Unusual Ukraine Aerial Assault Occurs Beyond Border's 1900-kilometer Limit
In the northern Russian region of Murmansk, authorities are once again raising concerns about a potential threat from Ukrainian drones. As a precaution, airspace will be closed, Governor Andrei Chibis announced via Telegram. The region is roughly 1,900 kilometers from Ukraine. The Russian Federal Air Transport Agency Rosaviatsiya has temporarily halted take-offs and landings at Murmansk and Apatity airports due to security reasons. The Northern Fleet and an airbase used for launching strategic bombers towards Ukraine are situated in the Russian Far North.
UK Confirms Acquisition of Iranian Rockets by RussiaThe British Ministry of Defence has disclosed details concerning Iranian rockets allegedly transferred to Russia. According to this info, they are short-range ballistic missiles known as Fath-360 or BM-120. Introduced in 2020, these missiles can bear a 150 kg payload up to 120 km and reportedly hit their target within a 30-meter range. The Ministry of Defence's daily report in London mentions that Russia's ability to execute precise strikes against Ukrainian military or civilian facilities near the frontline will be significantly enhanced by this.
Poland Yet to Allocate Funds for Czech Artillery InitiativeAs per the Polish media outlet Gazeta Wyborcza, Poland has still not pledged any funds for the Czech artillery initiative aimed at procuring ammunition for Ukraine from numerous Western partners. Germany is reportedly leading the financial contributions. If everything goes as planned, Ukraine is expected to receive 100,000 rounds this month, with a goal of attaining 500,000 by the end of 2024, and potentially more in 2025. Russian interference in the market is also reportedly causing issues, according to sources from Prague.
Pistorius Supports Legitimacy of Long-Range Weapons for UkraineGerman Defense Minister Pistorius holds the view that NATO partners permitting Ukraine to utilize long-range weapons against Russian targets could be justified under international law. He contends that the US and UK have autonomy when it comes to making decisions regarding the weapons they have provided. Addressing Russian President Putin's warning that NATO would then be at war with his country, Pistorius simply states, "Putin's threats are Putin's threats. There's not much else to discuss on that matter."
Zelensky Welcomes Return of 49 Prisoners of WarUkrainian President Zelensky has announced the homecoming of 49 prisoners of war from Russia, including ex-fighters from the Mariupol steel plant Azovstal, which was under siege by Russian forces in the spring of 2022. Zelensky declared, "49 Ukrainians have returned home," sharing photos of soldiers and officers wrapped in Ukrainian national flags. These returnees are reportedly soldiers, national guards, national police, border guards, and civilians. Initial reports suggest that 23 of the 49 returnees are females. Zelensky did not initially disclose the specifics of their release.
Tusk Dismisses Seriousness of Putin's ThreatsPoland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk remains unfazed by Russian President Vladimir Putin's most recent threats regarding long-range weapons targeting Russia. While he acknowledges the gravity of the situation in Ukraine and along the Ukrainian-Russian border, Tusk advises against interpreting Putin's latest statements excessively. Instead, he sees them as indicative of the challenging position of the Russian military on the frontline.
China Seeks Peaceful Resolution for Conflicts Like Ukraine and GazaChinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu, speaking at an international security forum in Beijing, emphasized the necessity of negotiations as the only solution for conflicts like those in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip. Li believes, "promoting peace and negotiations is the only way to resolve the crisis in Ukraine and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict."
Germany Plans to Increase Oil Imports from KazakhstanThe German government is seeking to bolster oil imports from Kazakhstan. In the context of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's upcoming trip to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, a government official stated, "We welcome the prospect of expanding oil supplies from Kazakhstan." The primary objective is to diversify oil sources for the PCK refinery in Schwedt, with increased oil from Kazakhstan serving as one potential option. However, the official noted that Kazakh oil is transported to Germany via Russian pipelines, providing Moscow with leverage. Post-Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Germany has suspended Russian oil imports. Scholz's visit will also focus on securing gas supplies from Central Asia, with the official noting, "We need to source gas from somewhere, and that region is rich in it."
France Summons Iranian Diplomat Over Rockets Delivery to RussiaFrance has called in the Iranian diplomatic representative to the French Foreign Ministry in Paris. Diplomatic sources attribute this move to Iran's alleged delivery of ballistic rockets to Russia. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had previously confirmed that Russia had received rockets from Iran, which are expected to be deployed in Ukraine in the near future. However, Iran has denied these claims.
12:03 Pentagon Lyrics Downplays Russian Counterattack in Kursk as 'Minor'The Pentagon expresses indifference towards Russia's counterattack in Kursk. Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder mentioned during a press conference on Thursday, "We've spotted some Russian troops making an attempt at a counterattack in the Kursk area." He labeled it as "minor," though they continue to monitor the situation closely. The Russian Defense Ministry asserts its forces have reclaimed ten villages. This detail, however, remains unsubstantiated. The Ukrainian army kicked off offensive operations in the Russian border region of Kursk approximately five weeks back, claiming to have seized around 100 Russian settlements and roughly 1,300 square kilometers.
11:38 Despite Frequent Downings: Drone Attacks Bring HarmThe Ukrainian air force claims to have successfully shot down 24 out of 26 drones during the nighttime hours. In the Odessa district, an individual sustained injuries, and 20 houses were damaged, while in the Mykolayiv region, drone wreckage sparked a fire at a processing plant for food, regional authorities announced. As per the Ministry of Energy, energy infrastructure in the Ivano-Frankivsk area was hit.
11:16 Shoigu Grooves with Kim in PyongyangRussian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang. According to the Russian Security Council, the meetings took place in a "unique atmosphere of trust and camaraderie." The meeting is anticipated to make a significant contribution to the implementation of the defense pact signed by Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin in June. Per Putin, the pact allows for "mutual assistance in the event of aggression against one of the signatory parties." The West accuses Moscow of employing North Korean rockets and artillery shells in Ukraine. To intensify its offensive in Ukraine, Russia is reportedly seeking additional ammunition from countries such as China, Iran, and North Korea.
10:46 Volodin Claims NATO Battles Our CountryThe chairman of the Russian parliament, Vyacheslav Volodin, alleges that NATO is officially engaged in the combats in Ukraine. "They are waging war against our country," Volodin wrote on Telegram. He argues that NATO is assisting Ukraine in picking Russian cities for targeted strikes, coordinating military deployments with the Ukrainian military, and ultimately commanding the government in Kyiv.
10:17 Munz Rejects Putin's War Threat to NATO as UnnecessaryIn the West, there are concerns that enabling Ukraine to launch long-range attacks on Russian soil might lead to an escalation. Exactly this prospective escalation is what Russian President Vladimir Putin repeats. However, ntv correspondent Rainer Munz holds several reasons for believing that there is no real substance to Putin's intimidation tactics.
09:42 Kolesnikova's Relative Reports Imprisoned Dissident in Poor ConditionImprisoned Belarusian opposition figure Maria Kolesnikova is reportedly in critical condition, her family member reports. Kolesnikova has been held under inhumane conditions for the past four years, now weighing only 45 kilograms and standing 1.75 meters tall, Tatyana Khomitsa said, citing information from former inmates. "I believe this marks a critical juncture, as no one can survive such conditions for long." She accuses the authorities of subjecting her sister to psychological and physical torture. The Belarusian Ministry of Internal Affairs does not respond to an inquiry regarding Kolesnikova's detention conditions. The 42-year-old has been a symbol of resistance since the protests against Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in 2020 and is currently serving an 11-year prison sentence for allegedly plotting a coup.
Germany and Lithuania Finalize Deals for Stationing of Combat-Prepared Brigade
Germany and Lithuania have reached a consensus for stationing a combat-prepared brigade in Lithuania, a Baltic country aligned with NATO. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and his Lithuanian counterpart Laurynas Kasciunas signed the agreement in Berlin. According to the Defense Ministry, the agreement complements the NATO terms of engagement and clarifies the legal status of German soldiers and civilian personnel in Lithuania, thereby ensuring legal protection. It regulates residential rights, taxation, educational system, public health oversight, road traffic, and public safety. It establishes the legal framework for setting up German schools and kindergartens in Lithuania. The brigade is expected to be operational by 2027. Find more details here.
08:56 Russian Expels British Diplomats
Russia expels six British diplomats under suspicion of espionage. The FSB intel agency asserts it has proof that the British Foreign Office is masterminding political and military escalation. The agency's objective, as per Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, is to ensure that Russia suffers strategic defeat in the conflict against Ukraine, as reported by the news agency TASS. The British Foreign Office refutes the allegations as "absolutely groundless." Russia's retaliation follows measures taken by Britain in response to state-sponsored Russian activities in Europe and the United Kingdom, as per a BBC statement.
08:31 Putin Warns West on Long-Range Weapons
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has repeatedly advocated for the use of long-range missiles against Russian military objectives. Presently, the US and UK are discussing this possibility in collaboration. Russian President Putin delivers a swift rebuttal to the West.
08:03 Russia Proposes Collaborating on Western Weapons
Russia proposes exchanging knowledge about Western weapons with its allies. Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin mentioned at a security conference in China, as per the Russian news agency RIA, that Russia is prepared to share its experiences in battling various Western weapons. The clashes have resulted in advancements in modern warfare, and Russian weapons are capable of counteracting Western weapons.
Ukrainian Security Service announces arrests: Men torch vehicles in Kyiv on Russian agency's orders
Five individuals were apprehended for setting fires to five military vehicles in Kyiv, as per Ukraine's Security Service. The suspects allegedly carried out these actions upon instructions from a Russian intelligence agency. They were also said to have distributed leaflets intended to discredit the military. The men, hailing from various Ukrainian regions, had travelled to the capital in search of employment. They were reportedly contacted by Russian agents through Telegram, offering them quick money in return for their services. However, despite recording their activities on their phones, the promised compensation never materialized.
Ukrainian Chief Rabbi mourns adoptive son slain in conflict
Ukrainian Chief Rabbi Moshe Asman is in mourning, having lost his adoptive son, Anton Samborskij, in the ongoing conflict. A memorial service was held in Kyiv on Thursday to honor the 32-year-old, who went missing at the end of July. Confirmation of his death followed weeks of uncertainty. Samborskij became a father to a daughter in May, as Rabbi Asman shared on social media. Samborskij had been adopted by Asman as a 10-year-old orphan and the two had last spoken on July 17.
Japan reports encounter with Russian fighter jets
Japan's military dispatched fighter jets on Thursday in response to two Russian aircraft that approached the country. The Russian aircraft did not enter Japanese airspace, according to the Defense Ministry. The Tu-142 planes were observed flying towards the southern region of Okinawa from dawn until dusk. "We mobilized fighter jets of the Air Self-Defense Force on an emergency basis," the ministry said. The Russian aircraft eventually returned to their original route, also traversing the disputed Kuriles. The incident unfolded just days after Russian and Chinese warships launched joint exercises in the Sea of Japan.
Russia accuses US of pursuing containment policy
Russia's Deputy Defense Minister, Alexander Fomin, criticized US foreign policy at a security conference in China, stating that the US is pursuing a containment policy against Russia and China. Fomin declared that Moscow and Beijing are advocating for a fair, multipolar world order that is built upon equality and mutual respect, in contrast to the West's aggressive behavior in the region.
Ukraine alleges air strike on civilian freighter
Ukraine's navy recently revealed details about a suspected Russian air strike on a civilian freighter in the Black Sea. A Tu-22 bomber is believed to have fired a Ch-22 anti-ship missile at the boat, which was situated outside Ukrainian territorial waters. The ship, registered under the flag of St. Kitts and Nevis, was carrying a wheat cargo from the southern Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk to Egypt. BBC sources reported that the ship was actually in Romania's exclusive economic zone. It also claimed that a Ch-31 missile was used instead, which has significantly reduced explosive power relative to the Ch-22 missiles intended to target aircraft carriers.
Moldovan soldier dies at demarcation line
Under mysterious circumstances, a Moldovan soldier passed away while on duty at the border with the separatist region of Transnistria. The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Moldova reported that the soldier was shot fatally by his own weapon while performing his duties. The incident is currently under investigation by local police and forensic teams. The region has witnessed a slim presence of Moldovan soldiers, separatist soldiers, and Russian troops along the dividing line, since a conflict occurred in 1992 following the disintegration of the Soviet Union.
Starmer denies Russian involvement in Ukrainian conflict
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has refuted Russian President Putin's claim that the provision of advanced weapons to Ukraine by Western nations constitutes NATO's involvement in the ongoing conflict. Starmer asserted that Ukraine has the right to self-defense, a stance fully endorsed by the UK. However, he assured that the UK does not intend to provoke conflict with Russia, emphasizing that Britain is not aggressively seeking to engage Russia in warfare.
Taylor expects more aggressive US support for Ukraine
Former US Ambassador to Ukraine, William B. Taylor, believes that if elected, Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris would provide more actively support to Ukraine than incumbent President Biden. He pointed out that Harris has already demonstrated a stronger stance in certain areas, such as HIMARS and F-16 fighter jets. However, Taylor noted that Biden has been more cautious about allowing Ukraine to engage in operations deep into Russian territory. He anticipates a more proactive approach from Harris, likely due to a potential change in the White House's foreign policy team.
Zelensky praises Estonia for military assistance
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged Estonia's military aid in a recent address, expressing gratitude for the country's unwavering support. Estonia has donated a wide range of military equipment and supplies, including vehicle-mounted mortars, drones, and tactical sensors, to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities. The assistance is seen as a crucial step in strengthening Ukraine's capacity to counter Russian aggression in the region.
Ukrainian Leader Zelensky Welcomes Estonian President, Pledges Thanks for AidThe leader of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, welcomes Estonia's president Alar Karis to Kyiv, expressing gratitude for the country's military aid. Estonia, a Baltic EU and NATO member, has agreed to allocate 0.25% of its annual GDP to Ukraine's defense needs. The discussions also touched on the nation's reconstruction and EU aspirations. In addition, Latvia's Prime Minister, Evika Siliņa, also pledged additional aid during a meeting with Zelensky.
23:19 BND Not Required to Disclose Assessment on Ukraine to JournalistThe German Federal Intelligence Service (BND) is under no obligation to inform a journalist whether it deemed a military victory for Ukraine as difficult or impossible in private conversations. The German court has ruled that neither the media involved in such talks nor the assessment needs to be disclosed at this time. However, the BND must divulge the number of confidential background discussions regarding Ukraine's military situation this year. The journalist, a daily newspaper editor, filed the request for an injunction after a newspaper article in May claimed the BND was intentionally spreading a negative assessment of the military situation in Ukraine to manipulate public opinion.
22:06 Coalition Politicians Support Long-Range Weapons Against RussiaPoliticians from Germany's traffic light coalition support granting Ukraine permission to use long-range weapons against Russian targets. SPD foreign policy expert Michael Roth says it is appropriate and in line with international law to attack military targets in Russia with long-range Western missiles. Roth suggests potential targets in Russia for long-range weapons, such as military airfields, command centers, or launch bases, stating that these locations are responsible for attacks on civilian Ukrainian targets. The approval to use weapons to target Russian military airports like ATACMS and Storm Shadow is long overdue, according to the chairman of the defense committee, Marcus Faber. Green politician Anton Hofreiter emphasizes that Russia has been terrorizing the Ukrainian civilian population with daily rocket attacks on hospitals, residential buildings, and the energy supply. Creating a buffer zone in which Ukrainian forces can protect civilians requires the use of long-range weapons.
21:35 Vance Discusses Trump's Ukraine PlanRepublican vice-presidential candidate J.D. Vance suggests Donald Trump's plan to end the Russian war might include designing a demilitarized zone between Ukraine and Russia. Vance, in an interview with TV producer Shawn Ryan, explains that Trump could help bring Russia, Ukraine, and Europe to the negotiation table to discuss a potential peaceful solution. "I think he can get to a deal very quickly," Vance says, while mentioning Trump's past sympathy for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his criticism of U.S. aid to Ukraine. Trump asserts that he can finish the war within 24 hours if elected, but fails to provide specific details.
21:03 Russian Fascists march in St. PetersburgRussian nationalists and fascists, invoking a higher authority, march through St. Petersburg, chanting "We are Russians. God is with us," and "Forward, Russians!" The occasion for the march is the anniversary of the transfer of relics of Alexander Nevsky, a national hero and saint in the Orthodox Church.
20:28 Russian Propagandist Calls for Expansion to the AtlanticPopular Russian TV host and propagandist, Vladimir Solovyov, expresses his belief that Russia should not limit itself to conquering Ukraine but should aspire to extend its territory to Europe, with Berlin, Lisbon, Madrid, and Paris as possible destinations. Solovyov justifies his call by stating that Russia should make use of its Belarusian brothers or turn to China.
20:01 British Volunteers Prepare for Winter in UkraineIn several Ukrainian homes that have so far survived shelling, windows are absent, creating a pressing issue before the onset of winter. The British NGO "Insulate Ukraine" is addressing the problem by traveling to conflict zones and installing temporary windows.
The European Union could potentially express concern over Russia's acquisition and use of Iranian rockets in Ukraine, as their deployment could escalate tensions further.
Despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Germany is planning to increase oil imports from Kazakhstan, hoping to diversify their oil sources and secure supplies from the region.
