Ukraine expresses desire for American approval to deploy Western long-range missile systems
In Ukraine, optimism is growing that Western weapons will soon enable strikes further into Russian territory. The American Secretary of State emphasized during his visit to Kyiv his intent to ensure "that Ukraine has everything it needs".
08:04 Ukrainian intelligence reports downing of Russian fighter jetAfter allegations yesterday of a Russian Su-30SM fighter jet disappearing from radar, Ukrainian military intelligence now reports that Ukrainian soldiers have downed such an aircraft during an operation in the Black Sea. The Kyiv Independent reports. The fighter jet, reportedly worth $50 million and based in Crimea, was reportedly taken down by a portable air defense system.
07:26 Ukraine counts more than a dozen injured after massive attack on KonotopThe number of injured in the massive Russian drone attack overnight on the energy infrastructure of the city of Konotop in the Sumy region has risen to 13. The regional military administration reports, citing Ukrinform. Among other things, a residential building in the city center was apparently struck.
06:42 Ukrainians in Germany do not lose their protected status on home visitsThe German Bundestag is set to debate the government's planned security package for the first time today, which, among other things, allows for asylum seekers to lose their protected status if they travel to their home country. However, exceptions apply, like for refugees from Ukraine.
06:04 Russian TV accuses Trump of being disadvantaged in TV debateVarious commentators on Russian state television have accused "sabotage" against Trump in his TV debate against Kamala Harris, as reported by the Kyiv Independent. Trump was reportedly "disadvantaged". The fact-checking of Trump's statements was heavily criticized. Trump was viewed by many observers as having lost the debate. The Republican has pledged if he wins the election, he will immediately end the Ukraine war.
04:50 Russian attack on Konotop: Severe damage to energy infrastructureSeveral civilians were injured in a Russian attack on the city of Konotop in the Sumy region. According to Mayor Artem Semenikhin, the city's water supply was temporarily disrupted. There were also severe damages to the energy infrastructure, and it remains unclear when private households will have electricity again. After the attack in the city center, there were several fires, school and residential buildings were damaged. Two people were taken to the hospital, one of whom is in critical condition.
03:29 Latvia sends more military aid to UkraineLatvia's Prime Minister Evika Siliņa, during her visit to Kyiv, announced a package of military support for Ukraine. It will include armored personnel carriers. This was announced by Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal following the meeting with Siliņa. According to Shmyhal, both countries are also discussing an expansion of cooperation in the defense industry.
01:32 Rocket Deliveries to Russia: UK Summons Iranian Businessman
Against the backdrop of claims of Iranian rocket deliveries to Russia, the UK has summoned an Iranian businessman, according to its own statements. "The British government has made clear that any transfer of ballistic rockets to Russia would be seen as a dangerous escalation and would result in a clear reaction," a statement from the Foreign Office in London reads. On Tuesday, Germany, France, and the UK announced further sanctions against Tehran in light of the alleged rocket deliveries, particularly the suspension of bilateral air transport agreements. On Monday, the European Union had cited "credible information" about the delivery of Iranian rockets to Russia.
00:14 Ukraine: Russia Deploys Inexperienced Soldiers in Vovchansk
According to reports from the Ukrainian military, Russia is deploying soldiers without combat experience at the Kharkiv front. Vitalii Sarantsev, spokesman for the operational tactical group of the armed forces in Kharkiv, said that the units involved in attack operations in Vovchansk are poorly trained. It is assumed that the newly arrived reinforcements are a mobilization reserve assembled by Russia. It remains unclear whether they are former prisoners or soldiers recruited from other countries, such as Central Asia, Africa, or the Middle East.
22:39 Mayor in Western Ukraine Assigns Russian-Speaking Inspectors
The mayor of the western Ukrainian city of Ivano-Frankivsk has announced patrols to monitor the increasing use of Russian due to the influx of Russian-speaking internally displaced persons (IDPs). "This is a citizen initiative, and anyone can become a language inspector," said Ruslan Martsinkiv, mayor of the city, to the TV channel NTA. Many IDPs from the east have Russian as their native language. Martsinkiv expects at least 100 such language inspectors, with around 50 volunteers already registered. He also provided a phone number for citizens to report Russian speakers in public spaces. Due to the war, millions of people, especially from the Russian-speaking regions in the east and south, have fled to the relatively safe Ukrainian-speaking west of Ukraine.
21:42 Erdogan Demands Return of Crimea from Moscow
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has demanded the return of the Crimean Peninsula, annexed by Russia, to Ukraine. "Our support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine is unwavering. The return of Crimea to Ukraine is a demand of international law," the Turkish head of state said in a video message on the occasion of the summit of the so-called Crimea Platform. The Crimea Platform, established in 2021, aims to raise international awareness of the situation around the annexed peninsula.
21:05 Update: Kyiv Preparing Military Strategy for USA Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlights the significance of USA's support in warding off the Russian attack. "Our strategy for victory," he states during a press conference in Kyiv, "relies largely on the assistance of the USA and other allies." Zelensky divulges that the strategy to be shared prior to the planned second Ukraine Peace Conference aims to "substantially boost Ukraine" and "compel Russia to cease hostilities." As reported by Bloomberg, Zelensky is expected to provide a definitive strategy for attacks against Russia for the USA to lift limitations on the deployment of Western weaponry. According to sources, both US Secretary of State Blinken and British Foreign Secretary Lammy were seeking a comprehensive plan for the subsequent year from Zelensky to comprehend Ukraine's objectives.
20:37 Blinken Outlines Biden's Policy on Weapon Utilization in Russia Addressing a joint press conference with British Foreign Secretary Lammy and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba in Kyiv, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken declares that USA is actively supporting Ukraine's military requests, including the use of long-range weaponry provided by the West to strike Russian targets. Blinken reveals that Biden and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will discuss these demands on Friday. Expressing urgency, Blinken says, "We are expeditiously ensuring that Ukraine has all necessary resources to defend itself firmly." Affirming, "We want Ukraine to prevail."
You can delve into the past events relating to the Russo-Ukrainian War here.
The European Union might consider providing additional military aid to Ukraine in light of its ongoing conflict with Russia, given its commitment to supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The European Union, as a strong supporter of Ukraine, could play a crucial role in ensuring Ukraine has the necessary resources to defend itself effectively.
Given the European Union's stance on the conflict, it's essential to consider potential military equipment donations or sanctions against Russia to further deter its aggressive actions toward Ukraine. It's hoped that such measures would encourage a peaceful resolution to the conflict, with the ultimate goal of guaranteeing Ukraine's independence and security within its internationally recognized borders.
