The Russian Chess Authority seeks to retrieve Magnus Carlsen's monetary reward.
15:26 Hungary Pushes for Enhanced Economic Collaboration with Russia in Sanction-Free Areas
Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has advocated for expanding economic ties with Russia, focusing on sectors not impacted by EU sanctions. He made this statement during a press conference with Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko, held on the sidelines of an economic forum between the two countries in Hungary. Szijjarto also stated that, from the Hungarian government's perspective, the EU sanctions have proved to be ineffective. Hungary is a member of both the EU and NATO. Interactions between Russian cabinet members and these countries have been few and far between since the start of the Ukraine conflict.
14:57 Pro-Russian American Fighter Killed by Russian Soldiers in Ukraine
As per Russian authorities, a U.S. citizen who fought for pro-Russian separatists in Eastern Ukraine was murdered by Russian soldiers. The murder took place in April, as reported by an investigation committee tasked with probing serious crimes. Three Russian soldiers are believed to be responsible for the crime, while another soldier is accused of aiding in the cover-up. No motive for the crime has been provided by the committee. Russell Bentley, known by his nicknames "Texas" or "Donbass Cowboy," joined the Moscow-backed pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine in 2014. He fought alongside the separatists until 2017 and then continued residing in Eastern Ukraine.
14:43 Zelensky Hopes for Biden's Rapid Endorsement of 'Victory Plan'
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hopes to obtain U.S. President Joe Biden's backing for his strategy to end the Ukraine conflict during his upcoming trip to Washington. "I truly hope he will support this plan," Zelensky said on Friday in Kyiv during a joint press conference with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. According to Zelensky, the "victory plan" necessitates swift decisions from partners, which must be made between October and December. "We believe that the plan will succeed," he added.
14:28 Russia to Regain Control Over Kursk Soon
As per Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, Russia will shortly regain control over the Kursk border region, currently under Ukrainian occupation. "Our soldiers are doing an excellent job, and they will achieve this. Control will be restored," he said. While the situation in the occupied Russian territories is currently challenging, Peskov predicted that it will soon favor Russia. The army will not disclose its strategy for achieving this, and no specific timeframe was provided.
14:03 Russia may have been Aware of Ukraine's Approach to Kursk
According to a report by The Guardian, authorities and the military in Russia's Kursk region may have had knowledge of an impending Ukrainian offensive. The report is based on documents allegedly discovered by the Ukrainian military during its Kursk offensive. The documents, which bear the hallmarks of genuine Russian military communications, suggest that Russian authorities and the military received warnings about specific Ukrainian advances onto Russian territory as early as January 2024. Measures to reinforce border defense were reportedly ordered as early as mid-March. However, complaints were reportedly still being made in June that units had an average strength of only 60 to 70 percent, primarily composed of poorly trained reservists. Ukrainian units launched a sudden attack on the Kursk region at the beginning of August.
13:30 BBC: More Than 70,000 Russian Soldiers Killed in Ukraine Identified
A Russian news portal and the BBC have reportedly identified over 70,000 Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine. The BBC Russian Service stated, "We have identified the names of 70,112 Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine, but the actual number is likely to be much higher." The count, compiled in collaboration with independent Russian news website Mediazona, is based on the analysis of official statements, obituaries, online death notices, and observations of graves in Russian cemeteries. It covers the period from the start of the war in February 2022 to September 19. Mediazona estimates that the total number of Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine is likely to be at least 120,000. The Russian government treats the number of Russian soldiers killed in the war as a state secret.
12:50 Ukraine Bans Telegram Use for Officials and Military
Ukraine has largely banned the use of the online service Telegram for government, military, and security personnel. The National Security and Defense Council announced on Facebook that the installation and use of Telegram on official devices of government officials, military personnel, security sector employees, and critical infrastructure operators are prohibited, citing concerns over "national security."
12:23 Raiffeisen Bank Sells Belarus Subsidiary
Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) has agreed to sell its Belarusian subsidiary and exit the market. RBI has signed an agreement to sell its 87.74 percent stake to Soven 1 Holding Limited. The sale is expected to have a significant impact on the bank's results. RBI has already scaled back its operations in Russia due to pressure from the European Central Bank. However, a Russian court has issued an interim injunction preventing RBI from selling its Russian subsidiary.
12:01 Report: EU Plans €35 Billion Loan for Ukraine
According to a media report, the European Commission is reportedly planning a €35 billion loan for Ukraine. This is part of the aid plans of the seven leading Western industrial nations (G7), as reported by the "Financial Times," citing three sources familiar with the matter. The loan is part of the G7's intention to provide Ukraine with $50 billion (around €46 billion) through the use of profits from frozen Russian state assets.
11:33 Russia Warns West: Don't Underestimate ConsequencesThe Russian government cautions the West not to disregard warnings against supplying longer-range weapons to targets within Russia. This could alter the nature of the conflict significantly, as per Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. "They're playing with fire," she says at a press conference. The conflict could take on a completely different form, posing dangerous implications for the world. There's currently no room for negotiations with the USA, Zakharova adds. There won't be a meeting between Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his American counterpart Antony Blinken on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, as both sides have "nothing to discuss." Previously, the outgoing NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg had emphasized that numerous red lines have been drawn by Russian President Vladimir Putin that he hasn't crossed. "He hasn't done it because he knows that NATO is the most powerful military alliance in the world," Stoltenberg said.
10:53 EU: Forced Removal of Ukrainian Men UnfeasibleThe European Commission has declared that it's impossible to forcibly remove male Ukrainian conscription-aged citizens from EU countries. This is due to the Directive on temporary protection, EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson clarifies. "We'll assist those who wish to return to Ukraine, and we'll discuss with the Ukrainian authorities and government the best way to do this. We won't deport anyone from the EU," she emphasizes. Previously, Poland's Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski had reportedly called on Western European countries to encourage Ukrainian men of conscription age to return to Ukraine. The Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha had allegedly supported this idea.
10:12 General Freiding Sees Opportunities in Russia Sanctions EvasionThe military coordinator of German Ukraine aid, Christian Freiding, states regarding Russia's weapon production: "We observe the situation as becoming more challenging for the Russians to maintain their defense industry with its intricate component supplies, but they still manage. They manage by taking detours and relying on the support of partners like China, North Korea, and Iran." Although it's noticeable that sanctions are having an impact, there are possibilities to "find loopholes or even completely legal circumvention options."
09:03 Von der Leyen Pledges Additional Aid for Ukraine's Energy SupplyEU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has promised further aid for Ukraine's energy supply during the winter, as she begins her visit to Kyiv. "My eighth visit to Kyiv comes at a time when the heating season is about to begin, and Russia continues to target energy infrastructure," she writes on the online service X. She has shared a photo of her arrival at Kyiv's railway station. "We'll support Ukraine in its brave efforts. I'm here to discuss Europe's support. From winter preparations to defense, to EU accession and progress on G7 loans."
08:20 "Slide Towards Authoritarianism" - EU Ponders Restricting Georgian Visa-Free TravelBrussels is contemplating restricting visa-free travel for Georgians to the EU. An unnamed EU spokesperson told Politico that this is due to democratic backsliding under the ruling Georgian Dream party. "All options are on the table" if Georgia doesn't reverse its trend towards authoritarianism, including "the potential temporary suspension of visa liberalization," the spokesperson said. Recently, the ruling Georgian Dream party adopted a law on foreign agents that mirrors repressive Russian legislation used against Kremlin regime critics.
07:42 Ukraine Condemns Poland's Crimea ProposalThe Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has criticized a Polish proposal on the status of Crimea, stressing that compromises are unacceptable. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski had previously suggested holding a referendum on the peninsula as part of a possible negotiating solution with Russia. "All efforts should be focused on liberating the peninsula, not on satisfying the Kremlin's appetite at the expense of Ukraine's interests and international law," the Foreign Ministry in Kyiv explained.
06:29 Von der Leyen Set to Arrive in Kyiv - Discussions with ZelenskyyEU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is set to arrive in Kyiv today. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced talks with her about winter preparations. "Of course, the energy question is a top priority," he said. The situation on the front, weapon deliveries, and joint armament projects will also be discussed, as well as Ukraine's path to the EU and further financial support for the country under attack by Russia.
05:32 Ukraine Partakes in NATO Exercise for the First Time Under Dutch LeadershipUkraine is participating in a NATO exercise led by the Netherlands for the first time. The exercise to test anti-drone systems is still ongoing, the NATO press service writes. "More than 60 anti-drone systems and technologies such as sensors, drone-to-drone systems, jammers, and cyber-hunters were tested live," the alliance announced. Ukraine's participation is part of the NATO-Ukraine action plan for innovation cooperation, which was adopted at the summit in July.
04:28 Transgender Advocate Assassinated in Georgia Following LGBTQ Law ControversyIn Georgia, following the controversial passing of an LGBTQ law, prominent transgender activist Kesaria Abramidze was tragically murdered. As per the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs, Abramidze, recognized as a model, actress, and influencer, endured numerous stab wounds in her apartment on a Wednesday. Her partner was taken into custody and charged with her murder, alleged to have been committed with excessive violence and hate motivated by her gender. The murder occurred one day after the implementation of a "family values" law, criticized by the EU and human rights organizations for limiting LGBTQ rights, which also prohibits gender reassignment surgeries. This law shares similarities with Russia's legislation restricting LGBTQ rights.
03:25 Lufthansa Explores Suspension of Frankfurt-Beijing Flights Due to Russia SanctionsLufthansa is reviewing its daily service between Frankfurt and Beijing, with a decision anticipated in October. A Lufthansa representative cited a highly disadvantageous market situation for European airlines compared to Chinese airlines and those from the Persian Gulf and Bosporus, which benefit from reduced operational costs, lax social norms, and high government investments in aviation, as well as continued access to Russian airspace, which has been sealed off for European and American airlines since the introduction of sanctions against Russia due to the Ukraine conflict, forcing them to take a detour which increases fuel consumption.
02:27 Russian Assault on Sumy Attacks Power GridIn a new wave of air raids, Russian forces bombed a care home for the elderly in the Ukrainian city of Sumy and devastated the city's energy infrastructure, killing at least one civilian, according to Ukrainian authorities. A UN monitoring body claimed that these attacks on the power grid might have breached international humanitarian law. The International Energy Agency reported that energy shortages in Ukraine could reach 33% of maximum demand during the critical winter months.
01:25 Over 1.18 Million Ukrainian Refugees in GermanyThe number of refugees residing in Germany has reached an all-time high. According to the Foreigners' Registration Office, there were approximately 3.48 million refugees in Germany as of the midway point of 2024, a rise of about 60,000 compared to the end of 2023, and the highest figure since the 1950s, as reported by the "New Osnabrücker Zeitung" (NOZ), citing a response from the German government to a minor request from the Left party in the Bundestag. Among the 3.48 million refugees, around 1.18 million are Ukrainian refugees, a growth of around 45,000 compared to the end of 2023. This figure encompasses all individuals, regardless of their residence status, from asylum seekers to recognized refugees to individuals with tolerance permits.
00:22 Lindner Dismisses Suspension of Debt Brake for Extensive Ukraine AidSPD and Green politicians often reference an agreement within the traffic light coalition to temporarily suspend the debt brake for extensive Ukraine aid as a factor in the budget dispute. However, Finance Minister and FDP leader Christian Lindner refuses to endorse such proposals: "I am unaware of such an agreement. I would not have consented to such a resolution," Lindner informed the "Rheinische Post" in an interview. The Ukraine conflict is deplorable, but not a state of emergency as defined by the German Constitution. "For Ukraine, we are diligently working on a $50 billion program of the G7 nations in addition to our bilateral aid," says Lindner.
23:23 Bulgaria Proposes EU Ban on Ukrainian Egg ImportsBulgaria will argue for a halt in egg imports from Ukraine at an EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting on September 23 in Brussels, as declared by Bulgarian Minister of Agriculture Georgi Takhov. This is a continuation of ongoing disputes between Ukraine and eastern EU member states regarding agricultural commerce. These disputes have resulted in border blockades on the Ukrainian-Polish border, import bans on Ukrainian corn and wheat, and agricultural protests in Poland and Bulgaria.
22:13 Merz Doubts Possibility of Peace Process with RussiaCDU leader Friedrich Merz expressed concerns regarding the situation in Ukraine, stating: "I do not see a viable path to initiate this peace process at the moment." Russia will only cease its activities when further military action becomes unviable or when Kyiv falls. In the long term, Germany will have to continue supporting Ukraine militarily. "I believe that we must defend freedom and peace from Russia, not with Russia, for the foreseeable future." This is a painful realization. "There is no other feasible option at the moment, at least as long as Putin and his regime remain in power."
You can review all previous developments [here].
The EU Commission may need to consider The Commission's involvement in addressing the potential suspension of visa-free travel for Georgians due to democratic backsliding.
In light of Hungary's push for enhanced economic collaboration with Russia in sanction-free areas, international organizations should closely monitor The Commission's stance on upholding EU sanctions.
