Zelenskyy unveils Biden's proposed "success strategy" in September
22:59 Russia Shifts Focus Southward
The conflict in the eastern part of the country is ongoing, as per the Ukrainian military's reports. There were 115 engagements today, as mentioned in the evening update by the General Staff in Kyiv. They highlighted that the most intense fights were in the direction of Kurachowe, with the enemies also active in Lyman and Pokrovsk directions. Kurachowe is a small town located south of Pokrovsk, which was previously considered the main direction of the Russian troops' attack. However, Russia has only managed limited territorial gains in that area lately. Instead, they have expanded their attack axis southwards, aiming to seize the mining town of Hirnyk situated near Kurachowe.
22:18 Zelenskyj: Advance in Kursk Region Delivers Desired Outcome
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj commented on the advance into the Russian region of Kursk, stating that it was successful in halting the enemy in the Charkiv region and slowing down the advance in Donetsk. Russia has suffered no significant successes in its counterattack in Kursk, according to Zelenskyj. While some expected the redeployment of larger Russian troop formations from other regions to Kursk, Russia claims to have retaken 10 out of the 100 occupied villages.
21:46 Zelenskyy Criticizes Allies - "They Are Afraid"
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused the West of being "afraid" when it comes to discussions about helping Ukraine in shooting down Russian missiles. He expressed his disbelief that there was no similar decision to shoot down Russian missiles and Iranian Shahed drones in the skies above Ukraine, even when the allies have managed to do so in the Middle East. He considered it "shameful for the democratic world".
21:30 Russia Uses Over 8000 Iranian Drones
According to the Ukrainian government, Russia has launched 8060 Iranian Shahed drones against Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict. Statements from Iran or Russia regarding this matter have not been released yet. Ukraine accused Iran of providing kamikaze drones to Russia in the autumn of 2022.
20:43 Potential Approval of Long-Range Weapons for Ukraine - USA Remains Silent
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Joe Biden are set to meet in Washington, leading to speculations about announcements regarding the approval of long-range weapons for Ukraine. While sources suggest that Britain has granted permission for Kiev to utilize Storm-Shadow missiles, no such announcement is expected during the meeting. John Kirby, communications director of the National Security Council, stated that they were still discussing the matter with Britain, France, and other allies. When asked about any changes in the US government's stance, he was noncommittal.
20:00 German Air Force Intercepts Russian Aircraft Over the Baltic Sea
Eurofighters from the German Air Force took off to investigate Russian aircraft, as reported in an X post. A maritime patrol/anti-submarine aircraft of the type Tu-142 Bear was detected without a flight plan or transponder, according to the air force. The German jets escorted the Russian aircraft, having encountered similar incidents previously.
19:32 Arms Release Could Be a "Crucial Step Towards Ending the Aggression War" - Osatchuk
Ukraine has been urging for the deployment of long-range rockets in the Russian hinterland for some time now, with Britain and the USA currently considering this option. Colonel Sergii Osatchuk explained the benefits of this for Ukraine in the context of the ongoing war.
19:06 Zelensky Invites Russia to Peace Summit - Participation Uncertain
Ukrainian President Zelensky stated that Russia would be invited to the next peace summit in Switzerland scheduled for November. While both Ukraine and its western partners have confirmed Russia's potential participation in the past, it remains unclear if Russia will commit to attending. High-ranking representatives have consistently rejected such an invitation, while Russia continues to demand the fulfillment of all its war objectives in Ukraine or sets harmful peace negotiation conditions for Ukraine.
18:40 Lange Nays the Kremlin Threats - "Shouldn't Pay Too Much Attention to Putin's Words"
Security expert Nico Lange viewed Vladimir Putin's threats as "psychological games" following the release of long-range weapons for Ukraine. Additionally, he expressed surprise at the interpretations of Putin's recent statements by the German Chancellor.
18:07 Flight and Landing Restriction? EU Contemplates New Penalties against IranIn light of allegations of Iran supplying missiles to Russia, the 27 EU nations are contemplating new penalties against Iran. "The European Union has repeatedly sternly warned Iran against transferring ballistic missiles to Russia," a statement reads. This move is deemed a direct threat to security and constitutes a significant escalation. The response will be prompt and comprehensive, including restrictions for the Iranian aviation sector. Germany is actively discussing the imposition of new penalties, including potential flight or landing restrictions, with its EU and international peers.
17:25 Former Russian Foreign Minister Ivanov Foresees Further Hostilities by Putin - "Aim is Embarrassment"Former Russian Foreign Minister Andrei Ivanov cautions the West about further Russian aggression. "If he is rewarded in Ukraine, Putin, convinced of NATO's incompetence and cowardice, will assault the Baltic NATO states before receiving any guarantees from NATO," Ivanov, a West-friendly figure who served from 1990 to 1996, writes on X. "Putin's ambition is not a specific part or the whole, but the humiliation and discrediting of the USA and NATO."
17:04 Taurus Debate Resurfaces: Coalition Politicians Insist on Provision of Long-Range Weapons to UkrainePoliticians from the coalition parties advocate for Ukraine to be authorized to use long-range weapons against targets in Russia on Russian soil. "We must empower Ukraine, alongside other European states and Britain and the USA, to also destroy military targets on Russian territory," says FDP politician Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, as reported by "Spiegel", and adds: "This implies that Germany must finally deliver the Taurus. Because the Taurus was specifically designed for this purpose - to neutralize military targets before they can carry out heavy attacks." Similarly, Green politician Toni Hofreiter expresses himself. "For Ukraine to sustainably rebuild damaged energy facilities, the use of long-range weapons to combat Russian launch bases is necessary," says the Green party member.
16:35 Intense Fighting in Kurachove - Ukraine Reports Major OffensivesAccording to Ukrainian reports, Russian forces are escalating their attacks in eastern Ukraine near the besieged city of Kurachove. The heaviest fighting this month has taken place, the government in Kyiv reports. At the same time, Russian troops are also pushing towards the town of Pokrovsk, an essential railway hub about 33 kilometers north of Kurachove. Russia aims to establish new front lines, disrupt Ukrainian logistics, and seize control of the remainder of the eastern Donetsk region. The Ukrainian military has reportedly repelled 64 attacks near Kurachove and 36 near Pokrovsk in the past 24 hours. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commends his troops for holding their positions in Pokrovsk and Kurachove, describing them as the two most challenging sectors on the eastern front.
15:56 Ukrainian Drones 1900 Kilometers from the Border? Russian Region Closes AirspaceAuthorities in the northern Russian region of Murmansk are once again wary of the Ukrainian drone threat. As a precaution, Governor Andrei Chibis has ordered the closure of the airspace, as reported on Telegram. The region is approximately 1,900 kilometers away from Ukraine. The Federal Air Transport Agency Rosaviatsiya has temporarily halted take-offs and landings at Murmansk and Apatity airports due to security concerns. The Northern Fleet and an air force base, from which strategic bombers take off for attacks on Ukraine, are located in the high north of Russia.
15:22 London Reveals Details - These Iranian Missiles Now in Russia's PossessionThe British Ministry of Defence has revealed details about the Iranian missiles reportedly supplied to Russia, according to Western claims. These are ballistic short-range missiles of the Fath-360 type, also known as BM-120. First unveiled in 2020, these missiles can carry a 150-kilogram warhead up to 120 kilometers and strike their target with an alleged accuracy of 30 meters. Russia's ability to deliver precise strikes against Ukrainian military or civilian infrastructure near the front is said to have been boosted by this, according to the daily intelligence report from the Ministry of Defence in London on the war in Ukraine.
14:45 Poland Has Yet to Contribute to the Czech Artillery InitiativeAccording to the Polish media outlet Gazeta Wyborcza, Poland has yet to contribute any funds for the Czech artillery initiative, which aims to procure ammunition for Ukraine globally using funds from several Western partners. Germany is said to be the largest and fastest financial contributor. If everything goes as planned, Ukraine will receive 100,000 shells this month, with the goal being a total of 500,000 shells by the end of 2024, and more to follow in 2025. Russia's activities on the market are also causing problems, according to reports from Prague.
14:20 Pistorius Suggests Approval of Long-Range Weapons for Ukraine as Legally Justified under International LawGerman Federal Minister of Defence Pistorius sees the possible approval by NATO partners for Ukraine to use long-range weapons against targets in Russia as legally justified under international law. He states that the USA and the UK are free to make this decision regarding the weapons they have supplied. "That's their business," he says. "International law allows for that." In response to warnings from Russian President Putin that NATO would then be at war with his country, Pistorius says, "Putin's threats are Putin's threats. There's not much more to say about that. He threatens whenever he wants to, and he entices whenever he thinks it's right."
13:57 Zelenskyy Welcomes Home 49 War PrisonersUkrainian President Zelenskyy has welcomed back 49 war prisoners from Russia, including ex-fighters from the Mariupol steel plant Azovstal, which was under siege by the Russian army in the spring of 2022. "49 Ukrainians are back home," Zelenskyy mentions, sharing photos of soldiers and servicewomen wrapped in Ukrainian national flags. According to him, they come from the army, national guard, national police, border guard, and civilians. Initial reports from Ukrainian media suggest that 23 out of the 49 returnees are women. Zelenskyy does not initially discuss whether their return is due to a prisoner exchange with Russia.
13:46 Tusk's Take on Putin's Threats: "Keep Things in Perspective"Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk is not worried about the recent threats from Vladimir Putin regarding long-range weapons targeting Russia. While he acknowledges the seriousness of events in Ukraine and the Russian-Ukrainian front, Tusk advises, "Let's not overreact to Putin's latest statements. They merely reflect the challenges the Russian military is facing at the front." Putin had previously suggested that the West would be fighting Russia if it allowed Ukraine to attack Russian territory with long-range rockets produced in the West.
13:21 Beijing advocates for Dialogue as Way to End Ukraine WarChinese Defense Minister Dong Jun, speaking at an international security forum in Beijing, advocates for "dialogue" as the only solution to conflicts like the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. To solve "the crisis in Ukraine and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict," he says, "dialogue and dialogue alone can solve the problem."
12:58 Scholz Seeks Increased Oil Imports from Kazakhstan for Energy SecurityThe German government aims to boost oil imports from Kazakhstan ahead of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's trip to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. "We welcome the potential expansion of oil supplies from Kazakhstan," a government representative says. The plan is to ensure alternative oil supplies for the PCK refinery in Schwedt, and more oil from Kazakhstan is one option. However, other options are also needed due to Kazakh oil's reliance on Russian pipelines, providing Moscow with leverage. Since Russia's attack on Ukraine, Germany has stopped importing Russian oil. Scholz's trip will also discuss gas supplies from Central Asia. The representative states, "We need to source gas from somewhere, and Central Asia is rich in resources in this regard."
12:26 France Calls in Iranian Diplomat Over Ballistic Missile Deliveries to RussiaFrance has summoned the Iranian diplomatic representative to the French Foreign Ministry in Paris due to reports of ballistic missiles deliveries to Russia. According to diplomatic sources, the reason for the meeting is the alleged delivery of missiles to Russia, which would be deployed in Ukraine in the coming weeks. Iran has denied the claims.
12:03 Pentagon Downplays Russian Counteroffensive in KurskThe Pentagon is unimpressed by Russia's counteroffensive in Kursk, with spokesperson Pat Ryder stating, "We've observed Russian units attempting a counteroffensive in the Kursk region, but at this point, it's modest in scale." The Russian Ministry of Defense claims its troops have recaptured ten settlements in the Kursk region.
11:38 Despite Multiple Shootdowns: Drone Attacks Cause DamageThe Ukrainian air force reports having shot down 24 out of 26 drones during the previous night. In the Odessa and Mykolayiv regions, one person was injured and 20 houses were damaged, while a food processing plant in the Mykolayiv region suffered fire damage due to drone debris. The Ministry of Energy reported damage to the energy infrastructure in the Ivano-Frankivsk region.
11:16 Shoigu Meets Kim in PyongyangRussian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang. The meetings took place in a "pleasant and friendly atmosphere," according to the Russian Security Council's statement. Shoigu and Kim will reportedly discuss ways to implement the defense pact signed by Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin in June. Putin states that the pact provides for "mutual assistance in the event of aggression against either contracting party." Western countries accuse Moscow of using North Korean rockets and artillery shells in Ukraine.
10:46 Russian Parliament Speaker: NATO is at War with RussiaThe chairman of the Russian parliament, Vyacheslav Volodin, accuses NATO of being at war with Russia. "They are waging war against our country," Volodin said on Telegram. He suggests that NATO is helping Ukraine choose Russian cities for attacks, coordinating military operations, and giving orders to the Ukrainian government.
10:17 Munz on Putin's war threat towards NATO: "Putin's statement isn't even breaking morning news"In the Western world, there are concerns that allowing Ukraine to launch long-range attacks on Russian territory might lead to an escalation. Indeed, Russian President Vladimir Putin has made another such threat. Yet, ntv correspondent Rainer Munz sees several reasons why Putin's aggressive posture might lack substance.
09:42 Family: Imprisoned Belarus opposition leader in critical conditionThe health of imprisoned Belarusian opposition leader Maria Kalesnikava is reportedly critical, according to her sister. She has been held in unfavorable conditions for four years and currently weighs only 45 kg for a height of 1.75 meters. Tatjana Chomitsch, her sister, shares this information from former prisoners. "I believe this is a critical moment," she states, "as no one can endure such conditions for long." She accuses the authorities of both psychological and physical torture of her sister. The Belarus Interior Ministry fails to reply to a request regarding Kalesnikava's detention conditions. Kalesnikava, 42, who has been a symbol of resistance since the 2020 protests against Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, is serving an 11-year prison sentence for alleged conspiracy to seize power.
09:20 Agreement on stationing of Lithuanian brigade signed
Germany and Lithuania Finalize Details on Deploying Combat-Ready Brigade
Germany and Lithuania have agreed on the specifics of deploying a combat-ready brigade in the NATO member nation of Lithuania. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and his Lithuanian counterpart Laurynas Kasciunas signed the agreement in Berlin. According to the Defense Ministry, the agreement adds to NATO's level of forces for the stay and clarifies the legal status of German soldiers and civilian employees in Lithuania, thereby ensuring legal certainty. It covers residence rights, tax law, the school system, public health supervision, road traffic, and public safety. For instance, it establishes the legal basis 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 Diplomats
Russia has ordered six British diplomats to leave the country on charges of espionage. The FSB claims to have documents showing that the British Foreign Office supports political and military escalation against Russia. The Foreign Ministry explains that its goal is to secure Russia's strategic defeat in the conflict with Ukraine, as reported by the TASS news agency. The British Foreign Office denies these allegations as "baseless." Russia's expulsion of British diplomats is a response to the measures Britain took against Russian "activities" in Europe and the United Kingdom, according to a BBC report.
08:31 Putin Warns West on Long-Range Weapons
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has demanded the use of long-range missiles against Russian military positions for some time now. The US and UK are now considering this jointly. Russian President Putin did not take long to respond, issuing a warning to the West.
08:03 Russia Offers to Share Knowledge on Western Weapons
Russia has proposed sharing its knowledge about Western weapons gained during the Ukraine war. Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin stated at a security conference in China that Russia has unparalleled experience in fighting against various Western weapons, according to the Russian news agency RIA. Russia is willing to share this knowledge with its partners. Conflicts have led to modern warfare, with Russian weapons proving capable of countering Western weapons.
07:34 Ukraine's Security Service Announces Arrests: Men Carried Out Arson Attacks in Kyiv on Russia's Behalf
Five men have been arrested for setting fire to military vehicles in Kyiv on behalf of a Russian intelligence agency, according to Ukraine's Security Service. The men are accused of burning five military vehicles and distributing leaflets to discredit the military. According to the Security Service, the arrested men hailed from different Ukrainian regions, searching for work and quick money in the capital. They were contacted by Russian agents via Telegram. The men also recorded themselves committing these acts to receive promised money that never arrived.
07:05 Ukrainian Chief Rabbi Mourns Adoptive Son Killed in ConflictUkrainian Chief Rabbi Moshe Asman is grieving the loss of his adopted son, Anton Samborskij, who was killed during the Russian invasion. Soldiers, veterans, and others participated in a memorial service in Kyiv on Thursday to honor the 32-year-old, who went missing at the end of July. His 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 him as a 10-year-old orphan. He was last heard from on July 17.
Read more here.
06:29 Japan Encountered Russian Aircraft IncidentJapan's military reacted swiftly on Thursday by deploying fighter jets due to two unusual Russian aircraft surrounding the country. The Russian aircraft did not breach Japanese airspace, as reported by the Defense Ministry. Throughout the day, two Tu-142 planes cruised towards Okinawa's southern region, originating from the sea. Japan's Air Self-Defense Force summoned its fighter jets in an emergency response to this situation. Ultimately, the Russian aircraft turned northward, also passing through the disputed Kurile region. Only recently, Russian and Chinese naval vessels initiated joint actions in the Sea of Japan for their extensive naval drills. Russian aircraft last circled Japan in 2019. Check out more information here.
06:07 Moscow: United States Implements Containment Strategy against Russia and ChinaAs stated by Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexandr Fomin during a conference in China, the United States is carrying out a containment strategy against Russia and China, as indicated by the Russian news agency TASS. Moscow and China advocate for the establishment of a fair, multipolar world order based on unity and mutual respect, while the Western nations get ready for potential wars in Asia by forming new security partnerships in the area.
05:27 Ukraine: Cargo Ship Suffers Air AttackThe Ukrainian Navy reported further details regarding a suspected Russian air assault on a non-military cargo ship in the Black Sea. A Tu-22 bomber potentially launched a Ch-22 anti-ship missile at the ship, which was situated outside Ukrainian territorial limits. Flying under the flag of the Caribbean nation St. Kitts and Nevis, the cargo ship was bound for Egypt, carrying wheat from the southern Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk. The BBC reported that the ship was sailing within Romania's exclusive economic zone. Instead of the Ch-22, a less powerful Ch-31 missile – primarily used for radar jamming – was said to have been employed, as per the report.
03:19 Tragic Event at the Demarcation Line: Moldovan Soldier Loses Life
Under unclear circumstances, a Moldovan soldier has perished while performing his duties at the border with the secessionist region of Transnistria. The Ministry of Defense of Moldova reported that the soldier inexplicably sustained a bullet wound from his own weapon while executing his obligations. Authorities in charge of investigations, including the police and forensic experts, are now examining the incident. Since the 1992 conflict following the disintegration of the Soviet Union, both Moldova and the separatist Transnistria, as well as Russian troops, have been stationed on the boundary between the two sides at this demarcation line. Moldova has committed itself to integrating Transnistria into its territory. Incidents of such nature at the demarcation line are indeed rare.
02:18 UK Prime Minister: "No Desire for Conflict with Russia"
The UK's Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, dismisses Russian President Putin's assertion that the provision of advanced weapons for striking deeply within Russian territory constitutes NATO's engagement in the ongoing conflict. "Ukraine has the right to self-defense," Starmer asserts. The UK supports this right and wholeheartedly offers training opportunities with such intent. However, Starmer stresses that the UK is not seeking a conflict with Russia; this certainly isn't its primary objective. Read more here.
01:09 Former US Ambassador to Kyiv: Harris Would Likely Show "Fierce" Support for UkraineWilliam B. Taylor, the former US Ambassador to Ukraine, believes that if Harris secured the presidency, she would likely display "fervent" support for Ukraine, exceeding Biden's efforts. She has already demonstrated this inclination in certain areas, Taylor said during a speaking engagement at the American University in Kyiv. Biden has been somewhat hesitant in specific decision-making processes, such as authorizing HIMARS, Abrams, and F-16 combat jets, as well as making a determination to enable Ukraine to carry out attacks on Russian territory. Taylor anticipates a more "fierce" stance from Harris, which might also prompt a replacement of her foreign policy advisors at the White House.
00:27 Zelensky Praises Estonia for Military AidUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky extends his gratitude to Estonian President Alar Karis in Kyiv for military support. The Baltic European Union and NATO alliance member has made a commitment to allocate 0.25% of its annual GDP for Ukraine's defense needs. Also discussed during the meeting were Ukraine's reconstruction efforts and its EU aspirations. Moving further, Latvia's Prime Minister, Evika Siliņa, expressed gratitude and further promised additional aid during a private consultation with Zelensky.
22:06 Coalition Politicians Rally for Long-Range Weapon Usage Against RussiaMembers of the coalition government advocate for permitting Kyiv to utilize long-range weapons against Russian targets. According to SPD foreign policy expert Michael Roth, speaking to T-Online, it's justified and in accordance with international law to attack Russian military sites with long-range Western missiles. Roth suggests military airfields, command centers, and launch bases as potential targets, as they serve as bases for the "grisly attacks on civilian Ukrainian targets" and can be neutralized most effectively there. The FDP's defense committee chairman, Marcus Faber, adds that the authorization to strike Russian military airports with long-range weapons such as ATACMS and Storm Shadow is past due. Green politician Anton Hofreiter urges the need to safeguard the Ukrainian civilian population, as Russia utilizes rocket attacks on hospitals, homes, and the energy supply daily.
21:35 Vance Discusses Trump's Ukraine Policy ProposalsRepublican vice-presidential candidate J.D. Vance believes Donald Trump's plan to terminate the Russian conflict could include the establishment of a demilitarized zone between Ukraine and Russia. As Vance discussed with TV producer Shawn Ryan, Trump could potentially bring Russians, Ukrainians, and Europeans to the negotiating table to explore a peaceful solution. "I think he could get a deal done very quickly," Vance remarked. Trump has a long-standing affinity for Russian President Vladimir Putin and has frequently criticized US aid to Ukraine. The former president also claims he could end the war in 24 hours if elected, however, lacking details to support his plan.
21:03 "We are Russians. God is with us" - Fascist Rally in St. PetersburgThough they can't claim a higher authority, they also cannot refute it: "We are Russians. God is with us," echo the chants of numerous Russian nationalists and fascists participating in a march in St. Petersburg. Their cry is repeated: "Forward, Russians!" The march commemorates the anniversary of the transfer of relics of Alexander Nevsky, recognized as a national hero and saint of the Orthodox Church.
20:28 Kremlin Propagandist: "The ideal barrier is the Atlantic"Popular Russian TV host Vladimir Solovyov advocates for Russia to aim beyond Ukraine. "I think the ideal barrier is the Atlantic. A natural barrier," he says. "The perfect location for our troops - Berlin, Lisbon, Madrid. And how beautiful they looked in Paris." Upon being reminded of the limited Russian population, he replies, "The Belarusian brothers are with us." Alternatively, Russia could also turn to China.
20:01 British Volunteers Prepare for WinterIn numerous Ukrainian homes still standing after the shelling, windows are missing - a devastating predicament approaching winter. The British NGO "Insulate Ukraine" aims to address this issue by traveling to war zones and installing temporary windows.
Read all previous developments [here].
The President of the Council, during a meeting regarding emerging strategies, expressed concern over Russia's shift in focus to the southward expansion of its attacks. Specifically, they discussed Russia's aim to seize the mining town of Hirnyk, located near Kurachowe, which has been a main point of contention in recent days.
In light of these ongoing developments, it has become increasingly important for global leaders to collaborate and take decisive action to maintain peace and security in the region. The President of the Council emphasized the need for unity and strengthened partnerships in addressing this complex situation.
