to Dmytro Lubinez, the Ombudsman for Human Rights. Authorities in Qatar are currently negotiating for the return of more children. They have been given a list of 751 children for whom the necessary paperwork has been completed, Lubinez explained. According to Ukrainian authorities, since the start of the war, about 20,000 children have been illegally taken to Russia, of whom only a few hundred have been returned home.
United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken conveyed to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi the American worry over China supporting Russia's weapon manufacturing sector. Blinken stated, "If China claims it yearns for peace and an end to the conflict on one hand, but on the other, enables its businesses to participate in actions that prolong Putin's aggression, it's not logically sound," as per a conference press statement. Wang, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, declared China's stance on the Ukrainian conflict, highlighting the necessity for peace through dialogue.
05:31 Ukrainians Eliminate Russian Troops on Jet Ski with Drone
The Ukrainian military reportedly extinguished two Russian soldiers aboard a jet ski with the aid of a drone, as reported by the pro-Ukrainian site Defense Express. The Russians were navigating the Dnipro River on the jet ski. A video shared by activist Serhiy Sternenko shows the drone, fitted with an explosive gadget, targeting the jet ski.
04:10 Mediazona: Over 71,000 Russian Troops Losing Lives
As per a report by the autonomous Russian news outlet Mediazona, more than 71,000 Russian soldiers have perished in Ukraine. Since mid-September, nearly 2,000 additional soldiers have lost their lives in the conflict. Mediazona remarks that the genuine figures are likely much higher, as they base their information on verified sources, such as obituaries, posts from relatives on social media, regional media reports, and notifications from local authorities.
02:18 Nine Abducted Children Return to Ukraine
Nine children who were taken to Russia since the conflict have returned to their homeland. This was facilitated by Qatar, which served as an intermediary, as reported by Dmitro Lubinez, the country's ombudsman. On Telegram, he noted that the children, aged between 13 and 17, along with a 20-year-old male, were involved in the operation. The return was part of a negotiated plan and was mediated by Qatar. The information was initially difficult to confirm independently. The children had been separated from their parents or guardians by the occupiers and hailed from places such as Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, or Luhansk, Lubinez wrote further.
00:31 Lukashenko: "An Attack on Belarus Signals World War III"
The head of state of the former Soviet nation of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, accused NATO of having attack plans against his country and threatened to use nuclear weapons. "An attack on Belarus means World War III," Lukashenko declared, according to the state news agency Belta, at an event before students in Minsk. Both Belarus and its ally Russia would employ nuclear weapons in that scenario. Lukashenko also thanked Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin for the recent adjustments to Russia's nuclear policy. In his speech, Lukashenko claimed that NATO has concrete attack plans against Belarus. "Americans and Poles have already taken up positions along the border, especially on the Polish side. We know that the Polish leadership is already excited," he asserted. They are prepared and will respond promptly. Belarus is not a nuclear power in its own right; however, tactical nuclear weapons from Russia have been stationed on its territory since the end of 2023.
23:10 Former US Commander Hodges and Others Recommend Bold Actions from Biden against Russia
A group of former military personnel and experts advocated for decisive actions by US President Joe Biden to end the conflict in Ukraine's interest and address any potential threat from China. Among them are former commander of US forces in Europe, Ben Hodges, and former NATO deputy commander, German Army Major General Gert-Johannes Hagemann, who urged actions against Russia and also with regard to China. They urged the easing of restrictions on the use of Western weapons against Russia to attack "military and logistical targets" on Russian soil. Furthermore, they demanded the delivery of 300 Abrams tanks and 1000 armored personnel carriers to Ukraine and a comprehensive arms and technology embargo against Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, Belarus, and Azerbaijan. They also proposed an expansion of NATO beyond its transatlantic borders to include Japan, Australia, South Korea, the Philippines, and "any other democratic country that expresses its desire to join."
22:15 Russian Intelligence Examines Overseas Journalists over Kursk Coverage
The Russian domestic intelligence agency FSB is investigating three additional foreign journalists over their coverage from the Ukrainian-controlled territories in the Russian border region of Kursk. Affected are Kathryn Diss and Fletcher Yeung from the Australian broadcaster ABC News, as well as Romanian journalist Mircea Barbu, who are accused of illegally crossing the Russian border, according to the Russian news agency RIA Novosti. The journalists face up to five years in prison. However, all three do not appear to be present in Russia. Several international media outlets, such as the German broadcaster Deutsche Welle, the US news channel CNN, and the Italian broadcaster Rai, have reported from the Ukrainian-controlled territories in Kursk.
21:35 White House Dismisses Republican's 'Fake News' over Zelensky's VisitThe White House dismisses the false accusations made in Congress by Republicans, claiming Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky illegally meddled in the US election by touring a weapons factory. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre labels the allegation a "fake news stunt" and urges Republicans to drop it. The Ukrainian team requested the visit, which was arranged by the Defense Ministry by organizing transportation. "This is common practice," Jean-Pierre clarifies. Zelensky also visited the manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania during his lengthy US trip. It's here where 155mm artillery shells, urgently required by Ukraine, are produced. Several Democrats, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, were in attendance. In response, Republicans in Congress initiated an investigation and the House Speaker demanded that Zelensky dismiss the Ukrainian ambassador to the US in a letter.
21:09 Global Powers Criticize Russia's Nuclear War ThreatChina, Brazil, and other nations issue warnings against the use or threat of nuclear weapons against Ukraine. "We call for the abandonment of using or threatening to use weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons, as well as chemical and biological weapons," a joint statement proclaims. Twelve countries express their "deep worry" over the risk of "escalation" in Ukraine: "Civilian infrastructure, including peaceful nuclear facilities and other energy facilities, should not be the target of military operations." The statement was issued following Russian President Vladimir Putin's threats this week. He suggested that Russia might use nuclear weapons in response to severe air attacks on Russian territory and could consider any supported attack by a nuclear power as "joint" aggression. Zelensky also accused Russia of planning to attack Ukrainian nuclear reactors.
Here you can find all previous developments.
In light of the escalating tensions and military actions between Russia and Ukraine, it's reasonable to consider the implications of such conflicts, including the threat of cyberwarfare. Here are two sentences that contain the term 'Cyberwar' and could potentially follow from the given text:
- Fearing a potential retaliation in the cyber realm, Ukraine increases its efforts to bolster its cybersecurity defenses and collaborates with international cybersecurity organizations to counter Russian cyberattacks, aiming to prevent any catastrophic damage during the ongoing conflict.
- The growing tensions between Russia and Ukraine raise concerns about the potential for a cyberwar, as both countries possess advanced cyber capabilities. Experts warn that a large-scale cyberattack could disrupt critical infrastructure, potentially leading to severe economic and societal disruptions in either country.
