The tally of victims has climbed up to 10.
Following a Russian assault on a healthcare facility in the Ukrainian border town of Sumy, the casualty count has risen to ten. Initial reports indicated that a single fatality occurred during the initial strike on the clinic, as per Ukrainian Interior Minister Igor Klymenko. The hospital was then subjected to further bombing during the process of evacuating patients. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accuses Russia of engaging in a "war against hospitals."
22:54 Zelenskyy's team: USA demonstrates significant interest in Ukrainian "victory plan"As per the spokesperson for the Ukrainian presidential office, Serhiy Nykyforov, the US government exhibits "high interest" in President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's alleged "victory plan." This information contradicts earlier media reports indicating a sceptical stance from Washington. "That's not the case," says Nykyforov on Ukrainian television. The plan has been "constructively received." He adds that US President Joe Biden has pledged to return with "certain decisions and answers" regarding the plan during the Ramstein contact group meeting in Germany on October 12.
22:25 Zelenskyy: Trump is on Ukraine's sideUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that Donald Trump will support Ukraine should he win the November election. Zelenskyy stated his views to the Fox News channel following a meeting with the US Republican. According to Zelenskyy, he has received "clear communication" from Trump that he will stand by Ukraine.
21:40 Lavrov: West should not try to challenge a nuclear power "to the end"In his speech at the UN General Assembly in New York, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov cautioned the West against trying to confront a nuclear power such as Russia "to the finish." He described such tactics as a "potentially suicidal adventure." Just a few days earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin had again hinted at the possibility of using nuclear weapons. According to Putin, any standard attack on Russia, backed by a nuclear power, would be perceived as a joint attack by those countries.
20:52 Explosion causes damage to railway bridge in Russian region of SamaraA railway bridge in the Russian region of Samara has been damaged by an explosion. The concrete supports for the tracks were impacted, according to the Russian Telegram news channel Baza. An unidentified explosive device detonated around 13:30 local time near the city of Kinel. Train traffic over the bridge has temporarily ceased.
20:02 Putin advisor: West intends to isolate KaliningradNikolai Patrushev, an advisor to Russian President Vladimir Putin, accuses the West of aiming to isolate the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. Patrushev, a long-standing associate of Putin, asserts that Western states are "actively obstructing" freight and passenger traffic to the region due to imposed sanctions. In an effort to circumvent these challenges, Moscow plans to shift the majority of the cargo traffic between Kaliningrad and the Russian mainland to seafaring alternative routes. Patrushev has served as an advisor to the presidential administration since May.
19:10 Lavrov: USA and UK aim to destroy Russia
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has firmly rejected the prospect of renewed global cooperation. "What kind of global cooperation can we truly discuss when the West has repeatedly violated the fundamental principles of globalization that it has been advocating from this lecture hall for so many years," Lavrov said at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. With regards to Russia's conflict against Ukraine, Lavrov sees a British-American conspiracy aimed at destroying Russia. He claims that secret strategies have been in place since 1945 to dismantle the then-Soviet Union. "However, today's Anglo-Saxon strategists are no longer hiding their plans. They still aim to subdue Russia through the aid of the illegitimate Nazi regime in Kyiv, but they are already preparing Europe for a self-destructive undertaking," states Russia's Foreign Minister.
18:22 Russian drone takes out Ukrainian Supreme Court judge
A judge of the Ukrainian Supreme Court has been killed in a Russian drone strike. The 61-year-old Leonid Lobojko lost his life when a drone struck his personal vehicle in a suburb of the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, as reported by regional military administrator Oleh Synyehubov via Telegram. Lobojko perished instantly. Three women in the vehicle sustained serious injuries. Lobojko was in the area to distribute humanitarian aid. The Supreme Court confirmed the death of its member on Facebook and extended its condolences to the family.
17:28 Ukraine: Russia prepares assaults in Zaporizhzhia region
According to Ukrainian sources, Russian troops are preparing offensive operations in the southern region of Zaporizhzhia. The spokesperson for the Ukrainian Southern Command, Vladislav Voloshin, stated on national television that Moscow is amassing personnel near the occupied village of Pryjutne. Voloshin also mentioned that the Russian troops in the area have acquired 25 light buggies that can be utilized by small infantry units for assaults. "This demonstrates our intentions to carry out offensive actions towards Zaporizhzhia in the near future," Voloshin said. However, additional forces would be required for a large-scale offensive, he added.
Ukrainian intelligence service HUR announced the assassination of Russian Colonel Alexei Kolomeitsev in Kolomna, Moscow region. Kolomeitsev was the head of the 924th State Center (Military Unit No. 20924) responsible for training specialists in the use of drones, including Shahed drones. HUR accuses Kolomeitsev of involvement in war crimes against Ukraine.
Baltic states and Poland seek EU funding for border fortification. The NATO members Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland plan to construct bunkers, barriers, and military camps at their borders with Russia and Belarus, citing security concerns. They aim to coordinate activities with Poland and announce projects like the "Baltic Defense Line" and "Eastern Shield."
Russia threatens legal action over Nord Stream pipeline sabotage. The country has filed "pre-trial claims" against Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Switzerland, alleging the countries' failure to comply with international anti-terrorism agreements. Russia warns of bringing the case to the International Court of Justice if the matter is not resolved.
NATO representative believes Kursk offensive puts Putin in a dilemma. The Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Robert Bauer, believes that the Ukrainian offensive in the Russian region of Kursk poses strategic and operational problems for Russia. Kyiv is creating a "strategic dilemma" for Moscow, according to Bauer.
Death toll rises in Sumy after double drone strike. Following a double drone strike by enemy forces, the number of deaths in Sumy has risen to nine, with eleven injured. 113 patients were evacuated from the hospital damaged during the attack, which also resulted in damage to a nearby clinic.
US examines Zelensky's "victory plan." US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reveals that the US government is examining Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's "victory plan" presented to President Joe Biden during their White House meeting. The plan includes a request for permission to use Western weapons for long-range attacks on Russian military targets.
UK reports 2013 attacks on Ukrainian healthcare facilities. The British Ministry of Defense reveals that 2013 healthcare facility attacks have occurred in Ukraine since Russia's invasion in February 2022. Personnel were targeted 235 times, including a recent children's hospital shelling in Kyiv.
Four dead after attack on police headquarters in Kryvyi Rih. The Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs reports the death toll from a Russian attack on the Kryvyi Rih police headquarters has risen to four, with a police officer still believed to be under the rubble. The attack is the second in two days on Ukrainian police.
Russian counteroffensive in Kursk gains ground. According to Australian military analyst Mick Ryan, the Russian counteroffensive near Kursk has further gained ground since Ukrainian forces crossed the border in August. The Russians face resistance but manage to regain territory at a slower pace.
Sixteen Ukrainian drones intercepted. The Ukrainian air force reports that Russia has launched 73 combat drones and 4 missiles against Ukraine overnight. Ukrainian forces successfully intercepted 69 drones and 2 missiles, causing no casualties.
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A Russian Colonel, referred to as Kolomeytsev, was reportedly killed in the city of Kolomna in the Moscow region by the Ukrainian military intelligence service HUR. The colonel headed the 924th State Center (Military Unit No. 20924) responsible for training specialists in the utilization of drones, including Shahed drones. The HUR claimed that the colonel was involved in war crimes against Ukraine.
Baltic nations and Poland look to EU for financial backing for border construction projects. In light of the security situation, NATO members Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland have announced their intention to request financial aid from the EU to construct barracks, barriers, and military camps at their borders with Russia and Belarus. The defense minister of Estonia, Hanno Pevkur, stressed the importance of coordinating efforts with Poland.
Russia threatening legal action over Nord Stream sabotage. Russia has filed "pre-trial claims" against Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Switzerland, citing international agreements against terrorism. The nation wants accountability if the issue isn't resolved in this phase, promising to bring the matter to the International Court of Justice.
NATO official believes Kursk offensive creates strategic and operational challenges for Russia. Interfax Ukraine reported that NATO's Military Committee Chairman, Admiral Robert Bauer, believes Kyiv's actions in the Russian region of Kursk pose strategic and operational complications for Putin. He stated that Ukraine's presence on Russian soil presents a "critical problem" for the Kremlin and its logistics.
Ukrainian casualties rise from double drone strike in Sumy. The death toll from a Russian double drone strike in Sumy has increased to nine, with eleven injured, and 113 patients evacuated from the hospital. Additional casualties were reported from a Russian attack on a nearby clinic.
US exploring Zelensky's "victory plan" presented to Biden. Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State, confirmed that the US government is examining Zelensky's "victory plan" introduced during a meeting with President Biden. The plan includes a request for arms authorization for long-range attacks on Russian military targets.
UK reports hundreds of attacks on Ukrainian healthcare facilities since 2022. The British Ministry of Defense documented 2013 attacks on Ukrainian healthcare facilities since February 2022. Personnel were targeted 235 times during this period. The Russians were responsible for a recent attack on a children's hospital in Kyiv that claimed 176 lives.
Four killed and one officer still missing after Russian assault on police headquarters. Ukrainian officials reported the death toll from a Russian rocket attack on the Kryvyi Rih police headquarters had risen to four. Search and rescue efforts continue to locate a police officer believed to be trapped under debris.
Russian counteroffensive near Kursk making progress. According to notable military analyst Mick Ryan, Ukraine's September invasion of the Russian region of Kursk has prompted a Russian counteroffensive, resulting in further Russian territorial gains. The Russians are facing resistance but have successfully reclaimed territory.
Ukrainian air defenses down 71 drones and 2 missiles. The Ukrainian air force reported the Russian army launched 73 drones and 4 missiles against Ukraine overnight. The Ukrainian forces intercepted 69 drones and 2 missiles, resulting in no reported casualties.
09:52 Trump-Zelenskyy Talks Resume After Break: After a five-year break, conversations between Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have resumed. Trump recently criticized US aid to Ukraine.
09:39 ISW: Few Major Attacks Could Alter War Course: Experts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) suggest that a few successful long-range attacks by Ukraine could significantly modify the war's direction. Russian authorities are attempting to sway Western opinion on whether Ukraine should conduct long-range attacks on Russian military facilities using Western weapons, the ISW explains, expressing worry over the potential pressure these attacks could exert on the Russian offensive. The US continues to prohibit Ukraine from launching long-range attacks on Russian territory.
09:18 Russian Casualties Rise in Ukraine, According to Ukrainian General Staff: The Russian forces have suffered an additional 1470 casualties, including fatalities and injuries, over the last 24 hours, as per the Ukrainian General Staff's report. In total, the army has sustained 650,640 losses since the start of the full-scale invasion more than two years ago. Since yesterday, the Russians have also lost 42 armored combat vehicles, 14 tanks, 62 drones, and 55 artillery systems.
08:57 Russian Forces Attack Hospital in Sumy, Six Killed: Russian forces have reportedly assaulted a hospital in Sumy, resulting in the death of six individuals, according to the military administration of the Sumy region. The attack was carried out using Shahed drones, and further drone attacks were conducted on a residential area and the hospital afterward. At the time, emergency services were evacuating patients and staff. According to the air force, Russian forces had also dropped guided bombs on the Sumy region.
08:21 Goldschmidt Warns of Threats to Baltic Sea from Russian Oil: Following Greenpeace's claims about Russian oil exports via the Baltic Sea, Schleswig-Holstein's Environment Minister Tobias Goldschmidt highlights concerns about the potential dangers posed to the Baltic coastal cities by tankers. "The Russian regime is unabashedly bypassing the oil embargo imposed due to the Russian aggression against Ukraine," said the Green politician. This conflict is threatening the already fragile seas. Numerous Western nations accuse Russia of employing barely seaworthy ships to circumvent EU sanctions due to the war of aggression. "The risk of an oil spill is increasing," warns Goldschmidt. "And most of this oil would eventually end up on our shores, from Fehmarn to Eckernförde."
07:52 Ukrainian Troops Hold Ground Against Intense Attacks in Pokrovsk: Ukrainian and Russian troops continue to engage in intense combat in eastern Ukraine. Pokrovsk and its surroundings were under renewed attack yesterday, as Russian units have been trying to capture the city for months. During the day, 19 Russian assaults against Ukrainian defense lines were repelled, according to the general staff's evening report in Kyiv. "Ukrainian defenders are holding up under the bombardment," it said. Russian troops are attempting to approach the city from all sides and secure their advance against Ukrainian counterattacks. Heavy fighting also occurred in the region around Kurachove. According to Ukrainian reports, around 17 Russian assaults were repulsed during the day. The reports on combat operations cannot be independently verified.
07:41 Zelensky Views US Visit Positively: Despite not receiving approval for extensive use of Western weapons during his US visit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky still views his trip positively. "Every conversation proceeded as planned," he said in a live address on the X platform. The Ukrainian peace plan was presented in America. "Now our teams must work on implementing every step and decision." In Washington, Zelensky met with US President Joe Biden and his deputy Kamala Harris to advocate for ongoing support for Ukraine's defense against Russia. He also met with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in New York, who once again asserted that if he won the election, the war would end quickly.
06:56 Qatar Negotiates on Return of Abducted Children: Out of the thousands of children reportedly kidnapped by Russia during the war, nine have recently been rescued, as per Ukrainian reports (see entry from 02:18). Many of them had lost one or both parents due to the war and were handed over to their grandparents, said Dmytro Lubinez, the Ombudsman for Human Rights. Authorities in Qatar are actively engaged in negotiations to bring back more children. They have been provided with a list of 751 children for whom the necessary documentation is already complete, Lubinez stated. According to Ukrainian authorities, around 20,000 children have been illegally taken to Russia since the start of the war, with only a few hundred having been returned home so far.
06:27 Blinken Accuses China of Supporting Russian Arms Industry: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted US concerns over China's support for Russia's arms industry during discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. "If Beijing claims it wants peace and an end to the conflict, but simultaneously allows its companies to aid Putin in continuing his aggression, it's contradictory," Blinken stated during a press conference. Wang expressed his country's position on the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the need for peace through dialogue, according to a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
05:31 Ukrainian forces eliminate two Russian soldiers on jet ski via droneUkrainian troops seem to have eliminated two Russian soldiers on a jet ski utilizing a drone, as stated by the pro-Ukrainian news source Defense Express. The Russians were journeying on the Dnipro River when a drone outfitted with an explosive load struck their jet ski, as depicted in a video shared by activist Serhiy Sternenko.
04:10 Mediazona shows over 71,000 perished Russian soldiersIndependent Russian news portal Mediazona claims that more than 71,000 Russian soldiers have perished in Ukraine. Since mid-September, nearly 2,000 more soldiers have succumbed in the conflict. Mediazona mentions that the genuine numbers are likely much higher, as their authenticated information stems from sources such as obituaries, online posts by relatives, local media reports, and notifications from local authorities.
02:18 Nine kidnapped youngsters recover to UkraineNine youngsters who were transported to Russia during the war have regained their homeland. They returned to Ukraine on Friday with the aid of Qatar, which functioned as a mediator, according to Dmitro Lubinez, the nation's Ombudsman. As he stated on Telegram, these children range from 13 to 17 years old, and a 20-year-old man was also involved in the operation. The return was accomplished through an action plan and with the assistance of the Gulf state of Qatar. The information could not initially be independently verified. The youngsters were reportedly taken from their parents or guardians by the occupiers and hailed from areas like Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, or Luhansk, Lubinez added further.
00:31 Lukashenko: "An assault on Belarus means World War III"
The autocrat of the former Soviet republic of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, implicates NATO of having attack plans against his country and threatens to utilize nuclear weapons. "An assault on Belarus means World War III," the Belarusian leader claimed, according to the Belarusian state news agency Belta, in an appearance before students in Minsk. Both Belarus and its ally Russia would utilize nuclear weapons in such a scenario. Lukashenko also thanked Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin for the recent change in Russia's nuclear doctrine. In his speech, Lukashenko asserts that NATO has concrete attack plans against Belarus. "Americans and Poles have already positioned themselves along the border, especially on the Polish side. We know that the Polish leadership is already rubbing its hands," he says. They are prepared for the case and will react immediately. Belarus is not a nuclear power itself; however, tactical nuclear weapons from Russia have been stationed on its territory since the end of 2023.
23:10 Former US Commander Hodges and others urge bold measures from Biden against Russia
A significant number of former military and experts have urged US President Joe Biden to take decisive actions to conclude the war in Ukraine's favor and impose measures against a potential threat from China. Among them are the former commander of US forces in Europe, Ben Hodges, and a former NATO deputy commander, German Army Lieutenant General Gert-Johannes Hagemann, who advocate for actions against Russia and also with an eye on China. They call for the removal of restrictions on the usage of Western weapons against Russia to attack "military and logistical targets" on Russian territory. They also demand the delivery of 300 Abrams tanks and 1000 Stryker armored vehicles to Ukraine and a comprehensive arms and technology embargo against Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, Belarus, and Azerbaijan. Furthermore, they propose an expansion of NATO beyond transatlantic borders to include Japan, Australia, South Korea, the Philippines, and "any other democratic country that expresses its desire to join," such as Argentina.
22:15 Russian intelligence investigates international journalists over Kursk
The Russian domestic intelligence service FSB is investigating three more foreign reporters over their coverage from areas in the Russian border region of Kursk controlled by the Ukrainian army. Affected are Kathryn Diss and Fletcher Yeung from the Australian TV station ABC News, as well as the Romanian journalist Mircea Barbu, who are accused of illegally crossing the Russian border, according to the Russian news agency RIA Novosti. The journalists face up to five years in prison. However, it appears that all three are not in Russia. Some international media, such as the German international broadcaster Deutsche Welle, the US news channel CNN, and the Italian broadcaster Rai, have reported from the areas in Kursk controlled by Ukraine.
21:35 White House labels US Republicans' accusations against Zelensky as 'political stunt' The White House is contesting accusations from Republican lawmakers that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky unlawfully interfered in the U.S. election by visiting a munitions factory. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre dismissed the claim as a "political stunt" and urged Republicans to "drop it." She said the Ukrainian delegation had requested the visit, which was facilitated by the Department of Defense. "This is routine," Jean-Pierre added. Zelensky's visit to the Pennsylvania production site, where 155mm artillery shells urgently needed by Ukraine are manufactured, was also attended by several Democrats, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. Following this, Republican lawmakers launched an investigation and the Speaker of the House demanded that Zelensky, in a letter, dismiss the Ukrainian ambassador to the U.S.
21:09 international community opposes Russian nuclear threats towards Ukraine Various nations, including China and Brazil, have voiced their opposition to the potential use or hint of nuclear weapons against Ukraine. Through a shared declaration, they implored all involved parties to abstain from employing or threatening the use of nuclear weapons, along with other mass destruction weapons such as chemical and biological ones. Twelve nations conveyed their "extreme worry" over the heightened chances of conflict in Ukraine, asserting that civilian facilities, including nuclear power plants and other energy sources, must remain untouched during military operations. This call to action stems from recent declarations made by Russian President Vladimir Putin. He suggested that Russia might deploy nuclear weapons if there were substantial air strikes targeting Russian soil, and any assault backed by a nuclear nation would be regarded as collective aggression. Furthermore, Ukrainian President Zelensky alleged that Russia was contemplating an attack on Ukrainian nuclear reactors.
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The European Union might impose further sanctions on Russia in response to its continuous attacks on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure.
Following the revelation of the US government's high interest in President Zelenskyy's alleged "victory plan," the European Union may scrutinize Russia's actions in Ukraine more closely and consider strengthening its support for Ukraine.
