Stamer and Maloney aim to discuss the deployment of long-range weapons by Ukraine within Russian territory.
U.K. Prime Minister Starmer and Italy's Meloni to Discuss Proposal on Monday, Allowing Ukraine to Use British Missiles on Russian Territory According to sources familiar with the matter, reported by Bloomberg, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will discuss a proposal on Monday that would enable Ukraine to utilize British Storm Shadow long-range cruise missiles on Russian territory. Starmer's journey to Rome follows his meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden in Washington. To this point, Biden has refrained from supporting such a move due to concerns about intensifying the conflict. In the coming days, British officials are set to engage in talks with their French and German counterparts regarding this plan.
17:54 Updated Report: More Injured in Russian Attack on Kharkiv Residential Building A Russian airstrike on Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, has reportedly harmed numerous civilians. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared this information via his Telegram channel, reporting that a residential high-rise was damaged. The injuries tally is now at 35, including several children. Previously, 28 individuals were injured (see entry from 15:25). Emergency services are still at the scene, working to extinguish the fire and search for more victims following the bomb impact between the ninth and twelfth floors.
Before the Assault Ordered by Putin, Kharkiv Suffered Continuous Attacks Prior to Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin's call for the attack, Kharkiv, with over a million inhabitants, was the second-largest city in Ukraine. In the beginning stages of the war, Moscow attempted to seize the city, located about 30 kilometers from the border, but failed. Since then, Kharkiv has been among the most heavily attacked cities in Ukraine, suffering from artillery and rocket attacks, as well as guided bombs released from planes while still flying over Russian territory.
16:56 Ukrainian Air Force Destroys Russian Barracks in Kursk Attack Ukrainian forces assert that they have destroyed a barracks building used by Russian troops in the western Russian region of Kursk, as per the official narrative. This claim was supported by a video published by the Kherson group, which is close to military authorities in Kyiv, reportedly captured using a drone. The precise location of the building was not disclosed, with no immediate casualty reports. This move is believed to be a response to the Russian attack on a military school in Poltava. "Provide us with more conscripts and paratroopers, and we'll deal with you," the Ukrainian military stated. A response from the Russian side has yet to materialize. The verification of the Ukrainian side's account is currently impossible. In a previous Russian attack on a building in Poltava, which housed a communications school, 53 people lost their lives, and another 298 were injured. The Ukrainian military initiated an offensive against Kursk in early August, reportedly taking control of around 1,300 square kilometers of Russian territory so far.
16:08 U.K. Foreign Secretary Lammy Dismisses Putin's Threats as "Bluster" Against the backdrop of discussions concerning easing restrictions on Ukraine for the use of Western weapons against Russian targets, British Foreign Secretary David Lammyviews Putin's warnings as empty threats. "There's a lot of noise. That's his style. He threatens with tanks, he threatens with missiles, he threatens with nuclear weapons," Lammy tells the BBC. The Russian president's threats should not deter us from our course, Lammy states, branding Putin an "imperialistic fascist." When asked if Putin is lying when he threatens nuclear war, Lammy replies, "What Putin is doing is misdirecting. It's grandstanding."
15:25 At Least 28 Injured in Kharkiv by Guided Missile Attack At least 28 individuals, including three children, have been injured in Kharkiv, Ukraine's northeastern city, following a guided missile attack. "The impact caused a fire in a residential high-rise," explains Oleh Syniehubov, Kharkiv's governor, on Telegram. Damage had also been inflicted on the city's infrastructure (see also entries from 09:46 and 07:03).
14:55 Moscow Reacts to US Sanctions Against Russian State-Owned TV Channel RT Moscow strongly condemns U.S. sanctions against the state-owned Russian TV channel RT and warns of retaliatory measures. "The actions of the U.S. administration will not go unnoticed," says Maria Zakharova, the Russian Foreign Ministry's spokeswoman, according to the ministry's official website. Analysts interpret this statement as a warning for American journalists still operating in Russia. In March 2023, Russia detained U.S. reporter Evan Gershkovich on charges of espionage. The journalist, representing the renowned "Wall Street Journal," was held in custody for 16 months before his release as part of a prisoner exchange. Both Gershkovich and the newspaper have consistently denied the accusations. Zakharova accuses the U.S. of censorship and an assault on press freedom. She claims that the U.S. has initiated "a new wave of restrictions against Russian media and journalists" with its actions against RT. The U.S. government had previously levied serious allegations against RT, accusing the media outlet of meddling in the affairs of foreign nations.
14:28 Iran's President Heads to Russia for BRICS SummitIran is strengthening its ties with Russia and will participate in the BRICS summit. President Hassan Rouhani is set to journey to Kazan, located on the Volga, as per the Iranian ambassador to Moscow, as shared by Russian media. Ambassador Ali-Asghar Soltanieh has also announced a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the summit from 22 to 24 October. A complete cooperation agreement is on the agenda. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has accused the Islamic Republic of providing Russia with missiles for use in Ukraine. Tehran denies this claim.
13:55 New Ukrainian Foreign Minister Warns: Don't Trust Putin's ThreatsThe Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, advises Ukraine's allies not to succumb to the threats of Russian President Vladimir Putin. He states that Putin's aim is to diminish support for Ukraine. "Instead, allies should amplify it," Kuleba states on his Twitter. He mentions that Putin has warned of severe consequences numerous times but has never followed through on these threats. This was evident when the West began supplying weapons to Ukraine, when Finland and Sweden joined NATO, and when Ukraine received its initial F-16 fighter jets, the Foreign Minister continues. "When confronted with strength, Putin retreats and finds ways to justify it to his people."
13:30 German Taurus Missile Stance Draws CriticismThe debate surrounding the delivery of German Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine is intensifying, but Chancellor Olaf Scholz has made it clear that he will not approve the weapon. This decision has not been well-received in Ukraine, as reported by ntv correspondent Kavita Sharma.
13:03 Couple Killed in Odessa Rocket Attack According to Ukrainian ReportsAt least two individuals, a couple, were killed in a Russian rocket attack on suburbs of the city of Odessa, according to Ukrainian reports. The fatalities occurred on Saturday evening, as reported by the regional governor. Another individual was injured. Preliminary findings suggest that a prohibited cluster munition was used. The Ukrainian air force reports that two rockets hit the suburbs.
12:28 Ukrainian Military Claims to Have Destroyed Ponton Bridge and Command CenterThe Ukrainian military asserts that it has destroyed a ponton bridge built by the Russians. The general staff of the army does not specify where this bridge was located. In total, they claim to have hit six enemy concentration areas from the air or with artillery the previous day. Along with the ponton bridge, an artillery system was also destroyed. Another hit was reported on a command and control center.
11:58 Ukrainian Women Stepping Up to Clear LandminesThe conflict in Ukraine has resulted in a significant shortage of labor, particularly in traditional male jobs. As a result, women are increasingly being sought after and many are retraining. The ntv foreign report visits some of these women in southeastern Ukraine and near Kyiv.
11:25 Ischinger Suggests Easing Weapon Restrictions for UkraineWolfgang Ischinger, the former head of the Munich Security Conference, proposes relaxing the restrictions on Ukraine's use of Western weapons. "It would be clearer and easier for everyone if we simply stated: We commit Ukraine to using the weapons systems we provide exclusively within the framework permitted by international law," Ischinger tells the "Süddeutsche Zeitung". This means that hospitals, for example, could not be targeted - something the Russians have been doing continuously. Military targets such as airports or launch bases could be attacked, including on Russian territory, to prevent attacks with glide bombs.
10:53 Increased Prisoner Exchanges Between Ukraine and Russia Following Kursk Offensive
Analysts suggest that the recent escalation in prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia may be connected to Ukraine's offensive in Kursk, which commenced on August 6. Since then, there have been three actions resulting in a total of 267 prisoners exchanged on both sides, according to an analysis by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). In comparison, only three prisoner exchanges occurred between January 1 and August 6, involving approximately 400 Ukrainians and 400 Russians. Ukrainian officials have reportedly stated that the incursion into Kursk has enhanced Ukraine's negotiating power in prisoner exchanges with Russia, after the Kremlin had consistently rebuffed Ukrainian attempts to negotiate an exchange.
10:16 Russians Gradually Advance on Eastern FrontThe Russian troops are continuing to advance on the frontline in eastern Ukraine, making slow progress in the vicinity of Wuhledar and south-east of the logistics center Pokrovsk, according to the British Ministry of Defense. However, the Russians have not made significant advances towards Pokrovsk itself in the past week.
09:46 Ukraine Reports Drone and Missile AttacksUkraine's air force reports that Russia attacked with 14 drones overnight, with 10 of them being shot down by air defense. Additionally, one guided missile was intercepted. It is also reported that Russia fired two ballistic missiles, but no information is provided on their fate or any casualties or damage resulting from the attacks. Authorities in the Kharkiv region reported fires due to Russian shelling and damage to several buildings in the city of Kharkiv.
09:10 Potential Risks of Face Recognition Payment Systems in More Russian Subways, according to Human Rights Activist
Human rights advocates are expressing concerns over the expansion of a facial recognition payment system in Russian subways. The U.S.-supported Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported that the "Face Pay" system, which has been operational in Moscow for three years, is now being introduced in six additional cities, including Kazan, allowing passengers to register and pay using a camera-equipped device at the turnstiles. Plans are underway to implement this method in all Russian subways by next year. The concern arises from past incidents where surveillance cameras installed on Moscow streets have been used to detain individuals involved in government criticisms and journalists reporting on them. Andrei Fedorkov, a lawyer working with the banned Russian human rights organization Memorial to support political prisoners, voiced concern that this system could be used for such purposes, citing significant risks and fearing it could become another tool for surveillance and control of citizens.
08:02 Moscow: 29 Drones Shot Down Over Russian Territory
Russian air defense units intercepted 29 drones over several regions overnight, as stated by the Russian Ministry of Defense. Most of these drones were launched from Ukraine and were primarily downed over the Bryansk region, which shares a border with Ukraine.
07:31 Stegner Defends Appearance at Anti-Arms Demo
SPD foreign policy expert Ralf Stegner defended his planned participation in a demonstration where SPD co-founder Sahra Wagenknecht is also set to speak. He clarified that he would not share the stage with anyone but would express his views as a Social Democrat in his speech. He acknowledged not agreeing with all the views shared by the other speakers, but would tolerate diversity, provided that fascists, anti-Semites, and racists were excluded. The "national peace demonstration" on October 3 in Berlin was organized by an initiative called "Never Again War - Lay Down Your Arms." This initiative demands negotiations for the immediate cessation of conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, no weapons deliveries to Ukraine, Israel, or any other country, and criticism of the SPD-led federal government's arms buildup. SPD foreign policy spokesman Michael Roth expressed disapproval towards the demonstration, stating that Russia and Hamas were not labeled as warmongers, while FDP MEP Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann criticized Stegner's participation in the event, saying it was damaging to his party and the government.
07:03 Kharkiv Under Fire Again
Ukrainian authorities reported another attack on Kharkiv by Russian military forces overnight. A building on a hospital campus was damaged, and a fire broke out at an educational institution after being hit by a rocket launcher. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Kharkiv is one of the most frequently shelled cities, located only about 30 kilometers from Russia.
06:29 Number of Russian Soldiers in Kursk Likely Multiplied Since Offensive
The Ukrainian counteroffensive appears to be drawing in more personnel on the Russian side, according to the Institute for the Study of War. This offensive has forced the Russian military leadership to deploy units from Ukraine to the Kursk region and send newly formed troops from Russia to Kursk instead of the front in Ukraine. At the beginning of the offensive in early August, there were 11,000 Russian soldiers stationed in the Kursk region, with current estimates ranging from 30,000 to 45,000 soldiers.
05:11 Adviser to Zelensky: Ukraine Starts Production of 155-mm Artillery Shells
Ukraine has begun manufacturing 155-mm artillery shells, as reported by a Ukrainian official and the "Kyiv Independent." Oleksandr Kamyshin, the former Minister of Strategic Industries and current external adviser to President Volodymyr Zelensky, stated that defense material production in Ukraine had doubled under his leadership, and would triple by the end of the year.
03:04 Biden Aide: Biden to Focus Remaining Term on Ukraine
U.S. President Joe Biden intends to use his remaining term to help Ukraine achieve the best possible position in its conflict with Russia, according to a key aide. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan expressed this at the Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference in Kyiv.
01:43 Report: Former British Politicians Call for Ukraine to Use Long-Range Missiles on Russian Territory
Five former British defense ministers from the Conservatives and former Prime Minister Boris Johnson reportedly urged Labour leader Keir Starmer to allow Ukraine to use long-range missiles on Russian territory, even without U.S. support, as per the Sunday Times. They warned that any further delays could only encourage President Putin.
00:52 Ukraine: North Korea Poses Largest Threat to Ukraine from Russia's AlliesAs per Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov, North Korea poses the greatest threat to Ukraine among Russia's allies. Speaking at the Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference in Kyiv, Budanov stated, "North Korea is our biggest headache among these Russian allies." North Korea's military aid to Russia, including substantial amounts of ammunition, is significantly impacting the intensity of the conflicts, Budanov mentioned in response to a question about support from Russia's allies like Iran and China. After talks with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu on Friday, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced plans to strengthen ties with Russia. Kyiv is keeping tabs on Pyongyang's weapons shipments to Moscow and observing their outcome on the battlefield. "There's a direct relation. They're delivering massive artillery supplies, which is concerning," Budanov pointed out.
23:21 Russia may Face Personnel Issues by Mid-2025According to Ukraine, Russia might encounter personnel shortages by mid-2025. In summer 2025, the Moscow government will be in a tight spot, claims Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov at a conference in Kyiv - "either to declare conscription or to somehow decrease the intensity of hostilities." This could be crucial for Russia. No announcement from the Moscow government has been made yet.
*22:20 Scholz: Russian Attack on Ukraine is 'Utterly Foolish'German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has rebuked Russian President Vladimir Putin for jeopardizing Russia's future with the attack on Ukraine. "The war is utterly foolish, even from Russia's perspective," he said at a citizens' dialogue as an SPD member of the German parliament in Prenzlau, Brandenburg. For his aspiring imperialism, Putin is sending hundreds of thousands of Russian soldiers to injuries and death, and damaging Russia's economic relationships with numerous countries worldwide. "And Ukraine will have a more powerful army than before," Scholz added. Germany will continue to aid Ukraine militarily to prevent the besieged country from collapsing and to prevent a clear breach of rules in Europe from succeeding. "Putin is harming Russia's future." A peaceful solution can only be achieved if Russia acknowledges that Ukraine will not be a vassal state.
22:01 Clashes and Advancements in Battles for KurskUkrainian forces are making territorial gains in their advance into the western Russian region of Kursk but are also losing ground to Russian counterattacks. According to the pro-government Ukrainian military channel Deep State, Ukrainian units have taken control of three more settlements. However, Russian counterattacks have forced Ukrainian troops back around the village of Snagost. A map published by Deep State indicates a substantial breach in Ukrainian defensive lines. These reports cannot currently be validated independently. In early August, Ukrainian troops invaded the Russian border region of Kursk and, according to their own claims, captured around 1,300 square kilometers and around 100 settlements, including the town of Sudscha. Experts estimate smaller territorial gains. This week, the Russian military launched its first significant attempt to expel Ukrainian troops.
21:41 USA: Delays in Aid to Ukraine due to 'Logistical' ChallengesThe delays in US military aid to Ukraine are due to "logistical complications," according to US officials. "This is not a question of political will," says Jake Sullivan, the national security advisor to the White House, in Kyiv, Ukraine. "This is a question of challenging and complicated logistics to get this material to the front," Sullivan said at the Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference, which he attended via video. Given the challenges faced by Ukraine, the US must "do more and be better," Sullivan acknowledges. US President Joe Biden is "determined" to utilize his remaining time in office to "position Ukraine optimally to win," he says. Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet at the UN General Assembly in New York at the end of September, Sullivan announces.
20:57 Scholz: Plans to Prosecute Nord Stream Pipeline Saboteurs in GermanyOlaf Scholz has described the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipeline's pipes in the Baltic Sea as a "terrorist act." The German Chancellor wants to bring the perpetrators to justice in Germany. He has ordered all security authorities and the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office to investigate without bias, Scholz stated during a citizens' dialogue as an SPD member of parliament in Brandenburg's Prenzlau. "We aim to bring those responsible to trial in a German court if we can apprehend them," he added. Scholz also debunked the myth that the German government has renounced Russian natural gas. It was Russia that halted gas deliveries through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, he said. The subsequent price surge, capped costs, and search for alternative gas sources have cost Germany "well over 100 billion euros." The pipeline explosions occurred only after Russia had already halted gas supplies to Western Europe through the Baltic Sea. In August, the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office issued the first arrest warrant against a Ukrainian citizen for the sabotage act.
International criticisms have arisen due to allegations of Iran supplying Russia with rockets. The powerful democracies of the G7 have strongly condemned this arms provision, as per a joint statement from their foreign ministers. Despite global calls to halt such deliveries, Iran persists in arming Moscow, amplifying its military support for Russia's conflict against Ukraine. This was disclosed in a joint communique by the foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, the US, and the EU's High Representative. The use of Iranian weapons by Russia leads to the killing of Ukrainian civilians and attacks on critical infrastructure. Recently, the UK and US reported receipt of ballistic missiles from Iran by Russia, an allegation Iran denies. The statement under Italy's G7 presidency demands an immediate halt to any aid for Russia's unlawful and unwarranted war against Ukraine, and the ceasing of ballistic missile, drone, and related technology supply that poses a direct threat to Ukraine and international security. The G7 nations remain steadfast in their goal of holding Iran responsible for its unacceptable support of Russia's unlawful war in Ukraine, which jeopardizes global security. Germany, France, and the UK have already imposed fresh sanctions on Iran, while the EU deliberates on implementing harsher penalties. [More details here.]
19:41 Putin Declares Support for Speech Freedom
In an ironic twist, Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasizes the importance of freedom of speech and information, claiming that it is crucial to protect the principles of information trustworthiness in the evolving process of multipolarity. According to Putin, true freedom of speech fosters debate and the pursuit of common solutions to global problems. In a video message to participants of the Brics countries' media summit in Moscow, celebrating the 120th anniversary of state news agency TASS, Putin praises media as significant players in creating a fair world order by providing people with an unbiased view of the world. However, in authoritarian Russia, freedom of speech and independent media do not exist, with media outlets being banned and opponents facing prosecution. TASS, founded in 1904, is now Russia's largest news agency and functions as the government's mouthpiece.
19:20 Scholz Refuses Taurus Cruise Missile Delivery
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has rejected the delivery of long-range precision weapons to Ukraine, whether presently or in the future, in conformity with his alliance partners' decisions. Addressing a citizens' dialogue in Prenzlau, Germany, Scholz reiterated his stance against delivering Taurus cruise missiles, which can travel up to 500 kilometers, impacting Moscow. He justified this by citing the risk of escalation. Scholz asserted, "I have rejected that. And that, of course, extends to other weapons that have the capacity to travel that far if we had supplied them." He reiterated, "This remains the case, regardless of the decisions made by other countries." The longest-range weapon Germany has supplied to Ukraine is the Mars II rocket launcher, capable of striking targets up to 84 kilometers away. [View past developments here.]
The European Union could potentially play a role in discussing the proposal regarding Ukraine's use of British missiles, as it often involves geopolitical agreements affecting multiple nations.
In the context of the escalating conflict, the European Union might express concern or support for the proposed use of British missiles, depending on its stance on intervening in conflicts and ensuring peace in the region.
