Russian air defences have shot down one of many nation’s most superior jet fighters in a friendly-fire incident on Thursday evening, in line with reviews.
The Russian Su-35 was downed over Tokmak, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, which is the goal of Ukraine’s counteroffensive to retake territory.
A Russian Telegram channel with shut hyperlinks to its air power appeared to verify the incident on Friday when it paid tribute to the pilot, who didn’t survive.
Footage of the incident started circulating on social media on Friday, exhibiting a fireball falling out of the sky.
Ukrainian channels claimed a Russian S-300 missile had introduced down the plane, every of which is believed to value greater than £35 million.
Comply with the most recent updates under.
02:58 PM BSTToday’s reside protection has ended
Right now’s reside protection has ended. Here’s a roundup of the day’s principal occasions:
Vladimir Putin has tasked a former commander of the Wagner group with overseeing volunteer fighter items in Ukraine, in line with a Kremlin assertion.
Russia claimed that it had destroyed 11 Ukrainian drones in a single day, although one UAV dropped explosives on a substation, reducing the native energy provide, a regional governor mentioned.
Lots of of Wagner mercenaries are prone to have returned to Ukraine, in line with the UK Ministry of Defence.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban mentioned that “very troublesome questions” would should be answered earlier than the European Union may even begin membership talks with Ukraine.
Russian safety forces arrested a person accused of passing data to Ukraine on the Kerch Peninsula in japanese Crimea, in line with native media.
The British authorities imposed an asset freeze and journey bans on officers linked to elections within the annexed Ukrainian areas of Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Luhansk, Donetsk and Crimea.
02:31 PM BSTZelensky marks anniversary of Nazi bloodbath
Ukraine on Friday marked the 82nd anniversary of a mass killing, primarily of Jews, in the course of the Nazi occupation of the nation.
Almost 34,000 Jewish males, girls and youngsters have been shot useless September 29-30, 1941 at Babyn Yar, outdoors of Kyiv.
Volodymyr Zelensky paid tribute to these killed.
“Right now, Ukraine and the world commemorate the 82nd anniversary of the Babyn Yar bloodbath, probably the most horrible Nazi crimes dedicated in the course of the Holocaust,” he wrote on Twitter.
“I paid tribute to the victims and thanked the Ukrainian Jewish neighborhood leaders for coming to wish and commemorate them.”
Right now, Ukraine and the world commemorate the 82nd anniversary of the Babyn Yar bloodbath, probably the most horrible Nazi crimes dedicated in the course of the Holocaust.
I paid tribute to the victims and thanked the Ukrainian Jewish neighborhood leaders for coming to wish and commemorate them. pic.twitter.com/J3BVpXLqfm
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) September 29, 2023
02:04 PM BSTThe frontline in photos
Listed here are the most recent photos from the frontline in Ukraine:
Ukrainian servicemen – REUTERS/Oleksandr Ratushniak
A Ukrainian serviceman prepares tank’s shells – REUTERS/Oleksandr Ratushniak
A Ukrainian serviceman is seen in a tank – REUTERS/Oleksandr Ratushniak
01:38 PM BSTSeven nations order ammunition beneath EU scheme to assist Ukraine
Seven EU nations have ordered ammunition beneath a landmark European Union procurement scheme to get urgently wanted artillery shells to Ukraine and replenish depleted Western shares, in line with the EU company in cost.
The orders – positioned beneath contracts negotiated by the European Defence Company (EDA) – are for 155mm artillery rounds, probably the most necessary munitions within the intense warfare of attrition between Ukraine’s troops and Russia’s invading forces.
The scheme was arrange as a part of a plan price at the very least 2 billion euros, launched in March with the intention of getting 1 million artillery shells and missiles to Ukraine inside a yr.
Some officers and diplomats have expressed scepticism that the goal might be met however the initiative marked a big step within the EU’s rising function in defence and navy affairs, spurred by the warfare in Ukraine.
The company declined to call the nations, saying it was as much as every authorities to announce its orders. In response to a question from Reuters, Lithuania’s Defence Ministry confirmed it was one of many nations.
01:18 PM BST’Highly effective’ explosion reported in Zaporizhzhia oblast
The pinnacle of Berdiansk’s navy administration has reported a “highly effective” explosion.
Viktoriia Halitsina mentioned town, in Zaporizhzhia oblast, suffered from energy provide outages after the blast.
The reviews, which have been launched by the Kyiv Unbiased, haven’t but been independently verified.
12:57 PM BSTRussian athletes to compete at Paris Paralympics
Russian athletes will be capable of compete as full individuals or impartial athletes at subsequent yr’s Paris Paralympics after the Worldwide Paralympic Committee members voted in opposition to a full ban of Russia on Friday.
The choice clears the best way for Russians, whose athletes are at the moment banned from any Paralympic competitors, to be in Paris and what the IPC will resolve afterward Friday is whether or not they’ll accomplish that in full nationwide workforce gear or if they’ll compete as neutrals, with out nationwide emblems, flags or anthem.
“On the IPC Common Meeting in Bahrain, IPC members voted 74-65 (13 abstentions) in opposition to a movement to completely droop NPC (Nationwide Paralympic Committee) Russia for breaches of its constitutional membership obligations,” the IPC mentioned.
The choice comes two weeks earlier than the Worldwide Olympic Committee session in Mumbai the place it’ll additionally focus on Russia’s and Belarus’ participation on the Paris Olympics subsequent yr.
12:32 PM BSTCleverly: ‘We can not settle for this assault on Ukrainian sovereignty’
Donetsk and Luhansk are Ukraine.
Kherson and Zaporizhzhia are Ukraine.
Crimea is Ukraine.
Right now, we’ve got sanctioned these accountable for staging sham elections on Ukrainian soil.
We can not settle for this assault on Ukrainian sovereignty.
— James Cleverly🇬🇧 (@JamesCleverly) September 29, 2023
12:02 PM BSTUK sanctions officers linked to elections in annexed areas of Ukraine
The British authorities on Friday imposed an asset freeze and journey bans on officers linked to elections within the annexed Ukrainian areas of Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Luhansk, Donetsk and Crimea.
The federal government mentioned the sanctioned officers had been concerned in latest “sham elections” within the areas.
“The UK won’t ever recognise Russia’s claims to Ukrainian territory – Crimea, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Luhansk and Kherson are Ukraine,” overseas minister James Cleverly mentioned in a press release.
Britain additionally added Russia’s emergencies minister Alexander Kurenkov and the secretary of the Russian Central Election Fee Natalya Budarina to the sanctions listing.
Russian President Vladimir Putin mentioned the elections carried out this month in Russian-held components of Ukraine marked a step in the direction of their full integration into Russia.
11:46 AM BSTUS Abrams tanks welcomed by Ukrainian troopers
US Abrams tanks have arrived in Ukraine’s east, providing tank crews extra firepower and safety of their struggle in opposition to Russia.
Their arrival was beforehand confirmed by President Volodymyr Zelensky.
US Common Mark Milley mentioned the tanks “will make a distinction” within the warfare.
Crews serving within the japanese area of Donetsk added that the tanks would mark an enormous enchancment of the Soviet-era tanks at the moment on the battlegrounds.
“The Abrams tank….has safety in opposition to ammunition detonation. (This tank) doesn’t have it. If ammunition detonates, there is no such thing as a probability to outlive,” mentioned tank driver Vitalii.
11:22 AM BSTWatch: Putin duties former Wagner commander with overseeing volunteer fighters
Vladimir Putin has tasked a former commander of the Wagner group with overseeing volunteer fighter items in Ukraine, in line with a Kremlin assertion on Friday.
“On the final assembly we talked about you overseeing the formation of volunteer items that may perform varied duties, firstly in fact within the zone of the particular navy operation,” Putin was quoted as saying to Andrei Troshev, utilizing Moscow’s title for its offensive in Ukraine.
“You your self have been combating in such a unit for greater than a yr,” Putin mentioned. “ what it’s, how it’s carried out, you already know in regards to the points that should be resolved upfront in order that the fight work goes in the very best and most profitable means.”
11:01 AM BSTPictures: Ukrainian serviceman on the frontline
Right here, a Ukrainian serviceman uploads shells in a tank, amid Russia’s assault on Ukraine, within the Donetsk area.
A Ukrainian serviceman – REUTERS/Oleksandr Ratushniak
10:44 AM BSTUkrainian ‘spy’ detained
Russian safety forces have arrested a person accused of passing data to Ukraine on the Kerch Peninsula in japanese Crimea, in line with native media.
The 45-year-old native allegedly established contact with the primary intelligence directorate of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.
He carried out photograph and video recordings of the motion of navy tools within the course of the particular navy operation zone, transmitting the required data by way of closed communication channels.
10:19 AM BSTZelensky in operating for Nobel Peace Prize
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian dissident Alexei Navalny are within the operating for this yr’s Nobel Peace Prize.
Though bookmakers have Mr Zelensky as a high candidate to affix the listing of laureates from Nelson Mandela to Martin Luther King, Nobel specialists imagine that as a wartime chief, the Ukrainian president is unlikely to be named.
The imprisoned Mr Navalny’s chances are high lessened as a result of Russian dissidents gained final yr and the yr earlier than.
Final yr’s prize, seen by many as a rebuke to Russian President Vladimir Putin, went to jailed Belarusian activist Ales Bialiatski, Russian rights group Memorial and Ukraine’s Middle for Civil Liberties.
09:55 AM BSTZelensky blessed by Ukraine’s chief rabbi
President Volodymyr Zelensky joined Ukraine’s chief rabbi Moshe Reuven Azman to Babyn Yar on Friday.
He made the journey to pay his respects on the anniversary of the bloodbath there within the Second World Conflict.
The Rabbi mentioned he had blessed Mr Zelensky:
“At Babyn Yar, beginning on 29 September 1941, greater than 35,000 Jews have been killed within the first three days.
“The tragedy of the Holocaust leaves a deep mark within the hearts of many, the losses are irreversible and painful, and it is very important keep in mind those that misplaced their lives in these darkish days.
“I blessed the President of Ukraine at this holy place and wished him, on the eve of the Sukkot vacation, energy of spirit, inspiration and God’s safety for your entire Ukrainian folks.
“Could the blessings of the Almighty accompany Ukraine on the best way to peace and prosperity.”
Right now, September 29, on the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Babyn Yar, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, along with the Righteous Among the many Nations and the rabbis of the cities of Ukraine, honored the reminiscence of the victims of the Holocaust in Babyn Yar.
At… pic.twitter.com/KdyE0dkMrq
— Chief Rabbi Of Ukraine Moshe Azman (@RabbiUkraine) September 29, 2023
09:35 AM BSTRussian bloggers admit to self-censorship
Quite a few Russian bloggers have admitted to self-censoring their reporting, in line with the Institute for the Research of Conflict (ISW).
The information speaks to a wider development in how Russia discusses sure battle areas.
Self-censorship could make it more durable for teams just like the ISW to precisely discuss Russia’s actions in Ukraine, the ISW mentioned.
One blogger was discovered to have modified a publish to make it look like Ukraine had not made a lot progress, hinting on the risk that Russia might be controlling the knowledge shared.
09:03 AM BST’Robust points’ to clear earlier than EU membership talks with Ukraine
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban mentioned on Friday that “very troublesome questions” would should be answered earlier than the European Union may even begin membership talks with Ukraine.
EU nations are resulting from resolve in December whether or not to permit Ukraine to start accession negotiations, which might require the unanimous backing of all 27 members. Diplomats have mentioned Hungary could also be an impediment.
“We can not keep away from the query – when in the course of the autumn we can have negotiations in Brussels about the way forward for Ukraine – whether or not we will truly severely contemplate membership for a rustic, to begin accession talks with a rustic that’s at warfare,” Orban informed state radio.
“We don’t know the way large the territory of this nation is, because the warfare remains to be ongoing, we don’t know the way large its inhabitants is as they’re fleeing … to confess a rustic to the EU with out understanding its parameters, this is able to be unprecedented.
“So I feel we have to reply very lengthy and troublesome questions till we get to truly deciding in regards to the begin of accession talks,” he mentioned.
08:34 AM BSTWagner fighters returning to Ukraine, says UK MoD
Lots of of Wagner mercenaries are prone to have returned to Ukraine, in line with the UK Ministry of Defence.
The MoD mentioned that it’s thought the fighters have joined official Russian navy forces and different non-public navy corporations.
Wagner veterans are gathering round Bakhmut, which was seized by Wagner after months of brutal combating, in line with reviews.
The MoD mentioned that “their expertise is prone to be notably in demand” within the space.
Wagner withdrew from fight operations in Ukraine by early June 2023, previous to the abortive mutiny of 24 June 2023, the MoD added.
It additionally follows the loss of life of Wagner proprietor Yevgeny Prigozhin and different senior leaders in a airplane crash on 23 August 2023.
08:12 AM BSTAutumn conscripts won’t struggle in Ukraine
A Russian official within the nation’s armed forces has mentioned that these conscripted in the course of the autumn marketing campaign won’t be despatched to struggle in Ukraine.
Vladimir Tsimlyansky, deputy chief of the primary organisational and mobilisation directorate of the overall workers of the Russian Federation armed forces, mentioned the conscriptions started on Oct 1.
He mentioned:
“Servicemen present process conscription navy service won’t be despatched to the factors of deployment of items of the armed forces of the Russian Federation in new areas of the Russian Federation: Donetsk and Luhansk Individuals’s Republics, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia areas, or to take part there in finishing up the duties of a particular navy operation.”
07:49 AM BSTRussian shelling kills 5 in southern, japanese Ukraine
Russian shelling on Thursday killed three girls within the southern Ukrainian metropolis of Kherson and two folks in japanese Donetsk area, native officers mentioned.
Prosecutors mentioned the three girls have been killed on a avenue in Kherson, a city deserted by Russian troops late final yr together with different settlements on the west financial institution of the Dnipro River. Russian forces routinely shell Kherson and close by areas from positions on the river’s east financial institution.
Prosecutors in Donetsk area within the east mentioned two folks died when Russian forces shelled Krasnohorivka, west of the Russian-held metropolis of Donetsk and close to the long-contested city of Maryinka.
In Kostyantynivka, west of the city of Bakhmut, in Russian arms since Could, three folks have been injured when Russian forces launched two air strikes inside an hour, prosecutors mentioned.
Reuters couldn’t independently confirm any of the accounts of navy exercise.
07:33 AM BSTRussia says 11 Ukrainian drones destroyed in a single day
Russia claimed on Friday that it had destroyed 11 Ukrainian drones in a single day, although one UAV dropped explosives on a substation, reducing the native energy provide, a regional governor mentioned.
“Eleven Ukrainian unmanned aerial autos have been destroyed by air defence techniques on responsibility, one among them over the territory of Kaluga area and 10 over Kursk area,” Russia’s defence ministry mentioned on the messaging platform Telegram.
Kursk governor Roman Starovoyt mentioned that the area bordering japanese Ukraine was “massively attacked” by Ukrainian UAVs.
In Belaya village, lower than 25 kilometres (16 miles) from the border, “a Ukrainian drone dropped two explosive gadgets on a substation”, he mentioned on Telegram.
“One of many transformers caught hearth. 5 settlements and a hospital have been minimize off from energy provide. Hearth crews rushed to the scene,” he added.
“Energy might be restored as quickly as it’s protected to take action.”
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