Unusual Ukrainian Air Assaults Reported Over 1,900 Kilometers Past the Frontier
In the northern Russian region of Murmansk, authorities caution about a potential threat from Ukrainian drones once more. As a precaution, airspace will be shut down, Governor Andrei Chibis revealed on Telegram. The region is located approximately 1,900 kilometers from Ukraine. The Federal Air Transport Agency Rosaviatsiya has temporarily suspended all flight operations at Murmansk and Apatity airports due to security concerns. The Northern Fleet and an airbase which serves as a launching point for strategic bombers heading towards Ukraine are stationed in the Russian Far North.
15:22 London discloses info - Russia now has these Iranian rocketsThe British Ministry of Defence has disclosed information about the alleged Iranian rockets that have been supplied to Russia. These are ballistic short-range missiles known as Fath-360 or BM-120. They were first introduced in 2020 and have the ability to carry a 150kg warhead for up to 120km, striking their target with an estimated accuracy of 30 meters. According to the daily intelligence report issued by the UK's Ministry of Defence, Russia's precision strikes against the Ukrainian military or civilian infrastructure near the front will be enhanced due to this ability.**
14:45 Czech artillery initiative yet to receive funds from PolandPolish media outlet Gazeta Wyborcza reports that Poland has yet to provide any financial support to the Czech artillery initiative, which aims to obtain ammunition for Ukraine from various Western partners. Germany is said to be the largest and quickest contributor. If everything goes as planned, Ukraine is expected to receive 100,000 shells this month, with a goal of 500,000 by the end of 2024 and even more in 2025. Problems on the market caused by Russia's activities are reported by media outlets from Prague.**
14:20 Pistorius supports legal justification for long-range weapons approval for UkraineGerman Defense Minister Pistorius believes that it would be legally justifiable for Ukrainian approval from NATO partners to use long-range weapons against Russian targets under international law. He asserts that the US and UK have the right to make decisions regarding the weapons they have supplied. In response to Russian President Putin's warnings that NATO would be at war with Russia if it allowed Ukraine to attack Russian territory with long-range rockets made in Ukraine, Pistorius says, "Putin's threats are Putin's threats. There isn't much more to be said about it."**
13:57 Zelensky announces the return of 49 POWs from RussiaUkrainian President Zelensky has announced the return of 49 prisoners of war from Russia, including former fighters from the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, which was under Russian siege in the spring of 2022. "49 Ukrainians have finally returned home," the president stated, releasing photos of soldiers and civilians wrapped in Ukrainian national flags. According to Zelensky, they are members of the army, national guard, national police, border guard, and civilians. Ukrainian media suggest that 23 of the 49 returnees are women. Zelensky did not initially reveal whether their return was the result of a prisoner exchange with Russia.**
13:46 Tusk on Putin's Threats: "Don't Overinterpret Them"Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk is not concerned by the recent threats from Vladimir Putin regarding long-range weapons that could target Russia. While the situation in Ukraine and the Ukrainian-Russian border should be taken seriously, Tusk advises, "I wouldn't overinterpret the latest statements by President Putin." These statements simply reflect the challenges the Russian military is facing on the frontline, according to Tusk.**
13:21 Beijing Calls for Dialogue to Resolve Ukraine CrisisChinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu, speaking at a global security forum in Beijing, advocates for "dialogue" as the only solution to conflicts like those in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip. Li says, "Promoting peace and dialogue between parties is the only way to resolve crises in Ukraine and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict."**
12:58 Oil and Gas Play Important Roles in Scholz's Central Asia JourneyThe German government is seeking increased oil imports from Kazakhstan. A government official states, "We welcome the potential expansion of oil supplies from Kazakhstan" ahead of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's impending trips to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. The goal is to provide multiple supply options for the PCK refinery in Schwedt, with one of these options being more oil from Kazakhstan. However, additional options are necessary, given that Kazakh oil flows through Russian pipelines to Germany, giving Moscow leverage. After Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Germany banned Russian oil imports. Scholz's visit will also focus on gas supplies from Central Asia. The official notes that tenders for new gas power plants require alternative gas sources, which Central Asia can provide.**
12:26 France Calls in Iranian Diplomat over Missile DeliveriesFrance has summoned the Iranian diplomatic representative to the French Foreign Ministry in Paris. Diplomatic sources attribute this action to the alleged delivery of ballistic missiles to Russia. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken previously stated that Russia has received missiles from Iran, which are expected to be deployed in Ukraine within the coming weeks. Iran denies this claim.**
12:03 Pentagon Dismisses Russian Counteroffensive in Kursk as InsignificantThe Pentagon shows indifference towards Russia's counteroffensive in Kursk. Pentagon spokesperson Patrick Ryder comments, "We've observed Russian units allegedly executing some sort of counteroffensive in the Kursk area... I'd categorize it as insignificant at this stage, but we are nonetheless monitoring the situation closely." The Russian Defense Department claims its troops have recaptured ten villages. This assertion is yet to be substantiated. The Ukrainian military initiated the offensive in the Russian border area of Kursk around five weeks ago, asserting control over roughly 100 Russian villages and nearly 1,300 square kilometers.
11:38 After Numerous Interceptions: Drone Attacks Inflict DamageThe Ukrainian air force reports downing 24 out of 26 drones last night. In the Odessa region, one individual sustained injuries and 20 homes were damaged, while in the Mykolayiv region, drone debris ignited a fire at a food processing plant, as per local authorities. The Ministry of Energy reports damage to the energy infrastructure in the Ivano-Frankivsk region.
11:16 Shoigu Meets Kim in PyongyangRussian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu converses with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang. The communication took place in an "exceptional atmosphere of trust and camaraderie," as per the Russian Security Council communication. The discussions will significantly contribute to the execution of the defense pact signed by Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin in June. According to Putin, the pact provides for "mutual aid in the event of aggression against one of the contracting parties." The West suspects Moscow of utilizing North Korean missiles and artillery shells in Ukraine. To sustain its offensive in Ukraine, Russia is engaging with countries like China, Iran, and North Korea to procure additional ammunition.
10:46 Russian Parliament Head: NATO is Waging War against Our CountryThe chairperson of the Russian parliament, Vyacheslav Volodin, accuses NATO of participating in the conflict in Ukraine. "They are engaged in a war against our country," Volodin writes on Telegram. He proposes that NATO is assisting Ukraine in choosing Russian cities for attacks, directing military operations with the Ukrainian army, and essentially dictating orders to the Ukrainian government.
10:17 Munz on Putin's War Threat to NATO: "Putin's statement doesn't even make it to breakfast TV"In the West, there are concerns that enabling Ukraine to launch long-range attacks on Russian territory would instigate escalation. Precisely this is what Russian President Vladimir Putin threatens with, yet again. Rainer Munz, an ntv correspondent, sees various reasons why Putin's saber-rattling holds little weight.
09:42 Family: Imprisoned Belarus Opposition Leader in Critical ConditionImprisoned Belarusian opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova is in a critical health state, her sister claims. For four years, she has been detained under inhumane conditions and now weighs only 45 kg at a height of 1.75 meters, Tatyana Khomitsa claims, citing information from former prisoners. "I believe this is a critical juncture, as no one can survive such conditions for long." She alleges that the authorities have psychologically and physically tormented her sister. The Belarusian Ministry of Interior fails to respond to a request for information regarding Kolesnikova's detention conditions. The 42-year-old, who has become a symbol of resistance since the protests against Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in 2020, is serving an 11-year prison sentence for alleged conspiracy to seize power.
Read more here.
Germany and Lithuania Finalize Arrangements for Placement of Combat-Ready Brigade
Germany and Lithuania have agreed on the specifics for deploying a combat-ready brigade in the Baltic NATO nation. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and his Lithuanian counterpart Laurynas Kasciunas inscribed the agreement in Berlin. The Defense Ministry states that the agreement supplements the NATO Status of Forces Agreement, clarifying the legal status of German soldiers and civilian personnel in Lithuania. This move is intended to establish legal certainty. The agreement covers matters such as residence rights, tax law, the school system, public health supervision, road traffic, and public safety. For example, it lays the groundwork for establishing German schools and kindergartens in Lithuania. The brigade is expected to be operational by 2027. Read more here.
08:56 Russia Expels British DiplomatsRussia expels six British diplomats on accusations of espionage. The FSB intelligence agency declares possessing documents proving that the Foreign Office in London orchestrates political and military escalation. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova alleges that the British embassy intentionally injures the Russian people, according to news agency TASS. The British Foreign Office dismisses the accusations as "baseless." Russia's expulsion is a reprisal for British measures taken in response to state-supported Russian activities in Europe and the United Kingdom, according to a statement quoted by the BBC.
08:31 Putin Warns Against NATO's Employment of Long-Range WeaponsUkrainian President Zelensky has long advocated for the use of long-range missiles against Russian military objectives. The US and UK are now considering this in conjunction with each other. Russian President Putin has not hesitated to respond, issuing a warning to the West.
Russia has offered to share its tactics in handling various Western weapons with its associates. Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin mentioned at a security event in China that Russia has specialized knowledge in confronting various Western weapons and is prepared to share this wisdom with its companions. The conflicts have resulted in modern warfare, and Russian weapons are capable of nullifying Western weapons, he said.
07:34 Ukraine's Security Service Announces Arrests: Individuals Conducted Arson Attacks in Kyiv on Russia's behalf
Five individuals have been apprehended for orchestrating arson attacks in Kyiv on behalf of a Russian intelligence agency, as per Ukraine's security service. The individuals are accused of setting ablaze five military vehicles and distributing pamphlets aimed at discrediting the military. According to the security service, the individuals arrived in the capital from various Ukrainian regions in search of work and were contacted by Russian agents via Telegram in search of quick cash. They recorded their activities on their phones to receive the promised payment, but never received it.
07:05 Ukrainian Chief Rabbi Mourns Adoptive Son Killed in ConflictUkrainian Chief Rabbi Moshe Asman is grieving the loss of his adoptive son, Anton Samborskij, who was killed during the Russian invasion. Religious officials, soldiers, and others attended a memorial ceremony in Kyiv on Thursday to pay homage to the 32-year-old, who went missing at the end of July and whose death was confirmed after weeks of uncertainty. Samborskij became a father to a daughter in May, Rabbi Asman wrote on social media. He had adopted Samborskij as a 10-year-old orphan. They last spoke on July 17.
06:29 Japan Details Encounter Involving Russian Fighter JetsJapan's military dispatched fighter jets on Thursday following two Russian planes that patrolled the island nation. The Russian planes did not breach Japanese airspace, the Defense Ministry reported. The Tu-142 planes traversed from the sea towards the southern region of Okinawa from morning to afternoon, the ministry said. An emergency response was initiated by "mobilizing fighter jets from the Air Self-Defense Force," the ministry added. The Russian planes eventually quit their flight in the north, also passing through the Kuriles, an area disputed between Japan and Russia. Previously this week, Russian and Chinese warships initiated joint exercises in the Sea of Japan. These exercises are a part of an extensive naval operation. Russian military aircraft encircled Japan in 2019.
06:07 Moscow: US Engages in Containment Policy Against Russia and ChinaRussian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin stated at a security conference in China that the US is engaged in a containment strategy against Russia and China. Russia's Tass news agency reported this. Fomin informed the agency that Moscow and Beijing support the establishment of a fair, multipolar world order founded on equality and mutual respect, while the West is preparing for conflicts in Asia by establishing new security blocs in the region.
05:27 Ukraine: Civilian Cargo Ship Hit by Anti-Ship MissileThe Ukrainian Navy disclosed additional information about an alleged Russian air assault on a civilian cargo ship in the Black Sea. It stated that a Tu-22 bomber likely launched a Ch-22 anti-ship missile at the ship, which was located outside Ukrainian territorial waters. The ship, flying the flag of Caribbean nation St. Kitts and Nevis, was transporting wheat from the southern Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk to Egypt. A BBC release indicated that the ship was within Romania's exclusive economic zone, and a Ch-31 missile, employed for radar suppression, was employed instead. This missile has a significantly lower explosive power than the Ch-22 missiles designed to combat aircraft carriers.
03:19 Incident at Demarcation Line: Moldovan Soldier Dead
Under unidentified circumstances, a Moldovan soldier has perished while on duty at the demarcation line with the separatist region of Transnistria. According to the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Moldova, the soldier was fatally wounded by a shot from his own weapon while carrying out his responsibilities. The authorities and forensic experts are currently investigating the matter. Soldiers from Moldova and the separatist Transnistria, along with Russian troops, have been stationed at the dividing line between the two factions since a conflict in 1992 following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Moldova has pledged to reintegrate Transnistria into its territory. Incidents at the dividing line are rather unusual.
02:18 UK Prime Minister: "We're Not Trying to Provoke Conflict with Russia"UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer refuses Russian President Putin's claim that the West's supply of long-range weapons for strikes deep within Russian territory represents NATO involvement in the conflict. "Ukraine has the right to self-defense," says Starmer. The UK fully supports this right and offers training opportunities in this context. "However, we're not seeking a conflict with Russia - that is not our intention," the British Prime Minister emphasized. Read further here.
01:09 Former US Ambassador: Harris Would 'More Forcefully' Support UkraineFormer US Ambassador to Kyiv, William B. Taylor, believes that if elected, Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris would offer more robust support to Ukraine than the current administration, Biden. She has demonstrated this in various areas, Taylor remarked at an event at the American University in Kyiv. Biden has been slower on some decisions, like those concerning HIMARS, Abrams, and F-16 fighter jets. He is also cautious about deciding to authorize Ukraine to strike deep into Russian territory. Taylor anticipates a more forceful approach from Harris, also because she is likely to introduce a new foreign policy team to the White House.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomes Estonian President Alar Karis in 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 for Ukraine's defense needs. The discussion between the leaders also covered Ukraine's reconstruction and EU membership aspirations. Moreover, Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa announced additional aid during her meeting with Zelensky.
23:19 BND Not Needed to Reveal Ukraine Assessment to JournalistThe German Federal Intelligence Service (BND) is exempted from disclosing whether it deemed a Ukrainian military victory as challenging or impossible in private discussions. The media involved in these discussions does not have to be revealed either, according to a ruling by the Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig. The journalist's request for a preliminary injunction was largely denied. However, the BND must disclose the number of confidential individual background discussions on Ukraine's military situation for this year. The court made this decision in response to a newspaper article from May, which suggested that the BND was deliberately providing a negative assessment of the military situation in Ukraine to sway public opinion.
22:06 Coalition Politicians Back Use of Long-Range Weapons Against RussiaPoliticians from the German coalition support allowing Ukraine to attack Russian military targets using long-range weapons. SPD foreign policy expert Michael Roth states that it is legitimate and in accordance with international law to attack Russian military targets with long-range Western missiles. Roth suggests military airfields, command centers, or launch bases as potential targets for long-range weapons, which are used to launch attacks on Ukrainian civilian targets. The chairman of the defense committee, Marcus Faber, emphasizes that the approval to strike Russian military airports with long-range weapons like ATACMS and Storm Shadow is long overdue. Green politician Anton Hofreiter stresses that Russia is terrorizing the Ukrainian civilian population daily through rocket attacks on hospitals, residential buildings, and the energy supply. To protect the Ukrainian civilian population, the army should be allowed to strike military bases on Russian territory with long-range weapons.
21:35 Vance Comments on Trump's Ukraine PlansRepublican vice-presidential candidate J.D. Vance proposes that Donald Trump's plan to resolve the Russian conflict could involve establishing a demilitarized zone between Ukraine and Russia. Vance, in an interview with television producer Shawn Ryan, suggests that Trump could bring Germans, Ukrainians, and Europeans to the negotiation table to explore a peaceful solution. "I think he could reach a deal very quickly," Vance explains. Trump is known for his sympathetic views towards Russian President Vladimir Putin and his critical stance on US aid to Ukraine. The former president also claims he could end the war within 24 hours if elected, although he does not provide specifics.
21:03 Russian Fascists March in St. PetersburgRussian nationalists and fascists march through St. Petersburg, chanting, "We are Russians. God is with us." They also shout "Forward, Russians!" The march commemorates the anniversary of the transfer of Alexander Nevsky's relics, a celebrated national hero and saint of the Orthodox Church.
20:28 Russian Propagandist: "The Ideal Barrier is the Atlantic"Russian television host Vladimir Solovyov proposes that Russia should aim for more territorial expansion, preferably reaching the Atlantic Ocean. He suggests that Berlin, Lisbon, Madrid, and Paris would make ideal locations for Russian troops, and that Belarus and China could also be allies.
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20:01 British Volunteers Prepare for WinterMany Ukrainian homes have been damaged by shelling, particularly the absence of windows, which is particularly challenging in the winter months. The British NGO "Insulate Ukraine" travels to conflict zones to install temporary windows.
In light of the escalating tensions in the region, concerns about a possible Cyberwar have also risen. Russian cybersecurity experts have warned about potential digital attacks from Ukrainian sources, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing conflict.
Given the increasing use of technology in modern warfare, the potential for a Cyberwar cannot be overlooked. The Russian government has taken measures to bolster its cyberdefenses and has urged private companies to do the same, emphasizing the need to protect critical infrastructure from digital attacks.
