A major government reshuffle is underway in Ukraine, with at least six ministers resigning and a presidential aide fired.
Among those stepping down is the minister for Strategic Industries Oleksandr Kamyshin, in charge of weapons production. The government reshuffle, hinted at by president Volodymyr Zelensky last week, has left about a third of cabinet positions vacant.
The changes come after Ukraine suffered one of the most devastating Russian aerial attacks of the war so far, with cruise missiles hitting the central city of Poltava killing at least 51 people and injuring over 200.
Two missiles hit a military training facility and nearby hospital, leaving people buried under rubble.
Earlier, the UN nuclear watchdog chief warned of a “very fragile” situation at the Zaporizhzhia power plant, occupied by Russian forces, ahead of his visit on Wednesday.
He warned that a lack of “stability” at the plant could lead to a blackout, and that this in turn could spell “disaster” at Europe’s largest nuclear power facility.
Key Points
- Death toll in Poltava missile attack rises to more than 50
- Ukraine criticises Mongolia as it fails to arrest Vladimir Putin
- Ukraine army launches investigation into Poltava strike
- UN nuclear chief warns of potential ‘disaster’ at Zaporizhzhia Power Plant
- US researchers find probable launch site of Russia’s new nuclear-powered missile
Zelensky shakes up Ukraine government as six ministers resign and presidential aide fired
05:00
Namita Singh
Ukraine’s government is undergoing a significant shake-up, with at least six ministers resigning and a presidential aide fired.
The changes come as president Volodymyr Zelensky prepares for a critical period in the war against Russian forces. The ministers who resigned include deputy prime minister Olha Stefanishyna, the justice, environment, and reintegration ministers, and the head of Ukraine’s State Property Fund.
About a third of the cabinet positions are now vacant.
Mr Zelensky signalled the reshuffle last week, citing the need for change, and is expected to outline his “victory plan” to Joe Biden during an upcoming visit to the US.
UN nuclear watchdog head is in Ukraine out of renewed concern over Zaporizhzhia power plant safety
05:00
Tom Watling
Simon Harris announces £36m aid to Ukraine
04:25
Namita Singh
The Taoiseach, Simon Harris, will announce £36m in aid to Ukraine, made up of a new allocation of £30m to partner organisations through its development body Irish Aid, and £6m to European Investment Bank projects which had been previously flagged.
The Irish government said the £30m package will provide essential humanitarian assistance, support rehabilitation and eventual reconstruction, and contribute to Ukraine’s longer-term goals, including peace, stability and political aspirations.
Mr Harris said: “Two and a half years on from Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine continues to face immense challenges.
“We have seen the remarkable resilience shown by the people of Ukraine in the face of these challenges.
“That same determination and resolve will be needed to rebuild their country, with support from international partners including Ireland.
“We have been unequivocal and steadfast in our support for the people of Ukraine and this additional funding continues to demonstrate that commitment.”
Irish premier to meet Zelensky as Dublin announces fresh funds for Ukraine
04:09
Namita Singh
Irish premier Simon Harris is to meet Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv as Ireland prepares to announce millions in new funding for Ukraine.
The visit on Wednesday comes the day after at least 50 people were killed and 200 injured when two Russian ballistic missiles struck a military training facility and hospital in Poltava, 200 miles south east of Kyiv.
Mr Harris and Mr Zelensky will sign a joint Agreement on Support and Co-operation during a bilateral meeting in the Ukrainian capital.
The Irish leader will visit areas bombed by Russia and also meet Ukrainian prime minister Denys Shmyhal.
Mr Harris said: “I want to see first hand and with my own eyes the impact of war on the continent of Europe.”
Poland ‘has duty’ to shoot down Russian missiles over Ukraine
04:00
Tom Watling
Russia launches air attacks on Kyiv, western city of Lviv, Ukraine's military says
03:54
Namita Singh
Russia launched a missile attack on the capital Kyiv and a drone attack on the western city of Lviv, not far from the border with Nato-member Poland, Ukraine military officials said on Wednesday, with air defence units engaged in repelling the attacks.
Reuters witnesses heard several blasts on the outskirts of Kyiv in what sounded like air defence systems in operation.
The whole of Ukraine was under air raid alerts, Ukraine’s air force said on the Telegram messaging app.
Poland activates aircraft after Russia’s strikes on Ukraine
03:48
Namita Singh
Polish aircraft were activated early on Wednesday for the third time in eight days to ensure the safety of Polish airspace after Russia launched strikes on Ukraine, the Operational Command of the Polish armed forces said.
“This is another very busy night for the entire air defence system in Poland due to the observed activity of the long-range aviation of the Russian Federation carrying out strikes,” the Command said on X.
How it felt to cross the Russian border on a Ukrainian tank
03:00
Tom Watling
What is Ukraine really up to with its audacious Kursk land grab?
02:00
Tom Watling
UK and Ukraine make AI deal to help post-war rebuild
Wednesday 4 September 2024 00:00
Tom Watling
Ukraine’s Zelensky dismisses deputy chief of staff, deputy PM resigns
Tuesday 3 September 2024 23:00
Tom Watling
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed his deputy chief of staff Rostyslav Shurma, according to a decree on the presidential website.
The chairman of parliament, Ruslan Stefanchuk, announced the resignation of Olha Stefanishyna, deputy prime minister responsible for European integration. The move was part of a restructuring of the government.
Wearing prosthetics, Ukraine war veterans take to the runway as fashion week returns
Tuesday 3 September 2024 22:00
Tom Watling
Zelensky issues statement calling for more air defences
Tuesday 3 September 2024 21:08
Tom Watling
Today, I held a Staff meeting where we had in-depth discussions about the use of air defense systems and the protection of our cities and communities. Steps were identified to make the use of the systems we already have more effective.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) September 3, 2024
We are also working on securing additional… pic.twitter.com/KjQtZnurpd
How it felt to cross the Russian border on a Ukrainian tank
Tuesday 3 September 2024 20:31
Tom Watling
Poland ‘has duty’ to shoot down Russian missiles over Ukraine
Tuesday 3 September 2024 20:04
Tom Watling
Ukraine arms chief, two ministers resign in government shake-up
Tuesday 3 September 2024 19:34
Tom Watling
The Ukrainian minister who oversees domestic arms production resigned on Tuesday in anticipation of another defence role, and two other ministers stood down, in a government shakeup at a critical juncture during the war with Russia.
The exit of Strategic Industries Minister Oleksandr Kamyshin, Justice Minister Denys Maliuska and Environment Minister Ruslan Strilets leaves more than a third of the cabinet vacant after sackings earlier this year.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and his political allies could move to fill the positions to create order before he travels this month to the United States, where he hopes to present a “victory plan” to US President Joe Biden, a key ally.
“I will continue working in the defence sector but in a different role,” Kamyshin, considered a rising star in government, wrote on the Telegram messaging app, confirming his exit.
Kamyshin, 40, has spearheaded Ukraine‘s effort to ramp up defence production of everything from attack drones to long-range missiles to battle Russia, a much better-armed and larger foe.
At least 51 killed and 219 wounded in Ukraine as Putin strikes Poltava
Tuesday 3 September 2024 19:02
Tom Watling
UN nuclear agency chief warns of possible disaster in Zaporizhia power plant
Tuesday 3 September 2024 18:32
Tom Watling
The United Nations’ nuclear agency chief has warned that the situation in the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in southeast Ukraine remains “very fragile”.
In a press conference with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, Rafael Grossi, who is due to visit the Zaporizhzhia plant, said: “I have very often characterised (Zaporizhzhia) as very fragile.
“Some days we have some stability, and then there is an end, an issue … which means that the station is again on the verge of being on a blackout."
“Blackout means no power. No power means no cooling. No cooling means maybe you have a disaster," he said.
UN nuclear watchdog head is in Ukraine out of renewed concern over Zaporizhzhia power plant safety
Tuesday 3 September 2024 18:03
Tom Watling
Ukraine's land forces say service personnel killed in Russian strike on Poltava
Tuesday 3 September 2024 17:40
Tom Watling
Ukraine‘s land forces said service personnel were killed in a Russian missile strike on a military institute in Poltava.
They said in a statement on Telegram that an investigation was underway to establish whether enough was done to protect personnel in the educational facility hit by the missile.
They added that measures to ensure safety at military facilities will be increased.
UPD: More than 50 dead in Poltava strike, officials say
Tuesday 3 September 2024 17:21
Tom Watling
The Office for the Prosecutor General in Ukraine has updated the death toll from the Poltava strike to 51.
“As of 18:00 (local time), 51 people have been killed and more than 200 injured as a result of the attack,” they wrote on Telegram.
“One of the buildings of the Institute of Communication, a hospital and nearby houses were partially destroyed.
“At the moment, rescuers, an investigative and operational group and other services are working on the site, and the demolition of the debris is ongoing. The number of victims is being clarified.”
Site of Poltava strike - in pictures
Tuesday 3 September 2024 17:03
Tom Watling
Below we have a picture of the aftermath of Russia’s strike on Poltava earlier today.
⚡️The Russian army launched a missile attack on an educational institution and a nearby hospital in #Poltava. It is reported that 41 people have been killed and more than 180 injured.
— Ukrainian Red Cross (@RedCrossUkraine) September 3, 2024
To support our emergency response, please join our fundraising campaign: https://t.co/6IEqPnXVnb pic.twitter.com/UElZIT6pNg
Watch: Drone rains down molten thermite on Ukrainian battlefield
Tuesday 3 September 2024 16:45
Tom Watling
UPD: Death toll in Poltava rises to 49
Tuesday 3 September 2024 16:25
Tom Watling
The death toll from a Russian missile strike on the city of Poltava has risen to 49, the local governor has announced.
Filip Pronin wrote: “Poltava became the target of the enemy today. The liquidation of the consequences of the shooting on the territory of the educational institution is ongoing.
“Currently, 49 dead and 219 injured people are known. Debris analysis continues on site, search teams are working.
“Unspeakable pain and sorrow. Eternal memory of the dead.”
IAEA chief Grossi meets Zelensky, heads to Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant
Tuesday 3 September 2024 16:06
Tom Watling
United Nations nuclear agency chief Rafael Grossi has met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv ahead of a planned visit to the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.
Grossi told media that the situation at Zaporizhzhia nuclear power facility, Europe's largest, was “very fragile”.
Tuesday 3 September 2024 15:51
Tom Watling
The UK defence secretary John Healey has expressed solidarity with Ukraine after the “tragic” bombing of Poltava earlier today.
“Tragic to learn of over 40 Ukrainians killed and many more injured in an indiscriminate strike by Putin’s forces in Poltava,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
“I offered condolences to Defence Minister Rustem Umerov on his visit to London today & assured him the UK will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.”
Tragic to learn of over 40 Ukrainians killed and many more injured in an indiscriminate strike by Putin’s forces in Poltava.
— John Healey (@JohnHealey_MP) September 3, 2024
I offered condolences to Defence Minister @rustem_umerov on his visit to London today & assured him the UK will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes
Ukraine MoD: Victims killed in Poltava on way to shelters
Tuesday 3 September 2024 15:38
Tom Watling
Below we have the full statement from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence (MoD) regarding the strike on an institute and hospital in Poltava.
“Poltava is experiencing a terrible day today,” they wrote on the Telegram messenger app.
“The Russian aggressor inflicted a barbaric attack on one of the city’s educational institutions.
“According to available information, the enemy used two ballistic missiles. The time interval between the alarm and the arrival of the deadly rockets was so short that it caught people at the moment of evacuation to the bomb shelter.
“One of the buildings of the institute was partially destroyed, many people were trapped under the rubble. Thanks to the coordinated work of rescuers and medics, it was possible to save 25 people, 11 of whom were unblocked from under the rubble.
“Currently, rescuers continue their work. We express our sincere condolences to the families of the victims. This tragedy is yet another evidence of the treachery of the enemy, who does not stop at any crimes, trying to intimidate Ukrainians.
“We urge everyone to remain calm and trust only official sources of information. Any speculation on this tragedy is unacceptable.”
Zelenska vows country will ‘never forget’ Poltava strike
Tuesday 3 September 2024 15:25
Tom Watling
The wife of Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed that the country will “never forget” the strike on Poltava earlier today that killed at least 47 people and left more than 200 wounded.
“My deepest condolences to the relatives of those killed and injured as a result of the Russian rocket attack on Poltava,” she wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
“This is a stunning tragedy for all of Ukraine. The enemy hit an educational institution and a hospital. It is already known about 47 dead and 206 wounded.
“Russia is taking away the most valuable thing from us - life. We will never forget this. Eternal memory.”
Мої глибокі співчуття рідним загиблих і постраждалих унаслідок російського ракетного обстрілу Полтави. Це приголомшлива трагедія для всієї України. Ворог влучив у навчальний заклад і лікарню. Вже відомо про 47 загиблих і 206 поранених. Росія забирає в нас найцінніше – життя.…
— Olena Zelenska / Олена Зеленська (@ZelenskaUA) September 3, 2024
Photos from the frontline
Tuesday 3 September 2024 15:13
Tom Watling
Below there are some photos from the frontline Ukrainian city of Chasiv Yar in the eastern region of Donetsk.
Russian forces have been attacking the southeast side of the city for months, trying to break into and take over the strategic area. It is located on high ground 12 miles west of Bakhmut, which was captured by Russian forces last year.
The photos were made available by the press service of the 24th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which is fighting in that area.
Nuclear plant talks
Tuesday 3 September 2024 14:56
Chris Stevenson
UN nuclear agency chief Rafael Grossi met Ukrainian energy officials on Tuesday before a planned visit to the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, part of efforts to prevent a wartime nuclear catastrophe.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was “fully committed to safety & security of (Ukrainian) nuclear sites, with (a) presence at each”, Mr Grossi wrote on X, formerly Twitter, alongside photos showing him and Ukrainian officials holding talks.
Death toll rises in Russian missile attack
Tuesday 3 September 2024 14:41
Chris Stevenson
Ukraine’s first lady Olena Zelenska has said the death toll in Russia’s strike on the central city of Poltava has risen to 47 with 206 more people injured.
Mapped: Where is Ukrainian city of Poltava located?
Tuesday 3 September 2024 14:00
Andy Gregory
Poltava is located about 200 miles southeast of Kyiv.
The city is on the main highway and rail route between Kyiv and Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, which is close to the Russian border.
Three days of mourning announced in Poltava region after ‘insidious’ Russian strike
Tuesday 3 September 2024 13:26
Andy Gregory
Regional governor Philip Pronin has descrbed the “insidious” Russian attack on the city of Poltava as “a great tragedy for Poltava Oblast and the entire country”, as he announced three days of mourning.
He said: “The enemy’s insidious strike claimed 41 lives. More than 180 people were injured. Sincere condolences to family and friends.
“From tomorrow, the region will be in three days of mourning. Bright memory to all the dead.
“The enemy must answer for all crimes against humanity.”
Windows shattered in high-rise buildings by Russian attack on Poltava
Tuesday 3 September 2024 13:18
Andy Gregory
The shockwave from the Russian missile attack on Poltava knocked the windows out of high-rise residential buildings nearby and damaged the buildings’ facades, Ukrainian officials said
Police are conducting a door-to-door search to see if there are any victims, Ukraine’s state emergency service said on Telegram, adding that “hundreds of claims about damaged property have already been recorded”.
Twenty-five saved so far in Poltava rescue effort, officials say
Tuesday 3 September 2024 13:01
Andy Gregory
Rescue crews and medics have so far saved 25 people in Poltava after the Russian missile attack which has killed at least 41 people, Ukraine’s defence minstry said.
According to the ministry, 11 of those saved so far were dug out from underneath the rubble.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said earlier that more than 180 people were feared to be injured after two suspected cruise missiles hit an educational institution and a nearby medical facility.
Victims caught up in Poltava attack while making way to bomb shelters, Ukraine says
Tuesday 3 September 2024 12:59
Andy Gregory
As rescue efforts continue in Poltava, Ukraine’s defence ministry has suggested that the time interval between the bomb sirens and the missiles hitting had been so short that people were caught up in the attack as they made their way to bomb shelters.
The ministry added: “We express our sincere condolences to the families of the victims. This tragedy is yet another evidence of the treachery of the enemy, who does not stop at any crimes, trying to intimidate Ukrainians.“We urge everyone to remain calm and trust only official sources of information. Any speculation on this tragedy is unacceptable.”
‘Every day of delay means more lost lives’: Zelensky repeats appeal for West to up its support
Tuesday 3 September 2024 12:53
Andy Gregory
Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky has repeated his call for Kyiv’s allies to allow their weapons to be used to strike targets inside Russia, after suspected cruise missile attacks killed at least 41 people in the central Ukrainian city of Poltava on Tuesday.
Warning that Moscow “will pay for this strike”, the Ukrainian president said: “We continue to urge everyone in the world who has the power to stop this terror: Ukraine needs air defense systems and missiles now, not sitting in storage.
“Long-range strikes that can protect us from Russian terror are needed now, not later. Every day of delay, unfortunately, means more lost lives.”
Zelensky orders ‘full and prompt’ investigation into deadly Poltava strike
Tuesday 3 September 2024 12:47
Andy Gregory
The strike in Poltava appears to potentially be one of the deadliest carried out by Russian forces since Vladimir Putin’s war began more than 900 days ago.“One of the buildings of the Institute of Communications was partially destroyed. People found themselves under the rubble. Many were saved,” Ukrainian president Volodymr Zelensky said.“All necessary services are involved in the rescue operation,” Mr Zelensky said, adding that he had ordered “a full and prompt investigation” into what happened.
At least 41 dead in Russian missile strikes in central Ukrainian city of Poltava, Zelensky says
Tuesday 3 September 2024 12:39
Andy Gregory
At least 41 people have been confirmed dead and more than 180 injured after Russian cruise missiles struck the central Ukrainian city of Poltava, president Volodymyr Zelensky has said.
Preliminary information suggests two cruise missiles hit an educational institution and nearby medical facility, leaving people buried underneath the rubble, the Ukrainian president said.
Watch: Drone rains down molten thermite on Ukrainian battlefield
Tuesday 3 September 2024 12:36
Andy Gregory
Ukraine’s anti-corruption body fires senior official ‘for pressurising whistleblower'
Tuesday 3 September 2024 12:18
Andy Gregory
Ukraine’s anti-corruption body has dismissed a senior official over allegations they sought to discredit a colleague who allegedly put pressure on a whistelblower who had reported potential information leaks.
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) said its disciplinary commission found that the deputy had committed actions “aimed at personally and professionally discrediting an employee of the bureau who submitted a note about possible facts of information leakage”.
The agency provided no further details and did not name the person.
Anastasia Radina, the head of the parliamentary anti-corruption committee, said on Facebook the official had been dismissed for putting pressure on a whistleblower who had reported a possible leakage of information.
A law enforcement source told Reuters in May that the leak had compromised a high-profile investigation into a road-building project involving government money.
Physicist working on Putin’s hypersonic missiles is jailed
Tuesday 3 September 2024 11:50
Andy Gregory
Vladimir Putin’s court has sentenced physicist Alexander Shiplyuk to 15 years in prison on treason charges.
The case on Tuesday is the latest of several against experts working on the science underpinning Russia’s development of hypersonic missiles, Russian news agencies said.
Shiplyuk, the 57-year-old director of a top Siberian science institute, was arrested in August 2022. Two of his colleagues, Anatoly Maslov and Valery Zvegintsev, were also detained on suspicion of treason. Maslov, 78, was handed a 14-year sentence in May.
Rich Booth and Lucy Papachristou have the full report:
Ukraine incursion into Kursk continues
Tuesday 3 September 2024 11:31
Andy Gregory
Ukraine’s incursion into the Russian region of Kursk continues, with analysts suggesting numerous developments in recent days as Vladimir Putin’s forces seek to repel Kyiv’s invasion.
Citing geolocated footage and claims by Russian military bloggers, the US-based Institute for the Study of War think-tank noted numerous potential advances and retreats by Ukrainian forces deployed along the new frontlines in Kursk in recent days.
With Kyiv having sought to destroy numerous crossings over the Seym river in recent weeks in a bid to hamper Russian supply lines and shore up its own position, Russian military bloggers claimed Ukrainian forces were continuing to strike Russian pontoon crossings over the river.
Biden close to agreeing on long-range cruise missiles for Ukraine
Tuesday 3 September 2024 11:06
Andy Gregory
Joe Biden’s administration is close to an agreement to give Ukraine long-range cruise missiles that could reach deep into Russia, US officials have told Reuters.
The inclusion of Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSM) in a weapons package is expected to be announced this autumn, three sources told the news agency, though a final decision has not been made and Kyiv would need to wait several months as the US works through technical issues ahead of any shipment.
Sending JASSMs – which are stealthy and can strike further than most other missiles in Ukraine’s current inventory – could significantly alter the strategic landscape of the conflict, pushing Russian staging areas and supply depots back by hundreds of miles.
Launching them from points near Ukraine’s northern border with Russia could allow them to hit military installations as far away as the Russian cities of Voronezh and Bryansk. In the south, dropping them near the front lines could enable strikes on airfields or naval facilities in Crimea.
Such missiles have so far only been integrated into US-designed aircraft. Ukraine will ultimately operate several dozen F-16s, each of which can carry two of the cruise missiles.
One of the US officials claimed there were efforts to make the missile operable with non-Western fighter jets in Ukraine’s inventory.
UN nuclear watchdog to visit Zaporizhzhia power plant to ‘help prevent nuclear accident'
Tuesday 3 September 2024 10:43
Andy Gregory
The head of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog has made his 10th visit to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant since it was seized by Russia at the outset of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, raising serious concerns for safety at Europe’s largest facility.
Noting that it had been two years since the International Atomic Energy Agency’s special support mission to the plant had begun, Rafael Grossi said on X: “I’m on my way to Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya NPP to continue our assistance [and] help prevent a nuclear accident.”
A day earlier, the Zaporizhzhia plant was subjected to nearby artillery shelling which damaged the nuclear facility’s power access, according to its operator Energoatom, which blamed Russia for the attacks.
“Russian shelling damaged one of the two external overhead lines through which — the Zaporizhzhya NPP receives power from the Ukrainian power system,” the operator said.
“In the event of damage to the second line, an emergency situation will arise,” it said, adding that technicians could not access the site of the damage because of the “real threat of repeated shelling”.
Mr Grossi, who is traveling with a team of IAEA experts and officials, began a round of meetings in Kyiv with a stop at the Ministry of Energy and talks with the minister, Herman Halushchenko.
Ukraine air force ‘shot down 27 of 35’ kamikaze drones overnight
Tuesday 3 September 2024 10:24
Andy Gregory
Ukraine’s air force claims to have shot down 27 out of 35 “Shahed” kamikaze drones during attacks Russia launched overnight from the Kursk region and annexed Crimea.
The air force also said Russian forces used three ballistic missiles from Crimea, and one guided missile in the attack.
There was no information to suggest destruction or casualties, the air force said, adding that anti-aircraft defences had been successful in the regions of Kyiv, Odesa, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Kherson, Poltava, Chernihiv and Sumy.
Mongolian president ‘accepts Putin’s invitation to Brics summit'
Tuesday 3 September 2024 10:10
Andy Gregory
Despite an international warrant for his arrest, Vladimir Putin was welcomed by Mongolia in a ceremony in the main square of the capital city, Ulaanbaatar, by an honour guard dressed in vivid red and blue uniforms styled on those of the personal guard of 13th century ruler Genghis Khan.
He and Mongolian president Ukhnaa Khurelsukh walked up the red-carpeted steps of the government palace and bowed before a statue of Khan before entering the government building for their meetings.
A small group of protesters who tried to unfurl a Ukrainian flag before the welcome ceremony were taken away by police.
Sitting down for talks with Mr Khurelsukh, Mr Putin said that relations between their two countries “are developing in all areas”, and invited the Mongolian president to attend a summit of the Brics nations in the Russian city of Kazan in late October.
Mr Khurelsukh accepted, according to Russian state news agency RIA Novosti.
Full report: Poland has duty to shoot down Russian missiles over Ukraine, minister says
Tuesday 3 September 2024 09:37
Andy Gregory
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 war, 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.
“Membership in Nato does not trump each country’s responsibility for the protection of its own airspace – it’s our own constitutional duty,” Mr Sikorski told the Financial Times. “I’m personally of the view that, when hostile missiles are on course of entering our airspace, it would be legitimate self-defence [to strike them] because once they do cross into our airspace, the risk of debris injuring someone is significant.”
Our international editor Chris Stevenson has more in this report:
Russian overnight attacks 'targeted Ukrainian railways’
Tuesday 3 September 2024 09:21
Andy Gregory
Russia's overnight attack targeted Ukrainian rail infrastructure in the northeastern region of Sumy and central Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine’s state rail operator has warned.
Russian forces also launched missiles at the central city of Dnipro yesterday evening, killing one person and injuring three while damaging homes in one district, according to Serhiy Lysak, the regional governor of Dnipropetrovsk.
Watch: Putin arrives in Mongolia in defiance of ICC arrest warrant
Tuesday 3 September 2024 08:53
Andy Gregory
Russia ‘deploys more air defences to Belgorod region’
Tuesday 3 September 2024 08:29
Andy Gregory
Russia’s defence ministry has said it has deployed additional air defence systems in its Belgorod region, which borders Ukraine.
A state of emergency was declared in the region last month, with governor Vyacheslav Gladkov warning that the situation was “extremely difficult” due to daily Ukrainian shelling in the region.
Belgorod neighbours the Kursk region, where Ukraine has launched its unprecedented incursion into Russian territory.
Russia steps up attacks in Ukraine’s east, with nearly 200 frontline clashes in 24 hours
Tuesday 3 September 2024 08:13
Andy Gregory
Russia’s forces have stepped up their attacks in Ukraine’s east, with nearly 200 clashes reported along the frontline in just 24 hours, Ukraine’s military has said.
There were 197 clashes along the frontline on Tuesday, up from 182 the previous day, the general staff of Ukraine’s military said, with the situation most tense near Pokrovsk.
There were 56 clashes near the Donetsk city, which serves as a key logistics hub for Ukraine and has been a central objective in Moscow’s recent offensive.
Poland has duty to shoot down Russian missiles over Ukraine, minister says – despite risk of dragging Nato into war
Tuesday 3 September 2024 07:30
Jabed Ahmed
How it felt to cross the Russian border on a Ukrainian tank
Tuesday 3 September 2024 07:06
Arpan Rai
I smiled as the armoured personnel carrier I was in sped past the wreckage of the Russian passport control building at the border with Ukraine, and I entered – visa-free – the country that in 2022 launched Europe’s largest conflict since the Second World War.
I describe what I saw elsewhere in The Independent, but here I want to describe some of the emotions I felt on an assignment that was very different from most journeys I’ve ever written about.
I don’t usually post photos of myself on Facebook, but I wanted my friends to see me smiling in the centre of the Russian town of Sudzha with a headless statue of Lenin – still a precious symbol of power and imperialism in Putin’s Russia – behind me.
In a career which has spanned four decades, journalist Askold Krushelnycky has seen first-hand the brutality of the Russian regime but he has now crossed the Ukraine-Russia border on a tank. As Ukraine establishes a foothold in Kursk, could the tide finally be turning?
He reports from Kursk:
Iran's ballistic missiles to reach Putin ‘imminently’, says think-tank
Tuesday 3 September 2024 07:05
Arpan Rai
Iran is likely to start sending ballistic missiles to Russia “imminently”, adding to its existing exports of Shahed-type drones, a Washington-based think-tank said.
Tehran could begin shipping the missiles “within a matter of days”, according to an unspecified European official, reported Bloomberg.
“Russia’s acquisition of Ababil or Fateh-360 ballistic missiles would likely allow Russian forces to strike Ukrainian near-rear targets while preserving Russia’s stockpiles of domestically-produced missiles, such as Iskanders, for deep-rear Ukrainian targets, as CTP-ISW previously assessed,” the ISW think-tank said in its latest assessment.
The think-tank cited European intelligence sources from last month who said that Iran and Russia signed a contract in December 2023 for Iran to deliver Ababil close-range ballistic missiles and Fateh-360 short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) to Russia.
The intelligence sources added that dozens of Russian military personnel are currently in Iran training to operate Fateh-360 missiles, the ISW said.
Eight-year-old among those killed by Russian missile attacks
Tuesday 3 September 2024 06:48
Arpan Rai
An eight-year-old boy was among two people killed in Russian attacks on Ukraine’s southeastern region of Zaporizhzhia, while a third died in a missile attack on the central city of Dnipro, regional governors said.
Two people were also injured in Zaporizhzhia, regional governor Ivan Fedorov said, one of them a 12-year-old girl who is in intensive care.