Russian forces launch new offensives in the Kursk region. Russian forces have initiated fresh offensives on the left flank of the Ukrainian positions in the Kursk region, advancing across the Seym River with the support of armoured vehicles. Concurrently, an assault has been launched from Korenevo—recently recaptured by Ukrainian forces—towards Snagost. Western analysts are raising concerns about the potential for Russian forces to be encircled in the Glushkovsky district, with some suggesting that control of the Seym River could provide a crucial strategic advantage in this context. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continue to staunchly defend their positions, maintaining robust resistance along key strategic locations in the region, as detailed by Deepstate.
Biden hints at policy shift on Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons. U.S. President Joe Biden has indicated a potential shift in American policy regarding Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons to target positions within Russia—a move that could markedly reshape the war’s dynamics. Historically, the U.S. has limited the provision of such weapons to Ukraine due to concerns about escalating tensions. However, Secretary of State Antony Blinken has suggested that this policy is now under review. He underscored the necessity of advancing Ukraine’s strategic objectives while carefully managing the risks of further escalation. This possible policy adjustment comes in the wake of reports from Voice of America detailing ongoing discussions within the U.S. government.
Trump’s vague stance on Ukraine draws criticism after the U.S. debate. In the latest U.S. political debate, former President Donald Trump drew criticism for his nebulous position on Ukraine. He sidestepped direct queries about his stance on supporting Ukraine’s victory over Russia, instead advocating for a swift end to the Russian war in Ukraine without explicitly endorsing Ukraine’s cause. In a sharp rebuttal, Vice President Kamala Harris lambasted Trump, contending that his leadership would precipitate a swift defeat for Ukraine. Harris highlighted the Biden administration’s concerted efforts to galvanise international backing and supply Ukraine with essential defensive resources, such as air defence systems and ammunition, which have been pivotal in upholding the country’s sovereignty. The debate, as covered by Nv.ua, underscores the deepening political rift over the U.S.’s future strategy regarding the Russian war against Ukraine.
UK ramps up support for Ukraine’s drone capabilities and NATO ambitions. On September 11, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy revealed that the United Kingdom is actively investing in military drone production in Ukraine and co-leading a coalition to bolster Ukraine’s drone capabilities. Speaking at a joint press conference in Kyiv with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Lammy praised what he called a remarkable wartime spirit he observed during his recent visit, highlighting the dedication of ordinary Ukrainians in their fight against Russian aggression. He also reiterated the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s NATO aspirations, noting that the UK had collaborated with allies to incorporate a mention of Ukraine’s irreversible path to NATO in a text agreed upon in July, shortly after the new Labour government took office. Lammy committed to ongoing discussions with international partners on Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration, reflecting the affirmation of support for Ukraine’s NATO membership in the final declaration of the NATO summit in Washington in July.
Lithuanian Defence Minister calls for NATO air policing review after drone incident. Lithuanian LRT channel reported that Defence Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas has called for a revision of NATO’s Air Policing mission in the Baltic states following the recent crash of a Russian drone in Latvia. Kasčiūnas urged for an expedited decision-making process to enable quicker interception and neutralisation of such threats. The drone, which was discovered in Latvia’s Rēzekne region, entered Latvian airspace early on Saturday, though it reportedly lacked specific hostile intent, according to Latvia’s Chief of Defence Leonīds Kalniņš. Kasčiūnas also advocated for a rotational air defence model and faster information transfer to NATO headquarters to ensure rapid deployment of air policing jets. Currently, the mission is managed from Lithuania and temporarily from Latvia, with Estonia’s airbase under repair. In the event of a drone incursion, Kasčiūnas emphasised the necessity of a collective NATO response.
Ukrainian forces repel 131 fresh attacks amidst escalating Russian assaults. The latest battlefield update from Ukraine’s General Staff reveals that 131 combat engagements occurred in the past 24 hours as Russia maintained its intense assaults across various fronts, including Kharkiv, Kupiansk, Lyman, and Kramatorsk. Ukrainian forces managed to repel multiple attacks, successfully holding their defensive lines. Concurrently, the Russian military escalated its offensive with missile and air strikes targeting civilian areas, resulting in substantial damage. In response, Ukraine’s Defense Forces have intensified their counter-offensive efforts, focusing on Russian command centres, artillery systems, and air defence installations, as detailed by the Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff.
