Ukraine acknowledges extensive assault on Russian ammunition storage facility in Volgograd
Ukraine allegedly assaulted a Russian weapons storage facility in the Volgograd region using over 100 drones. The Ukrainian military announced on Telegram that the military depot in Kotluban was targeted, with fire and ammunition detonations observed on the scene. A representative from the Ukrainian defense sectorclaimed that 120 drones traveled over 600 kilometers to strike the weapons depot, causing damage to munitions and rocket storage, which will subsequently result in a scarcity of ammunition for Russian occupation forces. Russia has yet to affirm the attack.
At 17:42, Baerbock Advocates for Ukraine's Use of Long-Range Weapons
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock believes that Ukraine should utilize long-range weapons for self-defense, especially to overcome the mine field in eastern Ukraine. She stated to ARD, "I've always said they play an important role... to get through this mine field." When asked if Germany would supply different weapons in the future, she replied that she had voiced her opinions, but Chancellor Olaf Scholz holds a differing viewpoint. In a democratic coalition, they cannot support something they cannot agree on, so other countries such as the US, UK, and France will provide the necessary weapons. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is pushing for the use of western weapons, including bombers, beyond the Russian border. He wants the US to approve the use of ATACMS missiles and the UK to approve Storm Shadow cruise missiles. German Taurus cruise missiles could even reach Moscow.
Around 500 Scientists to Be Affected by CERN's Suspension of Cooperation with Russia
CERN has confirmed that around 500 researchers with ties to Russian institutions will be impacted by its upcoming suspension of cooperation with Russia. These scientists will have to halt their collaborations when the contract ends on November 30. CERN decided to terminate its collaboration with Russia and Belarus following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in June 2022, and it confirmed this decision in December 2023. The current agreement with Belarus will expire at the end of June 2024, and 15 Belarusian scientists are already affected. Russia's contribution to CERN's budget, around 4.5%, will also be lost, but other member states will compensate for this loss.
Report Suggests Navalny's Death by Poisoning
According to Russian authorities, Alexei Navalny died of natural causes in February of this year. Navalny's supporters and numerous Western politicians hold the Russian leadership and President Vladimir Putin responsible for the death of the Kremlin critic. A report now lends credence to this theory: As "The Insider" reports, citing official documents, Russian authorities are said to have removed indications of symptoms that Navalny suffered from shortly before his death in prison. According to this, Navalny complained of severe abdominal pain and reflexively vomited. He also suffered from cramps and eventually lost consciousness. The medium writes that the official cause of death - a heart rhythm disorder - does not explain these described symptoms. Consulted doctors indicated that these were typical signs of poisoning. Navalny had already been poisoned with the nerve agent Novichok in 2020 and nearly died.
Russian Troops Repel Six Ukrainian Incursion Attempts in Kursk
Russian forces have reportedly repelled six new Ukrainian attempts to enter the western region of Kursk, according to the Moscow Defense Ministry. As reported by the news agency Reuters, the ministry states in a Telegram post that its forces, with the support of aircraft and artillery, have repelled attempts to enter the region near the village of Novy Put, about 79 kilometers west of Sudzha. According to Moscow, 50 Ukrainian soldiers were killed and injured, and a tank and four armored combat vehicles, as well as a car, were destroyed. These claims cannot be independently verified.
Saporischschja Bombed with 13 Air Strikes
The Ukrainian city of Saporischschja is under attack by air strikes. At least 13 people are injured, and residential buildings are collapsing in some areas. Fires are burning in numerous buildings. The Ukrainian emergency service reports that ten private houses have been damaged.
German Army Practices Worst-Case Scenario
Following the completion of the "Red Storm Alpha" exercise, the German Army has announced a continuation next year, to be called "Red Storm Bravo." The three-day maneuver, which ended on Saturday in the Hamburg harbor, was deemed successful by the Landeskommando. "The training objectives, both in the command post and with the 2nd Homeland Protection Company, have been achieved," explained the chief of staff, Lieutenant Colonel Jörn Plischke. The aim of the exercise was to protect important infrastructure, maintain the same situational awareness on all levels, and communicate quickly and securely with all exercise participants. Given Russia's attack on Ukraine, a conventional war in Europe in the next five years is considered possible. The NATO alliance wants to jointly counter this. To do so, a prompt deployment of allied troops from west to east is necessary. "Germany, due to its geostrategic location, has the function of a hub. Therefore, the organization of military transports by rail, road, or air, the supply of food, beds, or operating materials, or the securing of entire vehicle columns must be practiced to have a credible deterrent effect," explains the German Army.
14:27 London: Russia experiences heaviest ammunition damage since conflict initiated due to drone attacks British assessments suggest that Ukrainian drone strikes have inflicted the most significant ammunition loss for Russia since the conflict commenced. Approximately 30,000 metric tons of ammunition were likely destroyed in a strike on a depot close to Tver in central Russia on September 18, according to the UK's Ministry of Defence, as mentioned in its daily intelligence briefing. There were further Ukrainian assaults on depots in Tikhoretsk in southern Russia and other locations in Tver during the night of September 21, as the ministry documented. The combined ammunition destruction at these three sites represents the largest loss of Russian and North Korean-supplied ammunition throughout the entire conflict.
13:57 Moscow supports broadening of nuclear doctrine Russia, possessing nuclear capabilities, has justified alterations to its nuclear weapons deployment strategy in the face of criticism. The revised nuclear deterrence standards are crucial as NATO infrastructure infiltrates Russia's borders and Western powers aim to defeat Moscow through military aid delivered to Ukraine, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov asserted on Russian state television. The ultimate decision to utilize nuclear weapons rests with the military.
13:19 Medical volunteers battle against Kremlin rockets Whenever Russian rockets impact any building in Kharkiv, Serhii swifts into action. As part of a community of volunteer first responders, he provides medical assistance and strives to rescue individuals trapped within the debris. He has deliberately chosen to undertake this role.
12:42 Saporizhzhia reports 16 fatalities following Russian glide bomb assault The death toll within Saporizhzhia ascended to 16, inclusive of a 17-year-old boy, following a Russian glide bomb assault, as reported by the city's military administration via Telegram. Russian forces attacked Saporizhzhia with 13 glide bombs during the early hours of the morning. All fatalities have currently been rescued and attended to.
11:50 "Terrible reminder" - Zelenskyy reflects on Babyn Yar massacre Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is commemorating the Babyn Yar massacre today, 83 years after more than 33,000 Jews were murdered by the German Wehrmacht in a ravine in Kyiv. Babyn Yar serves as a "terrible reminder" of the consequences when the world disregards, remains silent, or remains dispassionate instead of opposing evil, according to Zelenskyy, who is Jewish himself. Babyn Yar represents a stark example of the atrocities governments can commit when their leaders opt for intimidation and violence, Zelenskyy said, apparently referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
11:16 Ukraine: Death toll due to Sumy clinic bombing rises to ten The death toll within the Russian assault on a clinic in the Ukrainian border town of Sumy has now reached ten. The facility was attacked twice by Russia on Saturday, with the second strike occurring as rescue workers were attempting to retrieve the injured and the deceased, and evacuate patients. Russian forces launched 31 attacks on the border area overnight and in the early morning.
10:42 Russian Media Mentions Major Blast at Arms Depot in Volgograd Russian military bloggers and, subsequently, media sources report explosions at Russian military bases. Explosions took place near the naval base in Baltiysk, Krasnodar region, from where Russia launches kamikaze drones against Ukraine. The news agency Astra reports that a substantial ammunitions depot in Kotluban, Volgograd Oblast, has been hit. Blasts followed by a large fire and detonations ensued. According to the Ukrainian side, ballistic missiles from Iran and launchers were stockpiled in the Kotluban depot.
09:57 Ukrainian General Staff Enlists 165 Engagements Since Yesterday Since yesterday, the Ukrainian General Staff has documented up to 165 engagements, with more than a quarter occurring in the Donbass around the highly contentious town of Pokrovsk. According to the report, Russian troops executed 73 air strikes against target locations and population centers, employing 124 guided aerial bombs. They also launched seven missiles. Moreover, the invaders carried out over 4,700 attacks, including 179 attacks with multiple rocket launchers, and made use of more than 1,700 kamikaze drones. Ukrainian aircraft, along with rocket and artillery forces, allegedly conducted six attacks on locations amassing enemy soldiers, weapons, and military equipment.
09:17 Ukraine: High-Ranking Judge Killed in Russian Attack on Civilian Vehicle A judge from Ukraine's Supreme Court, who was facilitating humanitarian aid to residents in a village within the Kharkiv region, was killed in a drone strike on a civilian vehicle. The Ukrainian news site Ukrinform reports this information, relayed by the regional prosecutor's office. The previous day, an adversary first-person-view drone targeted the SUV that Judge Leonid Loboyko was traveling in on his way to the village to deliver humanitarian aid. He sustained fatal injuries instantaneously. Three female passengers within the car were injured. Ukraine is conducting an investigation into potential war crimes and murder.
08:55 Ukraine Reports Damage and Injuries Following Attacks on Zaporizhzhia Ukrainian officials report substantial damage to civilian infrastructure in the industrial city of Zaporizhzhia in southern Ukraine after recent massive Russian air raids. At least seven people were injured, as confirmed by the regional administration head, Ivan Fedorov, via Telegram. Individuals may still be trapped beneath the rubble. There were over ten air raids, and several fires broke out.
08:27 Russia: 125 Enemy Drones Downed Last NightRussia claims to have downed 125 enemy drones the previous night. The Ministry of Defense reports these UAVs were intercepted and annihilated by Russian air defense systems. Governors from various regions reported damages from these attacks but no fatalities. The Ministry states that 67 drones were downed over the Volgograd area, 17 each over Belgorod and Voronezh, and 18 over Rostov.
07:42 Ukraine: 1170 Casualties Reported on Russian Side in Last 24 HoursThe Ukrainian General Staff reveals 1170 casualties on the Russian side in the past day. This raises the tally of wounded and slain soldiers to approximately 652,000. Moreover, the Ukrainians report the destruction of nine Russian tanks, 62 artillery systems, and 38 armored vehicles since the previous day. Ninety-three drones were downed and one air defense system hit, the report reveals.
07:22 Militaries Bloggers: Ukrainian Strikes Deep into Russian Ammo DepotsMilitary bloggers on the X platform report that Ukrainian drone attacks hit a Russian arsenal in Kotluban during the night. Local sources mention fires near a substantial Russian ammunition depot in the Volgograd Oblast. NASA's Fire Information System also reports fires on the northern flank of the depot. Neither the Kremlin nor the Ukrainian General Staff has commented on this matter yet.
06:54 Klingbeil Hopes for European Solidarity with UkraineSPD leader Lars Klingbeil anticipates that the upcoming Ukraine summit with US President Joe Biden in Ramstein will send a strong message of unity with Ukraine, attacked by Russia. "The conference should emphasize that everyone, including the USA post-elections, is required to keep supporting Ukraine as long as needed," says Klingbeil. The conference should also consider "how future peace talks could be expanded, enabling a discussion for peace in the interest of the Ukrainians," adds Klingbeil. Biden is scheduled to visit Germany on October 10, and a conference for the 50 states militarily supporting Ukraine will take place at the US airbase in Ramstein on October 12, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attending.
05:42 Zelenskyy Spokesman: Western Weapons' Approval Not Decided YetAccording to the spokesman for the Ukrainian president, there is no final decision regarding the deployment of Western weapons on Russian soil. Serhiy Nykyforov explains in the Ukrainian news program 24/7 that there is "no final, decisive decision" on this issue. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has engaged in negotiations with all parties involved in this matter, including Italy, France, Britain, and the USA. The Zelenskyy spokesman adds, "We must realize that the Russians will be the first to learn if permission is granted for deep incursions into their territory. Then, an official announcement will follow."
04:45 Switzerland Backing China's Peace Initiative, Ukraine DisappointedThe Swiss Foreign Ministry has expressed support for a peace plan led by China to bring an end to the Ukraine conflict. Switzers' stance on such peace initiatives has witnessed a shift, explains the ministry in Bern. Ukrainians express disappointment with Switzerland's stance, as they plan a second peace summit for November. In June, 50 states without Russia and China participated in a first meeting in Switzerland.
03:29 Lithuania Assists Kyiv with Military AidLithuania is delivering a military aid package to Ukraine, including ammunition, computers, and logistics supplies. The relief is expected to reach Ukraine later this week, as per the Lithuanian government. Since the beginning of the year, Lithuania has already shared 155-mm ammunition, M577 and M113 armored vehicles, anti-drone systems, anti-tank weapons, remote control systems, and other equipment with Ukraine.
02:29 Casualties Grow After Kharkiv Region AttackThree people have been killed, and six others injured in Russian airstrikes on the village of Slatyne in the Kharkiv region, according to local authorities. The attack targeted civilian infrastructure and hit educational and commercial facilities while people were present on the streets, stated Oleh Syniehubov, governor of the Kharkiv Oblast.
01:29 North Korea Slams US Military Aid to UkraineNorth Korea, accused of shipping illegal weapons to Russia, views US$8 billion military aid to Ukraine as "a colossal error" and a "dangerous game" against nuclear power Russia. US President Joe Biden announced the new aid during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Washington. The aid aims to support Kyiv's self-defense and includes long-range weapons to enable Ukraine to attack Russia from a safe distance.
00:25 Sumy Attack Death Toll Rises to TenThe death toll from a Russian attack on a hospital in the Ukrainian border town of Sumy has risen to ten. Previously, one person died in the initial attack on the clinic, explained Ukrainian Interior Minister Igor Klymenko. The hospital was bombarded again during the patient evacuation, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of waging a "war against hospitals."
Read more about past developments here.
Following the drone attacks on Russian ammunition depots, the British government reported that it was the most significant ammunition loss for Russia since the start of the conflict. (From: 14:27 London: Russia experiences heaviest ammunition damage since conflict initiated due to drone attacks)
The Ukraine allegedly attacked a Russian weapons storage facility in the Volgograd region using over 100 drones, according to Ukrainian military announcements. (From: Russian Troops Repel Six Ukrainian Incursion Attempts in Kursk)
