The occurrence involving Baerbock has consequences for Russian media professionals
Situation at a UN press conference involving German Foreign Minister Baerbock leads to restrictions for Russian state TV journalist. "The actions of the journalist in question went against the rules of media access," the UN accreditation department explained. Consequently, his access status has been reduced. This means he now needs to go through a security checkpoint every time he visits the premises and has certain limitations at UN headquarters. The journalist approached Baerbock on the UN grounds and asked her a question as she was heading to a media event. Baerbock mentioned an upcoming press conference. The reporter followed her and eventually ended up standing beside Baerbock while she prepared her statement. Baerbock then requested the man to join other media representatives to allow the press event to commence. The Russian UN ambassador requests the decision to be reversed. The journalist didn't misbehave towards Baerbock or act inappropriately in any other manner. He described an altercation with a German delegation member during the incident as an "attack" on the Russians.
18:11 Putin Open to Dialogue with BidenRussia is open to talks between President Vladimir Putin and US President Joe Biden. Russian state-owned news agency Tass reported that Biden had previously suggested the possibility of discussing with Putin on the sidelines of the G20 meeting in Brazil in November. But he doubts Putin's attendance. Tass now quotes Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying there's been no discussion on this between Moscow and Washington. "No discussions have occurred, and there's no current basis for that." Peskov pointed out that Putin remains open to all forms of contact. The question of Putin's attendance at the G20 summit arises each time due to the conflict. In 2023, Brazilian President Lula stated that the decision on Putin's arrest is up to Brazilian justice if he attends the summit.**
17:26 Crimean Resident Sentenced to Lengthy Term for "Treason"A judge in Sevastopol, Crimea, has handed down a 14-year sentence in a strict labor camp to a local resident for "treason." The 47-year-old man is accused of providing information to the Ukrainian military about the positions and equipment of the Russian army. Since the conflict started, many Russians have faced imprisonment, punishment, or threats for similar allegations.**
16:42 Doctor Accused of Fraudulently Earning Millions by Issuing Disability CertificatesThe leader of a medical commission in Ukraine is being accused of making millions by giving disability certificates to individuals who falsely claimed to be ill. During searches of her house and workplace in Chmelnyzkyi, the authorities seized over five million euros in cash and over two million euros in foreign bank accounts. She also allegedly acquired numerous properties and luxury cars. The searches uncovered lists of individuals who had received fake illness certificates. She faces up to 12 years in prison, according to media reports.**
16:12 Ukraine Claims Responsibility for Oil Depot Attack in RussiaUkraine claims to have attacked an oil depot in the Russian region of Voronezh using drones. According to sources within the Ukrainian SBU intelligence service, the depot containing 20 tanks was targeted in a nighttime drone attack, resulting in a significant fire. The governor of Voronezh reports that a Ukrainian drone hit an empty tank at an oil depot and a small fire was put out. However, Russian emergency services report a large fire of approximately 2,000 square meters in a warehouse in the Voronezh region.**
16:00 Civilian Killed in Attack on Cherson by Russian ArmyThe governor of the Cherson region reports a civilian fatality. A 75-year-old woman was killed when the Russian army attacked Cherson with a drone in the afternoon.**
15:49 Wagenknecht and Wadephul Praise the Contributions of Woidke, Voigt, and Kretschmer to Ukraine's Support. "This is an intelligent and nuanced contribution" says Wagenknecht in an interview with the 'Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.' Voigt also gives his support: "The proposal is responsible because it adheres to our basic principles: It acknowledges Russia's violation of international law, our firm alignment with the EU and NATO, and a resolution that aligns with the UN Charter." The joint appeal criticized by many marks a "red line." "If it's crossed, there will be no cooperation with the BSW," Voigt explains. He views the appeal as "a serious attempt to build a bridge for potential coalition negotiations while preserving our fundamental principles." The unity of the three top politicians from the CDU and SPD is "a powerful signal."
15:30 Eastern Politicians' Plea for Ostpolitik Sparks Controversy: "Values Being Sold for Power Gain at a Cheap Price"
The CDU leader, Friedrich Merz, expresses dissent towards the call for enhanced diplomatic attempts by prominent eastern politicians to settle the Russia-Ukraine clash. Merz states, "Ukraine is battling for its survival. We ought to persist in backing it, which is in our own best interest. Dialogue will materialize only if both sides are prepared," Merz conveyed to the "Süddeutsche Zeitung". Criticism surfaces from Michael Roth, head of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Bundestag. "If the trio of designated minister-presidents' letter was a prelude to coalition talks with the BSW, I advise extreme caution," Roth, an SPD politician, remarked, alluding to the alliance of Sahra Wagenknecht and recent state elections. FDP MEP Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann shares views with the "Rheinische Post": "It feels as though our nation's liberal values are being compromised for a slim chance at retaining power and campaigning during elections." The leaders of Saxony and Brandenburg, along with Thuringia's CDU leader, advocated for a ceasefire in Ukraine and encouraged the federal government to engage Russia in negotiations through a guest article in the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung". You can read more about this here.
15:05 Autopsy: Probable Reason for Alleged "Spy Whale"'s Death in Norway
Contrary to suppositions by animal welfare activists, an alleged "spy whale" in Norway is unlikely to have been shot. A post-mortem examination on the beluga whale uncovered a bacterial infection as the suspected cause of death, possibly stemming from a mouth wound. The Norwegian Veterinary Institute and crime scene investigators concluded that the multiple superficial skin wounds on the marine creature were not gunshot wounds and no bullets or metallic debris were discovered. The whale was initially spotted in Norway in 2019 bearing a harness containing a camera labeled "St. Petersburg Equipment," leading to speculation it might be a Russian spy whale. Others speculated it was a therapeutic whale. The whale was later found deceased in a Norwegian fjord in late August 2024. Two animal welfare organizations suggested, based on the injury pattern, that the whale had been shot and filed a complaint.
14:33 Repeated Drone Assaults: Kyiv Reports Destruction
Ukraine was targeted by Russian drones again last night, according to the Ukrainian air force. They claim to have downed nine of 19 drones and hindered seven more by electronic interference. The fate of the remaining drones remains unclear. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reports that a building in the city center was damaged, leading to a swift fire extinguishment. In the southern region of Kherson, the local governor reported that targeted strikes hit essential infrastructure, supply facilities, and 35 private homes overnight, resulting in one death and four injuries.
14:04 Kremlin: "Kyiv persists in playing with fire"The Kremlin spokesman, Dmitri Peskov, asserts to Reuters, "Kyiv continues to play with fire, and, consequently, we will notify the representatives of the IAEA about this." He refers to the International Atomic Energy Organization, the UN's nuclear monitoring body. On Thursday, Russian forces claimed to have intercepted a Ukrainian drone near the Kursk nuclear power plant, and numerous news outlets reported a fire ensuing several miles away. The spokesperson for Ukraine's Foreign Ministry, Heorhiy Tykhyi, disputed earlier claims that Ukraine had fired weapons near the power plant.
13:46 France Delivers Twelve Caesar Howitzers to UkraineFrench Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced on the platform X that the Franco-German defense company KNDS had signed a contract for the delivery of twelve Caesar howitzers, financed by Ukraine. Caesar means "armed vehicle equipped with an artillery system". The self-propelled artillery system has the capacity to target locations up to 55 kilometers away. "Boosting our defense industry's production capabilities aids Ukraine," Lecornu stated. France has previously supplied Ukraine with Caesar howitzers.
13:11 Ukraine: Attack Destroys FSB Headquarters in NovosibirskOn October 3, a Mölter attack was conducted on the headquarters of the Russian domestic security organization FSB in Novosibirsk. A video from the Ukrainian military intelligence allegedly portrays a man setting the fire and becoming engulfed in flames. Russian media confirmed the fire.
12:34 Russia: Nuclear Power Plant Worker Murdered by Car BombA supervisor at the Russian-occupied Ukrainian nuclear power plant Zaporizhzhia was killed in a car bomb attack. The Ukrainian intelligence service released a video showing the car explosion and stated that "Andriy Korotky," the "head of security" at the nuclear power plant, had perished. Korotky was a "war criminal," having "voluntarily collaborated with the Russian occupiers," the intelligence service explained. He denounced pro-Ukrainian employees of the nuclear power plant. Russia's friendly management of the nuclear power plant confirmed Korotky's demise, referring to it as a "terrorist attack orchestrated by Kyiv". Zaporizhzhia's director, Yuriy Chernichuk, described the incident as "reckless" and demanded justice. According to the Russian Investigative Committee, an explosive device was planted beneath Korotky's car at his residence, which detonated as he departed.
Since Russia began invading Ukraine, at least 177 Ukrainian prisoners of war have perished in Russian captivity, as reported by Victoria Tsymbaliuk from Ukraine's coordination center for POWs at "The Kyiv Independent". Tsymbaliuk estimates that the actual number of deaths could be substantially higher due to a lack of international supervision. She explains that not all bodies are returned, and many are never even acknowledged as being held captive by Russia. There have been numerous reports of Ukrainian POWs being tortured or murdered in Russian captivity. In September, the Prosecutor General's Office announced that investigations into the execution of 84 Ukrainian POWs had begun.
11:00 Ukraine: Russians Bomb Kirovohrad Region with Drones
Russian military forces have assaulted the Kirovohrad region in central Ukraine using drones, as announced by the region's military administration head, Andriy Raykovych, on his Telegram channel. The headquarters of a company was harmed in the drone attack, causing one injury.
10:27 Austrian Company UNIQA Exits Russia Permanently
The Austrian insurance firm UNIQA has completed the sale of its Russian subsidiary to Russian Renaissance Life. The purchase price was not disclosed. UNIQA had announced over a year ago its intention to sell the joint insurance subsidiary with Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) to Russian Renaissance Life. UNIQA board member Wolfgang Kindl confirmed, "With the completion of this transaction, we are withdrawing definitively from the Russian market."
09:55 Fires Rage in Two Russian Fuel Depots
Fires have broken out in two Russian fuel depots during the night. The Voronezh region authorities (see entry 05:10) blamed a Ukrainian drone strike, claiming that parts of an intercepted combat drone fell into the depot and ignited an empty tank. Videos of the alleged drone strike were shared on social media, although the extent of the fire could not be determined. In a Urals village, a fuel tank covering an area of 10,000 square meters is also engulfed in flames. The Russian emergency services reported this. While Ukrainian drones are capable of reaching such distances, the emergency services did not mention a drone strike. The village is approximately 1700 kilometers from Ukraine.
09:30 Julia Navalnaya argues Against Talks with Putin
Julia Navalnaya has suggested that negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin are unnecessary, stating, "It's not necessary to discuss with him (...) We must fight him to one day restore justice." While in Paris for the French Constitutional Council, Navalnaya emphasized that the West underestimates Putin's reluctance to engage in talks. "He doesn't wait for someone to come and talk to him (...) He doesn't care at all," she added. She stressed the importance of not giving up and not being intimidated by this regime. Navalnaya was placed on a list of "terrorists and extremists" in Russia in July. Shortly before, a Russian court had issued an arrest warrant against her for "participation in an extremist organization." She was subsequently placed on a wanted list for failing to attend preliminary investigations.
08:58 Ukraine Discloses Russian Troop Losses
The Ukrainian General Staff has revealed new troop loss figures for Russian troops in Ukraine. According to their data, Russia has lost around 657,940 soldiers in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. Within a 24-hour period, the number of losses is estimated to be 1,230. Additionally, 15 tanks, 59 artillery systems, and 101 drones have been reportedly destroyed, according to a report from Kyiv. Russia is believed to have lost a total of 8,908 tanks, 18,965 artillery systems, 368 aircraft, 328 helicopters, 16,494 drones, 28 ships, and one submarine since the beginning of the large-scale attack. Western estimations suggest lower loss figures, although these are minimal values.
08:09 Ukraine Reports 82 Russian Attacks on the Sumy Region
Russian forces have attacked the Sumy region in northeastern Ukraine a total of 82 times over the past 24 hours. This information was provided by the military administration of the region on Telegram. Eight individuals were injured in the attacks. Russian military forces allegedly utilized mortars, artillery, rocket launchers, guided bombs, and drones. The military administration reported that more than ten Sumy communities were impacted, including Mykolaiv, Chotyn, Yunakivka, Myropillia, Bilopillia, Richkyvka, Krasnopillia, Velika Pysarivka, Nova Sloboda, Hluchiw, Shalyhyne, Esman, and Seredyna-Buda. The Sumy region shares borders with the Russian regions of Bryansk, Kursk, and Belgorod.
07:33 Ukraine Sets Up First Recruitment Center in Poland by Ministry of DefenseThe Ukrainian military has inaugurated a recruitment center in Poland, as announced by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense. Located in Lublin, Poland, this is the first foreign recruitment center from the Ukrainian military. The creation of a "Ukrainian Legion" in Poland was part of a security agreement signed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in July. Since the Russian invasion, Poland has welcomed close to a million individuals from Ukraine. According to Ukrainian government estimates, approximately 300,000 individuals of fighting age reside in Poland. Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz told Polish online publication "Wirtualna Polska" that Poland is not liable for the recruitment of Ukrainian volunteers; however, they will be trained militarily. "The number of Ukrainians who have registered is minimal," Kosiniak-Kamysz noted. According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, around 200 applications have been received so far.
06:52 ISW: Russian Forces Lack Resources for Endless Offensive in Eastern UkraineThe Russian Armed Forces supposedly do not possess sufficient personnel and equipment to sustain prolonged offensive efforts, as per a report from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). The extensive Russian summer offensive was planned and prepared by the military leadership for months beforehand. However, the reserves and resources allocated for the purpose may have been depleted during the intense battles of recent months, as suggested by ISW. As previously anticipated by both Ukrainian officials and ISW, the ongoing Russian offensive in eastern Ukraine is expected to peak within the subsequent months or even weeks.
06:12 Zelensky Emphasizes Defense Support After Meeting with New NATO Secretary GeneralUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appreciated the recent visit of the new NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to Kyiv within two days of his inauguration as "significant." Zelensky underscored the necessity of implementing all agreements with Ukraine's defensive partners in his evening video address. He stressed the importance of reinforcing the front line and requesting authorization from allies to use long-range weapons against military targets on Russian territory. "Everyone within the alliance is aware of the requirement," the president remarked. Zelensky also mentioned air defense as a top priority.
05:35 Ukraine Showcases Defence Industry Fair to Attract Foreign InvestorsThe Ukrainian Ministry of Defense is seeking foreign investment for its defense sector. This objective was achieved through an exclusive arms fair organized for international potential investors at an undisclosed location in Ukraine, as reported by agency Ukrinform. Deputy Minister Dmytro Klimenkow showcased a range of Ukrainian weapons, including an anti-tank missile system, a self-propelled artillery system, unmanned suicide boats, and mine-clearing vehicles. "We boast unique developments that have already been tested in combat and subsequently refined by developers," he stated. According to Ukrinform, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has already invested 4 billion dollars (3.6 billion euros) in its defense sector and aims to attract more funding from foreign partners.
05:10 Russia Reports Shooting Down Ukrainian Drones in Voronezh, Causing Oil Tank FireRussian air defense forces reported the downing of several Ukrainian drones overnight in the Russian region of Voronezh near the border. One of the drones landed on the grounds of an oil depot, according to Voronezh's governor Alexander Gusev on Telegram. This resulted in an oil tank fire which burned an empty tank, with no reported casualties. The claims remain unverified. Voronezh has been targeted by Ukrainian drone attacks in recent days.
02:51 Ukrainian Armed Forces Reinforce Defensive Installations in Eastern RegionCommander of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, has ordered the reinforcement of defensive structures in the eastern Donetsk region. Russian troops are reportedly advancing in various sectors in eastern Ukraine. Syrskyi announced on social media that he is collaborating with the 25th Sicheslav Airborne Brigade "at one of the most significant front sections."
22:22 War Impacting Latvia's Tourism IndustryRussia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine is negatively influencing tourism in Latvia. Various hospitality industry entrepreneurs and the Central Statistical Bureau have highlighted that the war is hindering the revival of tourism post-Covid-19. This effect is not exclusive to fewer tourists from Russia, but also due to perceptions of the Baltics as an insecure region situated near ongoing conflicts by potential guests from various nations.
21:40 Switzerland Commits 1.54 Billion Euros for Reconstruction Projects in UkraineSwitzerland intends to allocate 1.5 billion Swiss francs (1.54 billion euros) for reconstruction initiatives in Ukraine over the next four years, as per Swiss Ambassador to Ukraine and Moldova, Felix Baumann. Approximately 1 billion of these funds will be directed towards sectors of Ukraine's autonomy, mine clearance, and humanitarian aid. The remaining amount will be used for reconstruction programs invoking the involvement of the Swiss private sector, as mentioned by the Ukrainian Ministry of Communities and Territories Development. "To emphasize the seriousness of our intentions," Baumann stated during a meeting with Minister Oleksiy Kuleba, "our representative here will oversee the implementation of this project." Kuleba mentioned housing for more than 4.5 million internally displaced persons in Ukraine as one of the cooperation priorities with Switzerland.
20:39 Ukraine Obtains Patriot Air Defense System from RomaniaThe Ukraine has acquired a Patriot air defense system from Romania, as confirmed by the spokesperson of the Romanian Ministry of Defense, Constantin Spinu, to Radio Free Europe. "I appreciate every nation that aids us with air defense. I'm especially thankful to Romania for the Patriot systems. Together, we can enhance our effectiveness – we can put an end to Russian attacks by eliminating Shahed drones and missiles together," stated President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his evening address on Wednesday. Following initial hesitation, Bucharest decided to donate one of its Patriots in June. The Romanian government issued the delivery order for the system last month.
19:57 Forbes: Gazprom Becomes Russia's Least Profitable CompanyAs per the business magazine Forbes, the Russian state-owned company Public Joint Stock Company Gazprom experienced a record net loss of 5.5 billion euros in 2023, marking the first time in 25 years. Russia's Sibur Holding and China's Sinopec's Amur Gas and Chemicals Complex rank second in the Russian Forbes list of the least profitable companies. Also, among the top 5 least profitable Russian companies are Ozon (408 million euro net loss), the United Aircraft Corporation under Rostec's ownership (326 million euro net loss), and the social network VK (326 million euro net loss).
You can access all previous developments here.
The Russian UN ambassador requests the restrictions imposed on the Russian state TV journalist to be reversed, arguing that he did not misbehave towards German Foreign Minister Baerbock or act inappropriately.
In the context of the G20 meeting in Brazil, Russia is open to talks between President Vladimir Putin and US President Joe Biden, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating that no discussions have occurred yet between Moscow and Washington regarding Putin's attendance.
