Numerous Coal Miners Ensnared in Donetsk Following Russian Attacks
15:08 150 Miners Stuck in Dobropillia Due to Power Outage Stemming from Russian Assaults
150 miners find themselves stranded in Dobropillia's coal mine due to a power outage initiated by Russian assaults in the Donetsk region. This information is shared by the "Kyiv Independent" and attributes this claim to Mychailo Volynets, the head of the Ukrainian miners' union. Dobropillia, once home to around 28,000 people, is situated nearly 20 kilometers north of Pokrovsk. Dobropillia has been a primary target for Russian forces over the past few months. Russian raids have disrupted the power supply for Dobropillia and neighboring settlements, including the coal mines. The power outage has led the mines to fill with gas and flood. Volynets makes note of the region's challenging circumstances.
17:08 Sweden Increases Civil Defense Budget amid Threat of War
Sweden plans to boost its civil defense budget by double its current amount over the next three years to cope with the potential risks of war. "The lessons from the Ukraine war show the importance of ensuring the operation of key societal sectors," the Swedish government stated. Swedish Minister of Civil Defense Carl-Oskar Bohlin mentioned they will augment the budget for civil defense to 8.5 billion kronor (740 million euros) this year, up from 6.5 billion kronor last year. The objective is to reach an annual budget of 15 billion kronor by 2028. "The security situation remains precarious and will remain critical in the foreseeable future," Bohlin stated.
16:39 Putin Warns NATO would be at War with Russia if West Allows Long-Range Weapons for Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that if the West permits Ukraine to utilize long-range weapons against Russian targets, NATO would be plunged into "war" with Russia. "Should this decision be made, this would indicate that NATO countries are engaged in a conflict with Russia," Putin mentioned to a state TV reporter. If this resolution is passed, it would actually signal "direct involvement of NATO countries in the conflict in Ukraine." Ukraine has been urging the West to permit the use of Western long-range weapons to target Russia for some time now. For months, Russia has been relentlessly bombarding Ukrainian infrastructure.
17:40 Ukraine: Missile Impacts Civic Vessel Carrying Grain
A Russian missile reportedly struck a cargo vessel transporting grain from Ukraine, as per Ukrainian reports. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the ship had previously departed Ukrainian waters in the Black Sea at the time of impact. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha denounced the attack as a "blatant assault on maritime safety and global food security." Zelenskyy mentioned there were no casualties and the vessel was set for Egypt. A representative from the Ukrainian Navy verified that the grain ship was outside of the Ukrainian grain corridor during the attack, but within Romania's maritime economic zone. A spokesperson for the Romanian Navy confirmed the vessel was not within Romanian territorial waters.
17:12 Chinese President to Visit Russia Again
Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a return visit to Russia in October, according to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Wang stated that Xi will join the BRICS group of countries' summit in Kazan. Wang is presently meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg. Both leaders commended the strong relations between China and Russia during their encounter. Xi graciously accepted Putin's invitation to attend the BRICS summit in Kazan, according to Wang. Putin expressed his anticipation for discussing aspects of their mutual relationships that have been thriving rather successfully during a bilateral meeting.
16:50 US Prepared to Alter Military Aid for Ukraine
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the U.S. is open to modifying military support for Ukraine as required. At a press briefing in Warsaw, Blinken was asked about the U.S. offering permission for Ukraine to attack Russian targets using Western weapons. He responded, "What we're doing is continuing to adapt, adjust, as necessary, including with regard to the capabilities we're providing to Ukraine." Blinken stated that he held productive discussions with his British counterpart David Lammy in Kyiv on Wednesday, obtaining information on how the Ukrainians were evaluating the battlefield and their requirements. "If necessary, we will adjust," he added.
16:35 New Role for NATO Chief Stoltenberg
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has been appointed as the new chair of the Munich Security Conference. Stoltenberg will assume the position following the conference in February 2025. Christoph Heusgen, who took up the post in 2022 and served as a long-time advisor to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, will step down as chair. The former chairman, Wolfgang Ischinger, will remain the foundation's board president. Stoltenberg will pass the baton as NATO Secretary-General to the former Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte in October after ten years in office.
16:11 Three Red Cross Workers Slain in Ukraine
Three Ukrainian Red Cross workers were killed in a Russian attack, according to Ukrainian reports. The fatalities occurred in a village within the contentious Donetsk region. The Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office provided the information through Telegram. Two additional workers were hospitalized, one of whom was in critical condition. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the incident as another "Russian war crime." Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine's human rights commissioner, called for the ICRC to formally identify Russia's infringement of the Geneva Conventions.
15:45 Public Barred from Navalny's Lawyers TrialThe judge presiding over the trial against three attorneys of detained Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny in Petushki, Russia, swiftly dismissed the public from the hearing involving Vadim Kobzev, Alexei Lipzer, and Igor Sergunin. The judge cited a police alert about prospective disruptions orchestrated by Navalny supporters as the reason for the exclusion. The trio is facing charges of belonging to an extremist group, namely Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation.
15:18 Naval Conflict in the Black SeaThere appears to be a naval and aerial confrontation unfolding between Ukraine and Russia in the Black Sea. According to Ukraine's military intelligence, a Russian Su-30 fighter jet was supposedly downed by a portable air defense system, as per their records at 08:04. However, the Ukrainian authorities have kept silent about the developments that transpired during Tuesday night's operation in Kyiv. Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday that a Ukrainian assault on a Russian offshore drilling platform in the Black Sea using fast boats resulted in eight boats being struck and destroyed, along with the remaining ones retreating. There was no mention of any aircraft losses reported in Moscow. Nonetheless, military blog Rybar claimed that a Su-30 had been brought down during the Ukrainian attack's repulsion.
14:54 Ukrainian Soldiers: "We're Overdistressed by the War"To ensure that their small stockpile of weapons is utilized intelligently and judiciously, Ukrainian soldiers must exercise caution and resourcefulness. Ntv reporter Kavita Sharma has witnessed the dilemma firsthand – a mix of old Soviet firearms with limited ammunition and more effective newer Western weapons.
14:23 Zelenskyy: Russia Enacts Counterattack in KurskAs per Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russian forces have launched a counteroffensive in Kursk, a border region within Russia. Zelenskyy explained at a press conference in Kyiv that these actions align with Ukraine's tactical strategy, without providing further details. The Russian Defense Ministry reported on Telegram that Russian troops seized control of ten settlements in the Kursk region in just two days.
13:55 Iranian Politician Dismisses Russia TiesA high-ranking Iranian conservative politician voiced unconventional criticism of Iran's alliance with Russia, following the implementation of new sanctions and diplomatic tension. Ali Motahari, a former parliament deputy, referenced the imposition of sanctions by Germany, France, and the UK on Iran's missile exportation to Russia on X platform. Iran's Foreign Ministry strongly denies any involvement in missile deliveries.
13:38 Water and Gas Supply Shortage in Ukrainian City PokrovskThe Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region has experienced an interruption in its regular water supply and a scarcity of gas for cooking and heating due to Russian attacks, as per Donetsk governor Vadym Filashkin. Recent bombardments of a water treatment facility have forced the city to rely on over 300 emergency wells for its water supply. A gas distribution center was also destroyed the previous day, leaving 18,000 Pokrovsk residents without gas.
13:07 Russia Potentially Overstates Naval Fleet SizeAccording to an independent Russian news portal, the actual number of Russian warships participating in the Ocean-2024 military exercise may be less than reported. The Russian Ministry of Defense claims that over 400 vessels are participating in the exercise, but based on data from Global Naval Powers Ranking 2024 and RussiaShips.info, the estimated count is around 264 and 299 respectively. The Black Sea Fleet, which is not partaking in the exercise, comprises approximately 50 vessels and submarines. Olga Zikova, a military analyst for Agentstvo, believes that Russia has a history of exaggerating the scale of its military presence.
12:28 Russian Surveillance on German Aid and Bundeswehr IntensifiesIntelligence services in Russia have intensified their monitoring of German aid to Ukraine and Bundeswehr activities, as indicated by the annual report released by the Military Counterintelligence Service (MAD). According to MAD, Russian spies have shifted their focus from strategic objectives to tactical-level details to better understand the military support being provided by Germany to Ukraine, including information about weapon stockpiles, supply routes, and weapon deployment. Additionally, Russian spies have renewed their focus on assessing the Bundeswehr's capacities for territorial and alliance defense.
11:52 Munz: New Berlin Atomic Weapons Threat Not AccidentalBritish and American authorities could potentially endorse using weapons against Russian territory, Tv reporter Rainer Munz explains. This scenario has previously been prevented by Russian threats, but the mention of an atomic weapons specialist suggesting attacks on Berlin imbues Munz with a certain sense of inevitability.
11:15 Lengthy Pondering on Long-Range Missile DeploymentA final decision on the deployment of advanced missiles in Ukraine remains uncertain. Bloomberg reports that the decision might miss Tuesday's UN General Assembly meeting where over 150 world leaders will gather, as it appears highly unlikely. British Foreign Secretary Lammy suggests that the General Assembly will likely supersede as the next platform to discuss the use of long-range weapons. According to Lammy, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy intends to reiterate his request during this meeting. Around the same time, Lammy and US Secretary of State Blinken visited Kyiv to deliberate on Zelenskyy's suggestions, while preparations for a discussion between US President Biden and British Prime Minister Starmer are underway.
10:31 Blinken Stops in Poland after Kyiv VisitU.S. Secretary of State Blinken makes a pitstop in Poland, a significant supporter of Ukraine, on his way back from Kyiv. Scheduled meetings with Prime Minister Tusk and President Duda are on the agenda. Blinken aims to discuss further collaboration with Poland, which serves as the primary logistics base for Western military aid to Ukraine. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Poland has boosted its military spending substantially and ordered 96 Apache combat helicopters worth $10 billion from American defense giant Boeing.
09:59 Overnight Russian Attack on Ukraine ReportedThe Ukrainian air force reports a Russian attack on Ukraine during the night, involving 5 missiles and 64 Iranian-made combat drones. 44 drones were reportedly intercepted. Detailed verification of the military data isn't possible. Air defenses were active in the Kyiv area to down incoming drones.
09:11 Russian Expert Suggests Stronger Nuclear Weapons DeterrenceRenowned Russian foreign policy expert Sergei Karaganov advocates for Russia to make a clear statement of its readiness to use nuclear weapons. The primary goal of Russia's nuclear doctrine should be "to convince all current and future adversaries that Russia is prepared to use nuclear weapons," Karaganov told Russian newspaper Kommersant. Moscow may carry out a limited nuclear strike on a NATO country without initiating a full-scale nuclear war. The U.S. would be misleading if they promised nuclear protection to their allies. Karaganov has previously suggested considering a nuclear preemptive strike to deter enemies. Some Western experts believe Karaganov serves a useful role for the Kremlin by expressing views that alarm the West and make Putin appear more restrained in comparison.
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08:46 Ukraine Anticipates Approval to Use Long-Range Missiles from the WestHopes are rising in Ukraine that they may soon be allowed to launch attacks deep into Russian territory using Western weapons. During his visit to Kyiv, U.S. Secretary of State expressed his desire to ensure "Ukraine has all it needs." It appears the UK may already have given its approval:
08:04 Ukrainian Forces Report Downing of Russian Fighter JetFollowing reports of a Russian Su-30SM fighter jet disappearing from radar, the Ukrainian military intelligence now claims that Ukrainian soldiers downed such an aircraft during an operation in the Black Sea. Kyiv Independent reports. The fighter jet, valued at $50 million and based in Crimea, was reportedly destroyed by a portable air defense system.
07:26 Massive Drone Attack on Konotop Leaves Dozens InjuredThe number of injured in the Russian drone assault on Konotop's energy infrastructure during the night in the Sumy region has risen to 14. State Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform reports, citing the regional military administration. Other casualties include a residential building in the city center being hit.
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06:42 Ukrainians in Germany Resist Loss of Protected Status on Home VisitsThe German Bundestag is debating the proposed security package from the federal government for the first time today, which includes restricting knives and revoking asylum status for those returning to their homeland. Exceptions apply, such as Ukrainian refugees.
06:04 Russian Media Accuses Trump of Disadvantage in TV DebateSeveral commentators on Russian state TV have accused "sabotage" against Trump during his TV debate against Kamala Harris, as reported by Kyiv Independent. Trump was allegedly "disadvantaged," they said. Criticism of how Trump's statements were fact-checked was expressed. Many observers considered Trump the loser of the debate. Trump has vowed to immediately end the Ukraine war if he wins the election.
04:50 Russian Attack on Konotop: Water Supply Disrupted, Energy Infrastructure DamagedCivilian injuries were reported in a Russian attack on the city of Konotop in the Sumy region. According to Mayor Artem Semenikhin, the city's water supply was temporarily disrupted, and there is severe damage to energy infrastructure. The extent of damage to private households and restoration time is unclear. After the city center attack, several fires broke out, and both school and residential buildings sustained damage. Two individuals were hospitalized, one critically.
03:29 Latvia Increases Military Aid to UkraineLatvian Prime Minister Evika Silina announced military support for Ukraine during her visit to Kyiv, including armored personnel carriers. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal reported this following their meeting. Both countries are also discussing expanding defense industry cooperation.
01:32 UK Summons Iranian Businessman over Suspected Russian Missile DeliveriesAgainst the backdrop of suspected Iranian missile deliveries to Russia, the UK has called in an Iranian businessman, according to a statement from the Foreign Office in London. "The UK government has made it clear that any transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia would be seen as a dangerous escalation and would warrant a firm response," it said. On Tuesday, Germany, France, and the UK announced additional sanctions against Iran in response to the suspected missile deliveries, particularly suspending bilateral air transport agreements. The European Union cited "credible information" on Monday about the delivery of Iranian missiles to Russia.
00:14 Ukraine: Russia Deploys Greenhorn Soldiers in VovchanskAs reported by Ukrainian military sources, Russia is utilizing green soldiers at the Kharkiv front. Vitalii Sarantsev, the spokesperson for the operational tactical group of the armed forces in Kharkiv, declared that the soldiers involved in the offensive operations in Vovchansk are inexperienced. It's speculated that the recent reinforcements are a draft-based contingency assembled by Russia. It remains unclear if they originate from jailed individuals or recruits hailing from foreign nations, such as Central Asia, Africa, or the Middle East.
22:39 Western Ukrainian Mayor Deploys Multi-Lingual InspectorsThe mayor of the western Ukrainian city of Iwano-Frankiwsk has announced the deployment of linguistic patrols due to the escalating use of Russian. "This is a public initiative, and anyone can join the language patrols," stated the mayor, Ruslan Marzinkiw, in an interview with NTA television. Numerous internal refugees from eastern Ukraine, who primarily speak Russian, have settled in the city. Marzinkiw estimates that at least 100 such linguistic patrollers will be deployed, with currently around 50 volunteers having registered. He also mentioned the toll-free hotline number where citizens can report Russian speakers in public spaces. Due to the conflict, millions of people have fled to the relatively safe Ukrainian-speaking west of Ukraine, particularly from the Russian-speaking areas in the east and south.
21:42 Erdogan Demands Restitution of Crimea from MoscowTurkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has requested the return of the annexed Crimean Peninsula to Ukraine. "Our unwavering support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence includes the restitution of Crimea to Ukraine," stated the Turkish head of state in a video message for the Crimea Platform summit. Established in 2021, the Crimea Platform aims to garner more international attention to the situation surrounding the annexed peninsula.
21:05 Report: Kyiv to Present Military Strategy to USAUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj attributes the US's support as a crucial factor in repelling the Russian invasion. "The strategy for victory (...) largely depends on US aid. And assurances from other partners," said Zelenskyj at a press conference in Kyiv. The strategy, which will be unveiled before the scheduled second Ukraine Peace Conference, aims to "dramatically strengthen Ukraine" and "force Russia to halt the conflict." According to Bloomberg, the US is demanding a precise battle plan from Zelenskyj before lifting constraints on the deployment of Western weaponry. US Secretary of State Blinken and British Foreign Secretary Lammy were reportedly set to discuss a long-term strategy with Zelenskyj in Kyiv to understand Ukraine's objectives.
20:37 Blinken Discloses Biden's Position on Weapon Use Against RussiaIn the opinion of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the US is actively working to fulfill Ukraine's demands for the use of Western-provided long-range weapons against targets in Russia. US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will discuss these demands on Friday, Blinken announced at a joint press conference with his British counterpart David Lammy and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiga in Kyiv. "We are vigorously working to ensure Ukraine has all the necessary means to defend itself effectively," Blinken added, emphasizing, "We hope for Ukraine's victory."
You can read all previous developments here.
The power outage in Dobropillia, attributed to Russian assaults, has stranded 150 miners in the coal mine. Due to the disruptions caused by Russian raids, Dobropillia and neighboring settlements, including coal mines, have been left without power.
The Scottish government has acknowledged the need for increased civil defense budgets in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Swedish government's decision comes in light of the lessons learned from the Ukrainian war, highlighting the importance of ensuring the operation of key societal sectors in times of conflict.
