Taurus discussion resurfaces: Politicians advocating for the provision of distant-range weaponry to traffic light officials
Politicians from the Traffic Light Coalition are urging for Ukraine's authorization to utilize long-range weapons to strike regions in Russia. "We need to empower Ukraine, in conjunction with other European nations, the UK, and the US, to annihilate military objectives on Russian soil," claims FDP politician Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, as reported by Spiegel, further adding, "This also means Germany must deliver the Taurus. Since the Taurus was specifically engineered to deactivate military targets prior to the heaviest attacks." Green politician Toni Hofreiter shares a similar viewpoint. "The use of long-range weapons to combat Russian launch sites is essential for the sustainable reconstruction of damaged energy infrastructure," he states.
16:35 Severe clashes in Kurachove - Ukraine reports heavy attacksRussian forces are allegedly escalating their attacks close to the disputed city of Kurachove in eastern Ukraine, with the most intense fighting of the month occurring, according to the Kyiv government. Simultaneously, Russian troops are advancing towards the town of Pokrovsk, a significant railway junction about 33 kilometers north of Kurachove, attempting to establish new frontlines, disrupt Ukrainian logistics, and seize control of the rest of the eastern Donetsk region. The Ukrainian military reports repelling 64 attacks near Kurachove and 36 near Pokrovsk in the past 24 hours. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commends his troops for holding their positions in Pokrovsk and Kurachove, describing them as the two most challenging sectors on the eastern front.**
15:56 Ukrainian attacks 1900 kilometers from the border? Russian region closes airspaceAuthorities in the northern Russian region of Murmansk once more cite a risk from Ukrainian drones, leading them to shut down the airspace, Governor Andrei Chibis writes on Telegram. The region is roughly 1900 kilometers away from Ukraine. The Federal Air Transport Agency, Rosaviatsiya, has temporarily halted takeoffs and landings at Murmansk and Apatity airports for security reasons. The northern Russian region, which houses the Northern Fleet and an airbase from which strategic bombers take off to attack Ukraine, is experiencing these issues.**
15:22 British Ministry reveals details - these Iranian rockets now in Russian possessionThe British Ministry of Defense has released details about the Iranian rockets reportedly transferred to Russia, which are short-range ballistic missiles known as Fath-360 or BM-120. These rockets, first introduced in 2020, can carry a 150-kilogram warhead up to 120 kilometers and hit their target with an estimated accuracy of 30 meters. The report indicates that Russia's ability to deliver precise strikes against Ukrainian military or civilian infrastructure near the front has been enhanced by these rockets, according to the daily intelligence report from the Ministry of Defense in London on the conflict in Ukraine.**
14:45 Poland has yet to contribute a single cent to the Czech artillery initiativeAccording to the Polish media outlet Gazeta Wyborcza, Poland has not yet provided any funding for the Czech artillery initiative, which aims to acquire ammunition for Ukraine worldwide using funds from various Western partners. Germany is said to be the largest and quickest financier. If everything proceeds as planned, Ukraine will receive 100,000 shells this month, with a goal of 500,000 shells by the end of 2024, and more to follow in 2025. Russia's involvement in the market is reportedly causing problems, according to reports from Prague.**
14:20 Pistorius considers approval of extended weapons for Ukraine to be legally justifiableFederal Defense Minister Pistorius sees a possible authorization by NATO partners for Ukraine to employ extended weapons against targets in Russia as legally justifiable. He states that the USA and Britain are free to decide on this matter regarding the weapons they have supplied, and that this is their prerogative. "International law allows for that." In response to warnings from Russian President Putin that NATO would thereby be at war with his country, Pistorius replies, "Putin's threats are Putin's threats. There's not much else to say. He threats whenever he pleases, and he lures whenever he deems fit."
13:57 Zelenskyy announces the release of 49 prisoners of warUkrainian President Zelenskyy announces the release of 49 prisoners of war from Russia, including former fighters from the Mariupol steel plant Azovstal, which was besieged by the Russian army in the spring of 2022. "49 Ukrainians have returned home," the head of state explains, publishing photos of soldiers and servicewomen wrapped in Ukrainian national flags. According to Zelenskyy, they are members of the army, national guard, national police, border guard, and civilians. Ukrainian media reports state that 23 of the 49 returnees are women. The president does not initially disclose whether their release is the result of a prisoner exchange with Russia.**
13:46 Tusk on Putin's threats: "Do not give them too much importance"Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk is not concerned about the most recent threats from Vladimir Putin regarding long-range weapons against targets in Russia. While he acknowledges the need to take the situation in Ukraine and the Ukrainian-Russian front very seriously, Tusk says, "I would not give excessive importance to the latest statements by President Putin." These statements, he believes, reflect the challenging situation of the Russian military on the front. Earlier, Putin had stated that the West would be directly at war with Russia if it allowed Ukraine to attack Russian territory with long-range rockets supplied by the West.**
13:21 Beijing believes that negotiations are the sole remedy for the Ukraine crisisChinese Defense Minister Dong Jun, speaking at a global security gathering in Beijing, advocates for "negotiations" as the only resolution to crises such as those in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip. To resolve "the predicament in Ukraine and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, promoting peace and negotiations is the only course of action," he suggests.
12:58 Kazakh Oil and Gas Play a Crucial Role in Scholz's Central Asia VoyageThe German government aims to boost oil imports from Kazakhstan. "We applaud the conceivable expansion of oil imports from Kazakhstan," a government source remarked before Chancellor Olaf Scholz's journey to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan beginning on Sunday. The aim is to provide various supply options for the PCK refinery in Schwedt, with more oil from Kazakhstan being one of them. Nevertheless, additional alternatives are essential, given that Kazakh oil flows through Russian pipelines to Germany, granting Moscow leverage. Following Russia's assault on Ukraine, Germany ceased imports of Russian oil. Scholz's trip will also focus on gas supplies from Central Asia. With tenders for new gas-fired power plants underway, it's evident: "We have to procure gas from somewhere, and Central Asia possesses abundant resources in that regard," the source said.
12:26 France Invites Iranian Diplomat for ConsultationsFrance has invited the Iranian diplomatic representative to the Foreign Ministry in Paris. Diplomatic sources attribute the invitation to Iran's reported delivery of ballistic rockets to Russia. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken had mentioned a few days earlier that Russia had obtained rockets from Iran, which are expected to be deployed in Ukraine within the upcoming weeks. Iran has denied this claim.
12:03 Pentagon Rates Russian Counteroffensive in Kursk as Insignificant thus FarThe Pentagon is not impressed by Russia's counteroffensive in Kursk. "We have observed Russian units attempting to initiate some sort of counteroffensive in the Kursk region," Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder said on Thursday. "Currently, I would classify it as minimal, yet of course, we remain vigilant." The Russian Defense Ministry asserts that its troops have reclaimed ten settlements. This assertion is yet to be verified independently. The Ukrainian army initiated an offensive in the Russian border area of Kursk about five weeks ago, claiming to have captured approximately 100 Russian villages and nearly 1,300 square kilometers since then.
11:38 Ukrainian Air Force Claims to Have Shot Down 24 out of 26 Drones, Causing DamageThe Ukrainian air force claims to have intercepted 24 out of 26 drones overnight. In the Odessa region, a person was injured, and 20 houses were damaged, while drone debris ignited a fire at a food processing plant in the Mykolajiw region, according to local authorities. The Ministry of Energy reports damage to the energy infrastructure in the Iwano-Frankiwsk region.
11:16 Shoigu Meets with Kim in Pyongyang, Bolstering Defense PactRussian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu held talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang. The meetings transpired "in a distinctive atmosphere of mutual trust and friendship," the Russian Security Council reported. The discussions are expected to make "a substantial contribution" to the implementation of the defense pact signed by Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin in June. According to Putin, the pact permits "mutual assistance in the event of aggression against one of the signatory parties." The West alleges that Moscow is utilizing North Korean rockets and artillery shells in Ukraine. To sustain its offensive in Ukraine, Russia requires more ammunition and, as a result, is seeking support from countries like China, Iran, and North Korea.
10:46 Russian Parliament Chief Blames NATO for Instigating the Ukraine WarThe chairman of the Russian parliament, Vyacheslav Volodin, imputes NATO with participating in the fighting in Ukraine. "They are instigating war against our country," Volodin pens on Telegram. He suggests that NATO is aiding Ukraine in selecting Russian cities for attacks, coordinating military deployments with the Ukrainian army, and overall dictating orders to the government in Kyiv.
10:17 Munz on Putin's War Threat to NATO: "Putin's Statement Fails to Make it to Morning News Programs"There are concerns in the West that permitting Ukraine to launch long-range attacks on Russian territory might precipitate escalation. Indeed, Russian President Vladimir Putin has once again levied such a threat. However, ntv correspondent Rainer Munz asserts several reasons why Putin's quotes may lack substance.
09:42 Belarusian Opposition Leader's Condition Deteriorates, According to FamilyThe family of imprisoned Belarusian opposition leader, Maria Kolesnikova, reveals that her health is rapidly deteriorating. For four years, she has been held in appalling conditions and now weighs only 45 kg at a height of 1.75 meters, claims her sister, Tatjana Chomicz, citing information from former detainees. "I believe this is a critical juncture, as no one can sustain such conditions for long," she stresses, alleging that the authorities are subjecting her sister to psychological and physical torment. The Belarusian Ministry of Interior does not respond to a request regarding Kolesnikova's detention conditions. The 42-year-old, who has become a symbol of resistance since the protests against Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in 2020, is serving an 11-year prison sentence for alleged conspiracy to seize power.
09:15 Consensus Reached on Lithuanian Brigade DeploymentGermany and Lithuania have reached an agreement regarding the deployment of a combat-ready brigade in the Baltic NATO nation. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and his Lithuanian counterpart Laurynas Kazakevičius finalize the agreement in Berlin. This agreement complements the NATO Status of Forces Agreement, providing clarification on the legal status of German soldiers and civilians in Lithuania. The intent is to establish legal certainty by addressing residence rights, tax law, education, health supervision, traffic regulations, and public safety. For example, it sets the groundwork for building German schools and kindergartens in Lithuania. The brigade is expected to become active by 2027.
08:51 British Diplomats Deported due to Suspicions of EspionageRussia has expelled six British diplomats under suspicions of espionage. The FSB intelligence service claims to possess documents indicating that the British Foreign Office is orchestrating political and military escalations with the aim of achieving Russia's strategic defeat in the Ukraine conflict. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accuses the British embassy of intentionally harming the Russian people. The British Foreign Office dismisses the allegations as "completely baseless." Russia's action is retaliation for British measures triggered by perceived Russian "activities in Europe and the UK," according to a BBC statement.
08:25 Fear of NATO Involvement as Putin Warns West over Missile RequestUkrainian President Zelensky has been advocating for the deployment of long-range missiles targeting Russian military facilities for some time now. The US and UK are now reviewing this proposal collaboratively. The Kremlin responds swiftly, with Putin issuing warnings towards the West.
08:00 Russia Offers Intelligence on Western WeaponsRussia is offering to share its insights on the usage of Western weapons in the Ukraine conflict. Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin mentioned that Russia has extensive knowledge on countering various Western weapons and is willing to share this information with its partners. The conflicts have led to the adoption of modern combat tactics, with Russian weapons capable of neutralizing Western weaponry.
07:26 Domestic Security Service Announces Arrests: Arson Attacks on Military Vehicles in KyivFive individuals have been arrested for setting military vehicles on fire in Kyiv on behalf of a Russian intelligence agency, as per Ukraine's domestic security service. The suspects are accused of burning five military vehicles and distributing leaflets aimed at discrediting the military. The arrested individuals hailed from different Ukrainian regions seeking work opportunities in the capital and were reportedly contacted by Russian agents via Telegram in search of easy money. They used their mobile phones to record the events to secure their promised payment, never received.
06:55 Rabbi in Mourning for Adopted Son Killed in WarUkrainian Chief Rabbi Moshe Asman is grieving the loss of his adopted son, Anton Samborskij, who perished during the Russian invasion. A memorial service was held in Kyiv on Thursday, attended by soldiers, veterans, and other mourners. Samborskij, 32, went missing towards the end of July and his demise was confirmed dissolutely after weeks of uncertainty. He became a father to a daughter just a few weeks prior to being conscripted. Rabbi Asman had taken him in as a 10-year-old orphan.
06:18 Incident Reported by Japan Involving Russian Military AircraftJapan's military dispatched fighter jets on Thursday following two Russian aircraft circling Japan. The Russian planes did not infiltrate Japanese airspace, as per the Defense Ministry. The Tu-142 aircraft patrolled the sea towards the southern region of Okinawa from morning until afternoon. In response, "we hastily launched fighter jets from the Air Self-Defense Force in an emergency situation," the ministry stated. The Russian aircraft concluded their flight in the north, also traveling across the disputed Kuril Islands between Japan and Russia. Earlier this week, Russian and Chinese warships commenced joint exercises in the Sea of Japan as part of a large-scale naval drill. Russian military aircraft last circled Japan in 2019.
06:00 USA Perceived as Pursuing Containment Policy Against Russia and ChinaThe Russian Deputy Defense Minister, Alexander Fomin, stated at a security conference in China that the USA is pursuing a containment policy against Russia and China. This was reported by the Russian news agency Tass. According to the agency, Fomin indicated that both Moscow and Beijing support the establishment of a fair, multipolar world order based on equality and mutual respect, while the West is preparing for conflicts in Asia by creating new security blocs in the region.
03:19 Conundrum at Border Line: Loss of Moldovan SoldierA Moldovan soldier met an unexpected end, the details of which remain unclear, while performing duty at the border line separating Moldova and the separatist region of Transnistria. The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Moldova declared that the soldier succumbed to a self-inflicted gunshot wound while executing his responsibilities at his designated post. Law enforcement and forensic experts are currently investigating the event. Troops from both Moldova and the Transnistrian separatists are stationed along this border line, with Russian forces having been deployed since a dispute in 1992 following the Soviet Union's dissolution. Moldova is committed to integrating Transnistria into its territorial boundaries. Incidents at this boundary are infrequent.
02:18 UK PM: No Desire for Conflict with RussiaThe British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, repudiated Russia's President Putin's claim that supplying Ukraine with long-range Western weapons for attacks inside Russian territories would equate to NATO's involvement in the conflict. "Ukraine has the right to defend itself," Starmer stated. The UK fully supports this right and offers training possibilities in this context. "However, we have no intention of inciting conflict with Russia," the British Prime Minister emphasized. Learn more here.
01:09 Ex-US Ambassador in Kyiv: Harris Might Enhance Ukraine SupportThe former US Ambassador to Ukraine, William B. Taylor, believes that Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris would support Ukraine more zealously than incumbent Biden if elected. She has already demonstrated this motivation in certain areas, Taylor remarked at an event at the American University in Kyiv. Biden has been more deliberate in certain decisions, such as those regarding HIMARS, Abrams, and F-16 fighter jets. Currently, he is also cautious regarding allowing Ukraine to engage in deep strikes against Russia. Taylor foresees a more assertive approach from Harris, aforementioned mostly due to the likelihood of her bringing in a new foreign policy team to the White House.
00:27 Zelensky Praises Estonia for Military AidUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomes Estonian President Alar Karis in Kyiv, expressing gratitude for the military assistance. The Baltic EU and NATO member nation allocated 0.25% of its annual GDP towards Ukraine's defense expenditures. The discussions focused on reconstruction and Ukraine's EU ambitions. Furthermore, the Latvian Prime Minister, Evika Siliņa, declared additional aid during a meeting with Zelensky.
23:19 BND Not Required to Divulge Ukraine Assessment to JournalistThe Federal Intelligence Service (BND) is not obligated to disclose to a journalist whether it characterized a Ukrainian military victory as challenging or impossible in backroom conversations, as per a ruling by the Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig. Moreover, the BND does not have to reveal which media outlets participated in these confidential background discussions regarding the military situation in Ukraine. However, the BND should share information on the number of confidential individual background discussions concerning the military scenario in Ukraine this year. The journalist's urgent application for a preliminary injunction was predominantly dismissed. A journalist from a daily newspaper filed the request. The court justified its decision, citing a newspaper article from May, which cited a CDU politician as stating that the BND intentionally spread a negative assessment of the military situation in Ukraine to influence public opinion.
22:06 Coalition Politicians Advocate for Use of Long-Range Weapons Against RussiaPoliticians from the traffic light coalition endorse the concept of permitting Kyiv to utilize long-range weapons against targets within Russia. According to SPD foreign policy expert Michael Roth, it is warranted and in compliance with international law to ultimately attack Russian military targets with long-range Western missiles, like aircraft fields, command centers, or launch bases. "From these bases, vile attacks on Ukrainian civilian targets are perpetrated," and they can be effectively halted here. The chairman of the defense committee, Marcus Faber of the FDP, states that the approval to "attack Russian military airports using long-range weapons such as ATACMS and Storm Shadow is long overdue." Green politician Anton Hofreiter underscores that "Russia is terrorizing the Ukrainian civilian population daily with rocket attacks on hospitals, residential buildings, and the energy supply." To effectively shield the Ukrainian civilian population, any military targets on Russian territory should be permitted to be hit via long-range weapons.
21:35 Vance Discusses Trump's Ideas for UkraineAccording to Republican Vice-Presidential candidate J.D. Vance, Donald Trump's strategy to conclude the Russian war might entail the implementation of a special demilitarized zone between Ukraine and Russia. As Vance elucidates in an interview with TV producer Shawn Ryan, Trump might coordinate meetings among Russians, Ukrainians, and Europeans to "discover what a peaceful resolution could look like." "I believe he could reach an agreement swiftly," says Vance. Trump is renowned for his overt sympathy towards Russian President Vladimir Putin and his frequent criticism of US aid to Ukraine. The former president has also suggested that he could conclude the war within 24 hours if elected. However, he does not expound on his plans.
21:03 "We're Russians, God's on our side" - Fascist Procession in Saint PetersburgA higher power might not listen, but they certainly echo it: "We're Russians, God's on our side," reiterate numerous Russian nationalists and fascists, parading through Saint Petersburg. The chant repeats: "Move forward, Russians!" The catalyst for their procession is the anniversary commemoration of Alexander Nevsky's relic transfer, considered a national hero and saint within the Orthodox Church.
20:28 Russian Broadcaster's Propaganda: "The Ocean's the Perfect Barrier"Renowned Russian television figure, Vladimir Solovyov, advocates that Russia's expansion shouldn't stop at Ukraine. "I believe the ocean serves as an optimal barrier," suggests the Kremlin's propagandist. He suggests that the best location for troop deployment is - Berlin, Lisbon, Madrid. And wouldn't they look stunning in Paris." In response to being reminded about Russia's less abundant population, he replies: "Our Belarusian brethren stand with us." Or, one might as well consider China as an alternative.
20:01 British Aid for War-Stricken Residences Prepare for WinterMany Ukrainian houses, withstood by shelling until now, are windowless, an alarming predicament as winter prepares to knock. The British charity organization "Insulate Ukraine" is addressing this issue by venturing to war zones and installing temporary windows.
You can review all previous events [here].
The Ukrainian military is urging for the use of long-range weapons to strike Russian military objectives, as reported by Spiegel. This is in response to the ongoing severe clashes in Kurachove and Russian forces advancing towards Pokrovsk. The German government must consider delivering the Taurus, a weapon designed to deactivate military targets prior to heavy attacks, in accordance with this request.
The Federal Defense Minister in Germany, Pistorius, sees a potential authorization by NATO partners for Ukraine to employ extended weapons against Russian targets as legally justifiable. He believes that international law allows for such a move, despite warnings from Russian President Putin that NATO would be at war with Russia if it allowed Ukraine to attack Russian territory with long-range rockets.
