Request for Approval of Long-Range Weapons for Ukraine
In Washington, UK Prime Minister Starmer and US President Biden are due to meet for discussions. There's buzz about potential proclamations concerning the authorization of long-range weapons for Ukraine. UK sources from "The Guardian" suggest Britain has granted Ukraine permission to utilize Storm-Shadow missiles. However, today's meeting between the two allies is predicted to disclose nothing about this matter, according to the report. "I wouldn't anticipate an announcement today regarding the application of long-range weapons within Russia - definitely not from the US," says John Kirby, the National Security Council's communications director. He merely confirms that they're still deliberating "the type of resources to be supplied to Ukraine" with the UK, France, and other allies. He steers clear of providing a clear answer when asked if the US administration will divulge any alterations.
20:00 German Fighter Jets Intercept Russian Aircraft Over the Baltic SeaGerman Eurofighters took off to identify Russian aircraft. A Tu-142 Bear maritime patrol/anti-submarine aircraft was flying without a flight plan and transponder, accompanied by a Su-30, as stated in a Luftwaffe post on X. The Eurofighters, dispatched from Laage and Lielvarde in Lithuania, tagged along with the Russian jets. Incidents of this nature with Russian aircraft have been frequent in recent months.**
19:32 Osatchuk on Potential Weapons Authorization: "Substantial Boost to Ending the Aggression Conflict"Ukraine has long sought the utilization of long-range rockets against Russian interior zones. Britain and the US are currently deliberating this. Colonel Sergii Osatchuk explains how Ukraine would profit from this in the conflict:
19:06 Zelenskyy to Invite Russia to the Next Peace Summit - Success UncertainAccording to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, Russia will be invited to the next peace summit in Switzerland in November, as reported by "Le Monde" among others. Both Kiew and western partners have repeatedly affirmed this. However, it's uncertain if Russia will consent.**
18:40 Lange on Threats from the Kremlin: "Shouldn't Pay Too Much Heed to What Putin Says"After the authorization of long-range weapons for Ukraine, Vladimir Putin threatens the West. Security expert Nico Lange views "typical psychological tactics" in these declarations. He's surprised by the interpretation of the latest statements from the Federal Chancellor.**
18:07 Flight and Landing Ban? EU Contemplates New Sanctions Against IranFollowing allegations of Iran supplying missiles to Russia, the 27 EU countries are considering new sanctions against Tehran. "The European Union has repeatedly severely warned Iran against transferring ballistic missiles to Russia," a press release states. The delivery is a direct threat to security and a significant escalation. The response will be swift and comprehensive, including restrictive measures for the Iranian aviation sector. From the Foreign Office, it's stated that Germany is currently actively discussing the imposition of new sanctions, including in the aviation sector - including a possible flight or landing ban - with its European and international partners.**
17:25 Former Russian Foreign Minister Kosyrev Warns of More Aggressive Actions by Putin - "Motive is Humiliation"Former Russian Foreign Minister Andrei Kosyrev alerts the West of further Russian aggression. "If he is rewarded in Ukraine, Putin, convinced of the weakness and cowardice of NATO, will attack the Baltic NATO states long before he could receive any guarantees from NATO," Kosyrev, who was in office from 1990 to 1996 and is friendly towards the West, writes on X. "Putin's goal is not a part or the whole, but the humiliation and discrediting of the USA and NATO."
17:04 Taurus Debate Renewed: Coalition Politicians Advocate for Delivery of Long-Range WeaponsPoliticians from the coalition parties advocate for allowing Ukraine to deploy long-range weapons against targets in Russia. "We must enable Ukraine, together with other European states and Britain and the USA, to also destroy military targets on Russian territory," says FDP politician Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann according to "Spiegel" and adds: "This also means that Germany must finally deliver the Taurus. Because the Taurus was precisely designed for this, namely to neutralize military targets before the heaviest attacks arrive." Similarly, Green politician Toni Hofreiter articulates himself. "To sustainably rebuild the damaged energy facilities, the use of long-range weapons to combat Russian launch bases is indispensable," says the Green party member.**
16:35 Intense Fighting in Kurachove - Ukraine Reports Heavy AttacksAccording to Ukrainian reports, Russian forces are intensifying their attacks in eastern Ukraine near the besieged city of Kurachove. The most severe fighting this month has transpired, the government in Kyiv reports. At the same time, Russian troops are also advancing towards the town of Pokrovsk, an important railway junction about 33 kilometers north of Kurachove. Russia aims to establish new front lines, disrupt Ukrainian logistics, and seize control of the remaining eastern region of Donetsk. The Ukrainian military has reportedly repelled 64 attacks near Kurachove and 36 near Pokrovsk in the past 24 hours. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commends his troops for maintaining their positions in Pokrovsk and Kurachove, describing these as the two most hardened sections on the eastern front.**
15:56 Russian Airspace Closes Due to Ukrainian Drone Threat in Murmansk Authorities in the Russian region of Murmansk are on high alert due to the potential threat of Ukrainian drones. As a precautionary measure, Governor Andrei Chibis has ordered the closure of the airspace. The region is approximately 1,900 kilometers away from Ukraine. The Federal Air Transport Agency, Rosaviatsiya, has temporarily halted take-offs and landings at Murmansk and Apatity airports due to heightened security concerns. The Murmansk region is home to Russia's Northern Fleet and an airbase from which strategic bombers often deploy for attacks on Ukraine.
15:22 British MoD Confirms Iranian Missiles in Russian Arsenal The British Ministry of Defence has disclosed information about the Iranian missiles that Russia is reportedly utilizing. According to the information, these are short-range ballistic missiles of the Fath-360 type, also known as BM-120. These missiles, which first appeared in 2020, can carry a 150-kilogram warhead up to 120 kilometers and can allegedly hit their target with an accuracy of just 30 meters. The report highlights how Russia's ability to deliver precise strikes against Ukrainian military or civilian targets has been boosted as a result.
14:45 Czech Artillery Initiative Stalled by Poland's Financial Contribution According to Polish newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza, Poland has yet to provide any funds for the Czech artillery initiative, aimed at supplying ammunition for Ukraine from various Western partners. Germany is reportedly the largest and fastest financier. If all goes as planned, Ukraine will receive 100,000 shells this month, with a target of 500,000 by the end of 2024, and more in 2025. Russia's activities on the market are causing problems, according to sources in Prague.
14:20 Pistorius Defends Legal Justification for Long-Range Weapons for Ukraine Federal Defense Minister Pistorius believes that the potential approval by NATO allies for Ukraine to use long-range weapons against Russian targets can be legally justified under international law. He argues that the US and UK have the right to make such a decision, given the weapons they have supplied. In response to Putin's warnings that NATO would then be at war with his country, Pistorius simply shrugs off his comments.
13:57 Zelenskyy Welcomes Return of 49 Ukrainian War Prisoners from Russia Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has celebrated the homecoming of 49 Ukrainian war prisoners from Russia, including former fighters from the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, which was under Russian siege in the spring of 2022. "Today, 49 Ukrainians have returned home," the president declared, sharing photos of soldiers and civilians wrapped in Ukrainian national flags. The group comprises members of the army, national guard, national police, border guard, and civilians. Initial reports suggest that 23 of the returnees are women. Zelenskyy did not specify whether the return was the result of a prisoner exchange with Russia.
13:46 Tusk Dismisses Putin's Threats as Overstatement Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk downplays the latest threats from Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding long-range weapons targeting Russia. While acknowledging the seriousness of the situation on the Ukrainian-Russian front, Tusk advises against overinterpreting Putin's latest statements. He suggests that they merely reflect the challenging position of the Russian military on the front lines.
13:21 Li Shangfu Urges Negotiations as Solution to Conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu, addressing an international security forum in Beijing, advocates for negotiations as the only viable solution to conflicts like those in Ukraine and Gaza. He maintains that resolving "the crisis in Ukraine and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by promoting peace and negotiations is the only way out."
12:58 Scholz Seeks Kazakhstan Oil Imports to Strengthen Supply Options The German government is considering increasing its oil imports from Kazakhstan. A government official, ahead of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's upcoming trip to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, has expressed interest in expanding oil supplies from Kazakhstan. The aim is to provide multiple oil supply options for the PCK refinery in Schwedt, with more oil from Kazakhstan being one possible option. However, other options are needed, as Kazakh oil flows through Russian pipelines to Germany, potentially giving Moscow control over the situation. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Germany has stopped importing Russian oil. Scholz's visit will also focus on exploring gas supplies from Central Asia, as the official notes, "We need to get gas from somewhere, and that region is rich in it."
12:26 France Summons Iranian Diplomat Over Missile Supplies to Russia France has summoned the Iranian diplomatic representative to the French Foreign Ministry in Paris for discussions over the reported supply of ballistic rockets to Russia. Diplomatic sources cite the issue as the motivation for the meeting. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has recently stated that Russia has acquired rockets from Iran, which will be deployed in Ukraine in the coming weeks. Iran has denied these allegations.
12:03 Pentagon Downplays Russian Counterattack in Kursk as 'Limited'The Pentagon shows little enthusiasm for Russia's counterattack in Kursk. Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder comments, "We've noticed some Russian units attempting a sort of counteroffensive in the Kursk area... I'd label it as limited, nonetheless it's something we're monitoring closely." The Russian Defense Ministry asserts that their troops have recaptured ten settlements. This claim remains unsubstantiated. The Ukrainian military began its offensive in the Russian border region of Kursk over five weeks prior, claiming around 100 Russian settlements and over 1,200 square kilometers.
11:38 Nightly Drone Attacks: Damage ReportedThe Ukrainian air force reports the downing of 24 out of 26 drones during the night. In Odessa, one person was injured and 20 houses damaged. In Mykolaiv, drone debris started a fire at a food processing factory, according to regional authorities. The Ministry of Energy reports damage to the energy infrastructure in Ivano-Frankivsk.
11:16 Shoigu Meets with Kim in PyongyangRussian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang. The talks took place in a "one-of-a-kind atmosphere of trust and camaraderie," the Russian Security Council shares. The encounter is expected to play a significant role in implementing the defense agreement signed by Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin in June. Putin explains that the agreement guarantees "mutual aid in the event of aggression against one of the parties," according to Putin. The West accuses Moscow of utilizing North Korean rockets and artillery shells in Ukraine. Russia seeks additional ammunition to maintain its offensive in Ukraine, turning to countries such as China, Iran, and North Korea.
10:42 Volodin Accuses NATO of Waging War Against RussiaChairman of the Russian parliament, Vyacheslav Volodin, charges NATO with participating in the conflict in Ukraine. "They are waging war against our country," Volodin writes on Telegram. He implies that NATO is playing a role in selecting Russian cities for attacks, coordinating military deployments with the Ukrainian army, and providing orders to the government in Kyiv.
10:14 Munz on Putin's War Threat to NATO: "Putin's statement unlikely to appear on breakfast news"Fears of escalation exist in the West, stemming from the potential for Ukraine to launch long-range attacks on Russian territory. Putin reiterated this threat. ntv correspondent Rainer Munz shares several perspectives why this saber-rattling may lack substance.
09:40 Family: Deteriorating Health of Imprisoned Belarusian Opposition LeaderBelarusian opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova's health is reported in critical state by her sister. She has been detained under inhumane conditions for four years, dropping to 45 kg at a height of 1.75 meters, Tatyana Khomitsa claims, citing data from former prisoners. "This is a crucial moment, as no one can survive such conditions for a prolonged period," she believes. She accuses the officials of psychologically and physically torturing her sister. The Belarusian Ministry of Internal Affairs refuses to respond to a request for information on Kolesnikova's prison conditions. Kolesnikova, a prominent figure in the protests against Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko in 2020, is serving an 11-year prison sentence on charges of attempting a coup.
08:54 Russia Expels British Diplomats on Spying Charges
Russia expels six British diplomats on accusations of espionage. The FSB claims to possess evidence that the British Foreign Office is coordinating political and military escalation. Its role, according to the FSB, is to ensure Russia's defeat in the war against Ukraine. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accuses the British embassy of intentionally harming the Russian people, according to Tass agency. The British Foreign Office dismisses the allegations as "completely groundless." Russia's move is a response to British actions targeting "Russian activities in Europe and the United Kingdom," BBC reports.
08:28 Zelensky's Request for Long-Range Missile Approval: Escalation in Putin's WordsUkrainian President Zelensky has long sought authorization for the use of long-range missiles against Russian military targets. The U.S. and UK are set to reassess this in conjunction. Putin wasn't far behind in issuing warnings towards the West.
08:00 Russia Offers Insights on Western Weapons from Ukrainian WarRussia is offering its findings from the Ukrainian conflict to its partners. It has amassed distinct knowledge about combating various Western weapons, says Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin at a Chinese security conference, as detailed by the Russian news agency RIA. Russia is prepared to share this knowledge with its partners. The conflict has led to advanced forms of warfare, with Russian weapons capable of neutralizing Western weapons.
Five individuals are believed to be implicated in arson incidents in Kyiv, as reported by Ukraine's domestic intelligence service. These suspects are thought to have been working on behalf of a Russian intelligence agency. They are alleged to have torched five military vehicles and distributed leaflets aimed at damaging the military's reputation. The arrested individuals hailed from various regions in Ukraine, seeking employment in the capital. They were allegedly recruited by Russian agents through Telegram, offering them monetary incentives. While recording their actions on mobile devices, they anticipated receiving payment. However, the promised compensation never materialized.
07:05 Ukrainian Chief Rabbi Mourns the Loss of Adopted Son in ConflictUkrainian Chief Rabbi Moshe Asman is grieving the demise of his adopted son, Anton Samborskij, due to the ongoing conflict. A funeral service was held in Kyiv on a Thursday, attended by soldiers, veterans, and others, to honor the 32-year-old, who went missing at the end of July. Confirmation of his death came after weeks of speculation. Samborskij became a father to a daughter in May, and Rabbi Asman had adopted him as a 10-year-old orphan, sharing this information on social media. Following his adoption, he was drafted shortly after. Their last contact was on July 17.
06:29 Incident Involving Russian Fighter Jets Reported by JapanJapan's military dispatcher deployed fighter jets on Thursday in response to two Russian aircraft being spotted in their vicinity. The Russian aircraft did not breach Japanese airspace, and they departed towards the north after circling the island nation. The planes, which were Tu-142s, traveled from the sea towards the southern region of Okinawa. "We responded by mobilizing fighter jets of the Air Self-Defense Force in an emergency capacity," the ministry stated. The Russian aircraft also crossed the Kuriles, a disputed area between Russia and Japan, as per the ministry's account.
06:07 Russia and US Accused of Containment Policy Against Russia and ChinaAs per Deputy Russian Defense Minister Alexander Fomin, the US is reportedly pursuing a containment policy against Russia and China. Conversely, Russia and China advocate for a world order built on equality and mutual respect. According to Fomin, the West is preparing for potential conflicts in Asia by establishing new security alliances in the region.
05:27 Incident Involving a Cargo Ship and an Anti-Ship Missile in the Black SeaThe Ukrainian navy has shared details about an alleged Russian airstrike on a civilian cargo ship in the Black Sea. A Russian Tu-22 bomber may have launched a Ch-22 anti-ship missile at the ship, which was outside Ukrainian territorial waters. The vessel, under the flag of St. Kitts and Nevis, was en route from Chornomorsk, Ukraine, to Egypt with a wheat cargo. BBC reports stated that the ship was within Romania's exclusive economic zone, and a Ch-31 missile, which suppresses radar, reportedly replaced the Ch-22 due to its lesser destructive power.
03:19 Unclear Circumstances Surround Death of Moldovan Soldier at Demarcation LineIn a mysterious incident, a Moldovan soldier lost his life while on duty at the demarcation line with Transnistria. The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Moldova confirms that the soldier was fatally wounded by a gunshot from his own weapon while performing his responsibilities. Authorities are currently investigating the situation. Soldiers from both Moldova and Transnistria, as well as Russian troops, have been stationed at the separation line since a conflict in 1992 following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Moldova remains committed to reintegrating Transnistria into its territory. Incidents of this nature at the demarcation line are incredibly rare.
02:18 UK Prime Minister Rejects Russian President Putin's AllegationsUK Prime Minister Keir Starmer refuted the claims of Russian President Putin, stating that Western supply of long-range weapons for attacks inside Russian territory does not equate to NATO involvement in the conflict. Starmer believes that Ukraine has the right to self-defense, which he supports. He emphasized, however, that the UK is not seeking conflict with Russia.
01:09 Former US Ambassador Expects a More Aggressive Approach from Presidential Candidate HarrisFormer US Ambassador to Ukraine, William B. Taylor, believes that Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris would exhibit a more intense support for Ukraine than the current administrator, Biden. He observed that Harris demonstrated a more proactive stance in some areas, specifically in relation to HIMARS, Abrams tanks, and F-16 fighter jets. Taylor anticipated a bolder approach from Harris, as she is likely to bring in a new foreign policy team to the White House.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomes Estonian President Alar Karis to Kyiv, expressing gratitude for military aid. Estonia, a Baltic EU and NATO member, has pledged to allocate 0.25% of its annual GDP for Ukraine's defense needs. The discussions encompassed rebuilding efforts and Ukraine's path towards the EU. Furthermore, Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa promised additional support during meetings with Zelensky.
23:19 BND Not Required to Disclose Ukraine Assessment to Journalist
The Federal Intelligence Service (BND) isn't compelled to disclose if it deemed a Ukrainian military success as challenging or impossible to a journalist in private discussions. The involved media outlets don't need to be disclosed currently, as ruled by the Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig. Although the journalist's petition for a temporary injunction is mostly dismissed, the BND must provide information on the number of confidential individual discussions regarding Ukraine's military situation this year. The newspaper editor filed the emergency request. The court referenced a May article as the reason, implying a CDU politician had accused the BND of disseminating a negative assessment of Ukraine's military situation to sway public opinion.
22:06 Coalition Politicians Endorse Use of Long-Range Weapons Against Russia
Politicians from the coalition support permitting Kyiv to use long-range weapons against Russian targets. SPD foreign policy expert Michael Roth says attacking military targets in Russia with long-range Western missiles is justified and in compliance with international law. Russian military airfields, command centers, or launch bases can serve as potential targets for long-range weapons. These bases are alleged to oversee "despicable attacks on civilian Ukrainian targets," which can most effectively be terminated there. The defense committee chairman, Marcus Faber, argues that allowing long-range weapons like ATACMS and Storm Shadow to strike Russian military airports is overdue. Green politician Anton Hofreiter emphasizes that Russia is terrorizing Ukraine's civilian population daily through rocket attacks on hospitals, residential buildings, and energy supply. To protect the Ukrainian civilian population effectively, the army must be authorized to attack military bases on Russian territory with long-range weapons.
21:35 Vance Discusses Trump's Ukraine Ideas
According to Republican vice-presidential candidate J.D. Vance, Donald Trump's approach to ending the Russian conflict may encompass creating a demilitarized zone between Ukraine and Russia. Vance explains in a conversation with television producer Shawn Ryan that Trump might assemble Russians, Ukrainians, and Europeans to discuss a peaceful solution's potential. "He could maneuver a deal quite quickly," says Vance. Trump has demonstrated empathy toward Russian President Vladimir Putin and repeatedly criticized US support for Ukraine. The former president also claims he could put an end to the conflict within 24 hours if reelected, although he fails to provide further details.
21:03 "We are Russians. God is with us" - Fascist Protest in St. PetersburgLoud and clear, Russian nationalists and fascists rally through St. Petersburg, shouting, "We are Russians. God is with us." They repeatedly chant, "Forward, Russians!" The event commemorates the transfer of Alexander Nevsky's relics, celebrated as a national hero and saint in the Orthodox Church.
20:28 Kremlin Propagandist: "The Atlantic is the Ideal Barrier"Popular Russian TV host Vladimir Solovyov advocates for Russian expansion beyond Ukraine. "I think the ideal barrier is the Atlantic. A natural barrier," he states. "The perfect destination for our troops - Berlin, Lisbon, Madrid. And how beautiful they'd look in Paris." When reminded of Russia's population limitations, he suggests Belarus as an ally or relies on China for support.
20:01 Winter Preparations by British VolunteersIn the Ukrainian houses that have withstood shelling, missing windows pose a significant concern before winter arrives. The UK NGO "Insulate Ukraine" visits war zones to install temporary window replacements.
The European Union might play a role in the discussions surrounding new sanctions against Iran, as allegations of Iran supplying missiles to Russia have emerged.
The European Union, as well as other international allies, are potentially considering the authorization of long-range weapons for Ukraine, following discussions between Britain and the United States.
