Previous U.S. envoy to Kiev likely advocates for Ukraine's "more vigorous" backing under Harris.
Former US Ambassador to Ukraine, William B. Taylor, believes that Presidential candidate Kamala Harris, if elected, would offer more assertive assistance to Ukraine than President Biden. He stated this at an event in Kyiv, pointing out that Biden has moved slower on certain decisions, such as those involving HIMARS, Abrams, and F-16 fighter jets. Currently, Biden is also hesitant about permitting Ukraine to launch attacks deep into Russia. Taylor anticipates a more vigorous strategy from Harris, in part due to the likelihood of a fresh foreign policy team in the White House.
23:19 BND is Not Obligated to Inform Journalist about Ukraine AssessmentThe Federal Intelligence Service (BND) is not obligated to inform a journalist if it portrayed a Ukrainian military victory as challenging or impossible in private discussions. The anonymity of the media participating in such discussions is also not mandatory, as per a ruling from the Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig. The journalist's request for a temporary order is mainly denied. Nevertheless, the BND must disclose the number of such confidential background discussions on the military situation in Ukraine this year. The urgent application was filed by a newspaper editor. The court cited a newspaper article from May as the reason, in which a CDU politician was reported to have stated that the BND was purposely propagating a negative evaluation of the military situation in Ukraine to sway public opinion.**
22:06 Coalition Politicians Advocate for Use of Long-range Weapons against RussiaPoliticians from the traffic light coalition support the notion of allowing Kyiv to utilize long-range weapons against Russian targets. SPD foreign policy spokesman Michael Roth told T-Online that it is both correct and consistent with international law to "finally assault military targets in Russia with long-range Western missiles." Roth mentioned military airfields, command centers, and launch bases as possible targets, as these are the areas from which "cruel attacks on civilian Ukrainian targets are carried out" and can be most effectively thwarted. FDP defense committee chairman Marcus Faber asserted that it is high time to permit "Russian military airports to be targeted with long-range weapons like ATACMS and Storm Shadow." Green politician Anton Hofreiter emphasized that "Russia terrorizes the Ukrainian civilian population daily with rocket attacks on hospitals, residential buildings, and the energy supply." To effectively protect the Ukrainian civilian population, the army must be authorized to attack military bases on Russian territory with long-range weapons.**
21:35 Vance Discusses Trump's Ukraine IdeasRepublican vice-presidential candidate J.D. Vance suggests that Donald Trump's plan to halt the Russian war might revolve around establishing a neutral demilitarized zone between Ukraine and Russia. In an interview with TV producer Shawn Ryan, Vance says Trump could convene Russians, Ukrainians, and Europeans to "examine what a peaceful solution might look like." "I think he could negotiate a deal swiftly," Vance says. Trump is renowned for his backing of Russian President Vladimir Putin and repeated criticisms of U.S. aid to Ukraine. The former president also claims he could halt the war in 24 hours if elected. However, he hasn't elaborated on his plan.**
21:03 "We are Russians. God is with us" - Fascist March in St. Petersburg"Wir sind Russen. Gott ist mit uns" - that's the chant of numerous Russian nationalists and fascists marching through St. Petersburg. They also repeatedly shout: "Forward, Russians!" Their march coincides with the anniversary of the transfer of relics of Alexander Nevsky, celebrated as a national hero and saint of the Orthodox Church.
20:28 Kremlin Propagandist: "The Ideal Barrier is the Atlantic"Popular Russian TV host Vladimir Solovyov believes that Russia should not halt at annexing Ukraine. "I think the ideal barrier is the Atlantic. A natural barrier," he says. He proposes that Russian troops should be in Berlin, Lisbon, Madrid, and even Paris. When reminded that there aren't many Russians, he replies, "The Belarusian brothers are with us." Otherwise, China could be an option.**
20:01 British Volunteers Prepare for WinterMany Ukrainian homes that have survived shelling lack windows, posing a significant challenge as winter approaches. The British NGO "Insulate Ukraine" is addressing this issue by traveling to war zones to install temporary windows.**
19:34 Dozens of Miners Trapped in Donetsk150 miners are trapped in the Dobropillia mine due to a power outage caused by Russian attacks in the Donetsk region, according to the "Kyiv Independent" and Mikhailo Volynets, head of the Ukrainian miners' union. The city of Dobropillia, which had about 28,000 inhabitants before the war, is roughly 20 kilometers north of Pokrovsk, a primary target of Russian troops. The power outage has led to the mine being filled with gas and flooded, according to the report. Volynets adds that the situation in the region remains "difficult."
19:08 Sweden Increases Civil Defense Funding due to War FearsSweden aims to double its civil defense spending over the next three years to prepare for potential conflicts. "The lessons from the Ukraine war demonstrate that ensuring the functionality of society's key sectors is crucial," the Stockholm government announced. Civil defense minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin stated that Sweden's civil defense budget would increase to 8.5 billion kronor (740 million euros) this year, up from 6.5 billion kronor last year. The objective is to have an annual budget of 15 billion kronor by 2028. "The security situation remains severe and will continue to be so in the foreseeable future," Bohlin said.
18:39 Putin Warns Consequences for NATO if Aids Ukraine with Long-Range WeaponsRussian President Vladimir Putin expressed his concerns that if NATO agrees to supply Ukraine with long-range weapons to strike targets in Russia, there would be warranted conflict. Putin stated this to a state TV reporter, implying that NATO countries would essentially be at war with Russia. Previously, Russian representatives had issued similar alerts concerning tanks, fighter jets, and missiles. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Moscow has frequently issued threats of escalation, changes in war dynamics, and even nuclear threats. Ukraine has been requesting the West's permit to employ Western long-range weapons to preempt attacks from Russia, which Russia has been consistently targeting with its military for months.
18:07 Zelensky Labels Chinese-Brazilian Peace Initiative as DestructiveUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky scorned a Chinese-Brazilian peace initiative, dubbing it destructive and a hollow political demonstration. Zelensky told Brazilian media company Metropoles that offering such a peace proposal without consulting Ukraine first is bewildering. "What is this spectacle for?" he asked. In May, China and Brazil advocated for an international peace conference, but Zelensky noted that this was done without Ukraine's input unlike with Moscow.
17:40 Russian Missile Strikes Ukrainian Grain ShipA Ukrainian cargo ship transporting grain was reportedly struck by a Russian missile, according to Ukrainian sources. The strike occurred while the ship was cruising in the Black Sea, but it had left Ukrainian territorial waters beforehand. President Volodymyr Zelensky called it a blatant attack on maritime freedom and global food security, and stated that there were no casualties. The Ukrainian navy spokesperson asserted that the ship was not within the Ukrainian safe transit corridor at the time of the bombardment, but instead, within Romania's economic waters. Romania's navy spokesperson, on the other hand, affirmed that the ship was never in Romanian territorial waters.
17:12 Xi Jinping to Visit Russia AgainChinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to travel to Russia in October. Xi will attend the BRICS assembly of nations in Kazan, confirmed Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who shared a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg. Both leaders commended the flourishing relationship between China and Russia. Xi gratefully accepted Putin's invitation to take part in the BRICS summit in Kazan, as Wang stated. Putin mentioned that he and Xi would subsequently hold a private meeting to discuss critical issues regarding their relationship, which is seeing steady progress.
16:50 US Prepared to Alter Military Aid for UkraineUS Secretary of State Antony Blinken indicated that military assistance for Ukraine will be fine-tuned as required. Asked during a press conference in Warsaw if the US had given permission for Ukraine to bombard targets within Russia with Western weapons, Blinken said: "I can assure you that we will persist in doing what we've been doing: we will fine-tune, we will adjust if necessary, including in relation to the tools at Ukraine's disposal." Blinken held extensive talks with his British counterpart David Lammy in Kyiv on Wednesday, offering insights into the Ukrainians' evaluation of the battlefield and their requirements. These considerations would be taken into account, Blinken said, and modifications would be made if necessary.
16:35 Stoltenberg to Chair Munich Security ConferenceNATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is set to become the chairman of the Munich Security Conference forthcoming February 2025. Present chairman Christoph Heusgen, who has served since 2022 and had close ties to Chancellor Angela Merkel as her foreign policy counsellor, will step down from his position. Longtime former chairman, Wolfgang Ischinger, will assume the role as the foundation's board president. Stoltenberg will relinquish his post as NATO Secretary General in October, ceding to former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.
16:11 Three Red Cross Workers Killed in UkraineUkrainian workers for the Red Cross were reportedly killed by Russian shelling, according to Ukrainian authorities. The incident took place in a Donetsk region village, the Ukrainian prosecutor general's office said via Telegram. Two other workers have been hospitalized, one critically. "Another Russian war crime. Today, the aggressor targeted vehicles belonging to the International Committee of the Red Cross humanitarian mission in the Donetsk region," Zelenskyy wrote on Twitter. Ukraine's human rights ombudsman, Dmytro Lubinets, issued a statement calling on the ICRC to recognize Russia's violation of Geneva Convention norms.
15:18 Naval Skirmish in the Black SeaThe Black Sea sees a naval and aerial confrontation between Ukraine and Russia, allegedly. Ukraine's military intelligence reports a Russian Su-30 fighter jet being downed using a portable air defense weapon during a maritime operation (as per the 08:04 entry). Further details about the operation on Tuesday night are unavailable from Kyiv. Oppositely, Russia's defense ministry claims that Ukraine attempted an assault on a Russian drilling platform in the Black Sea using fast boats, resulting in eight out of 14 boats being destroyed. The other boats retreated, but there's no mention of an aircraft loss in Moscow. However, military blog Rybar suggests a Su-30 was shot down during the Ukrainian attack repel.
14:54 Ukrainian Soldiers: "We've Had Enough of This War"Ukrainian troops must make the most of their scarce arms and ammunition. ntv reporter Kavita Sharma witnesses the reality at the frontline: aged Soviet weapons with limited ammo and a few, yet better, modern Western weapons.
14:23 Zelensky: Russia Launches Counteroffensive in KurskRussian President Vladimir Zelensky announces a Russian counteroffensive in the Kursk region's Russian border. Zelensky believes this action aligns with Ukraine's strategy at a press conference in Kyiv without providing additional details. Russia's defense ministry reports its units liberated ten settlements in the Kursk region within two days.
13:55 Top Iranian Politician Questions Russia FriendshipA prominent Iranian politician criticizes Iran-Russia relations unusually as new sanctions and diplomatic tensions escalate. On X platform, former parliamentary vice-president Ali Motahari condemns the new German, French, and British sanctions due to Iran's missile supply to Russia. Iran's foreign ministry strongly denies the missile exports.
13:38 Ukrainian City Pokrovsk Faces Water, Gas CrisisFollowing Russian attacks, the Ukrainian city Pokrovsk in Donetsk lacks a regular drinking water supply, and several residents face gas shortages for cooking and heating, according to the governor. A water treatment plant was damaged in recent conflicts, and Pokrovsk now depends on over 300 emergency wells for drinking water. Yesterday, the Russians destroyed a gas distribution center, leaving 18,000 residents in Pokrovsk without gas.
13:07 Russia's Naval Power May Be UnderestimatedRussia may have fewer warships than claimed, according to an independent Russian news report. Using data from Global Naval Powers Ranking 2024 and RussiaShips.info, the portal puts the number of warships at 264 and 299, respectively—significantly lower than the Russian Ministry of Defense's 400-ship count for Ocean-2024. Up to 50 ships and submarines belong to the Black Sea Fleet, which is not participating in the exercise. Previous allegations of exaggerating military strength have been leveled against Russia.
12:28 Russia Increases Spying Against BundeswehrRussian intelligence services have intensified espionage against German military aid to Ukraine and Bundeswehr, according to the new MAD annual report. The report states that Russian services have shifted their interest to the tactical level, seeking information on military aid to Ukraine, including weapon and ammunition transportation routes, deployment procedures, and Western weapons systems in Ukraine. Additionally, the Bundeswehr's capabilities for territorial and alliance defense are under Russian intelligence scrutiny.
11:52 Munz: Potential "Nuclear Weapons on Berlin" Not UnlikelyRussia could coerce Britain and the US to approve Ukrainian attacks on Russian land. Britain and the US have so far prevented this by means of threats, explains ntv correspondent Rainer Munz. Therefore, there's no surprise in a nuclear weapons expert's suggestion of targeting Berlin.
11:15 Decision on Long-Range Missile Use May Take LongerThe Ukrainian use of Western long-range missiles in Russia could be delayed beyond expectations. A UN General Assembly resolution on September 24, where around 150 world leaders will meet, is unlikely, according to Bloomberg. British Foreign Secretary Lammy indicates that the UN assembly would be the next opportunity to discuss long-range missile use. Ukrainian President Zelensky plans to reiterate his demand at the meeting. On Wednesday, Lammy and US Secretary of State Blinken visited Kyiv to discuss Zelensky's land attack plans. Blinken will consult with US President Biden on Friday, and British Prime Minister Starmer will join the conversation on Friday as well.
10:31 Blinken Departs for Poland after Kyiv VisitUS Secretary of State Blinken visits Poland, a strong ally of Ukraine, during his return trip from Kyiv. Blinken is due to meet with Prime Minister Tusk and President Duda to discuss further cooperation with Poland, the primary logistics hub for Western aid to Ukraine. Poland has also significantly boosted its military spending since Russia's invasion of Ukraine and ordered 96 Apache attack helicopters from US defense giant Boeing for ten billion dollars.
09:59 Ukraine identifies 64 Russian drones, 5 missiles in overnight attackThe Ukrainian air force alleges that the Russian army attacked Ukraine throughout the night with 5 missiles and 64 Iranian-produced assault drones. Approximately 44 drones were allegedly neutralized. However, the military reports cannot be substantiated with comprehensive evidence. Air defenses were active around Kyiv, aiming to intercept incoming drones.
09:11 Russian expert advocates for stronger nuclear postureRussian foreign policy analyst Sergei Karaganov suggests that Russia should communicate its readiness to utilize nuclear weapons. Karaganov believes the primary objective of Russia's nuclear policy should involve convincing "all present and future adversaries that Russia is prepared to employ nuclear weapons," as stated in an interview with Russian newspaper Kommersant. Moscow might engage in a limited nuclear assault against a NATO nation without triggering a full-scale nuclear conflict. If the U.S. claimed to safeguard nuclear protection for its allies, it would be deceiving, according to Karaganov. Previously, Karaganov recommended that Russia contemplate a nuclear preemptive strike to intimidate adversaries. Some Western experts view Karaganov as serving a useful role for the Kremlin by expressing views that unsettle the West, making Putin seem more measured in response.
08:46 Ukraine hopes for US approval to use Western long-range missilesOptimism is growing in Ukraine that it may soon be permitted to launch strikes deep into Russian territory using Western weapons. U.S. Secretary of State affirmed during his visit to Kyiv his intention to ensure "Ukraine has all it needs." In the UK, there are signs of moving towards a green light:
here.
08:04 Ukrainian military reports downing of Russian fighter jetFollowing reports yesterday that a Russian Su-30SM fighter jet vanished from radar, the Ukrainian military intelligence now claims that Ukrainian troops shot down such an aircraft during an operation in the Black Sea. Kyiv Independent reports. The fighter jet, with an estimated value of $50 million and based in Crimea, was allegedly destroyed by a portable air defense system.
07:26 Ukraine reports over a dozen injured after significant drone attack on KonotopThe number of casualties from the massive Russian drone assault overnight on Konotop's energy infrastructure in the Sumy region has risen to 14, as reported by the Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform, citing the regional military administration. Among other incidents, a residential building in the city center was reportedly hit.
Read more about this here.
06:42 Ukrainians in Germany retain their protected status on trips homeThe Bundestag is scheduled to discuss the government's proposed security package for the first time today, which, among other matters, proposes to revoke the protected status of asylum-seekers who travel to their home countries. However, there are exceptions, such as Ukrainian refugees.
06:04 Russian media accuses Trump of disadvantages during TV debateRussian state television commentators have accused "sabotage" against Trump during his televised debate against Kamala Harris, as reported by Kyiv Independent. They claimed that Trump was "disadvantaged." The fact-checking of Trump's statements was criticized. Numerous observers perceived Trump to have lost the debate. If Trump wins the election, he has pledged to immediately end the Ukraine conflict.
04:50 Russian Attack on Konotop: Severe Damage to Energy InfrastructureA Russian assault on the city of Konotop in the Sumy region has left several civilians injured. According to the mayor Artem Semenikhin, the water supply in the city was momentarily disrupted. There are also significant damages to the energy infrastructure, and it is uncertain when private households will have power again. After the attack in the city center, several fires erupted, and school and residential buildings were harmed. Two individuals were taken to the hospital, and one of them is in critical condition.
03:29 Latvia Sends Additional Military Aid to UkraineLatvia's Prime Minister Evika Silina announces a package of military support for Ukraine during her visit to Kyiv. It will include armored personnel carriers. This information was shared by the Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal after the meeting with Silina. According to Shmyhal, both countries are also discussing an expansion of defense industry collaborations.
01:32 UK Summons Iranian Businessman over Suspected Missile Shipments to RussiaIn response to suspected Iranian missile deliveries to Russia, the UK has summoned an Iranian businessman, according to the Foreign Office statement in London. "The UK government has communicated that any transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia would be perceived as a harmful escalation and would prompt a definitive response," the statement noted. On Tuesday, Germany, France, and the UK announced additional sanctions against Tehran in response to the suspected missile shipments, including the suspension of bilateral air transport agreements. The European Union cited "credible information" on Monday about the delivery of Iranian missiles to Russia.
00:14 Ukraine: Russia is Deploying Inexperienced Soldiers at VovchanskAccording to reports from the Ukrainian military, Russia is sending soldiers lacking combat experience to the Kharkiv front. According to Vitalii Sarantsev, spokesperson for the operational tactical group of the armed forces in Kharkiv, the units involved in the attack operations in Vovchansk are poorly trained. It is believed that the reinforcements being deployed are a mobilized reserve assembled by Russia. It is still unclear whether they are former prisoners or soldiers recruited from other countries, such as Central Asia, Africa, or the Middle East.
22:39 Western Ukraine Mayor Introduces Russian Language WatchdogsThe mayor of Ivano-Frankivsk, a city in western Ukraine, has proposed patrols to monitor the growing prevalence of Russian. This initiative is open to anyone, according to Mayor Ruslan Martsinkiv, speaking to TV channel NTA. Many displaced individuals from eastern Ukraine, whose primary language is Russian, have settled in the city. Martsinkiv anticipates at least 100 language enforcers and currently has around 50 volunteers registered. Citizens can report suspected Russian speakers in public spaces using a provided hotline. The exodus of millions, primarily from Russian-speaking areas in the east and south, to the relatively safe west of Ukraine, has been prompted by the conflict.
21:42 Erdogan Urges Russia to Return Crimea to UkraineTurkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has advocated for the restoration of Crimea, a peninsula annexed by Russia, to Ukraine. Erdogan stated, "Our commitment to Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence remains unwavering. The restoration of Crimea to Ukraine is a requirement of international law," in a video message at the Crimea Platform summit's opening. This platform, established in 2021, aims to increase global awareness of the Crimea peninsula situation.
21:05 Ukraine Plans to Present Strategy to U.S. for Defeating RussiaUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized U.S. support as vital in repelling the Russian invasion. "The strategy for victory largely depends on U.S. assistance and that of other allies," Zelenskyy expressed at a Kyiv press conference. The forthcoming Ukraine Peace Conference is scheduled to receive this plan. It aims to "significantly bolster Ukraine" and "compel Russia to cease hostilities." According to Bloomberg, Zelenskyy is expected to present a convincing argument for strikes against Russia before lifting restrictions on the deployment of Western weapons. US Secretary of State Blinken and British Foreign Secretary Lammy are reportedly keen to discuss a long-term strategy for the upcoming year with Zelenskyy to better grasp Ukraine's objectives.
20:37 Blinken Outlines Biden's Approach to Weapon Use against RussiaUS Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed efforts to fulfill Ukraine's request to employ Western-provided long-range weapons against Russian targets. Biden and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will discuss these demands on Friday, Blinken revealed at a joint press conference with UK Counterpart David Lammy and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiga in Kyiv. "We are making every effort to equip Ukraine with what it needs to defend itself effectively," Blinken affirmed, adding, "We want Ukraine to prevail."
You can review previous developments here.)
In light of former Ambassador Taylor's comments, the attack on Ukraine by Russia remains a pressing concern, especially with regard to potential assistance from the United States. Taylor believes that if elected, Presidential candidate Kamala Harris would offer more assertive assistance than President Biden, potentially including the use of long-range weapons.
In the context of the BND ruling, there's no legal obligation for the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) to inform a journalist if it portrays a Ukrainian military victory as challenging or impossible in private discussions, although the number of such confidential background discussions on the military situation in Ukraine this year must be disclosed.
