Stoltenberg suggests that NATO could have taken more measures to impede Russia's incursion into Ukraine.
17:50 Scholz anticipates resolution on PCK refinery ownership in Schwedt by year's endOlaf Scholz is confident that a resolution on the future ownership structure of the PCK refinery in Schwedt will be reached by the end of the year. "We're hoping for a resolution by then," the Chancellor said during a community meeting in Prenzlau, Brandenburg. He mentioned that Rosneft, the Russian co-owner, has been informed of the necessity to sell its stake, and the government is keeping tabs on the ongoing, "plausible," negotiations. "We're aware of who's talking to whom and about what," Scholz stated, referring to potential Qatari investors. Besides this, Kazakhstan is supplying oil to Schwedt through a Russian pipeline, replacing Russian oil following the Ukraine invasion. Initially, the German government extended Rosneft's trusteeship for its shares by another six months in early September to facilitate negotiations. However, expropriation of the Russian stake is viewed as legally complex.
17:24 Scholz reiterates opposition to deploying long-range weapons in Russia for UkraineChancellor Olaf Scholz affirmed that Ukraine will not be authorized to utilize German-supplied weapons with extended range for attacks on Russian targets beyond the border. "That remains the case," Scholz remarked during the Prenzlau community meeting. "As such, I will uphold my stance, even if other nations make different choices," stating US actions. "I won't do it because I consider it problematic."
16:57 Hofreiter foresees further 'hundreds of thousands of refugees' from UkraineGiven the impending expansion of border controls at Germany's national borders, the chairman of the Bundestag's European Affairs Committee, Anton Hofreiter, advocated for coordination with Poland and others. "If we haven't consistently supported Ukraine, we must anticipate hundreds of thousands of refugees from the Russian conflict in the coming years," the Green Party politician told the Tagesspiegel, referencing Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk's criticism of additional controls at Germany's external borders. Hofreiter encouraged a European solution to migration policy, warning that it would be "the beginning of the end of the EU" if each member state instituted its own border controls. He predicts that Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Tusk will maintain close coordination in the future.
16:32 British Intelligence reveals destroyed bridges in Kursk Region by UkraineThe British intelligence service released images of bridges over the Seim River damaged by the Ukrainian army during their operation in the Kursk region. "Ukraine continues to disrupt Russian logistics in the Kursk region through a series of attacks that have destroyed road and ponton bridges over the Seym River," the British Ministry of Defence wrote on X. The images were captured mid and late August. Ukraine launched its offensive in the Russian region of Kursk on August 6 and advanced several kilometers into Russian territory.
16:05 Casualties reported in Ukrainian attack on Belgorod RegionAt least five individuals were injured in a Ukrainian attack on the southern Russian region of Belgorod, according to official reports. Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported that several shells struck a road segment between Belgorod and Shebekino, injuring four individuals and damaging various vehicles. In the nearby village of Vosnesenskoye, a woman was hurt when a drone hit a private residence. The information is not yet independently verifiable. Russia frequently targets civilians in the neighboring nation. One of the most heavily bombed cities is the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, approximately 30 kilometers from the border. Ukrainian artillery and military drones regularly strike areas in the southern Russian region of Belgorod across the border. This summer, Russia launched an assault on Kharkiv with the declared goal of developing a buffer zone, but the Russian attacks halted a few kilometers behind the border.
15:44 Exclusive Access: Rehabilitated Medical Train aids Wounded UkrainiansMany Ukrainian hospitals are damaged, and doctors and helpers work around the clock. To provide quick medical care for the wounded, a specialized train is in operation. A CNN team was granted access to this train.
15:26 Hollywood Star Michael Douglas visits Children in KyivAmerican actor Michael Douglas visited the children's area "Iron Land" at Kyiv Central Station on Friday. Ukrzaliznytsia, the state-owned Ukrainian railway company, announced this on Facebook. According to the report, the Hollywood star strolled through the station and conversed with passengers. Prior to this, he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife Olena, as well as his son Dylan, in his capacity as UN envoy.
14:49 Kyiv Seeks Weapon Approval: "Looks Like Biden Won't Change His Mind"Retired Colonel Ralph Thiele anticipates that the debate over Ukrainian long-range attacks on Russia will trigger the debate over Taurus deliveries. The military expert predicts that the US will maintain its position.
13:58 Zelensky Verifies Return of Another 103 War PrisonersUkraine confirms a prisoner exchange with Russia. Another 103 individuals have returned from Russian captivity to Ukraine, President Zelensky confirms. Among them are soldiers as well as forces from the National Guard, border guard, and police. They are defenders of the regions of Kyiv, Donetsk, Luhansk, Saporischschja, Kharkiv, as well as the city of Mariupol and the Azovstal plant.
13:38 USA Sells Modern Fighter Jets to Romania
The United States is finalizing the sale of 32 modern F-35 fighter jets, worth billions, to Romania, a NATO ally and neighbor of Ukraine. U.S. Ambassador to Bucharest Kathleen Kavalec emphasized that Romania is a crucial NATO ally dedicated to ensuring security and stability in the Black Sea region and beyond. Once obtained, these stealth fighter jets from Lockheed Martin will provide Romania with unparalleled air defense capabilities, added Kavalec. Deliveries are slated to begin in 2031, with a total estimated value of up to $7.2 billion.
13:02 Russia: Nearly 200 Prisoners of War Released to UkraineRussia and Ukraine have reportedly exchanged approximately 200 prisoners of war, with each side liberating 103 individuals. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, captured Russian soldiers in Kursk, where Ukrainian forces made advances in August, are now in Belarus, receiving psychological and medical aid. Ukraine has yet to respond to Russia's announcement. On Friday, Ukrainian President Zelensky announced the release of 49 prisoners from Russia, though it remains unclear if they are part of this recent exchange.
12:50 Russia: Russian Army Captures Another Village in Eastern UkraineIn eastern Ukraine, the Russian military claims control over a new village. According to the Moscow Defense Ministry, Yelannoe Pervoe (or Yelanne Perche in Ukrainian) is now liberated. Situated near Pokrovsk, a strategically vital city facing Russian advancement, the capturing village adds to the Russian army's gains in the Donetsk region in recent weeks. President Putin continues to emphasize the capture of the Donbass region, an industrially significant area that encompasses Donetsk, as the primary goal of the Russian army.
12:21 Medvedev Warns of Destroying Kyiv with Newer Russian WeaponryRussian former President Dmitri Medvedev has issued a threat to totally demolish Kyiv. Citing Ukraine's incursion into the Russian region of Kursk, Medvedev suggested that Russia already has justification to use nuclear weapons, although it has not done so yet. In response to Ukraine's use of Western long-range missiles, Medvedev warned of the potential to raze Kyiv into a "large melted blob" using newer, non-nuclear Russian weaponry. Medvedev, who serves as the deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, has been consistent in his aggressive rhetoric against the West and Ukraine.
11:50 Intense Fighting Continues Around Kurachove in Eastern UkraineHostilities remain intense in eastern Ukraine, focusing on the city of Kurachove, as reported by ntv journalist Kavita Sharma in Dnipro. Frustration among the populace grows due to the utilization of Western long-range weapons.
11:12 Combat Drones Cause Damage in Odessa's Black Sea RegionMore information on the large-scale drone attack that transpired last night has surfaced. Russian forces are said to have launched a total of 76 drones, 72 of which were intercepted by the Ukrainian air force. Regrettably, there are no updates on the aftermath of the attack. The governor of the Black Sea region of Odessa reported substantial damages in a suburb of Odessa's principal city, with warehouse buildings impacted. Additionally, there were reports of drone debris hits in Ismajil, where some of Ukraine's grain exports transit, and Kiew. Fortunately, no fires were ignited, although a local company sustained minor harm.
10:31 Stoltenberg Reflects on Diplomatic Efforts Prior to War's StartNATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg discussed the last diplomatic endeavors intended to deter Russia from invading Ukraine, originating from January 2022's final NATO-Russia Council meeting, which Stoltenberg chaired. The Russians demanded the withdrawal of all NATO troops from the eastern portion of the alliance, a demand that NATO dismissed as unacceptable. Despite this, Stoltenberg emphasized the value of dialogue, sitting down with Russian representatives once more. They presented fictitious maps purporting to exhibit NATO's encirclement, even though Denmark was omitted from the maps. Stoltenberg is unsure whether this oversight was due to poor preparation or intention. Retrospectively, Stoltenberg regrets that NATO and its allies did not do more to enhance Ukraine's military capabilities earlier.
10:03 Lithuania Sees German Combat Brigade as Additional SupportGermany and Lithuania have formalized a government agreement guaranteeing that a combat-ready German brigade will be stationed in Lithuania. Military expert Thomas Wiegold articulated the background and importance of this arrangement in an interview with ntv.
09:28 Kim Commits to Boosting Relations with MoscowNorth Korean leader Kim Jong Un allegedly intends to enhance cooperation with Russia, as per state media reports. Following discussions between Kim and Russian Security Council chief Sergei Shoigu in North Korea, North Korean state media indicates that there was extensive dialogue concerning "deepening the strategic dialogue between the two nations and strengthening cooperation to safeguard their respective security interests" as well as regional and global situations. Ukraine, the US, and South Korea accuse North Korea of supplying Russia with weapons and missiles for the Ukraine conflict. Pyongyang denies these allegations as "nonsensical."
08:59 Widespread Arms Supply for Russia up for Discussion Again at UN General AssemblyThere will be another discussion on whether Ukraine can utilize advanced Western weapons against Russian targets soon. Following a meeting between British Prime Minister Starmer and US President Biden, Starmer disclosed that the topic would be revisited during the UN General Assembly in New York next week, in the presence of a larger audience. British media claims that Biden is open to enabling Ukraine to employ British and French missiles with US technology, but not U.S.-built missiles themselves, due to fears of a nuclear conflict.
08:23 Zelensky's Views on Trump's Alleged Ukraine War Solution: "Election Campaign Messages are Campaign Messages"Republican U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump has continuously asserted that he could conclude the Ukraine war within a day; however, he has yet to present a concrete plan. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was asked about Trump's claim in a CNN interview. Responding to Zelensky, he claimed that he could not comprehend Trump's statement due to a lack of details concerning the underpinnings of his statement. Zelensky further explained that the U.S. is in campaign mode, and "campaign messages are campaign messages; they may not always reflect reality." Although, he also mentioned that he had a positive conversation with Trump two months ago, with Trump pledging support for Ukraine.
07:27 ISW Assesses More Troops Required in Kursk for Russian ExpulsionRussia continues its counterattacks in the Kursk region, but the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has not observed a large-scale operation aimed at expelling Ukrainian forces from Kursk. The ISW, situated in Washington, confirms that thus far, Russian authorities have relied chiefly on inexperienced and under-equipped conscripts, alongside small components of the regular Russian military and other security forces in the border region. An ISW analysis asserts: "A Russian counteroffensive to recapture the territory seized by Ukrainian forces in Kursk Oblast will likely necessitate additional personnel and resources beyond those already concentrated in the region, specifically if most of the units currently deployed lack combat experience."
06:49 Ukraine Suffers Drone Attacks, Naval Defenses ActiveAccording to the Ukrainian military, Russia launched drone attacks on Ukraine throughout the night. The Russian army deployed various squads of attack drones, and the Ukrainian Air Force reported this development. Air raid alerts were issued in nearly all Ukrainian territories, including the Odessa region. The navy reported hitting down nine drones in the area. Explosions were recorded in Odessa, but no casualties have been reported as of yet.
06:13 Mützenich Proposes International Contact Group for Peace Talks InitiativeSPD parliamentary group leader Rolf Mützenich proposes forming an international contact group to promote a peace initiative in the Ukraine conflict. "In my opinion, it's an appropriate time for the Western allies to initiate a contact group to begin a process," Mützenich tells the "Rheinische Post." He further asserts that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky agree that it's an excellent opportunity to strengthen efforts for peace negotiations, and that Russia should be included in the subsequent peace summit." When inquired about potential members of such a group, Mützenich lists countries like China, India, Turkey, and Brazil as suitable candidates. "In these countries, the perception that the Russian invasion of Ukraine could become a burden is growing. Thus, the work of a contact group could indeed be promising, and it could play an essential mediating role."
05:41 EU Contemplates New Approach for Extending Sanctions against RussiaBased on reports from diplomats, the EU Commission is exploring three possibilities for how sanctions against Russia may be extended in the future. These scenarios were presented to European diplomats on Friday, as indicated by multiple insiders. The background pertains to the frozen assets of the Russian central bank which serve as a critical prerequisite for granting a mega-credit from the G7 countries to Ukraine in the amount of 50 billion dollars. These assets have been frozen since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
03:40 Klitschko Mentions Drone Debris Damage to Kyiv BuildingsKyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reports via the Telegram messaging app that drone debris has struck a city building in the Ukrainian capital. The debris struck a municipal building in the Kiewer district of Obolon north of the city center early in the morning. Klitschko further wrote that emergency services were en route to the scene. Earlier, the mayor had explained that air defense units were operational in the capital.
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11:36 Zelensky to Present "Winning Strategy" to Biden in SeptemberUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has planned a September meeting with US President Joe Biden. "I will present the strategy for winning," the head of state mentioned during an event in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. It includes a series of interrelated choices that will equip Ukraine with adequate troops to push the war towards peace. "These types of conquest wars can be justifiably ended in several ways: either the invading army is forced out or negotiations lead to peace," Zelensky explained. This will guarantee the true independence of the country. However, Kyiv depends on US backing for the necessary strong position.
23:21 Russia Alters Attack Focus to SouthIntense combat continues in the east of the country, according to Ukraine's military. There were 115 clashes, the General Staff in Kyiv reported in its evening situation update. "The worst situation today was in the direction of Kurachove, besides the enemy was also active in the direction of Lyman and Pokrovsk," it said. Kurachove is a small town south of Pokrovsk. Pokrovsk was previously the main attack target for Russian troops. However, recently, the Russians have only made minimal territorial gains in that area. Instead, they expanded their attack front to the south and captured the mining town of Hirnyk near Kurachove.
22:44 Zelensky: Progress in Kursk Brings Desired ReliefUkraine's advance into the Russian region of Kursk is resulting in the desired outcome, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. In the Charkiv region, the enemy has been held back, and in Donetsk, the Russian advance has slowed down, he says. Russia has not yet achieved any significant victories in its counterattack in Kursk. Experts had previously questioned the redeployment of larger Russian troop formations from Donetsk and other regions to Kursk. Russia claims to have retaken ten out of the 100 occupied villages.
21:14 "West is Scared" - Zelensky's Harsh Words on AlliesUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accuses the West of having "fear" in discussing assistance for Ukraine in downing Russian missiles. "If the allies jointly shoot down missiles and drones in Middle Eastern regions, why hasn't a similar decision been made to shoot down Russian missiles and Iranian Shaheds in Ukraine's skies?" Zelensky asked at a conference in Kyiv. "They are afraid to even say: 'We are working on it.' And this happens even when missiles and drones are heading towards the territory of our neighbors," the Ukrainian president said. This is "embarrassing for the democratic world."
21:00 Russia Has Used Over 8000 Iranian DronesRussia has launched 8060 Iranian Shahed drones into Ukraine since the start of the war, according to the Ukrainian government. There are no initial statements from Iran or Russia. Ukraine initially accused the Iranian government of providing the kamikaze drones to Russia in the autumn of 2022.
19:37 Authorization for Long-Range Weapons for Ukraine? USA Evades QuestionsIn Washington, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Joe Biden are scheduled to meet for discussions. There's anticipation over whether there will be announcements regarding the approval of long-range weapon use for Ukraine. According to sources from the British "Guardian," the UK has reportedly allowed Ukraine to conduct attacks using Storm-Shadow missiles. However, neither side is expected to make any announcements on this topic during today's meeting. "I wouldn't expect an announcement today about using long-range weapons inside Russia - certainly not from the US," says John Kirby, the National Security Council's communications director. He only shares that they are still discussing with the UK, France, and other allies "the types of capabilities that will be made available to Ukraine." Kirby also declines to provide a clear answer when asked if the US government will make any changes. "I'm not going to engage in a hypothetical discussion about what we might or might not say at a certain point."
You can read about all previous developments here.
17:50 Military operations in Ukraine continue Despite the anticipation of a resolution on PCK refinery ownership by the end of the year, military operations in the Kursk region and other areas of eastern Ukraine continue. Ukrainian forces have made advances and caused damage to Russian infrastructure, including bridges and road segments.
17:24 German military aid for Ukraine limited In opposition to deploying long-range weapons in Russia for Ukraine, Chancellor Olaf Scholz reiterated that Germany will not authorize Ukrainian forces to utilize German-supplied weapons with extended range for attacks on Russian targets beyond the border. This limitation on military aid underlines the delicate balance of Germany's role in the Ukraine conflict.
