Today’s update on Thursday, September 12, 2024.
Conflict
- The Russian military commander Major-General Apti Alaudinov reported that Ukrainian troops were pushed out of several settlements in the western Kursk region during a significant offensive.
- There has been no response from Ukraine regarding the alleged Russian counterattack. The situation is described as uncertain and evolving by experts at the Institute for the Study of War.
- The Ukrainian air force successfully intercepted 44 out of 64 drones launched by Russia overnight. Additionally, five missiles were used by Russian forces, according to a statement from the Ukrainian Air Force.
- In an overnight attack, Russian forces targeted energy facilities and civilian infrastructure in Konotop town in northeastern Ukraine. This resulted in injuries to at least 13 individuals as reported by officials in the Sumy region via Telegram.
Diplomacy
- During a joint visit to Kyiv, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced over $700m in humanitarian aid for Ukraine alongside British Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
- Lammy confirmed that the United Kingdom will provide an additional $782m in aid and loan guarantees to support Ukraine’s power grid which has suffered significant damage due to Russian attacks.
- In response to requests from Ukrainian officials for permission to use Western-provided missiles against Russia, Blinken stated that he would discuss this matter with President Joe Biden upon returning to Washington. He also mentioned that Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer are likely to address this issue during their meeting on Friday in Washington, DC.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed satisfaction with his discussions with Blinken…
Original article available at www.aljazeera.com