Soon, Kursk in Russia will undergo restoration.
14:03 Potential Russian Awareness of Ukrainian Advance towards Kursk
Allegedly, Russian authorities and military in the Kursk region might have been alerted to a potential Ukrainian push, as suggested by a report from The Guardian that found Russian documents uncovered by Ukrainian military during their Kursk offensive. The Guardian, however, could not confirm the documents' authenticity, but they exhibit typical characteristics of genuine Russian military communications. The documents suggest warnings within Russian authorities and military about specific Ukrainian advances onto Russian territory dating back to January 2024. Measures to bolster border defense were reportedly implemented as early as mid-March, but complaints were made in June that units were understaffed with only 60 to 70 percent of full strength and primarily consisting of poorly-trained reservists. Ukrainian forces launched a surprise attack into the Kursk region at the beginning of August.
13:30 BBC: Over 70,000 Russian Soldiers Identified as Killed in Ukraine
A Russian news portal and the BBC reported over 70,000 Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine based on their own sources. The BBC's Russian service identified the names of 70,112 soldiers alone, but the actual number is estimated to be much higher. The count, made in collaboration with the independent Russian news website Mediazona, is based on analysis of official statements, obituaries, and social media notices, as well as observations of graves in Russian cemeteries. The report covers the period from February 2022 to September 19, with Mediazona estimating at least 120,000 soldiers killed in total. The Russian government maintains the number of Russian soldiers killed in the war as a state secret.
12:50 Ukraine Bans Telegram Use for Officials and Military
Ukraine has largely prohibited the use of the online service Telegram for government, military, and security personnel. The National Security and Defense Council announced on Facebook that the installation and use of Telegram on official devices of government officials, military personnel, employees of the security and defense sector, and companies operating critical infrastructure is prohibited due to concerns regarding national security.
12:23 Raiffeisen Bank Sells Belarus Subsidiary
Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) has agreed to sell its 87.74% stake in its Belarusian subsidiary, effectively exiting the market. The Austrian bank signed an agreement to sell its stake to Soven 1 Holding Limited. The sale will have a significant impact on RBI's financial results. RBI has previously scaled back its operations in Russia due to pressure from the European Central Bank. However, a Russian court has issued an injunction preventing RBI from selling its subsidiary in Russia.
12:01 EU Report: Plans €35 Billion Loan for Ukraine
The European Commission is reportedly planning a €35 billion loan for Ukraine as part of aid programs by the Group of Seven (G7) leading industrialized nations, according to a Financial Times report citing three individuals familiar with the matter. The loan is part of the G7's intention to provide Ukraine with $50 billion (approx. €46 billion) from the proceeds of seized Russian state assets.
Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen officially announced the financial aid of up to €35 billion from her X-account.
11:33 Russia Warns West: Do Not Ignore Missile Warnings
The Russian government has warned the West against supplying weapons with increased range to targets within Russia. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, "If this happens, the nature of the conflict will change, with potentially dangerous consequences for the entire world." She added, "They are playing with fire," and there is currently no room for negotiations with the U.S.; a meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his American counterpart Antony Blinken is not expected on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.
10:53 EU: Forced Expulsion of Ukrainian Men "Impossible"
The European Commission has stated that it is impossible to forcibly expel male Ukrainian citizens of conscription age from European Union countries under the temporary protection directive. EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson emphasized that they will support those wishing to return to Ukraine while discussing return options with Ukrainian authorities and the Ukrainian government. Previously, Poland's Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski reportedly urged Western European countries to encourage Ukrainian men of conscription age to return to Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha allegedly supported the idea.
10:12 General Freuding Sees "Loopholes" in Russia Sanctions
Germany's military coordinator for aid to Ukraine, Christian Freuding, stated that despite sanctions impacting Russia's complex component supplies, it still maintains its defense industry by taking alternative routes and relying on partners like China, North Korea, and Iran. While sanctions may deter Russia, there remains the possibility of finding loopholes or legal circumventions.
09:03 Von der Leyen vows additional aid to Ukraine's winter energyEU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has promised additional aid for Ukraine's winter energy supply during her visit to Kyiv. "My eighth visit to Kyiv arrives at a time when the heating season is about to begin and Russia continues to attack energy infrastructure," she wrote on Twitter. She shared a photo of her arrival at Kyiv station. "We will aid Ukraine in its tough endeavors. I'm here to discuss Europe's support, from winter preparations to defense, EU membership, and advancements on G7 loans."
08:20 "Authoritarian drift" - EU considers restricting Georgian visa-free travelBrussels is considering restricting visa-free travel for Georgians to the European Union. An anonymous EU spokesperson told Politico that this is due to democratic regression under the ruling Georgian Dream party. "All options remain on the table" if Georgia does not reverse its authoritarian drift, including "temporary suspension of visa liberalization," the spokesperson said. Recently, the ruling Georgian Dream party passed a law on foreign agents similar to repressive Russian legislation used against Kremlin regime critics.
07:42 Ukraine condemns Poland's Crimea proposalThe Ukrainian Foreign Ministry criticized a Polish proposal for Crimea's status, stressing compromise is unacceptable. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski had previously suggested a referendum on the peninsula as part of a possible negotiating solution with Russia. "All efforts should concentrate on freeing the peninsula, not on satisfying the Kremlin's appetite at the expense of Ukraine's interests and international law," the ministry in Kyiv explained.
06:29 Von der Leyen to meet Zelenskyy in Kyiv - discussion over winter preparations and EU membershipEU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected in Kyiv today. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced talks with her about winter preparations. "Certainly, the energy question is a top priority," he said. Discussions over the situation at the front, weapons deliveries, joint defense projects, and Ukraine's path to EU membership and further financial support for the country targeted by Russia will also occur.
05:32 Ukraine participates in NATO exercise for the first time
For the first time, Ukraine is directly participating in a NATO exercise under Dutch leadership. The exercise to test anti-drone systems is ongoing, according to NATO's press service. "More than 60 anti-drone systems and technologies such as sensors, drone-counter drone systems, jammers, and cyber-hunters were tested live," the alliance said. Ukraine's participation is part of the NATO-Ukraine plan for innovation cooperation, which was agreed upon at the July summit.
04:28 Transgender Activist Murdered in Georgia
In Georgia, a well-known transgender activist was brutally murdered shortly after the controversial passage of an international LGBTQ law. The Georgian Interior Ministry explained that Kesaria Abramidze, who worked as a model, actress, and influencer, was murdered in her apartment with multiple stab wounds on Wednesday. Her boyfriend was arrested as a suspect and charged with murder, allegedly committed with "special cruelty and due to the victim's identity." The killing occurred a day after Georgia passed a law on "traditional values" that was criticized by the EU and human rights organizations as a restriction on LGBTQ rights.
03:25 Lufthansa considering suspending Frankfurt-Peking flights due to Russia sanctionsLufthansa is considering suspending its daily flight connection from Frankfurt to the Chinese capital, Peking. A decision will be made in October. A company spokesperson cited "unfair competition" between European airlines and those from the Persian Gulf and Bosporus, which benefit from low location costs, low social standards, and high state investments in aviation. Additionally, these airlines can still utilize Russian airspace, which has been closed to European and American airlines since the introduction of sanctions against Russia due to the war in Ukraine. This forces them to fly around Russia, resulting in higher fuel costs.
02:27 Russian Strike Targets Sumy Energy Center
Russian forces targeted a geriatric center in the Ukrainian city of Sumy and attacked the city's energy sector in a new wave of air strikes on Tuesday evening. At least one civilian was killed, Ukrainian officials reported. A UN monitoring body stated that the attacks on the power grid likely violated international humanitarian law. The International Energy Agency reported in a study that the power supply gap in Ukraine could reach around one-third of peak demand during the critical winter months.
01:25 Over 1.18 million Ukrainians in Germany
The number of refugees living in Germany has reached a new high. According to the Foreigner Registration Office, there were around 3.48 million refugees in the country by the end of the first half of 2024. This is around 60,000 more than at the end of 2023, and the highest number since the 1950s, the "New Osnabrücker Zeitung" (NOZ) reports, citing an answer from the Federal Government to a minor request from the Left group in the Bundestag. Of the 3.48 million refugees, around 1.18 million are Ukrainian refugees. Their number increased by around 45,000 compared to the end of 2023. Included are all people regardless of their residence title, from asylum seekers to recognized refugees to tolerated persons.
00:22 Lindner: Ukraine aid not a reason to suspend debt brake
SPD and Green politicians frequently mention a pact between the traffic light coalition to temporarily suspend the debt limit for substantial Ukraine aid during the budget standoff. However, FDP leader and Finance Minister Christian Lindner disagrees with such suggestions, stating, "I'm not privy to such an agreement. I wouldn't have endorsed such a precautionary measure." Lindner shared his stance in an interview with the "Rheinische Post." He believes the Ukraine conflict is heartbreaking, but not extreme enough to warrant emergency measures as per the German Basic Law. "In addition to our bilateral aid, we're actively working on a $50 billion aid program from the G7 nations for Ukraine," Lindner added.
23:23 Bulgaria advocates for EU embargo on Ukrainian eggs
Bulgaria plans to petition for a ban on egg imports from Ukraine at a 23 September EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting in Brussels, as announced by Bulgarian Agriculture Minister Georgi Takhov. This move is a consequence of ongoing disagreements between Ukraine and eastern EU countries over agricultural trade. These disagreements have resulted in border closures on the Ukrainian-Polish border, import bans on Ukrainian corn and wheat, and farmer demonstrations in Poland and Bulgaria.
22:13 Merz doubts the possibility of peace process with Russia
CDU leader Friedrich Merz voiced concern regarding the Ukraine conflict and commented, "I don't foresee a path to initiate the peace process right now." Merz asserted that Russia will only cease actions when military success becomes unfeasible or Kyiv is seized. In the long term, Germany will have to sustain Ukraine militarily, Merz stated. "I believe we'll have to defend freedom and peace from Russia for the long haul, not with Russia." This realization is bitter, Merz admitted, but "there's no other alternative at the moment, at least as long as Putin and his administration are in power."
Given the context of the texts, the following sentences that incorporate the term 'Cyberwar' could be:
- Reports have surfaced suggesting that Russia may be preparing for a potential cyber war against Ukraine, with experts warning of potential cyber attacks on critical infrastructure.
- Experts have warned that the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia might escalate into a cyber war, with both sides exhibiting increasing sophistication in their digital attacks.
