The Russian Chess Federation intends to recoup the prize money awarded to Magnus Carlsen
15:26 Hungary Pushes for More Economic Ties with Russia, Excluding EU Sanctioned Areas
Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has advocated for expanding economic ties with Russia in sectors not affected by European Union sanctions. He made this statement during a joint press conference with Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko during an economic forum between the two countries in Hungary. Szijjarto also stated that the EU sanctions, as seen by his government, are "essentially ineffective." Hungary is a member of both the EU and NATO. Visits by Russian cabinet members to these nations have become uncommon since the start of the Ukraine conflict.
14:57 American Fighter for Pro-Russian Separatists Killed by Russian Soldiers
A U.S. citizen who joined the pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine has reportedly been killed by Russian soldiers, according to Moscow. An investigation committee responsible for investigating serious crimes declared that the murder was committed by three Russian soldiers in April. A fourth soldier is accused of helping to conceal the body. No reason for the crime was given. Russell Bentley, nicknamed "Texas" or "Donbass Cowboy," joined the Moscow-backed separatists in Ukraine in 2014. He fought alongside them until 2017 and remained in eastern Ukraine until his death.
14:43 Zelensky Seeks Biden's Support for 'Victory Plan' to End Ukraine War
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hopes to gain U.S. President Joe Biden's backing for his plan to end the Ukraine conflict during his upcoming visit to Washington. "I truly hope he will support this plan," Zelensky said on Friday in Kyiv at a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The "victory plan" requires swift decisions from allies, which need to be made between October and December, he said. "We believe this plan will succeed," Zelensky added.
14:28 Russia to Retake Control Over Kursk Soon
Russia will soon regain control over the border region of Kursk, currently occupied by Ukrainian soldiers, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. "Our soldiers are doing a good job, they will manage it. Control will be restored," Peskov said. Although the situation in the occupied Russian territories is currently challenging, it will soon improve in Russia's favor, Peskov added. The army will not publicly discuss its strategy, and Peskov did not provide a specific timeline.
14:03 Russia may have been Aware of Ukraine's Advance towards Kursk
Authorities and the military in Russia's Kursk region may have been alerted to a Ukrainian advance, according to a report by The Guardian, citing alleged Russian documents discovered by the Ukrainian military during its Kursk offensive. While The Guardian could not independently verify the accuracy of the documents, they share the characteristic traits of genuine Russian military communications. They suggest warnings within Russian authorities and the military about specific Ukrainian advances onto Russian territory, dating back to January 2024. Measures to strengthen border defense were reportedly ordered as early as mid-March. However, complaints were still made in June that units had only 60 to 70 percent of their full strength and were primarily composed of poorly trained reservists. Ukrainian units launched a surprise attack into 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 claim to have identified over 70,000 Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine. The BBC's Russian service reports, "We have identified the names of 70,112 Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine, but the actual number is likely much higher." The count, created in collaboration with the independent Russian news website Mediazona, is based on the analysis of official statements, obituaries, death notices on online networks, 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 at least 120,000. The Russian government treats the number of Russian soldiers killed in the war as a state secret.
12:50 Ukraine Prohibits Official Use of Telegram for Government, Military
Ukraine has mainly banned the use of the online service Telegram for government, army, 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 and defense sector employees, and critical infrastructure operators is prohibited. The justification given is concerns about "national security."
12:23 Raiffeisen Bank Quits Belarus Market, Sells Subsidiary
Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) is selling its Belarusian subsidiary and leaving the market. The Austrian bank announced that it has agreed to sell its 87.74 percent stake to Soven 1 Holding Limited. The sale will significantly affect RBI's earnings. RBI has already significantly reduced its business in Russia due to pressure from the European Central Bank. However, a Russian court has issued an interim injunction preventing RBI from selling its subsidiary bank in Russia.
12:01 Report: EU Plans €35 Billion Loan for Ukraine
The European Commission is reportedly planning a €35 billion loan for Ukraine as part of the aid plans of the seven leading Western industrial nations (G7). The Financial Times reports this, 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) by utilizing the profits from frozen Russian state assets.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has officially announced financial aid of up to €35 billion from her X-account.
11:33 West, Beware: Russia Warns Against Ignoring WarningsThe Russian government sternly advises the West not to disregard warnings concerning the provision of weapons that can reach targets within Russian territory. As Maria Zakharova, the Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, explains, this action could drastically alter the nature of the conflict, potentially leading to hazardous consequences on a global scale. She warns that such behavior is akin to playing with fire, and she sees no likelihood of negotiations with the USA at this juncture. The planned meeting between Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his American counterpart Antony Blinken during the UN General Assembly in New York will not transpire, as both sides recognize they have nothing substantial to discuss. Jens Stoltenberg, the former NATO Secretary-General, previously highlighted various red lines set by Russian President Vladimir Putin that he has yet to cross. According to Stoltenberg, Putin has refrained from crossing these lines due to NATO's status as the most powerful military alliance globally.
10:53 EU Denies Opportunity for Forced Expulsion of Male UkrainiansThe European Commission has made it clear that male Ukrainian citizens of conscription age cannot be forcibly expelled from European Union countries. This revelation comes from EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson. The Ukrainian Pravda has reported on this matter. Due to the Directive on temporary protection, forced expulsion is not an option, explains Johansson. Those who wish to return to Ukraine will be supported, and discussions will be held with the Ukrainian authorities and government to determine the most effective method of facilitating this. Johansson underscores that no individual will be expelled from the EU. In the past, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski reportedly encouraged Western European countries to encourage Ukrainian men of conscription age to return to Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha allegedly supported this notion.
10:12 General Freuding Sees Opportunities in Russia Sanctions EvasionChristian Freuding, the military coordinator of German Ukraine aid, asserts that while Russia's ability to maintain its defense industry amid complex component supplies has become challenging, they remain resilient. They achieve this by adopting detours and relying on their partners, such as China, North Korea, and Iran, according to Freuding. Although sanctions demonstrate some level of effectiveness, opportunities exist to bypass or navigate around these restrictions through legal loopholes or other means.
09:03 von der Leyen Promises Additional Assistance to Ukraine's Energy NeedsUrsula von der Leyen, the EU Commission President, has vowed to provide further support for Ukraine's energy needs during the winter months. Her visit to Kyiv comes as the heating season is drawing near, and Russia continues to target energy infrastructure. Von der Leyen's statement suggests that Ukraine can expect assistance in winter preparations, defense efforts, discussions about EU membership, and progress on G7 loans. She has also shared a photo of her arrival at Kyiv's train station.
08:20 EU Ponders Suspending Visa-Free Travel for GeorgiansBrussels is considering withdrawing visa-free travel for Georgians due to democratic backsliding under the ruling Georgian Dream party. The EU spokesperson, speaking anonymously to Politico, claims that all options are on the table should Georgia fail to reverse its trend towards authoritarianism. This may potentially include temporarily suspending visa liberalization. Lately, the ruling Georgian Dream party passed a law on foreign agents mirroring restrictive Russian legislation used against Kremlin critics.
07:42 Ukraine Criticizes Poland's Crimea ProposalThe Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has condemned a Polish proposal regarding the status of Crimea, emphasizing the unacceptability of compromises. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski suggested holding a referendum on the peninsula as part of a potential negotiating solution with Russia. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry in Kyiv expresses that all efforts should be directed towards liberating the peninsula, not towards appeasing the Kremlin and undermining Ukraine's interests and international law.
06:29 von der Leyen Expected in Kyiv for Discussions with ZelenskyyUrsula von der Leyen, the EU Commission President, is expected to visit Kyiv today. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has revealed that discussions will center around winter preparations, the energy situation, front-line situations, weapons deliveries, joint defense projects, and Ukraine's progress towards EU membership, as well as additional financial support for the country. Russia's attacks against Ukraine will undoubtedly dominate these crucial conversations.
04:28 Transgender Advocate Suffers Fatal Stabbing in Georgia In Georgia, shortly following the enactment of a globally criticized LGBTQ law, prominent transgender advocate Kesaria Abramidze met her tragic end. According to the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs, Abramidze, a celebrated model, actress, and social media influencer, was repeately stabbed within her residence on a Wednesday night. Her boyfriend was detained as the prime suspect and accused of murder, allegedly committing the act with "extraordinary severity" due to the victim's gender identity. The fatal incident occurred just a day after the approval of a law on "family values" that drew outrage from the EU and human rights organizations for allegedly limiting LGBTQ rights. This law, bearing resemblance to Russian restrictions on LGBTQ rights, prohibits gender-affirming surgeries and other practices.
03:25 Lufthansa Mulls Over Suspending Frankfurt-Beijing Flights Due to Russia Sanctions Lufthansa is mulling over the future operation of its daily route connecting Frankfurt to Beijing, China. A decision is awaited in October. A Lufthansa representative cited an "uneven playing field" for European airlines when compared to Chinese airlines and those from the Persian Gulf and Bosporus, which benefit from low operational costs, lower labor standards, and substantial state investments in aviation. Moreover, these airlines can still utilize Russian airspace, which has been shut to European and American airlines since the introduction of sanctions against Russia due to the conflict in Ukraine. As a consequence, these airlines are forced to fly around Russian airspace, thereby incurring higher fuel costs.
02:27 Russian Forces Attack Energy Center in Sumy Russian forces launched a fresh round of aerial assaults in the evening, striking a geriatric facility in the Ukrainian city of Sumy and aiming at the city's power infrastructure. One civilian fatality was reported by Ukrainian authorities. A UN monitoring group claimed that the attacks on the power grid may have violated international humanitarian law. The International Energy Agency reported that electricity deficits in Ukraine could reach up to one-third of peak demand during the vulnerable winter months.
01:25 Over 1.18 Million Ukrainian Refugees in Germany The refugee population in Germany has reached a new record high. According to the Foreigners' Registration Office, there were approximately 3.48 million refugees living in Germany by the midway point of 2024, representing a 60,000 increase from the end of 2023. This figure is the highest since the 1950s, according to the "New Osnabrueck Newspaper" (NOZ), citing a response from the German government to a parliamentary request by the Left party in the Bundestag. Out of the 3.48 million refugees, over 1.18 million are Ukrainian refugees, marking an approximately 45,000 increase from the end of 2023. This count encompasses all individuals, regardless of their official residency status, ranging from asylum seekers to recognized refugees to individuals granted temporary residency.
00:22 Lindner: Ukraine Aid Not Justification for Debt Brake Suspension SPD and Green politicians often cite an agreement within the ruling coalition to put the debt brake on hold for extensive Ukraine aid as part of the budget dispute. However, Finance Minister and FDP leader Christian Lindner disregards such proposals: "I am not aware of such an agreement. I would not have supported such a standing order." The conflict in Ukraine is undeniably disheartening, but not tagged as a state of emergency under Germany's Basic Law. "For Ukraine, we are actively working on a 50-billion-dollar G7 aid program in addition to our bilateral assistance," Lindner said.
23:23 Bulgaria Advocates for EU Embargo on Ukrainian Egg Exports Bulgaria will advocate for a ban on egg imports from Ukraine during the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting on September 23 in Brussels, as announced by Bulgarian Agriculture Minister Georgi Takhov. This demand serves as a continuation of the ongoing disputes between Ukraine and Eastern EU member states over agricultural trade. These disputes have led to blockades at the Ukrainian-Polish border, embargoes on Ukrainian corn and wheat, and farmer protests in Poland and Bulgaria.
22:13 Merz Uncertain about Russia Peace Process CDU leader Friedrich Merz shares concerns regarding the Ukrainian situation and says, "I am skeptical about the potential for initiating this peace process at the moment." Merz believes that Russia will only cease its military actions when military success seems improbable or if Kyiv falls. Long-term, Germany will have to sustain support for Ukraine militarily. "I am of the belief that we will need to defend freedom and peace against Russia for the foreseeable future, not with Russia," Merz opined. This realization is difficult to accept. "There is no other feasible alternative, at least as long as Putin and his regime remain in power."
You can review previous developments here.
here.
Following Hungary's push for economic ties with Russia, there have been concerns about the potential impact of these military operations on the EU's stance towards Hungary.
Given the tensions between Russia and Ukraine, there are growing concerns that military operations might escalate, potentially affecting the regions where Hungary plans to expand its economic ties with Russia.
