Zelenskyacknowledges Trump's support for Ukraine.
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Donald Trump has indicated his support for Ukraine if he wins the November elections. Zelensky made this statement following a meeting with the American Republican on Fox News. "I'm unsure of the outcome after the elections and who will be president," Zelensky said. "However, I've received explicit information from Donald Trump that he'll be on our side, that he'll back Ukraine."
In his speech to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov advises against attempting to defeat a nuclear power like Russia "to the end." He describes such an endeavor as a "suicidal adventure." Just a few days prior, Russian President Vladimir Putin once more threatened the use of nuclear weapons. Putin suggests that any conventional attack on Russia supported by a nuclear power would be considered an attack by those countries, according to his statement.
A railway bridge in the Russian region of Samara has been damaged by an explosion. The concrete structures supporting the tracks have been affected, as reported by the Russian Telegram news channel Baza. The explosion occurred around 13:30 local time near the city of Kinel, and an "unknown explosive device" is believed to be responsible. Train traffic over the bridge has been temporarily halted due to the incident.
Nikolai Patrushev, an aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, accuses the West of attempting to isolate the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. At a meeting in the city, Patrushev, a long-time associate of the Kremlin leader, claims that Western states are "maximally hindering" freight and passenger transit to the region due to imposed sanctions. In response, Moscow has vowed to shift most of the road and rail cargo traffic between Kaliningrad and the Russian mainland to sea transport, according to Patrushev.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov delivers a firm rejection of a potential restart of international relations. "What kind of global cooperation can we truly talk about when the West has trampled upon all those unshakable values of globalization which it has been promoting from this podium for so many years," Lavrov says at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Regarding Russia's war against Ukraine, Lavrov suspects a British-American conspiracy to destroy Russia. He claims that secret plans to destroy the then Soviet Union were drawn up in 1945, and the "Anglo-Saxon strategists of today do not hide their plans." They hope to defeat Russia through the hands of the illegitimate Nazi regime in Kyiv, but they are already preparing Europe for a "suicidal adventure."
A judge of the Ukrainian Supreme Court has been killed in a Russian drone strike. The 61-year-old Leonid Lobojko was instantly killed when a drone struck his private car in a suburb of the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, as reported by regional military administrator Oleh Synyehubov on Telegram. Three women in the car were severely injured. Lobojko was in the region to distribute humanitarian aid, and the Supreme Court confirmed his death on Facebook and expressed its condolences to his family.
Russian troops are reportedly preparing attack operations in the southern region of Saporizhzhia, according to Ukrainian sources. Spokesperson of the Ukrainian Southern Command, Vladislav Voloshin, states that Moscow is gathering personnel near the occupied village of Pryjutne. Voloshin also reports that Russian troops in the area have received 25 light buggies that can be used by small infantry groups for attacks. "This is a sign that we are preparing for offensive actions towards Saporizhzhia in the near future," Voloshin says. However, a larger-scale offensive would require more forces, Voloshin adds.
The Ukrainian military intelligence service HUR reports the death of Russian Colonel Alexei Kolomeitsev in the city of Kolomna in the Moscow region. Kolomeitsev was the 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 training specialists for combat use of drones, including the Shahed drones. HUR emphasizes that Kolomeitsev was involved in war crimes against Ukraine.
Finally, the Baltic States and Poland are looking to secure EU funding for border security measures. NATO member states Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland seek support for building bunkers, barriers, and military camps at their borders with Russia and Belarus. Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur states, "The necessity of a (Baltic) defense line arises from the security situation!" The new NATO defense concept also supports these efforts. It is crucial to coordinate activities with Poland, Pevkur says. The Baltic States of Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia announced the project of a "Baltic Defense Line" in January, while Poland announced its "Eastern Shield" project in May.
15:12 Russia Prepares for Legal Action Over Nord Stream IncidentRussia is preparing to take legal action against Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Switzerland over the incident involving the Nord Stream pipelines, according to Russian foreign ministry spokesperson. Russia has filed "preliminary legal claims" based on international agreements aimed at combating terrorism. If the matter is not resolved at this stage, Russia plans to bring the case to court and appeal to the International Court of Justice. The West will not " skirt the issue."
14:26 NATO Military Chief: Ukrainian Offensive in Kursk Poses Challenges for PutinChairman of NATO's Military Committee, Admiral Robert Bauer, believes that the Ukrainian offensive in the Russian region of Kursk presents difficulties for Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. "For the first time since 1941, a foreign power has established a presence on Russian soil," says Bauer in an interview with Interfax Ukraine. "This represents a strategic challenge for Russia. And it also poses operational challenges, as the supply lines run through Kursk." On a strategic level, Kyiv is causing a "strategic predicament" for Moscow. "If Putin insists on defending the homeland, he will not be successful because Ukraine now has a presence on Russian soil."
13:44 Ukraine: Death Toll Rises to Ten in Sumy After Double Drone StrikeThe death toll from a double drone attack by the enemy in Sumy has increased to ten, according to Ukrainian reports. The number of injured is now twelve. One hundred thirteen patients were evacuated from the attacked hospital. Earlier today, a Russian attack resulted in one death and significant damage to the roof of several floors of a clinic. The evacuation of patients and staff commenced. Emergency services and police responded to the scene to assist. At the same time, Russia carried out another aerial attack. Ukrainian President Selenskyj spoke out when there were still nine fatalities.
12:56 Blinken: US Reviewing Selenskyj's StrategyUS Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the US government is examining Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj's "victory strategy" presented to US President Joe Biden during their meeting at the White House. Selenskyj once again requested Biden's authorization to utilize Western weapons for long-range attacks on Russian military targets. Blinken said, according to a report from Voice of America, that the government and Ukraine's partners are currently assessing the specifics of this strategy and may consider "additional measures" to help Ukraine achieve victory if necessary. Secretary of State Blinken advocates for a tougher stance in the Ukraine conflict at the White House, but this has not been implemented by the President.
12:25 London: Over 2000 Attacks on Healthcare Facilities in Ukraine Since Conflict's BeginningThe British Ministry of Defense reported 2,013 attacks on Ukrainian healthcare facilities since Russia's invasion of its neighbor in February 2022. Staff were targeted 235 times. In July, the Russian army shelled a children's hospital in Kyiv. Since the conflict began, Moscow's attacks on the healthcare system have resulted in 176 deaths, according to the ministry.
11:48 Ukraine Reports Five Deaths after Attack on Police HeadquartersThe death toll from a Russian attack on the police headquarters in the Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih has risen to five. A police officer remains trapped under the debris, and rescue efforts are ongoing, according to the Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs. The rocket attack on Kryvyi Rih is the second attack on Ukrainian police in two days.
10:58 Military Expert: Russian Counteroffensive in Kursk Making ProgressAustralian military analyst Mick Ryan reported that the Russian counteroffensive in Kursk has made strides. Since August, Ukrainian forces have crossed the border into the Russian region of Kursk and have occupied territory. Following an initial surprise, the Russians have mounted a resistance and have managed to recapture territory, albeit at a slower pace, according to Ryan. A Ukrainian incursion west of the Russian counteroffensive may have compromised Russian flank security and isolated hundreds of Russian troops, Ryan claims, citing information from the US Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
10:30 Ukrainian Air Force: 73 Drone Attacks RepelledThe Ukrainian air force reported that the Russian army deployed 73 combat drones and 4 missiles against Ukraine overnight on Saturday. Ukraine was able to intercept 69 drones and 2 missiles. The death toll from a Russian drone attack on a hospital in the Sumy Oblast has risen to eight.
09:52 Balance of Trump's Visit: Zelenskyy Interrupts TrumpAfter a five-year hiatus, talks between Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have resumed. Trump recently criticized US aid to Ukraine.
09:39 ISW: Few Long-Range Attacks Could Significantly Impact War's CourseExperts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) noted that even a few successful long-range attacks by Ukraine could significantly alter the course of the war. "Russian authorities appear to be making considerable efforts to sway international opinion on whether Ukraine should be allowed to employ Western weapons to launch long-range attacks on military facilities within Russia," the ISW assessed, expressing concern that such attacks could exert strong operational pressure on the Russian offensive. The US continues to resist allowing Ukraine to conduct long-range attacks on Russian territory.
09:18 Kyiv's General Staff: Approximately 1400 Russian Casualties Within the Past 24 HoursAs per Ukraine's general staff, Russian forces have reportedly suffered 1,470 casualties, including deaths and injuries, within the past 24 hours. This brings the total count since the commencement of the full-scale invasion about 2 and a half years ago, to an estimated 650,640. In the past day, the Russians have also allegedly lost 42 armored vehicles, 14 tanks, 62 drones, and 55 artillery systems.
08:57 Ukraine: Russians Attack Health Facility, Resulting in 6 FatalitiesAccording to Ukrainian reports, Russian forces attacked a healthcare facility in Sumy. Six individuals lost their lives in this assault. The military administration of the Sumy Oblast reported the incident. The facility was targeted using Shahed drones, with another drone attack following on a residential area, and subsequently, another attack on the healthcare facility as rescue personnel were evacuating patients and staff. Additionally, the air force reported Russian bomb drops on the Sumy Oblast.
08:21 Goldschmidt Warns of Threats to Baltic Sea from Russian Oil ExportsFollowing accusations of Russian oil exports via the Baltic Sea, Schleswig-Holstein's Environment Minister Tobias Goldschmidt warned of potential perils for the Baltic coastline. Goldschmidt claimed that Russia was blatantly disregarding the oil embargo after its invasion of Ukraine. This conflict is threatening already compromised seas, stated Goldschmidt. Several Western nations accused Russia of utilizing rickety vessels to circumvent EU sanctions due to the war. "The risk of an oil spill is increasing," cautions Goldschmidt. "This oil would most likely end up on our beaches, ranging from Fehmarn to Eckernförde."
07:52 Ukrainians Maintain Resistance Against Repeated Russian Attacks in PokrovskUkrainian and Russian troops continue to clash heavily in eastern Ukraine. Pokrovsk and its surroundings witnessed intense fighting again, with Russian forces attempting to make headway in the area for several months. The General Staff in Kyiv announced in its evening update that 19 Russian attacks on Ukrainian defense lines had been thwarted during the day. "Ukrainian defenders remain firm," it stated. Russian troops are attempting to encircle the city from various directions and secure their advance in the face of Ukrainian counterattacks. Heavy clashes also persisted in the region surrounding Kurachove. According to Ukrainian reports, around 17 Russian attacks were repelled during the day. The authenticity of the information cannot be confirmed independently.
07:41 Zelensky Views US Visit Positively despite not being granted extensive authorization for Western weapon usage during his US visit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed satisfaction with the occasion. "Every conversation progressed as it should have," he stated in a video message on the X platform. Zelensky presented Ukraine's peace plan in the USA. "Now, our teams must work on implementing each measure and decision," he added. In Washington, Zelensky met with US President Joe Biden and his deputy Kamala Harris, as well as the Republican presidential candidate, Donald Trump, in New York. Trump once again expressed confidence that the war would conclude swiftly if he won the election.
06:56 Qatar Continues Negotiations for Abducted Children According to Ukrainian sources, nine children recently rescued from the conflict between Russia have been part of several thousands who have been abducted. (See entry from 02:18) Many of them have lost one or both parents during the conflict and have been placed with their grandparents, as reported by Dmytro Lubinez, the Ukrainian Human Rights Ombudsman. Authorities in Qatar are currently engaged in negotiations for the return of more children. They have been handed a list containing details of 751 children for whom the necessary documentation has been prepared, Lubinez explained. According to Ukrainian sources, approximately 20,000 children have been illegally taken to Russia since the start of the war, with only a few hundred being returned so far.
06:27 Blinken Criticizes China for Supporting Russian Arms IndustryUS Secretary of State Antony Blinken stressed to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi US concerns regarding China's support for Russia's arms industry. "If China claims it desires peace and an end to the conflict, but simultaneously allows its companies to contribute to Putin's continued aggression, it doesn't make sense," Blinken said during a press conference. Wang stated that China's stance on the Ukraine war has consistently been about fostering dialogue for peace, according to a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement.
05:31 Ukrainian Forces Allegedly Eliminate Two Russian Soldiers using Jet Ski and Drone Ukrainian forces appear to have killed two Russian soldiers on a jet ski using a drone, according to the pro-Ukrainian portal Defense Express. The Russians were traversing the Dnipro River. activist Serhiy Sternenko shared a video showing the drone, fitted with an explosive, striking the jet ski.
02:18 Nine Individuals Captured in Russia During Conflict Return to UkraineNine individuals who were taken to Russia since the conflict started have returned to their native land. This return took place on Friday, aided by Qatar, which served as a mediator, as per Dmitro Lubinez, the country's ombudsman. He stated on Telegram that these individuals are between 13 and 17 years old, with a 20-year-old man included as well. This return was part of an action plan and was facilitated by the Gulf state. The specifics couldn't be independently authenticated initially. They were separated from their families or guardians by the invaders and hailed from places like Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, or Luhansk, Lubinez added.
00:31 Lukashenko Warns of World War III if Belarus is AttackedThe former Soviet republic of Belarus' leader, Alexander Lukashenko, accused NATO of planning to attack his country and threatened to use nuclear weapons if such an attack occurred. "Attacking Belarus is equivalent to World War III," Lukashenko declared, as per the Belarusian state news agency Belta, during an address to students in Minsk. Both Belarus and its ally Russia would utilize nuclear weapons in such a scenario. Lukashenko also thanked Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin for the recent alteration in Russia's nuclear doctrine. Lukashenko alleges in his discourse that NATO has intentional plans to attack Belarus. "The Americans and Poles are already positioned along the border, particularly on the Polish side. We are aware that the Polish leadership is already rubbing its hands," he asserted. Belarus does not possess nuclear weapons itself, but tactical nuclear weapons from Russia have been stationed on its territory since the end of 2023.
23:10 Former US Commander and Allies Urge Biden to Take Action Against RussiaA collection of former military personnel and experts have penned an open letter to US President Joe Biden, urging him to adopt firm measures to end the conflict in favor of Ukraine and counter potential threats from China. Among them are former commander of US forces in Europe, Ben Hodges, and former NATO deputy commander and German Army Major General Gert-Johannes Hagemann. They advocate for measures against Russia and in light of China, including removing constraints on the use 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 complete arms and technology embargo against Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, Belarus, and Azerbaijan. Additionally, they suggest extending NATO beyond its transatlantic borders to include Japan, Australia, South Korea, Philippines, and "any other democratic country that expresses its desire to join," such as Argentina.
22:15 Russian Intelligence Investigates Foreign Journalists over KurskThe Russian domestic intelligence agency FSB is scrutinizing three more foreign journalists over their reporting from regions held by the Ukrainian army in the Russian border region of Kursk. Australian ABC News journalists Kathryn Diss and Fletcher Yeung, and Romanian journalist Mircea Barbu are being accused of crossing the Russian border illegally, as per Russian news agency RIA Novosti. The journalists face up to five years in prison, but all three are reportedly not in Russia. Multiple international media outlets, including German broadcaster Deutsche Welle, US news channel CNN, and Italian broadcaster Rai, have reported from the Ukrainian-held areas in Kursk.
21:35 White House Dismisses GOP 'Stunt' over Zelensky's Factory VisitThe White House has dismissed Republican allegations that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky illegally interfered in the US election by visiting a munitions factory. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre labeled the claim a "political stunt" and urged Republicans to "let it go." She stated that the Ukrainian delegation had requested the visit, which was facilitated by the Defense Department. Zelensky's visit to the Pennsylvania manufacturing facility, where 155mm artillery shells required by Ukraine are produced, was also attended by several Democrats, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. Following the visit, Republicans in Congress initiated an investigation, and the House Speaker demanded that Zelensky "terminate" the Ukrainian ambassador to the US in a letter.
21:09 China, Brazil, and Other Countries Warn Against Nuclear Weapon UseChina, Brazil, and various other countries have cautioned against the utilization or threat of nuclear weapons against Ukraine. "We call for the abandonment of the use or threat of weapons of mass destruction, particularly nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons," a joint statement read. Twelve countries expressed their "deep concern" over the risk of "escalation" in Ukraine, stating that "civilian infrastructure, including peaceful nuclear facilities and other energy installations, should not be the target of military operations." The appeal arrives after threats from Russian President Vladimir Putin this week. He stated that Russia could employ nuclear weapons in the event of severe air attacks on Russian territory and that any attack supported by a nuclear power would be considered "joint" aggression. Zelensky also accused Russia of intending to attack Ukrainian nuclear reactors.
You can review all previous developments here.
The European Union could play a role in providing support for the Baltic States and Poland in their efforts to secure funding for border security measures.
In light of the Nord Stream incident, the European Union should be prepared to face potential legal action from Russia.
