Russian 'evil cannot be trusted' - Zelensky tells UN
BBC
23-09-19 20:24
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on the international community to unite against Russian aggression and prevent a "final war." In a speech to the UN General Assembly, Zelensky accused Russia of weaponizing various aspects of life, from food to energy. He argued that addressing global challenges like climate change can only be done after Russia's aggression has been stopped. Zelensky also accused Russia of committing war crimes and "genocide" by abducting Ukrainian children. He warned against making "shady deals" to end the war on unfair terms and emphasized that the outcome of the conflict in Ukraine would affect everyone. Zelensky's speech echoed US President Joe Biden's warning about the grave consequences of Russia's aggression.
Live Ukraine-Russia war latest: Ukrainian armoured vehicles cross Russia’s main defensive line
Telegraph
23-09-21 07:42
Armoured vehicles from Ukraine's 82nd Air Assault Brigade have reportedly breached Russia's defensive line of mines, barriers, and trenches on the southern front. The presence of Ukrainian armour suggests that Kyiv has made it past anti-tank defences and is exploiting gaps in Russian lines. Ukrainian drones have targeted a "fuel and energy complex" in Russia's Oryol region, while overnight Russian attacks damaged energy infrastructure in central and western Ukraine, causing power cuts in five regions. Ukraine has also reportedly launched missile strikes on the Saky airbase in Crimea and a headquarters building belonging to Russia's Black Sea Fleet. In response, Russia has launched waves of cruise missiles at Ukrainian targets. Ukraine claims to have repelled Russian counterattacks following its counteroffensive gains in the south and east of the country. Meanwhile, Crimea has been hit by waves of drone and cyber attacks, and Russia's defence ministry has reported poor morale and inadequate training among troops. Poland has announced that it will stop arming Ukraine to focus on its own defence.
Watch: Ukrainian heavy armour breaches Surovikin line of Russian defences
Telegraph
23-09-21 15:18
Ukrainian forces have reportedly managed to break through Russia's main defensive line on the southern front, as video footage emerged of armoured vehicles advancing beyond the first network of Russian trenches, anti-tank ditches, and minefields. The footage showed Western Stryker, Marder, and Mrap vehicles advancing, followed by mine-clearing vehicles and American-made M113 armoured personnel carriers. This successful breakthrough is seen as a sign of progress in the Ukrainian counter-offensive and is important for Kyiv's long-term strategic goal of expelling Russian troops from the entire country.
Europe is on the verge of surrendering Ukraine to Putin
Telegraph
23-09-21 13:17
Poland has announced that it will no longer transfer weapons to Ukraine, instead focusing on arming itself with more modern weapons. This decision is unlikely to change the situation in Ukraine in the short term, but it does indicate a shift in Poland's stance towards the conflict. The country has already given much of its military equipment to Ukraine, but it is running out of materiel to send. This decision may be linked to the ongoing dispute over the sale of cheap Ukrainian grain within the EU, but it also reflects Poland's need to beef up its own defences.
Ukraine has won a massive naval victory without having a navy
Telegraph
23-09-21 18:23
Ukraine's coordinated multi-domain operations are having a significant impact on the Russian Navy's operations in the Black Sea. On 13 September, Russia's repair yard for the Black Sea Fleet, Sergo Ordzhonkidze, was hit by ten Storm Shadow cruise missiles, crippling the warship Minsk and the submarine Rostov-on-Don. The missiles were likely able to penetrate the defences due to the destruction of Russian S-400 air defence radars by Ukrainian special forces and Neptune missiles. The strategic significance of this attack lies in the removal of a landing craft/logistics vessel and a Kalibr-armed submarine from the Russian order of battle, as well as the inability to use the dry docks. Repairing the submarine may not be possible due to the extent of the damage, and if the Russians decide not to repair it, they will still need to retrieve it from the dock. The loss of the Minsk is less significant, although it points to mounting losses for the Russian Navy. The viability of Sevastopol as a naval base is also in question, and the ongoing attacks by Ukraine are hampering Russian logistics in the Black Sea. Overall, these attacks are having a significant morale effect on the Russian Navy.
Russia's finance ministry is considering implementing a windfall tax on metals and mining firms to help support the country's economy. The tax would be introduced if the rouble weakens further against the US dollar and would exclude key sectors such as oil, gas and grain. The tax would generate around $1bn per month and would increase as the rouble weakens. The proposal comes as the rouble has fallen by a third this year due to Western sanctions and high military spending. The tax could be implemented within the next three months.
Watch: Ukrainian heavy armour breaches Surovikin line of Russian defences
Telegraph
23-09-21 15:18
Ukrainian forces have reportedly managed to break through Russia's main defensive line on the southern front, as video footage emerged of armoured vehicles advancing beyond the first network of Russian trenches, anti-tank ditches, and minefields. The footage showed Western Stryker, Marder, and Mrap vehicles advancing, followed by mine-clearing vehicles and American-made M113 armoured personnel carriers. This successful breakthrough is seen as a sign of progress in the Ukrainian counter-offensive and is important for Kyiv's long-term strategic goal of expelling Russian troops from the entire country.
The Polish government's attitude towards Ukraine has changed dramatically, with President Andrzej Duda comparing Ukraine to a drowning man who could drag his rescuers down with him. This shift in tone comes after a dispute over grain imports between the two countries, which remains unresolved. Poland, in an effort to protect its own farmers, is blocking Ukrainian grain from its domestic market. The governing Law and Justice party (PiS) is positioning itself as the defender of Polish interests ahead of next month's elections, and wants to coax voters away from the far-right Konfederacja party.
Zelensky urges US to hold firm on Ukraine support despite Republican detractors
Telegraph
23-09-21 21:17
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged US lawmakers to maintain military support for Ukraine during a private meeting on Capitol Hill. Zelensky warned that Ukraine would "lose the war" without US support. This comes as Republicans signal their intention to block a proposed $24 billion package of military and humanitarian aid put forward by President Joe Biden. While Biden's administration has announced a new package of weapons for Ukraine, the White House stopped short of granting Ukraine's request for missiles that can strike targets up to 300km away.
Live Ukraine-Russia war live: Zelensky meets Trudeau on surprise Canada visit
Telegraph
23-09-22 07:18
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made an unannounced visit to Canada to seek support for his country. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau welcomed Zelensky and is expected to announce an increase in military aid to Ukraine during the visit. Canada has committed over C$8 billion in aid to Ukraine since the beginning of 2022, including C$1.8 billion in military assistance. The surprise visit comes as US President Joe Biden warns Republicans in Congress that there is "no alternative" to funding military support for Ukraine, as some lawmakers threaten to block a new arms package.
Three books that explain why Russia invade Ukraine, and what happens next
The Sydney Morning Herald
23-09-22 06:00
Three books have been published recently that examine the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine from different perspectives. "Russia’s War against Ukraine" by Mark Edele explores the history of the conflict, arguing that Russia is a regional power and not a great power. Edele also disputes the notion that the Soviet Union was an empire, stating that Russia itself was an empire until it became a nation-state in 1991. Edele sees the Russian invasion of Ukraine as a decision made by Putin, who hesitated before making the final call. "A War Made in Russia" by Sergei Medvedev takes a more critical view of Russia's role in the conflict, arguing that the country is acting as a threat to the free world. Medvedev describes Russian society as violent and militarized, with a normalization of war. "Russia’s War against Ukraine" by Gwendolyn Sasse provides a detailed account of the conflict, focusing on the increasing authoritarianism of the Russian government. Sasse also suggests that a post-Putin regime may not be any better, and could even be more militaristic. Overall, the books provide different perspectives on the conflict and offer insights into its causes and potential outcomes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made an unannounced visit to Canada to rally support for his country. He arrived from Washington, where he was seeking further funding to help Ukraine fight off invading Russian forces. Support for Ukraine's war effort is becoming contentious in some countries, with resources running thin. In the US, Republican scepticism about funding the war is growing, despite pleas from President Biden. The US Congress has authorised over $110bn in aid to Ukraine, but support for further spending has declined. During Zelensky's visit, President Biden approved further funding for Kyiv valued at $325m, including upgrades to air defences.
Inside the US munitions facility supplying Ukraine | Defence in Depth Special
Telegraph
23-09-22 08:00
The US army centre at Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey is developing munitions for both the US and Ukraine. Brigadier General John Reim expects his facility to expand its production of 155mm artillery ammunition from 10,000 rounds a month to 86,000 rounds a month by next year to meet the increasing demand in Ukraine. The facility has a test bed where new types of artillery ammunition can be tested, and cameras are able to capture the moment of firing in fine detail. The US Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Centre is also looking at how to fight future wars and how to learn from the war in Ukraine to inform the development of new weapon technologies.
Zelensky asks Marina Abramovic to be ambassador for Ukraine
Telegraph
23-09-22 13:53
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has asked performance artist Marina Abramović to be an ambassador for Ukraine. Abramović, who is known for her fierce criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin's illegal invasion of Ukraine, said that Zelensky had asked for her help in rebuilding schools. She has also been invited to be a board member of the Babyn Yar organization, which aims to protect a Holocaust memorial centre that was damaged by Russian missile attacks. Abramović has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine and has previously raised money for the country through her art.
Missile hits HQ of Russia's symbolic Black Sea navy
BBC
23-09-22 13:04
Russia has reported that a soldier is missing following an attack on the headquarters of its Black Sea fleet in Crimea. Video footage shows smoke rising from the building in Sevastopol, and Russia has claimed that the attack was carried out by a Ukrainian missile. The governor of the region has warned residents that another attack is possible and has urged people to stay indoors. This comes just ten days after Ukraine launched an attack on naval targets and port infrastructure in Crimea. While Ukraine has not directly acknowledged responsibility for the attack, it has hinted that it was behind it. The Black Sea fleet is a significant target for Ukraine, as it is seen as the flagship unit of Russia's navy and has caused devastating damage to Ukraine in the past. The ongoing dispute over grain imports in Poland is also increasing diplomatic tensions between Ukraine and Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that he plans to liberate the eastern city of Bakhmut and two other undisclosed cities. Zelensky made the announcement during a conversation with reporters in Washington, where he also revealed that Ukraine would begin manufacturing weapons in collaboration with the US, including anti-aircraft defense systems. The president did not provide further details on the plan to retake the cities or the manufacturing partnership.
Penny Wong to remind UN that Australia wants a Security Council seat by 2029
The Sydney Morning Herald
23-09-22 12:00
Australia's Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, will call for Russia's veto powers on the UN Security Council to be constrained as a result of its invasion of Ukraine. In a speech to the UN General Assembly, Wong will highlight the need for collective effort to prevent unwanted wars and will back the push for UN reform, suggesting that nations from Africa, Latin America, and Asia should have greater representation on the Security Council. Wong will also reiterate Australia's desire for a seat on the council by 2029.
Friday evening news briefing: Naval HQ strike a 'blow to the dictatorship of Putin'
Telegraph
23-09-22 17:22
A Ukrainian missile has struck the headquarters of Russia's Black Sea navy fleet in Sevastopol, Crimea. The attack is the latest in a series of strikes on Russian positions in Crimea, which was seized and annexed from Ukraine in 2014. Videos posted online showed smoke rising above the headquarters. The attack follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's vow to liberate the eastern city of Bakhmut and two other cities through a secret plan. Meanwhile, the UK's Home Office has issued a new contract for contractors that books hotels with a minimum of three stars to house small-boat migrants due to the soaring costs of housing them. The revelation comes after Home Secretary Suella Braverman said she is "very concerned about hotels" and called their use "unacceptable". Estate agents have been accused of hiding the best offers from home sellers by Trading Standards. The head of the National Trading Standards Estate and Letting Agency Team said the high commissions earned by estate agents through third-party services often make it more lucrative to choose a buyer based on the services they have used, rather than the highest bidder.
The West must arm Ukraine with ATACMS now. That way Putin will be defeated
Telegraph
23-09-22 16:10
The West, particularly the US, must act quickly to provide Ukraine with the necessary weapons to defeat Russia, according to Colonel Hamish de Bretton-Gordon. He argues that the West has been too slow in supplying Ukraine with the weapons it needs and that this has allowed Russia to continue its aggression. He suggests that the US should deploy its ATACMS long-range artillery system to silence Russian guns in Crimea and enable Ukraine to retake the territory. He warns that if the West does not act, Russia may go on to invade Poland and other countries.
Storm Shadow missile strikes Black Sea Fleet HQ in Crimea
Telegraph
23-09-22 16:10
Ukraine's air force has claimed responsibility for a missile attack on a Russian naval headquarters in the Crimean port city of Sevastopol. Footage showed significant damage to the building, with reports of debris scattered for hundreds of metres. Russian military officials said that five missiles were launched, all of which were shot down by the country's air defence systems. The commander of Ukraine's air force, Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk, confirmed his forces were behind the strike, which he said was carried out with British-designed Storm Shadows.
