Ukrainian military personnel express their sentiment: "War exhaustion has set in for us"
Ukrainian soldiers need to strategically utilize their scarce weapons resources. NTV reporter Kavita Sharma witnesses this firsthand at the frontline: they're dealing with aged Soviet weapons with minimal ammunition, and the limited but improved, newer Western weapons.
14:23 Zelensky: Russia Launches Counteroffensive in Kursk
Per Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Russia has initiated a counteroffensive in Kursk, the Russian border region. Zelensky announced this during a press conference in Kyiv, adding that the Russian military's actions align with Ukraine's strategy. However, he failed to provide additional details. Russian Defense Ministry reports confirm that Russian forces have recaptured ten settlements in the Kursk region within just two days.
13:55 Iranian Top Politician Criticizes Russia Relations
Ali Motahari, a prominent Iranian politician and former vice-president of the parliament, has publicly criticized Iran's relations with Russia. In a post on the X platform, Motahari addressed the recent sanctions and diplomatic tensions. The sanctions imposed by Germany, France, and the UK are in response to the alleged supply of ballistic missiles to Russia. Iran's Foreign Ministry denies these claims vehemently.
13:38 Ukrainian City Pokrovsk Partially Without Water and Gas
The Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, situated in the Donetsk region, is now without regular access to drinking water, and many residents are without gas for heating and cooking. The city's water treatment plant was damaged in the ongoing conflicts, forcing the city to rely on over 300 emergency drilled wells for its water supply. The day prior, Russian attacks destroyed a gas distribution center, leaving 18,000 residents in Pokrovsk without access to gas.
13:07 Russia Likely Exaggerates Number of Warships
A report by the Russian independent news portal "Agentstvo" suggests that Russia only has half the number of warships it claims. The Russian Defense Ministry states that more than 400 warships are participating in the large-scale military exercise "Ocean-2024." "Agentstvo" draws on online data from projects like "Global Naval Powers Ranking 2024" and "RussiaShips.info," which indicate 264 and 299 warships, respectively. Approximately 50 warships and submarines belong to the Black Sea Fleet, which is not participating in the exercise. This claim of inflating military strength is not new.
12:28 Increased Russian Espionage Against the Bundeswehr
The annual report of Germany's Military Counterintelligence Service (MAD) reveals that Russian intelligence services have increased their espionage activities against German Ukraine aid and the Bundeswehr. While Russian interest in military strategy and policy has shifted from strategic to tactical levels, the Russian services now prioritize obtaining information about the German military aid to Ukraine. This includes information about weapon and ammunition transport routes, deployment processes, and the tactics of Western weapon systems in Ukraine. Russian intelligence services have also targeted the Bundeswehr's capabilities for territorial and alliance defense.
11:52 Munz: New "Atomic Weapons on Berlin" Threat Not a Coincidence
Britain and the USA might grant Ukraine permission to attack Russian territory, explains NTV correspondent Rainer Munz. This move is not surprising given the Kremlin's past attempts to block such decisions with threats. The current surge in threats about targeting Berlin with atomic weapons is likely a response to this possibility.
11:15 Report: Decision on Long-Range Missiles Not Until Two Weeks
A decision regarding the deployment of Ukrainian long-range missiles in Russia may take some time, reports the US media outlet Bloomberg. An early decision before the UN General Assembly meeting, which is slated to take place on September 24, is considered unlikely. As per the report, Ukrainian President Zelensky is expected to reiterate his demand during the meeting. Last Wednesday, Lammy and US Secretary of State Blinken visited Kyiv to discuss Zelensky's plans for attacks on Russian territory. Blinken will discuss this with US President Biden this Friday. British Prime Minister Starmer will meet with Biden on the same day.
10:31 Blinken Arrives in Poland on Return from Kyiv
On his return from Kyiv, US Secretary of State Blinken stopped in Poland, a crucial supporter of Ukraine. The purpose of these meetings with Prime Minister Tusk and President Duda is to discuss potential cooperation with Poland, the primary logistics point for Western military support to Ukraine. Poland has significantly boosted its military spending since the Russian invasion of Ukraine and ordered 96 Apache combat helicopters from US defense giant Boeing worth $10 billion.
09:59 Ukraine Reports 64 Russian Drones and 5 Missiles in Night Attacks
Ukrainian forces claim that Russian forces launched nighttime attacks on Ukraine with 5 missiles and 64 drones of Iranian origin. The Ukrainian military reported that 44 drones were intercepted. The authenticity of these reports cannot be fully verified. Air defense in the Kyiv area was also active to shoot down approaching drones.
09:11 Russian Scholar Proposes Reinforced Nuclear Stance Russian political analyst Sergei Karaganov suggests that Russia should convey its readiness to utilize nuclear weapons as a clear message. The primary objective of Russia's nuclear strategy should be to convey to all existing and prospective adversaries that Russia is prepared to utilize nuclear weapons, Karaganov stated in Russian newspaper Kommersant. In certain circumstances, Russia could potentially execute a limited nuclear strike on a NATO nation without provoking a widespread nuclear conflict. The United States would misrepresent themselves if they assured nuclear protection to their allies. Previously, Karaganov had advocated for Russia to consider a preemptive nuclear strike as a deterrent. Some Western analysts believe Karaganov serves a purpose for the Kremlin by voicing viewpoints that worry the West, making Putin seem more restrained by comparison.
08:46 Ukraine Anticipates US Approval for Long-Range Attacks on Russia There is growing optimism in Ukraine that they might soon be granted permission to launch attacks further into Russian territory using Western weaponry. During his visit to Kyiv, the US Secretary of State insisted they aim to provide "everything Ukraine needs". It seems there's already a green light in the UK:
08:04 Ukrainian Intelligence Records Downing of Russian Fighter Jet Following reports of a Russian Su-30SM fighter jet disappearing from radar, Ukrainian military intelligence now states that Ukrainian troops downed such an aircraft during an operation in the Black Sea. The Kyiv Independent reports that the 50-million-dollar fighter jet, stationed at the Crimean peninsula, was brought down by a portable air defense system.
07:26 Ukrainian Casualties Rise in Massive Attack on Konotop The tally of injured individuals in the massive Russian drone attack on Konotop's energy infrastructure throughout the night has climbed to 14, according to Ukraine's state news agency Ukrinform, citing the regional military administration. Among the targets was a residential building in the city center.
Read more here.
06:42 Ukrainian Refugees in Germany Retain Protected Status on Home Visits The German Bundestag will hold its initial debate on the federal government's planned security package today, which includes measures such as knife bans and revoking asylum seekers' protected status if they return to their homelands. However, exceptions apply, including for Ukrainian refugees.
06:04 Russian State Media Accuses Bias Against Trump in Debate Several commentators on Russian state TV have accused "sabotage" against Trump during the TV debate against Kamala Harris, as reported by Kyiv Independent. They argue that Trump was at a disadvantage. The fact-checking of Trump's statements was also criticized. Many believe Trump lost the debate. If Trump wins the election, he has pledged to immediately put an end to the Ukraine conflict.
04:50 Russian Attack on Konotop Causes Significant Damage to Energy Infrastructure Several civilians were wounded in the Russian assault on the Konotop city in the Sumy region. According to Mayor Artem Semenikhin, water supply was briefly disrupted, and significant damages were incurred to the energy infrastructure, without a clear timeline for restoring power to households. There were several fires in the city center, and both school and residential buildings were damaged. Two individuals were hospitalized, one critically.
03:29 Latvia Increases Military Aid to Ukraine Latvia's Prime Minister Evika Siliņa declared a package of military assistance for Ukraine during her visit to Kyiv, including armored personnel carriers. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced this after meeting with Siliņa. Both nations are also considering expanding cooperation in the defense industry.
01:32 UK Summons Iranian Businessman over Suspected Rocket Deliveries to Russia
In response to suspected Iranian rocket deliveries to Russia, the UK has summoned an Iranian businessman, as per its statement. "The British government has made it clear that any transfer of ballistic rockets to Russia would be considered a serious escalation and would elicit a firm response," a statement from the London Foreign Office reads. On Tuesday, Germany, France, and the UK imposed additional sanctions against Iran in retaliation to the suspected rocket deliveries, specifically suspending bilateral air transport agreements. On Monday, the European Union referred to "credible information" about the delivery of Iranian rockets to Russia.
00:14 Ukraine: Russia Deploys Inexperienced Soldiers at Vovchansk
According to reports from the Ukrainian military, Russia is fielding soldiers with little combat experience at the Kharkiv front. Vitalii Sarantsev, spokesperson for the operational tactical group of the forces in Kharkiv, mentioned that the units involved in the attack operations in Vovchansk are inadequately trained. It is believed that the recently arrived reinforcements are a mobilization reserve assembled by Russia. The origin of these reinforcements remains unclear, whether they are former prisoners or soldiers from other countries like Central Asia, Africa, or the Middle East.
22:39 Mayor in Western Ukraine Appoints Russian-Speaking Inspectors
The mayor of the western Ukrainian city of Ivano-Frankivsk has announced the appointment of inspectors to monitor the growing use of Russian. "This is a civic initiative, and anyone can become a language inspector," said Mayor Ruslan Martsinkiv to the TV channel NTA. Many internally displaced persons from eastern Ukraine speak Russian as their mother tongue. Martsinkiv anticipates 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, mostly from the Russian-speaking regions in the east and south, have migrated to the Ukrainian-speaking west of Ukraine.
21:42 Erdogan Seeks Return of Crimea from Moscow
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has insisted on Russia returning the Crimea peninsula, which it annexed, back to Ukraine. Erdogan stated, during a video message for a meeting of the Crimea Platform, that Turkey strongly supports Ukraine's territorial sovereignty and independence. He further emphasized that the Crimea peninsula should be returned to Ukraine, as per international law. The Crimea Platform, formed in 2021, aims to attract global attention towards the situation surrounding the annexed peninsula.
21:05 Update: Zelenskyy Outlines US Military Plan Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasizes the importance of US support in warding off the Russian invasion. At a press conference in Kyiv, Zelenskyy mentioned that Ukraine's "victory plan" relies heavily on US assistance and support from other allies. Details of this plan will be unveiled before the scheduled second Ukraine Peace Conference. This strategy aims to significantly bolster Ukraine and force Russia to end the conflict. According to Bloomberg, the US requires a defined strategy from Zelenskyy for striking Russia before easing restrictions on the use of Western weapons. In Kyiv, US Secretary of State Blinken and British Foreign Secretary Lammy reportedly sought a comprehensive plan for the next year from Zelenskyy to understand Ukraine's objectives better.
20:37 Blinken Discusses Biden's Position on Weapon Use US Secretary of State Antony Blinken shared that the US is diligently working to meet Ukraine's military requirements, which include employing long-range weapons supplied by the West for attacking targets within Russia. Blinken revealed that US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will discuss these demands during their meeting on Friday. At a joint press conference with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Kyiv, Blinken added, "We're racing against time to equip Ukraine with everything it needs to defend itself effectively," expressing support for Ukraine's victory.
For more background information, check it out here.)
here.
Sentence 1: In response to the pressing situation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky consulted with the President of the Council to formulate a strategy to effectively utilize their scarce weapons resources.
Sentence 2: The Russian Defense Ministry reported to the President of the Council that their counteroffensive in Kursk resulted in the recapturing of ten settlements in just two days, escalating the conflict further.
