The EU ought to guarantee a prompt execution of the EU's nuclear program within its jurisdiction.
18:30 Brigade Commander Calls Out Ukrainian Officer Blunders
A commander from the 28th mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian military has pointed out constant blunders by higher-ranking officers on the battlefield in an interview with Ukrainian news source RBC Ukraine. "Major screw-ups happen most frequently during rotations or when shifting to new positions," stated the leader of a fighting unit known as "Kurt". "Some leaders fail to plan adequately, and relocating a unit to a new site is a significant operation." Regrettably, many commanders in the military are not cut out for their tasks. "We've encountered instances where commanders simply pointed at a map, and upon reaching to take over from another unit from another brigade, they were already gone," said "Kurt". "The enemy had taken control, and we were under fire." These unprofessional actions often result in the loss of positions, personnel, and equipment.
17:57 Ukraine: Over 50 Russian Attacks on Port Infrastructure in 90 Days
Russian forces have attacked port infrastructure over 50 times in the past three months, according to information provided by Ukrainian officials. Attacks on the relevant infrastructure have been escalating in intensity, stated Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba. The intention is to disrupt Ukraine's exports and instigate a crisis in areas dependent on Ukrainian grain supplies, alleged Kuleba. Based on his statements, nearly 300 port facilities have been destroyed or damaged, and 22 civilian ships have been struck.
17:27 Kremlin Denies Using North Korean Soldiers
The Russian Kremlin has dismissed rumors about employing North Korean soldiers in their conflict against Ukraine as "another fabricated news story". Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declared, "This appears to be another fabricated news story." Ukrainian newspaper "Kyiv Post" had previously reported, citing intelligence sources, that six North Korean soldiers had been killed in a Ukrainian rocket attack on Russian-occupied territory in Donetsk. South Korea's defense minister, Kim Yong Hyun, later claimed that these reports were likely true. However, the head of Ukraine's Countering Disinformation Center at the military, Andriy Kowalenko, emphasized that the number of North Korean soldiers in Ukraine is "limited to a small number of pioneer troops".
16:51 Report: September Was Deadliest Month for Russia Since War Began
Russia experienced its highest casualties since the war began in September, according to a report by "Telegraph", based on British intelligence. The daily loss rate of the Russian military reached an average of 1,271 killed and injured soldiers. This was the highest daily loss rate since May, with 1,262 soldiers. September also became the fifth consecutive month in which the daily loss rate exceeded 1,000 soldiers.
16:25 Rutte Agrees to Meet with Zelenskyy on Long-Range WeaponsUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy conversed with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte about the feasibility of deploying long-range weapons against Russia. The results are unclear. "I appreciate the ongoing assistance of our country from the UK in defense, including with long-range weapons," Zelenskyy wrote on X. Starmer stated that Britain intends to aid Ukraine in achieving a strong position. "No war has ever been won with a single weapon. And regarding Storm Shadow specifically, the UK government's stance on the use of long-range missiles has not changed." Rutte informed journalists about long-range weapons when asked: "We discussed it today, but ultimately, it's a matter for each ally."
15:37 US Experts: Russians Aim to Maintain Attack PaceUS military experts are of the opinion that Russian military leadership has ordered a continuous pace of attacks to attain gains before muddy ground conditions in the fall – the so-called Rasputitsa – make attacks more challenging. Since late July, Russian forces have been attacking at a high tempo in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine, as per the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). The Russians are likely to intensify their push to progress further and seize the towns of Kurakhove and Pokrovsk, the experts predict. They expect that the Russians will not abandon their advance even in muddy conditions, although it will be less effective. The ISW anticipates that the current Russian offensive will reach its zenith in the coming months, however, this does not mean the end of advancements in eastern Ukraine in the fall and early winter.
14:54 Russian Army Claims to Have Targeted Patriot Missile SystemThe Russian army asserts that it has struck a US-supplied Patriot air defense system. Two Patriot launch pads, a control unit, and a radar were targeted, as per the defense ministry reports. One Patriot launch station is said to have been destroyed, while another was damaged. Additionally, Ukrainian soldiers and other military equipment were hit in the attack, according to the Russian report. However, the claims by the Russian army regarding the attack cannot be independently verified.
14:19 NATO Begins Annual Nuclear ExerciseNATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announces that the alliance will initiate its yearly nuclear exercise, "Steadfast Noon," next Monday. Sixty aircraft from 13 countries, including F-35A fighter jets and B-52 bombers, will participate. Geographical foci are the UK, North Sea, Belgium, and the Netherlands. "In an uncertain world, it's vital that we test and strengthen our defense so that our adversaries know that NATO is prepared and able to respond to any threat," says Rutte.
13:11 Ukraine Affirms Damage to Fuel and Lubricant facility After Strike on Russian AirbaseUkraine affirms an assault on a military airbase situated in the southern Russian Caucasus region of Adygeya. A fuel and lubricant facility at the base in Maykop was damaged and set ablaze, as per the head of Ukraine's Disinformation Countermeasures Center, Andriy Kowalenko. Previously, Ukrainian media had reported an attack on a military airport. Local authorities claim that a suburban area of Maykop was attacked by enemy drones.
12:35 Ukraine Boosts War Funding through Increased TaxesThe Ukrainian parliament hikes taxes to further finance the war. Key to this is a rise in the already enacted in 2014 war levy on income-dependent employees from 1.5 to 5 percent. However, this will not apply to soldiers.
12:08 Ukraine Denies Preparedness for TruceAn advisor to President Zelensky, Dmytro Lytwyn, denies a statement by the Italian newspaper "Corriere della Sera" which claimed that President Zelensky is ready for a truce along the front line in exchange for Western security guarantees, as reported by Ukrainian media. The report did not cite sources.
11:49 Zelensky Meets with Starmer and Rutte in LondonUkrainian President Zelensky arrives at the British government's seat in London. He meets with representatives of the British government and NATO to discuss his strategy for further action in the war against Russia. On the agenda are meetings with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, before Zelensky travels to talks in Berlin and Paris.
11:21 German Machinery Widely Utilized by Russian Military SuppliersAs per an SWR investigation, German machinery is extensively used by Russian military suppliers. The broadcaster identified over 30 German manufacturers whose machinery were imported to Russia last year. Many are based in Baden-Württemberg. In total, more than 300 machines made in Germany were delivered to the aggressor. In about two-thirds of the cases, the machines were brought to Russia via Turkey. The German manufacturers stated that they were unaware of this and that they comply with sanctions.
10:57 Casualties and Damage in Saporischschja after Russian Air RaidsAccording to authorities, four people were injured and 29 buildings damaged in Russian airstrikes on the southern Ukrainian city of Saporischschja this morning. Russia appears to have used glide bombs, the Ukrainian police said. While the city is under Ukrainian control, the Russian military occupies the nearby nuclear power plant. Russia has declared the entire region part of its state territory and is trying to capture it with heavy attacks.
10:22 Military Airport in Caucasus Region Reportedly AttackedAs per Ukrainian media reports, a military airport in the southern Russian Caucasus region of Adygeya was hit in the attack. However, reports on the damage vary. Earlier this morning, local authorities reported the evacuation of the nearby village of Rodnikovy.
09:37 Footage Shows Explosions at Russian Drone WarehouseVideo footage from the southern Russian region of Krasnodar shows flames, explosions, and showers of sparks at yesterday's attack on a drone warehouse. The building was reportedly housing around 400 drones of Iranian type Shahed:
08:53 Russia's Su-57 Fighter Jet Production Nearly Halts, Report SaysAs per a report by the British "Telegraph", the production of the stealth fighter jet Sukhoi Su-57 in Russia has almost ceased. The reason is said to be missing components, especially for the electronics, due to western sanctions, as cited by Ukrainian analysts from Frontline Insight.
08:29 Russia Claims to Have Downed Over 90 Ukrainian DronesAs reported by the Kyiv Independent, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense, Russia shot down 92 Ukrainian drones overnight. Of these, 47 were intercepted over the southwestern region of Krasnodar, where Ukraine is said to have destroyed a warehouse containing around 400 drones yesterday.
07:57 Top Economist: Must Limit Dependence on US Arms IndustryThe Kiel economist Moritz Schularick calls for a radical shift in German military spending. "If we exclude defense spending from the debt brake, we can really build up capacities in the long run," says the president of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. The federal special fund of over 100 billion euros alone is not enough, he says. "The problem with special funds is: they are often just a drop in the bucket compared to the need and not a permanent financing." Germany must limit its dependence on the US arms industry. "These are things you want to have at home."
07:41 Russia Recruits African Women to Build Drones for Ukraine WarApproximately 200 women from Africa are building drones in Russia for use in the Ukraine war. Affected women told the AP news agency that they were lured with job ads on social media promising a free flight ticket, money, and an adventure abroad. They had to complete a computer game and a Russian vocabulary test covering 100 words. Instead of working in a student program in areas like hospitality, some of the women found out after arrival that they had to work in a weapons factory. There, they have to assemble drones developed in Iran, which are then used to attack Ukraine.
07:21 Russia Suffers Attack in Adygea, Village EvacuatedAccording to reports, a village in southern Russia's Caucasus region of Adygea has been evacuated due to a fire caused by a drone strike. The village of Rodnikovyi was hit, with no reported casualties, according to regional authorities via Telegram. The attack targeted the outskirts of the city of Maykop. Nearby is a military airport. In recent weeks, Ukraine has been targeting deeper into Russia to disrupt the logistics of Russian invasion troops. In June, Ukraine attacked a fuel depot in the region of Adygea.
06:58 USA: Ukraine to Hold Territory in Russian Kursk for Months
According to US estimates, Ukraine can hold onto the territory claimed by its forces in the Russian region of Kursk for at least several months, if not longer. This is reported by financial news agency Bloomberg, citing high-ranking US officials. The officials, who chose to remain anonymous, said that Ukraine has not faced significant problems in supplying the region, as Russian forces have only launched limited counterattacks and have instead focused on advances in eastern Ukraine. The Kyiv forces now have a more stable supply of artillery ammunition, thanks in part to the efforts of their allies, after having suffered from shortages for months, the officials added.
06:25 Germany Bans Pro-Russian Activists
Two pro-Russian activists claim they are now banned from entering Germany. Elena Kolbasnikova posted a video on Telegram saying she and her partner Max Schlund had received a letter from the Cologne city administration banning them from entering Germany for 20 years. The letter stated they posed a threat to Germany's security. The couple had been organizing pro-Kremlin demonstrations in Germany since Russia's war against Ukraine began. An investigation published last year identified them as key figures of the pro-Moscow stance in Germany and revealed they had received financial support from a Russian government agency. In June, they announced through their lawyer that they had moved to Russia. Neither the Cologne public prosecutor's office nor the city administration initially wished to comment on the case.
06:04 Russian Court Convicts Former US Soldier for 'Mercenary' Activities
Former US soldier Trevor Reed has been convicted in absentia by a Russian court for his military service in Ukraine. The Russian Investigative Committee said Reed had voluntarily joined the Ukrainian army as a mercenary in 2023 and was sentenced to 14.5 years in prison for "mercenary activities." He was reportedly serving in the Donetsk region. The US State Department announced in July 2022 that Reed, who was freed in a prisoner exchange in April 2022, had been injured while fighting in Ukraine.
05:30 Ukrainian News Portal Claims Presidential Office Interference
The Ukrainian news portal "Ukrajinska Prawda" (Ukrainian Truth) has accused the presidential office in Kyiv of interference. It claims there have been attempts to influence its editorial policy, including a ban on speaking with its journalists and exclusion from events. Pressure is also being exerted on companies to stop advertising on the site. The portal did not provide specific examples. The editorial staff said they would make any future attempts at interference by presidential office employees public. Before Russia's invasion in February 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had conflicts with some journalists and had shut down TV channels and news sites.
03:50 Klitschko Warns of Challenging WinterMayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, called for peace for Ukraine during celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of the peaceful revolution in Leipzig. He stated that Ukraine faces a challenging winter, with many cities and communities destroyed. In a prayer, Klitschko expressed hope for peace. Leipzig is a partner city of Kyiv.
02:05 Zelensky Meets European LeadersUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is visiting Germany, France, Britain, and Italy this week for talks about the Russian war against his country. Today, Thursday, Zelensky will be received by French President Emmanuel Macron at 3 pm for a "bilateral meeting," according to Paris. Zelensky said at a press conference with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic that he will also meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the coming days. A meeting in Italy with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is also planned. On Friday morning, Zelensky will be received by Pope Francis at the Vatican.
00:01 Six Killed in Odessa Rocket AttackAt least six people have died in the southern Ukrainian port city of Odessa in a Russian rocket attack, according to authorities. Eleven others were injured, seven seriously. "The enemy's target was once again the port infrastructure," the military governor of the region, Oleh Kiper, wrote on Telegram. According to his statements, a civilian container ship flying the Panamanian flag was hit. The victims are Ukrainian citizens. According to Kiper, this is the third attack on a civilian ship in the last four days, an attempt by Russia to block the grain corridor established by Ukraine.
23:58 Russian Court Locks Up Activist for Over a DecadeA Russian court slapped an activist with a 12-year sentence on a Wednesday evening. The activist, Eugene Mishchenko, is accused of aiding a pro-Ukrainian faction. Allegedly, Mishchenko was passing information to the outlawed Russian Freedom Legion, a group based in Ukraine and primarily comprised of Russian Putin adversaries, according to Russia's state news agency RIA Novosti. Mishchenko is part of a group that honors Boris Nemtsov, a Kremlin critic assassinated in 2015 on a Moscow bridge, as per Mediazona, an independent Russian news outlet. Regularly, this group, named "Nemtsov Bridge," lays flowers and lights candles at the crime scene. Officials frequently dismantle the impromptu memorial set up by them. The verdict was handed down on Nemtsov's 65th birthday.
21:59 "United European Democrafections": Zelensky Pushes for EU ExpansionUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is urging Europe to amalgamate all democracies on the continent and welcome them into the EU. He spoke at a summit in Croatia with several Balkan leaders, stating, "Despite diverse tension, we must preserve our European unity as steadfast as possible." He also signed a pact with Croatia concerning defense and mine clearance. "If Europe isn't united now, it won't be tranquil; thus, the ongoing EU admissions process must culminate in some resolution," he continued. Beyond advocating for Ukraine's entry into the EU, which started in June, Zelensky also supports the EU membership of several Balkan countries.
21:25 Kyiv's General Staff Reports Drones Depot in Krasnodar DestroyedThe Ukrainian military reports the destruction of a drone depot in the southern Russian region of Krasnodar. After a direct strike, there was a subsequent blast, as per the General Staff in Kyiv. Approximately 400 Iranian-made Shahed drones were stored in the affected building. The report goes on to mention that this will significantly lessen Russia's capacity to terrorize Ukrainian city and village residents with these drones. Russian officials have admitted to a fire in a nearby warehouse, as reported by a local outlet in the village of Oktyabrsky. The location has been cordoned off, and a fire covering about 800 square meters still persists, according to the regional operational headquarters in Krasnodar Territory. However, they refrain from commenting on the fire's cause and the items inside the warehouse.
20:51 Southeast Europe Summit: Twelve Nations Call for Russia's WithdrawalTwelve Southeast European countries, along with Turkey, have agreed that Russia's withdrawal from all occupied Ukrainian territories is a prerequisite for peace. They endorse the peace plan proposed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his bid for NATO membership. This consensus is finalized in the summit's conclusion statement signed in Dubrovnik, Croatia, alongside Zelensky. Despite his tradition of straddling Eastern and Western alliances, Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic successfully convinced the summit organizers to remove a call for sanctions against Russia from the final declaration, according to Croatian media.
You can follow further developments here.
The Ukrainian military officer "Kurt" mentioned that certain commanders in the 28th mechanized brigade have struggled to plan effectively when relocating units, leading to confusion and potential losses. The Commission, presumably a military or political body, should investigate these instances to improve leadership and prevent future blunders.
The Ukrainian military has reported numerous attacks on port infrastructure by Russian forces over the past three months. The Commission should investigate these incidents to determine whether they are in violation of international law and to protect Ukraine's maritime interests.
