West should not aspire for a conflict with a nuclear nation until achieving complete victory, as per Lavrov.
At the UN, Lavrov Warns West Against Propelling a Nuclear Conflict with Russia In his speech at the UN General Assembly in New York, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov cautions the West against instigating "an all-out fight against a nuclear power such as Russia." He describes such actions as a "suicidal endeavor." Recently, Russian President Vladimir Putin once more hinted at utilizing nuclear weapons. According to Putin, any conventional attack on Russia backed by a nuclear nation would be considered as a joint attack against those nations.
Explosion Damages Railway Bridge in Russian Samara Region A railway bridge in the Russian region has sustained damage due to an explosion. The concrete foundations underpinning the tracks have been affected, as reported by the Russian Telegram news channel Baza. An unidentified explosive device detonated around 13:30 local time near the city of Kinel. As a result, train travel over the bridge has been temporarily halted, according to RIA Novosti, the state Russian news agency.
Putin's Adviser Accuses West of Seeking to Isolate Kaliningrad Nikolai Patrushev, an advisor to Russian President Vladimir Putin, alleges that the West intends to isolate the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. At a meeting in the city, Patrushev, Putin's long-time associate, claims that Western countries are "actively obstructing" freight and passenger transportation to the region due to imposed sanctions. In response, Moscow plans to redirect the majority of road and rail cargo traffic between Kaliningrad and the Russian mainland to maritime routes, Patrushev promises.
Lavrov Assails U.S. and U.K. for Desiring to Destroy Russia Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov delivers a firm rejection of any chances for improved international relations. "What kind of global cooperation can we truly discuss when the West has trampled upon all these unwavering values of globalization that it has been proclaiming from this podium for so many years," Lavrov declares before the UN General Assembly in New York. Regarding Russia's conflict in Ukraine, he suspects a British-American conspiracy aimed at destroying Russia. According to Lavrov, plans to destroy the former Soviet Union were already set in motion as early as 1945, he claims. "But the Anglo-Saxon strategists of today do not conceal their ambitions," Russia's foreign minister argues. "They still intend to defeat Russia through the hands of the illegitimate neo-Nazi regime in Kyiv, but they are already preparing Europe for a catastrophic adventure."
Russian Drone Kills Ukrainian Supreme Court Judge A judge of the Supreme Court of Ukraine has lost his life in a Russian drone attack. The 61-year-old Leonid Lobojko was killed when a drone struck his personal vehicle in a suburb of the eastern Ukrainian metropolis of Kharkiv, as reported by regional military administrator Oleh Synyehubov on Telegram. Lobojko was pronounced dead at the scene. Three women in the car sustained severe injuries. The Supreme Court confirmed the death of its member on Facebook and expressed its condolences to the family.
Ukraine: Russia Prepares Offensives in Saporizhzhia Region Russian troops are reportedly preparing for offensive operations in the southern region of Saporizhzhia, as per Ukrainian reports. In national television, the spokesperson of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' Southern Command, Vladislav Voloshin, announced that Moscow is concentrating personnel in specific areas, particularly near the occupied village of Pryjutne. Voloshin also said that Russian troops in the area have obtained 25 light buggies which could be used for small-scale infantry group attacks. "This signals that we are preparing for offensive operations towards Saporizhzhia in the near future," Voloshin stated. However, more troops would be necessary for larger-scale offensives, Voloshin claimed.
Russia Reportedly Kills Chief of Drone Center Near Moscow The Ukrainian military intelligence service, HUR, claims the death of Russian Colonel Alexei Kolomeitsev in the city of Kolomna in the Moscow region. According to the report, Kolomeitsev served as head of the 924th State Center (Military Unit No. 20924) for unmanned aerial vehicles of the Russian Ministry of Defense. This unit is responsible for the training of specialists for the combat use of drones, including the Shahed drones. The HUR emphasizes that Kolomeitsev was involved in war crimes against Ukraine.
Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland Seek EU Aid for Border Security The NATO member states of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland aim to request financial assistance from the EU for building defensive structures, barriers, and military camps along their borders with Russia and Belarus. "The necessity of a defensive line arises from the security situation," Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur stated. Additionally, this will complement the new NATO defense concept. "It is extremely important to coordinate our activities with Poland," he added. In January, the Baltic states of Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia announced the project of a "Baltic Defense Line." In May, Poland announced a similar project called the "Eastern Shield."
Russia Prepared to Sue Over Nord Stream Sabotage Incident Russia declares it is prepared to take legal action against Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Switzerland in connection to the Nord Stream sabotage. It has filed "preliminary claims" based on international anti-terrorism agreements, as reported by a spokesperson from the Russian Foreign Ministry. "If the issue is not resolved at this juncture, Russia plans to file a case before the International Court of Justice," the spokesperson stated. The West will not be able to evade responsibility for this matter, the spokesperson added.
14:26 NATO Rep: Kursk Offensive Challenges PutinThe chairman of NATO's Military Committee, Admiral Bob Bauer, suggests that the Ukrainian offensive in the Russian region of Kursk poses a daunting challenge for Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. For the first time since 1941, a foreign power has infiltrated Russian soil, Bauer told Interfax Ukraine in an interview. This presents a strategic issue for Russia, and it also raises operational concerns, as supply lines run through Kursk. Kyiv's action is creating a "strategic conundrum" for Moscow, Bauer explained. If Putin insists on defending the homeland, he faces failure since Ukraine is now on Russian soil.
13:44 Ukraine: Sumy Death Toll Reaches Nine in Double Drone StrikeReports from Ukraine indicate a rise in the casualty count to nine in Sumy following a dual drone strike by hostile forces. Eleven individuals are presently injured. One hundred thirteen patients were evacuated from the affected hospital. Earlier today, a single Russian attack claimed one life and damaged the roof of several floors in a clinic, prompting the evacuation of patients and personnel. Emergency services and police responded to the scene to aid those in need. Meanwhile, Russia conducted another air assault.
12:56 Blinken: US Assessing Zelensky's "Win" StrategyUS Secretary of State Antony Blinken is examining the Ukrainian "victory strategy" put forth by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to US President Joe Biden during their Oval Office meeting. Among other points, Zelensky reiterated his request for Biden's authorization to deploy Western weapons for long-range attacks on Russian military targets. Now, according to Voice of America, Blinken is reviewing the specifics of this strategy and may propose "additional actions" to aid Ukraine in its quest for victory. Blinken advocates for a more aggressive posture regarding the Ukraine conflict, although more stringent policies are not yet enacted by the President.
12:25 London: Over 2000 Healthcare Facility Attacks in Ukraine Since War StartedAccording to the UK's Ministry of Defense, 2013 healthcare facilities in Ukraine have been targeted since Russia invaded its neighbor in February 2022. Staff members suffered 235 attacks. In July, the Russian military shelled a children's hospital in Kyiv. Since then, Moscow's attacks on the healthcare system have resulted in 176 fatalities, as per ministry data.
11:48 Ukraine Reports Four Dead in Police Headquarters AttackThe body count from the Russian attack on the police headquarters in Ukrainian city Kryvyi Rih has now reached four, according to the Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs. A police officer is still believed to be trapped under the debris, and rescue efforts continue. The rocket strike on Kryvyi Rih marks the second such attack on Ukrainian law enforcement in two days.
10:58 Specialist: Russian Counterstrike in Kursk Gains GroundAustralian military analyst Mick Ryan speculates that the Russian counteroffensive in Kursk is making progress. Ukrainian forces crossed the border into the Russian region of Kursk in August and seized territory. Following a period of surprise, the Russians are pushing back. Although at a slower pace, the Russians are gradually regaining ground, Ryan says. A Ukrainian move west of the Russian counteroffensive may have potentially jeopardized the Russians' flank security and separated hundreds of Russian soldiers, Ryan suggests, citing ISW findings.
10:30 Ukrainian Air Force: 69 Drone Attacks RepelledThe Ukrainian air force reports 73 drones and 4 rockets deployed by the Russian military against Ukraine during Saturday night. Ukraine managed to intercept 69 drones and 2 rockets. The death toll from a Russian drone attack in the Sumy Oblast has now reached seven.
09:52 Dialogue Resumes: Zelenskyy Meets with TrumpFollowing a five-year hiatus, dialogue between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former US President Donald Trump has been rekindled. Trump recently criticized US aid to Ukraine.
09:39 ISW: Few Long-Range Attacks Could Disrupt War's ProgressionExperts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) have observed that even a handful of successful long-range attacks by Ukraine could disrupt the progression of the war. "Russian authorities appear to be exerting considerable influence on the global debate over whether Ukraine should use Western weapons to launch long-range attacks on military infrastructure in Russia," the ISW opines, expressing concern about the potential for such attacks to create significant operational pressure on the Russian offensive. The US continues to refuse to permit Ukraine to conduct long-range attacks on Russian territory.
09:18 Ukrainian General Staff: 1470 Russian Casualties in Past 24 HoursUkrainian authorities report that Russian forces sustained another 1470 casualties in the last 24 hours, including deaths and injuries. This raises the total casualty count since the full-scale invasion two and a half years ago to 650,640. Additionally, Russia has lost 42 armored vehicles, 14 tanks, 62 drones, and 55 artillery systems over the past day.
08:21 Goldschmidt Warns of Threat to Baltic Sea from Russian Oil ExportsAfter Greenpeace allegations of Russian oil exports through the Baltic Sea, Schleswig-Holstein's Environment Minister Tobias Goldschmidt warns of potential hazards posed by tankers to the Baltic coastline. "The Russian government is blatantly disregarding the oil embargo enforced post-Russian invasion of Ukraine," stated the Green politician. This conflict endangers already fragile seas. Multiple Western countries accuse Russia of utilizing barely seaworthy vessels to bypass EU sanctions due to the conflict. "The risk of an oil spill is escalating," warns Goldschmidt. "And this oil would predominantly end up on our shores, from Fehmarn to Eckernförde."
07:52 Ukrainians Hold Firm Against Intense Attacks in Pokrovsk
Ukrainian and Russian troops persist in heavy combat in eastern Ukraine. The Pokrovsk region remained a main focus of conflict the previous day, with Russian forces attacking it for months. As per the General Staff in Kyiv, 19 Russian assaults on Ukrainian defensive lines were repelled during the day. "Ukrainian defenders remain resilient," the report noted. Russian troops are attempting to encircle the city from various directions and protect their advance against Ukrainian counterattacks. Severe clashes also transpired in the Kurakhove region, with around 17 Russian attacks repelled. The accounts of combat cannot be affirmed independently.
07:41 Zelensky Views U.S. Visit as Encouraging
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky did not receive approval for the extensive use of Western weapons during his U.S. visit. However, he considers the journey uplifting. "Every meeting unfolded as planned," he stated in a video address on the X platform. The Ukrainian peace plan was presented in America. "Now our teams must work on the implementation of each step and decision." In Washington, Zelensky met with U.S. President Joe Biden and his Vice President Kamala Harris, along with the Democratic presidential candidate, to advocate for continued support for his country's defense against Russia. He also met with the Republican presidential candidate, Donald Trump, in New York, who once again asserted that if he secured the election, the conflict would conclude swiftly.
06:56 Qatar Discusses the Release of Captured Children
Nine children who were believed to have been abducted by Russia during the conflict, as per Ukrainian reports (see entry from 02:18), were rescued recently. Many of them had lost one or both parents due to the conflict and were taken care of by their grandparents, said Dmytro Lubinez, the Human Rights Ombudsman. Authorities in Qatar are currently negotiating the release of additional children. They have been given a list of 751 children for whom the paperwork is already finalized, Lubinez explained. As per Ukrainian authorities, approximately 20,000 children have been illegally taken to Russia since the beginning of the conflict, with only a few hundred returned home so far.
06:27 Blinken Accuses China of Supporting Russian Arms Industry
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken voiced concerns to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi regarding China's support for Russia's arms industry. "If Beijing claims it desires peace and an end to the conflict, but simultaneously allows its companies to undertake actions that aid Putin in his aggression, these two notions don't reconcile," Blinken said at a press conference. Wang stated that China's standpoint on the conflict in Ukraine continually emphasizes the need for peace through dialogue, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry statement.
05:31 Ukrainian forces eliminate two Russian soldiers on jet ski using droneUkrainian forces appear to have eliminated two Russian soldiers on a jet ski utilizing a drone, as reported by the pro-Ukrainian portal Defense Express. The Russians were traveling on the Dnipro River at the time when a drone equipped with an explosive payload struck the jet ski, as demonstrated in a video shared by activist Serhiy Sternenko.
04:10 Mediazona: Beyond 71,000 Russian soldiers killed in UkraineIndependent Russian news portal Mediazona reports that over 71,000 Russian soldiers have been killed in Ukraine. Since mid-September, roughly 2,000 more soldiers have died in the conflict. Mediazona highlights that the actual numbers are likely much higher, as their verified information derives from public sources such as obituaries, online posts from relatives, regional media reports, and local authorities' notifications.
02:18 Nine children deported to Russia return to UkraineNine children who were deported to Russia during the conflict have returned to their homeland. They returned to Ukraine on Friday with the help of Qatar, which acted as a mediator, according to Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmitro Lubinez. The children, ranging in age from 13 to 17, and a 20-year-old man, were reunited with their families as part of an action plan facilitated by the Gulf state. The information could not be independently verified initially. The children had been separated from their parents or guardians by occupiers and hailed from areas including Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and Luhansk, Lubinez wrote further.
00:31 Lukashenko: "Assault on Belarus equals World War III"Belarusian chief executive Alexander Lukashenko accuses NATO of having offensive strategies against his nation and threatens to utilize nuclear weapons. "An invasion of Belarus results in World War III," the Belarusian ruler stated during an interaction with students in Minsk at state news agency Belta. In such a situation, both Belarus and its ally Russia would employ nuclear weapons. Lukashenko also thanked Russian leader Vladimir Putin for the recent amendment in Russia's nuclear doctrine in his speech. He alleges that NATO has specific plans for an attack on Belarus. "Americans and Poles have already gathered along the border, specifically on the Polish side. We know that the Polish leadership is already excited," he added. Belarus does not hold nuclear weapons itself, yet tactical nuclear weapons from Russia have been situated on its territory since year-end 2023.
23:10 Biden Chased by Pressure to Act Strongly Against Russia from Ex-Military Sluggers and Other ExpertsA cohort of previous military heavyweights and experts urged US President Joe Biden to take strong measures to wind up the conflict in favor of Ukraine and confront potential hazards from China in an open letter. Among them are ex-commander of US forces in Europe, Ben Hodges, and ex-NATO commander, German Army Major General Gert-Johannes Hagemann. They advocate for actions against Russia and with regard to China, including lifting limitations on the application of Western weapons against Russia to strike "military and logistical targets" on Russian soil. They also demand the delivery of 300 Abrams tanks and 1000 Stryker armored vehicles to Ukraine, and a comprehensive arms and technology embargo against Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, Belarus, and Azerbaijan. Furthermore, they suggest extending NATO beyond transatlantic borders to incorporate Japan, Australia, South Korea, Philippines, and "any other democratic country that asserts its desire to join," like Argentina.
22:15 Full-blown Russian Spy Games with International Shoreline Sleuths in KurskThe Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) is examining three more international journalists for reporting from areas in the Russian frontier region of Kursk controlled by the Ukrainian military. According to the Russian newspaper RIA Novosti, the journalists accused are Kathryn Diss and Fletcher Yeung from the Australian broadcaster ABC News, and Romanian journalist Mircea Barbu. They are being charged with crossing the Russian border illegally and could face up to five years in prison, although all three journalists seem not to be present in Russia. Several international media outlets, such as the German broadcaster Deutsche Welle, US news channel CNN, and the Italian broadcaster Rai, have reported from the occupied areas in Kursk.
21:35 White House Blasts US Republicans for 'Political Charade' Against ZelenskyThe White House has dismissed accusations from Republican lawmakers that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky violated US elections by visiting an ammunition factory. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre labeled the criticism a "political charade" and urged Republicans to "move on." She stated that the Ukrainian delegation had requested the visit, which was arranged by the Department of Defense. Zelensky visited the manufacturing site in Pennsylvania during his several-day trip to the US, where 155mm artillery shells urgently required by Ukraine are manufactured. Several Democrats, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, were present. After the visit, Republican lawmakers initiated an investigation, and the Speaker of the House demanded that Zelensky "discharge" the Ukrainian ambassador to the US in a letter.
21:09 China and Brazil Concerned over Russian Threat of Nuclear Strike
China, Brazil, and various other countries have voiced concern against the use or threat of nuclear weapons against Ukraine. "We advocate for the abandonment of the use or threat of weapons of mass destruction, particularly nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons," a joint statement suggests. Twelve nations articulate their "serious concern" over the risk of "escalation" in Ukraine: "Civilian infrastructure, including peaceful nuclear facilities and other energy facilities, should not be the target of military operations." The warning comes after threats from Russian President Vladimir Putin this week. He stated that Russia could use nuclear weapons in the case of severe airstrikes on Russian territory and that any aggression backed by a nuclear power would be considered a "joint" aggression. Zelensky also accused Russia of targeting Ukrainian nuclear reactors.
You can access all previous developments here.
Military operations in the Saporizhzhia region of Ukraine are being prepared by Russian troops, according to Ukrainian reports. In their speech at the UN General Assembly, both Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and President Vladimir Putin have warned against provoking a nuclear conflict with Russia.
