UK declares Russian Wagner Group a terrorist organization
The British government designated Wagner as a terrorist group. Being part of or supporting Wagner is now a crime in the UK, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
Russia considers WhatsApp ban, citing risk of “prohibited information”
Russia warns blocking WhatsApp after it unveiled a new channel feature that resembles Telegram's. The Roskomnadzor, Russia's state censor’s proposal showcasing the Kremlin's push to tighten its grip on media, according to ISW’s daily report.
ISW: Russia loses another top commander in battle in Ukraine
A key Russian paratrooper regiment lost its commander in combat in Ukraine, making him the unit's second officer to be killed this year, the Institute for the Study of War said in an update.
British intel: Sevastopol missile strikes deal major blow to Russia’s Black Sea fleet
The Ukrainian attack on the Sevastopol shipyard has destroyed two key Russian warships, undermining Moscow's Black Sea capabilities. This significantly affects Russia's ability to strike further targets in Ukraine.
EU renews sanctions on nearly 1,800 Russians, excluding four people
The European Council extended existing sanctions on Russians for the next 6 months for threatening Ukraine's sovereignty, remaining nearly 1 800 Russians under travel bans and asset freezes until March 2024.
Bulgaria backs down on Ukrainian grain ban
Bulgaria, which previously supported the EU's Ukrainian grain embargo, is going to resume imports as its parliament is set to vote for ceasing the country's participation in the trade blockade.
Ukrainian intel confirms damage to two Russian ships hit in occupied Sevastopol’s shipyard
Ukraine damaged Russian navy ships - a large landing craft and a submarine - and port infrastructure, in a missile attack on the Russia-occupied Crimean city of Sevastopol, Ukrainian officials said on 13 September.
Int’l architects to restore Ukraine’s war-torn cultural legacy
For the first time, a coalition of 11 organizations across Europe launched a 3-year project to analyze, restore, and protect Ukraine's cultural heritage damaged by war.
UK Intel: Russian soldiers get 2,7 more than Russia’s national average salary
Salary perks lure Russians to join invasion of Ukraine with privates promised 195,000 rubles (about $2040) monthly; while junior ranks serving in Ukraine get over 200,000 rubles (about $2100) per month, equating to 2.7 times the average salary in Russia.
ISW: Assassination of Wagner Group Leadership effectively ends organization’s autonomy from Kremlin
Russian President Vladimir Putin is suspected of assassinating Wagner Group leaders just weeks after their armed rebellion against the Kremlin.
ISW: Russian commander suggests freezing the war along the current frontlines
Recent Ukrainian gains near the Donetsk-Zaporizhzhia area have prompted a Russian commander to propose freezing the war in Ukraine along the current frontlines; ISW assessed this would only benefit Russia.
WP: Russia aims for thousands of drones by 2025
Russia is working to increase its domestic production of Iranian Shahed-136 and Shahed-131 drones. This indicates Russia aims to carry out larger drone strikes in Ukraine over the long term.
Baltic states join G7 declaration support for Ukraine
The leaders of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania signed onto the G7's declaration of support for Ukraine, pledging their "unwavering support and solidarity" with Kyiv.
Slovak military chief visits Ukrainian Forces
The head of Slovakia's armed forces visited Ukrainian troops fighting in south as the Ukrainian top brass praised the effectiveness of the Slovak-donated weaponry.