Russian Defense Systems Intercept Suspected Ukrainian Drones in Belgorod Region
According to Russian reports, defense systems have intercepted two Ukrainian drones in the Belgorod region. Ukrainian President Selenskyj claims progress in the army’s offensive. Follow the live blog for more updates.
North Korean Leader Apparently Departing for Meeting with Putin in Vladivostok
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is apparently on his way to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Vladivostok. The meeting could take place as early as Tuesday, according to South Korean TV channel YTN. There is no confirmation yet from either North Korea or Russia.
Recent reports from US officials suggested that Kim planned to travel to Russia to negotiate weapon exports. Moscow’s objective is to secure arms and ammunition supplies for the ongoing conflict against Ukraine.
Baerbock Visits Power Substation near Kiev
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock visited an electricity substation during her visit to Ukraine. The Green Party politician learned about the Ukrainian government’s efforts to secure the country’s energy supply ahead of the approaching winter.
The substation has reportedly been targeted multiple times by Russian missiles and kamikaze drones supplied from Iran. One significant attack occurred on New Year’s Eve, resulting in the destruction of some facilities, which have since been rebuilt. High nets have been erected around the substation to intercept low-flying drones.
Ukraine Reports Successes on Eastern and Southern Fronts
Ukraine reports new successes in its counteroffensive against Russian invasion forces. Vice Defense Minister Hanna Maljar stated that the Ukrainian military has recaptured further territories both on the eastern and southern fronts. In the past week, nearly two square kilometers around the city of Bachmut, which was captured by Russian forces in May, have been retaken. Part of the village of Opytne, located south of the city of Avdiivka in the Donetsk region, was also recaptured. Since the start of the offensive three months ago, the Ukrainian military has liberated 49 square kilometers near Bachmut.
In the south, where the Ukrainian army aims to advance towards the Azov Sea to create a wedge in Russian forces, 1.5 square kilometers were recovered last week. Ukrainian troops achieved victories south of the village of Robotyne and west of the village of Verbovyy in the Zaporizhzhia region.
Lula Backtracks on Guaranteeing Putin’s Safety at G20 Summit in Rio
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has backtracked on his guarantee of ensuring the safety of Russian President Vladimir Putin in case of his visit to Brazil. “I don’t know if Brazil’s justice system will arrest him. It’s the judiciary that decides, not the government,” Lula told journalists in New Delhi.
During the G20 summit, Lula had previously stated that Putin would not face arrest in Brazil, despite an international arrest warrant against him. “If I am the President of Brazil and he comes to Brazil, he will definitely not be arrested,” he had assured. The next G20 meeting is scheduled for November 2024 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Baerbock Visits Ukraine for the Fourth Time Since the Start of the War
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is visiting Ukraine for the fourth time since the Russian aggression began in February 2022. The Green Party politician arrived in the capital city of Kyiv for a initially undisclosed visit due to security reasons. Since the airspace over Ukraine is still closed, Baerbock traveled by special train from Poland to Kyiv, as is customary for visits by high-ranking politicians.
Upon her arrival, Baerbock pledged continued support for Ukraine’s path to the European Union while emphasizing the need for further reform efforts, particularly in combating corruption. She stated that Ukraine is defending “our freedom as well. Just as Ukraine stands with us, it can also rely on us” – including resolute support from Germany in its journey towards the European Union.
Moscow: Putin’s Party Wins Elections in Occupied Ukrainian Territories
According to official reports, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s party, United Russia, has predictably won the elections in the four Ukrainian regions annexed by Russia. In the war-torn regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, candidates supported by the Kremlin allegedly secured large majorities with over 70% of the votes.
There were no independent election observers present during the voting. The regions are characterized by severe human rights violations, with reports of citizens being coerced into voting.
Selenskyj Reports Progress on the Frontline
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj spoke about progress on the frontline, stating, “In the past seven days, there has been progress,” during his nightly video address on Sunday. He mentioned movement both in the south of Ukraine, in the Zaporizhzhia region, and around the Russian-occupied city of Bachmut. He also added that they had successfully defended positions against Russian attacks on other sections of the front.
Additionally, Zelenskyj addressed the recent intense missile and drone attacks by Russia. He expressed gratitude to firefighters, emergency responders, police officers, and volunteers for their efforts in rescuing people trapped under rubble in the cities of Kostiantynivka, Kryvyi Rih, Sumy, and the Odesa region.
Zelenskyj also confirmed that international aid workers from the rescue organization Road to Relief were targeted by Russian shelling near Bachmut, close to the front line. One Canadian and one Spaniard were killed, and a German and a Swede were injured and hospitalized.
Russia Reports Interception of Two Ukrainian Drones
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Russia’s air defense systems intercepted two Ukrainian drones over the Belgorod region. There were no casualties, and the wreckage of the drones fell on a road in the Yakovlevsky district, according to Vyacheslav Gladkov, the governor of the Belgorod region bordering Ukraine, through Telegram.
Injured German and Swedish Aid Workers in Stable Condition
According to the humanitarian organization Road to Relief, the two aid workers from Germany and Sweden who were injured in an attack in eastern Ukraine over the weekend are in a “stable” condition. The two men suffered injuries from shrapnel and burns and were admitted to the hospital, as stated by the organization.
Two other aid workers from Spain and Canada, who were also in the same vehicle, were killed in the attack. According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, the Russian military is responsible for the attack, which reportedly occurred near Chasiv Yar on Saturday morning.
Sunday’s Live Blog Recap
According to US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley, Ukraine likely has another 30 to 45 days for its counteroffensive. The Ukrainian army claims to have made slight territorial gains.