Vladimir Putin’s forces have launched 100 deadly glide bombs in an overnight attack on Ukraine as Russia continued its relentless aerial barrage across the country, Kyiv claimed.
Glide bombs, also called KAB – the Ukrainian acronym for guided aerial bomb, are old-fashioned “iron” aerial bombs of the sort that were dropped by bombers during the Second World War.
Russia is believed to have converted hundreds of thousands of Soviet-era KABs by fitting them with GPS guidance systems and wings. The Ukrainian military did not specify where the bombs had been dropped.
The attack comes after Ukrainian husband and father Yaroslav Bazylevych lost his entire family when a Russian missile destroyed his house in the western city of Lviv on Wednesday.
Mr Bazylevych’s wife Eugenia and the couple’s three daughters, Yarya, 21, Daria, 18 and Emilia, seven, were all killed on Wednesday morning.
They were among seven in total that were killed during the aerial assault on Lviv. Yesterday, more than 50 Ukrainians were killed in a Russian missile strike on Poltava in central-east Ukraine.
Key Points
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Russian strikes on western city of Lviv kill seven and wound 38
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Father loses whole family in Lviv strike
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Ukrainian Foreign minister offers resignation
Zelensky’s latest reshuffle has one major aim – to project strength ahead of a tough winter for Ukraine
07:01 , Arpan Rai
Dmytro Kuleba is one of Ukraine’s most recognisable faces to Western officials, seemingly never afraid to speak his mind. It is that independence that has contributed to the foreign minister becoming the highest-profile member of president Volodymyr Zelensky’s cabinet involved in another major shake-up of Ukraine’s top brass. One which will end up the largest of the war.
Kuleba has offered his resignation as part of what is seen as a political “reset” for Kyiv engineered by Zelensky and his close circle. A number of other ministers also submitted their resignations on Tuesday. Zelensky has said that the cabinet overhaul is part of an effort to “give new strength” to Ukraine’s government and, in the process, solidify Zelensky’s ability to guide policy.
The reshuffle comes at a crucial point. Ukraine has been slowly losing territory in the eastern Donetsk region to a Russian advance, while drone and missile attacks on the country’s energy infrastructure have led to rolling nationwide blackouts, which are likely only to worsen as we head towards winter.
An audacious cross-border assault into Russia’s Kursk region, where Kyiv’s forces have taken about 1,000 square kilometres of territory in around three weeks, has given a much-needed morale boost and reminded Western allies that Kyiv can still surprise its enemy, despite being significantly outgunned and at a troop disadvantage.
Zelensky’s latest cabinet reshuffle seeks to project strength before a tough winter
Zelensky’s latest reshuffle of his top team has one major aim
07:00 , Tom Watling
Zelensky’s latest cabinet reshuffle seeks to project strength before a tough winter
Live: Putin delivers keynote speech at Eastern Economic Forum
06:54 , Arpan Rai
Putin’s aide claims foreign military instructors are working in Ukraine
06:31 , Arpan Rai
Russia is now claiming that military instructors from different countries are working in Ukraine and taking part in military actions and the training of Ukrainian forces, Russian news agencies reported today.
The claims were made by the Kremlin spokesperson and Vladimir Putin’s close aide Dmitry Peskov who wrongfully claimed that the US and Europe have shown no interest in a diplomatic solution to the war.
Peskov said Russia does not see any prerequisites for peace talks with Ukraine at the moment and it would continue its military operation inside its smaller neighbour nation until it achieves all of its aims, reported RIA news agency.
He also said that the Russian authorities were not discussing a new mobilisation.
Father sole survivor in one of the deadliest attacks of war
06:23 , Arpan Rai
A father has lost his entire family after his house was destroyed during Russia’s attack on the western Ukrainian city of Lviv.
Yaroslav Bazylevych’s wife Eugenia and the couple’s three daughters, Yarya, 21, Daria, 18 and Emilia, seven, were all killed on Wednesday morning.
The attack led Lviv mayor Andriy Sadovyi to accuse Russia of “eliminating Ukrainians by (killing off) entire families”.
Ukrainian emergency services said his daughters – Daryna, 18, her sisters Yaryna, 21, and Emilia, 7, and their 43-year-old mother Yevhenia were killed while sheltering in the staircase of their residential building.
Behind enemy lines with Ukraine’s troops in Russia
06:00 , Tom Watling
Behind enemy lines with Ukraine’s troops in Russia
Belarus downs Russian drones in a first – reports
05:50 , Arpan Rai
In what appears to be the first incident of its kind, the Belarus Air Force has shot down two attack drones launched by its ally Russia – suggesting they had flown off course, a monitoring group claimed.
Belaruski Hajun, a monitoring group in Minsk, said multiple Belarusian fighter jets were scrambled to intercept the drones near the city of Gomel around 1.30am local time. Gomel lies within about 30km of the Ukraine-Belarus border.
This is the first reported incident involving Belarusian Air Force plane successfully downing Russian drones meant for Ukraine.
A third Russian attack drone was also downed around 2.30am in Belarusian air space, the group said but shared no additional information.
Russia launched another large-scale drone attack on Ukraine overnight, targeting multiple regions of the country, Ukraine’s Air Force said.
White House’s Finer meets Zelensky in Kyiv on security, energy
05:06 , Arpan Rai
Ukraine’s top priorities for its war against Russia in the remainder of Joe Biden’s term was the key topic as deputy US national security adviser Jon Finer met Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and other officials in Kyiv yesterday, US officials said.
Finer’s discussions included a 90-minute meeting with Ukrainian military officials to discuss the state of the war and the strategy going forward, the officials told Reuters. The official also got an update on how the Kursk incursion was proceeding, the officials said.
“While in Kyiv, Mr Finer has had the opportunity to meet with president Zelensky and other key Ukrainian officials to coordinate on our strategic planning over the remainder of president Biden’s term,” said White House National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett.
Mr Finer made the trip at the behest of Mr Biden and national security adviser Jake Sullivan to discuss US support for Ukraine while the Democrat leader remains in office. His term ends on 20 January.
“We have used these meetings to discuss US assistance for Ukraine’s military, economy, and energy system, among other areas, and we will use the outcomes of these meetings to advance the president’s policy to support Ukraine until they prevail in this war,” Mr Savett said.
Another US official said Mr Finer’s hour-long session with Mr Zelensky and top aide Andriy Yermak was productive and substantive and included an update on the state of the war and strategy going forward.
Poland ‘has duty’ to shoot down Russian missiles over Ukraine
05:00 , Tom Watling
Poland has duty to shoot down Russian missiles over Ukraine, minister says
‘Zelensky style’ cabinet shuffle was delayed by talks with West, analysts say
04:46 , Arpan Rai
Analysts said the government reset had been planned for some time but was postponed as Volodymyr Zelensky had focused on talks with Kyiv’s Western partners to secure military and financial aid.
“This is a planned personnel overhaul of the government,” said Volodymyr Fesenko, a Kyiv-based political analyst.
“Now half of the government will be renewed. This is Zelensky’s style. He believes that the new minister brings new energy, new approaches, works more actively. He expects exactly this effect.”
Fesenko did not expect a major foreign policy change following Kuleba’s expected dismissal.
The Kremlin said that government changes in Ukraine would not affect a peace negotiation process in any way, although such talks appear a distant prospect with the two warring parties far apart in their objectives.
The next few months are key for Mr Zelensky as he seeks to win more support from the West and seize back the initiative in the war with Russia, after its invasion in February 2022.
Surprise Ukrainian resignations include the nation’s top diplomat
04:18 , Arpan Rai
A spate of resignations from Ukraine’s government came with one major surprise: the departure of Dmytro Kuleba, the career diplomat who courted Western support for his country’s defence as its tireless foreign minister.
Ahead of a major overhaul of the government, six Cabinet ministers have resigned, sending handwritten notes to parliament that offered little explanation for their decisions. Kuleba was the last to leave yesterday, though his exit has not been formally sanctioned by parliament.
The 43-year-old Kuleba became Ukraine’s most recognisable representative abroad – second only to president Volodymyr Zelensky – and built close relationships with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and European leaders.
Both before and after the full-scale Russian invasion of early 2022, he argued on multiple trips abroad that the outcome of the conflict was a test of Western resolve to push back autocracy.
“I believe that Kuleba is a good communicator, and it’s bad to lose him as minister, but we do not know what his next position will be,” said Olexiy Haran, a professor of political science at Kyiv Mohyla University.
Haran said Kuleba’s departure was unlikely to bring any change to Ukrainian foreign policy, given the list of his possible successors.
One killed in Russian shelling in Donetsk
04:11 , Arpan Rai
At least one person has been killed and three others injured this morning in eastern Ukraine as Russian forces shelled a residential area of Kostiantynivka town, officials said.
The attack used a multiple rocket launcher, prosecutors in the eastern Donetsk region said in a report on Telegram. One body was pulled from under rubble, they added.
Kostiantynivka has long been viewed as a key target for Russian forces advancing slowly westward through the Donetsk region. It lies northeast of Pokrovsk, the sector seeing the heaviest fighting on the eastern part of the 1,000km (600 mile) front line.
UN nuclear watchdog head is in Ukraine out of renewed concern over Zaporizhzhia power plant safety
04:00 , Tom Watling
UN nuclear watchdog head is in Ukraine out of renewed concern over Zaporizhzhia power plant safety
How it felt to cross the Russian border on a Ukrainian tank
03:00 , Tom Watling
How it felt to cross the Russian border on a Ukrainian tank
EU ministers take a very public swipe at Hungary over a lack of respect for the bloc’s values
02:00 , Tom Watling
EU ministers take a very public swipe at Hungary over a lack of respect for the bloc’s values
Watch: Drone rains down molten thermite on Ukrainian battlefield
01:00 , Tom Watling
Watch: Drone rains down molten thermite on Ukrainian battlefield
At least 51 killed in one of deadliest Russian attacks of Ukraine war
Thursday 5 September 2024 00:00 , Tom Watling
At least 51 killed in one of deadliest Russian attacks of Ukraine war
Ukrainian defence minister Umerov visits Berlin
Wednesday 4 September 2024 23:00 , Tom Watling
Ukrainian defence minister Rustem Umerov visited Berlin today to discuss Germany’s continued support for Kyiv.
Umerov was in London yesterday and Washington last week.
Germany is the second biggest supplier of military aid to Ukraine after the United States.
White House’s Finer meets Zelensky in Kyiv on security, energy
Wednesday 4 September 2024 22:00 , Tom Watling
Deputy US national security adviser Jon Finer has met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other officials in Kyiv to discuss top priorities in Ukraine‘s war with Russia for the remainder of President Joe Biden’s term, US officials have said.
Finer’s discussions included a 90-minute meeting with Ukrainian military officials to discuss the state of the war and the strategy going forward, the officials told Reuters.
Russian forces are advancing in the east of Ukraine while Ukrainian troops have made a bold incursion into Russia’s Kursk region. The next months are key for Zelensky as he seeks to win more support from the West and seize back the initiative in the war with Russia, after its invasion in February 2022.
Finer got an update on how the Kursk incursion was proceeding, the officials said.
”While in Kyiv, Mr. Finer has had the opportunity to meet with President Zelensky and other key Ukrainian officials to coordinate on our strategic planning over the remainder of President Biden’s term,” said White House National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett.
Finer made the trip at the behest of Biden and national security adviser Jake Sullivan to discuss US support for Ukraine while Biden remains in office. His term ends on 20 January.
”We have used these meetings to discuss US assistance for Ukraine’s military, economy, and energy system, among other areas, and we will use the outcomes of these meetings to advance the president’s policy to support Ukraine until they prevail in this war,” Savett said.
Deputy Nat’l Security Advisor Jon Finer met @AndriyYermak and others to hear a military update of the situation on the ground, discuss increasing sanctions against Russia, & join the Peace Formula on food security to underscore the importance of Black Sea security to the world. pic.twitter.com/s6mDJQ2JkK
— Ambassador Bridget A. Brink (@USAmbKyiv) September 4, 2024
Zelensky: we are accomplishing all tasks in Russia’s Kursk region
Wednesday 4 September 2024 21:00 , Tom Watling
Ukraine‘s President Volodymyr Zelensky has saidthat Ukraine‘s military was accomplishing all the tasks set out in its operations in Russia’s Kursk region.
“It is very important that absolutely all the tasks set out in our Kursk operation are being accomplished,” Zelensky said in his nightly video address after referring to frontline reports presented by Ukraine‘s commander in chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi.
At this time, rescue operations in Lviv and Kryvyi Rih have been completed—where today, innocent people suffered from Russian missile strikes. Ordinary homes and civilian infrastructure were damaged. Many were injured, and all have received the necessary help. Sadly, 7 people… pic.twitter.com/LHUrxN71PK
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) September 4, 2024
Wearing prosthetics, Ukraine war veterans take to the runway as fashion week returns
Wednesday 4 September 2024 20:00 , Tom Watling
Wearing prosthetics, Ukraine war veterans take to the runway as fashion week returns
UN nuclear chief visits Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant
Wednesday 4 September 2024 19:31 , Tom Watling
The United Nations nuclear agency chief has visited the Zaporizhzhia power plant after warning that it could become a “disaster” if caught up in Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Rafael Grossi was pictured inspecting the site today. Yesterday, he was in Kyiv speaking to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky.
The EU wants answers from Hungary about work visas for Russia and Belarus
Wednesday 4 September 2024 18:46 , Tom Watling
The EU wants answers from Hungary about work visas for Russia and Belarus
US to accuse Russia of effort to influence 2024 election, CNN says
Wednesday 4 September 2024 18:18 , Tom Watling
The United States plans to accuse Russia on Wednesday of a campaign to influence the 2024 elections using online platforms to target American voters with disinformation, CNN has reported, citing six sources familiar with the matter.
Russian state media network RT will be a focus of the announcement, CNN reported.
The news comes just hours before Attorney General Merrick Garland is due to make public remarks at a meeting of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force.
He will be joined by FBI Director Chris Wray, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole Argentieri, and Matt Olsen, the Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division.
A Justice Department spokesman declined to comment ahead of the election task force meeting.
The Justice Department has previously warned that Russia remains a threat to the 5 November presidential election.
In a speech last month, Monaco warned that Russian president Vladimir Putin “and his proxies are using increasingly sophisticated techniques in their interference operations.”
Children throughout Ukraine ‘can never be truly safe’, aid organisation warns
Wednesday 4 September 2024 17:45 , Tom Watling
No children in Ukraine “can ever be truly safe” with Russian missile strikes targeting everything from civilian homes to education facilities, an aid organisation has warned.
Save the Children, a global initiative seeking to protect children, said young people are “paying the highest price” for Russia’s war in Ukraine.
It comes as a baby was among three children killed in today’s strike on the western Ukrainian city of Lviv.
Sonia Khush, Save the Children Country Director in Ukraine, said: “Instead of morning alarms that would wake them to go to school, children are startled awake by air raid sirens and forced into shelters straight out of bed.
“Instead of learning and playing, children are being killed, injured, and left emotionally distressed. Three in four children in Ukraine are living in constant fear amid an escalating mental health crisis.
“As there are no signs of attacks slowing, children are paying the highest price. We must no longer tolerate violence against the most vulnerable of human beings. International humanitarian law should be the cornerstone that everybody abides by to ensure children, their families, and homes are protected from shelling and strikes.”
Zelensky’s latest reshuffle of his top team has one major aim
Wednesday 4 September 2024 17:19 , Tom Watling
Zelensky’s latest cabinet reshuffle seeks to project strength before a tough winter
Lavrov warns US not to mock Russia’s ‘red lines’
Wednesday 4 September 2024 16:52 , Tom Watling
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, responding to a question about the potential delivery of long-range US missiles to Ukraine, has warned the United States not to joke about Russia’s “red lines”.
Lavrov said the US was losing sight of the sense of mutual deterrence that had underpinned the balance of security between Moscow and Washington since the Cold War, and that this was dangerous.
He was commenting on a Reuters report that the US is close to an agreement to supply Ukraine with long-range JASSM cruise missiles that could reach deep inside Russia – for which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been lobbying.
“I won’t be surprised by anything – the Americans have already crossed the threshold they set for themselves. They are being egged on, and Zelensky of course sees this and takes advantage of it,” Lavrov told a Russian TV interviewer.
“But they should understand – they are joking about our red lines here. They shouldn’t joke about our red lines.”
Kremlin officials have often warned Kyiv’s allies against crossing “red lines”, nodding towards the potential for nuclear retaliation, on several occasions. Those threats have yet, however, to be proved anything other than empty.
Swiss offer Ukrainian refugees protection until 2026
Wednesday 4 September 2024 16:21 , Tom Watling
The Swiss government will not lift its protection status for Ukrainian refugees fleeing Russia’s invasion before March 4, 2026, as the situation in their country is not expected to change in the foreseeable future, it has announced.
Switzerland granted Ukrainian refugees protection status “S,” which grants temporary protection to those in need as long as they are exposed to serious general danger, in March 2022.
Germany won’t let up in military aid to Ukraine, Scholz says
Wednesday 4 September 2024 15:50 , Tom Watling
Germany will not slacken in its military support for Ukraine, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Wednesday, trying to dispel fears Berlin might disappoint Kyiv amid a domestic budget squeeze and media reports of a freeze on new German military aid.
“Germany’s support for Ukraine will not cease. We have made provisions, struck (defence) deals and secured the funding in good time so that Ukraine can continue to fully rely on us in future,” Scholz said.
European defence stocks fell in mid-August after the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung (FAS) newspaper said the German finance ministry would not approve additional applications for Ukraine military aid due to budget constraints.
A German government spokesperson later called that report “incorrect” and reiterated Berlin’s support for Ukraine for “as long as necessary”.
Father loses ‘entire family’ in Russian strike in Lviv
Wednesday 4 September 2024 15:32 , Tom Watling
A father has lost his entire family after his house was destroyed during Russia’s attack on the western Ukrainian city of Lviv.
Yaroslav Bazylevych’s wife Eugenia and the couple’s three daughters, Yarya, 21, Daria, 18 and Emilia, seven, were all killed on Wednesday morning.
The attack led Lviv mayor Andriy Sadovyi to accuse Russia of “eliminating Ukrainians by (killing off) entire families”.
Ukraine’s foreign minister submits resignation
Wednesday 4 September 2024 15:15 , Tom Watling
Ukraine’s foreign minister has offered his resignation amid Kyiv’s largest government reshuffle in the country’s 30-month war against Russia.
Dmytro Kuleba offered to stand down on Wednesday just days after Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky promised a major government reset to “strengthen” Ukraine ahead of winter.
Five ministers stepped down on Tuesday with more resignations and appointments expected over the next few days as Kyiv continues to struggle with Russian attacks on its towns and cities.
Mr Zelensky said: “Autumn will be extremely important for Ukraine. And our state institutions should be configured so that Ukraine achieves all the results that we need – for all of us.”
Those who handed in their resignations on Tuesday included strategic industries minister Alexander Kamyshin and justice minister Denys Maliuska.
Poland has duty to shoot down Russian missiles over Ukraine
Wednesday 4 September 2024 14:40 , Tom Watling
Poland and other nations bordering Ukraine have a duty to shoot down incoming Russian missiles – despite the risk of interceptions over Ukrainian territory dragging Nato into the war with Moscow – the country’s foreign minister has said.
Warsaw activated aircraft early on Monday to protect Polish air space as Russia launched a fresh barrage of missiles and drones, with Ukraine having faced some of the most intense strikes since the start of Vladimir Putin’s invasion during the past two weeks.
Radosław Sikorski has said that Poland has an obligation to ensure the safety of its citizens, whatever fears other Nato nations may have about what shooting down missiles over Ukraine pushing the alliance into direct conflict with Russia.
Poland has duty to shoot down Russian missiles over Ukraine, minister says
Injury toll rises to 53 as Lviv search and rescue operation concludes
Wednesday 4 September 2024 13:40 , Alex Croft
The injury toll of Russian strikes on Lviv has increased to 53, as authorities confirmed the search and rescue operation has been completed.
“Emergency workers have rescued 12 people. 53 people have been injured. Sadly, seven people have been killed, including, based on updated data, two children (7 and 14 years old),” Ukraine’s State Emergency Service (SES) said.
11 patients were in a critical condition when they arrived at the hospital, Ukrainska Pravda reported.
According to an association of hospitals, the First Medical Association, injuries primarily included shrapnel wounds to the torso, chest, limbs and face.
Pictured: Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris meets President Zelensky
Wednesday 4 September 2024 13:18 , Alex Croft
Three killed after Donetsk shelling, Russia says
Wednesday 4 September 2024 12:56 , Alex Croft
Three people were killed and five injured in Ukrainian shelling of Donetsk city on Wednesday, according to Russian-appointed head of the region Denis Pushilin.
The city was hit by artillery fire and drone strikes, with one other injury reported in another part of the city, Pushilin claimed.
Russia executes three Ukrainian prisoners of war, prosecutor general says
Wednesday 4 September 2024 12:33 , Alex Croft
Russia executed three Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) in the Donetsk region, Ukrainian prosecutor general says.
A video earlier circulated on Telegram showed three Ukrainian soldiers walking out of a basement with their hands up.
Russian soldiers then approached the prisoners, placed them face down on the ground, and shot them.
The prosecutor general’s office says it is launching an investigation into the incident, the Kyiv Independent reported.
As of March 2024, the office had collected information on over 128,000 victims of war crimes, with at least 54 Ukrainian POWs believed to have been executed by Russia.
In June, prosecutor general Andrii Kostin said Russian commanders had given orders “not to capture Ukrainian servicemen, but instead to kill them with inhuman cruelty”.
Zelensky says “new energy” needed as Ukrainian parliament accepts resignations
Wednesday 4 September 2024 12:17 , Alex Croft
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine needs “new energy” as he enacts a major cabinet reshuffle.
Weapons production chief Oleksandr Kamyshin, deputy prime minister Olha Stefanishyna, and two other ministers had their resignations accepted today.
But the parliament did not consider the resignation of foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba, who has also handed in his resignation letter.
His resignation offer will be considered on an unconfirmed date.
Lviv injury toll reaches 45
Wednesday 4 September 2024 11:55 , Alex Croft
As of 09:30am local time, 45 people were reported injured following Russian missile attacks on Lviv, according to the city’s hospital association.
Seven of those injured were children, said the First Medical Association (FMA). None of the children are in a serious condition, the FMA added.
11 patients were in a critical condition when they arrived at the hospital, Ukrainska Pravda reported.
Nataliia Matolinets, the association’s director, said: “Operating theatres have been set up. Trauma medical teams are in action. Right now, six operating theatres are being used to save the lives of patients in a critical condition.”
Injuries primarily included shrapnel wounds to the torso, chest, limbs and face.
Mother and three children among dead after Lviv strikes
Wednesday 4 September 2024 11:25 , Alex Croft
A mother and her three children were among those killed in the strikes on Lviv, the city’s mayor said.
Yevheniia and her three daughters – Yaryna, Daryna and Emiliia – were killed by a Russian strike while at home.
Posting a five-strong family photo which included husband and dad Yaroslav, Mayor Andrii Sadovyi said on Telegram: “Out of all the people in this photo, only the man survived today’s attack.
“Russia is massacring entire families of Ukrainians in the centre of Europe. The Russians are killing our children, our future.
“I don’t know what words to use to support Yaroslav, the family’s father. Today, we are all with you. My sincere condolences and a blessed memory,”
The eldest daughter, 21-year-old Yaryna Bazylevych, worked for the Lviv office of the European Youth Capital 2025 initiative by the EU.
Ukraine could be invited to join NATO before 2025 summit, foreign minister says
Wednesday 4 September 2024 11:05 , Alex Croft
Ukraine could join NATO before the alliance holds its June 2025 summit in the Netherlands, according to outgoing foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba.
Speaking to CNN, Kuleba said he can “clearly see an opportunity” for Ukraine to be invited before the military alliance gathers next year.
He said that an invitation would send a clear political signal to the rest of the world – in particular Putin and his allies – even if it did not mean immediate accession.
“Ukraine can receive an invitation even now, even today,” Kuleba continued. “For us, the issue of invitation is still on the table, we are bringing this point in talks with our allies, first and foremost with the United States.
“We are convinced that Ukraine deserves to receive such an invitation in all respects right now.”
Ukrainian authorities have previously said the Alliance would not provide an invitation for accession until the end of the war, Ukrainska Pravda reported.
Irish Prime Minister arrives in Ukraine for Zelenskyy meeting
Wednesday 4 September 2024 10:42 , Alex Croft
Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris has landed in Kyiv for a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
They are set to discuss EU support for Ukraine and Kyiv’s application to join the union, alongside Putin’s ongoing war, Ukrainska Pravda reported.
Harris said ahead of the visit: “Russia’s military strike and killing of scores of people in Poltava on Tuesday is a grim and horrific reminder of the threat Ukraine is facing every day. We express our outrage and sympathy to the families of those who have died.”
The pair will sign a memorandum of understanding on a new bilateral agreement between Ukraine and Ireland, which will affirm Ireland’s solidarity with Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia’s invasion.
It remains consistent with Ireland’s official status as a neutral country, confirming that future assistance provided to Ukraine will be non-lethal.
Two eastern outposts captured by Putin’s forces, Russian defence ministry claims
Wednesday 4 September 2024 10:19 , Alex Croft
The eastern settlements of Karlivka and Prechystivka have both been captured by Russian forces, the defence ministry has claimed.
Karlivka is around 50km (31 miles) east of Poltava and 125km (78 miles) south west of Kharkiv in the north east. Prechystivka is around 70km (43 miles) west of Donetsk in south east Ukraine.
The news was reported by Russian news agency Interfax, via Reuters.
Russia targets Ukrainian energy facilities
Wednesday 4 September 2024 09:47 , Alex Croft
Russia has attacked energy facilities in six Ukrainian regions over the past 24 hours, Ukraine’s energy ministry said.
The ministry revealed the news via the Telegram messaging app, but provided no additional details on the scale of the damage.
Pictured: Scenes of devastation in Lviv after overnight strikes
Wednesday 4 September 2024 09:29 , Alex Croft
Russia warns of “painful” response to long-range strikes
Wednesday 4 September 2024 09:06 , Alex Croft
Russia’s foreign ministry has warned Ukraine and its allies that the response to long-range strikes on Russian territory will be “extremely painful”.
Maria Zakharova, Russia’s foreign ministry spokeswoman, said the response would be immediate if Ukraine struck deep into Russia.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister submits resignation letter
Wednesday 4 September 2024 08:40 , Alex Croft
Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has offered his resignation, according to the speaker of Ukraine’s parliament, Ruslan Stefanchuk.
Kuleba’s resignation will be “considered” at an upcoming meeting, Stefanchuk said, but he did not give a date for this, the Kyiv Independent reported.
It comes a day after Ukrainska Pravda reported that Kuleba was set to be dismissed, with sources saying Deputy Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha was the most likely to take over.
After taking the post in 2020, Kuleba has fronted Ukrainian efforts to secure military and humanitarian support from international allies, as well as forging new relationships with less acquainted countries.
Lawmaker Oleksandr Merezhko said the move was “expected rather long ago”, adding that the move may be “related to the new period of challenges for Ukraine”.
After rumours emerged that Kuleba may be dismissed in August 2023, Kuleba said there were only two circumstances in which he would leave his post: either if President Zelenskyy asked him to, or in case of a “fundamental contradiction with foreign policy” which he doesn’t consider “possible to work with”.
A number of high profile ministers have submitted their resignations in the last two days as the Ukrainian government undergoes a significant reshuffle.
More details emerge on Lviv attack as multiple cities report overnight explosions
Wednesday 4 September 2024 08:20 , Alex Croft
At least seven were killed and 38 wounded following Russia’s attack on Lviv, the region’s governor said.
The fatalities included three children, including girls aged nine and 14, and a 50-year-old nurse working at a local clinic, the Kyiv Independent reported.
The Mayor of Lviv, Andrii Sadovyi, said 15 people were taken to hospital after the attack, with five children among the wounded.
50 buildings were damaged and two schools have been shut down due to the drone strikes. Multiple buildings near the central railway station caught fire.
Explosions were also reported in Kyiv, Sumy, Lutsk and Rivne amid a nationwide air alert.
With a population of over 700,000 people, Lviv sits around 540 kilometres (335 miles) west of Kyiv and is just 70 kilometres (approximately 43 miles) from the Polish border.
It has been targeted by Russian missiles several times since Putin’s invasion in February 2022.
