10:02
France will also train Ukrainian pilots
France has joined the international coalition to train Ukrainian pilots. President Volodymyr Zelensky said this after yesterday’s phone call with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, in which the two leaders discussed Ukraine’s military needs and the possible participation of France in strengthening security in Odessa Oblast. Previously, Zelensky said on his official Telegram channel that the two also discussed the “active role of France” in the implementation of the Ukrainian peace formula ahead of the global peace summit to be held in New York from October 25 to 28 . Zelensky added that he had started negotiations with Macron on security guarantees for Kiev and agreed to increase cooperation to protect Ukraine’s sea routes.
What needs to be clarified is what kind of training France can set up for the Ukrainian pilots waiting for the Dutch and Danish F-16s and the Swedish Gripens, aircraft that Paris has never used.
09:57
EU: “The only peace plan on the table is Zelensky’s. Putin? His word has been somewhat devalued.”
“Zelensky’s plan is the only one still on the table. It has our support as the European Union,” said EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell in an interview with La Stampa. “We must advance the Ukrainian proposal.” “Ukrainians – adds Borrell – want peace more than anyone else in the world. It is Russia that refuses.” The EU Commissioner assures: “We are committed to peace.” But it must be a just peace, a peace that respects the rights of Ukrainians.” For peace “we have Every day we try to do what we can,” assures the former President of the EU Parliament. But everything is useless if Putin insists that the war will not end until we achieve the military goals we have set for ourselves.” Regarding the Ukrainian counteroffensive, Borrell emphasizes: “If you want it to work, you have to Give Ukraine the resources it needs.” “We must continue to support them.” Without our help, they cannot fight the way they need to.” Commenting on Prigozhin’s death, the High Representative noted: “Putin can have you in his palace one day received and the next day say: ‘What an unfortunate accident’.” “Three days before the war, Putin said that there would be no attack, that the invasion of Ukraine was a crazy idea – recalls the European representative –; Today his word is a little devalued.
09:54
Zaporizhia, three civilians were injured by Russian bombing
Yesterday’s Russian bombing raid on the Zaporizhia region left three civilians injured, the head of the regional military administration, Yuri Malashko, said, Ukrinform reported. Throughout the day, Moscow forces launched more than 100 attacks on residential areas, hitting 30 settlements, he said. Damage to residential buildings, agricultural buildings and infrastructure was reported.
09:17
Russia attacks Ukrainian ports
Ukrainian air defense shot down 17 drones targeting the Odessa region. Governor Oleg Kiper said this in a post on Telegram, adding that the attack on the port of Ismail on the Danube lasted a total of three and a half hours. Several buildings, including warehouses, were hit and agricultural machinery and industrial facilities were damaged, he said. There were also several fires in civilian homes due to falling debris, but there were no deaths or injuries.
Russia launched its second attack in two nights against Ukrainian ports. The Ukrainian Air Force also said the drones attacked the nearby Kili district. Yesterday Russia attacked the port of Reni on the Danube. Moscow’s Defense Ministry said the drones hit Ukrainian army fuel depots. Russia has increasingly targeted port infrastructure since July, when it withdrew from the UN-Turkish-brokered deal that allowed Ukraine to export its grain through Black Sea ports.
09:15
Russian fighter-bombers sink four Ukrainian boats “made in the USA”
Black Sea Fleet aircraft destroyed four US-made military boats carrying Ukrainian soldiers heading towards Crimea. This was announced by the Russian Ministry of Defense, after which the high-speed boats of the Willard Sea Force were destroyed at night in the northwestern area of the sea
09:14
Putin welcomes Erdogan: It’s about wheat and gas
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wants to discuss the feasibility of the grain agreement under the new UN conditions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. A political source from Ankara told Tass that “the next talks in Sochi will certainly focus mainly on the feasibility of the previous grain agreement.” The two leaders will discuss the new proposals drawn up by the United Nations with the participation of Turkey The Sabah newspaper reported yesterday that the new package of UN proposals includes starting negotiations to lift restrictions on Russian food producers whose assets in Europe have been frozen. In addition, the United Nations proposes to take measures to assess the damage to ammonia pipes. Recent United Nations proposals also include reconnecting the Russian Agrarian Bank (Rosselkhozbank) to Swift. Putin and Erdogan could also discuss deliveries of Russian natural gas. “In addition to the grain agreement, which will be a priority in the Erdogan-Putin meeting, the supply of Russian natural gas to Europe via Turkey can also be discussed.” “The issue is no less important, it is about the creation of a natural gas hub on Turkish soil,” the source added.