Russia missile strike on Odesa injures 4, damages Antiguan-flagged vessel

6:02 PM

Video

With Ukrainian troops fending off Russia's offensive near Pokrovsk (VIDEO).

Capturing the major logistics hub of Pokrovsk is a key objective of Russia's ongoing offensive in Donetsk Oblast. The Kyiv Independent joined Ukrainian soldiers stationed in the sector as they are fending off constant Russian attacks.

6:00 PM

Raiffeisen Bank agrees to sell Belarusian subsidiary.

Austria-headquartered Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) agreed to sell its stake in its Belarusian subsidiary Priorbank, marking the first step toward fully withdrawing from the Belarusian market, RBI announced on Sept. 20.

4:39 PM

First group of Ukrainian pilots complete French jet training.

The first cohort of Ukrainian pilots have completed Alpha Jet training in France, the French Armed Forces announced on Sept. 20.

4:02 PM

Russia missile strike on Odesa injures 4, damages Antiguan-flagged vessel.

According to the preliminary data, Russia launched Iskander-M ballistic missiles, damaging port and civilian infrastructure, as well as a civilian ship under the Antiguan flag.

3:46 PM

Ukraine approves new domestic-made all-terrain amphibious vehicle Takha.

The vehicle developed by Ukrainian engineers is already being used at the front line for evacuation, as well as for transportation of ammunition and food, according to Ukraine's Defense Ministry.

3:25 PM

Putin won't visit ICC member Mexico for President-elect Sheinbaum's inauguration.

Mexico signed the Rome Statute in 2005 and is subject to the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court, which issued the arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

2:54 PM

Russian propaganda

Meta’s ban on Russian propaganda doesn’t go far enough, say disinformation experts

1:05 PM  (Updated:  September 20, 2024 2:48 pm)

EU's von der Leyen unveils up to 35 billion euro loan to Ukraine as part of G7 pledge.

"Relentless Russian attacks means Ukraine needs continued EU support," the chief of the EU's executive arm said during her visit to Kyiv.

2:31 PM

Ukraine restricts Telegram use for government, military, critical infrastructure.

"I have always advocated freedom of speech, but the issue of Telegram is not a matter of freedom of speech, it is a matter of national security," Ukraine's military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, said.

2:12 PM

Russia struggles to rewire global trade amid sanctions, war, WSJ analysis says.

As the full-scale invasion continues, Western countries are imposing increasingly severe sanctions on Russia, forcing it to seek new partnerships with Asian powerhouses China and India.

1:48 PM

American pro-Kremlin fighter tortured to death by Russian soldiers, Russian investigators say.

Russell Bentley, a pro-Kremlin American man who fought against Ukraine in 2014 and was killed under previously unknown circumstances in April, was tortured to death by Russian soldiers, Russia's Investigative Committee said on Sept. 20.

11:06 AM  (Updated:  September 20, 2024 12:47 pm)

Kyiv 2nd worst in world's air quality amid fires in region.

Kyiv authorities warned about sharp and "temporary deterioration" of air quality in the city.

12:13 PM

Europe too 'reticent' in energy support for Ukraine ahead of winter, IEA chief says.

According to the IEA report, Ukraine's electricity shortage could reach 6 GW this winter, which is about one-third of the expected peak demand.

11:56 AM

US Congress nears deal on extending $6 billion in Ukraine aid before expiration, Reuters reports.

U.S. Congress and the Biden administration are close to an agreement on a one-year extension of $5.8 billion in military aid for Ukraine before it expires at the end of September, Reuters reported on Sept. 19, citing two undisclosed sources.

10:32 AM

Germany has overcome shortage of Russian gas and is ready for winter, minister says.

Germany's natural gas storage facilities are full, and all goals have been met, according to German Vice-Chancellor and Economy Minister Robert Habeck

10:21 AM

Russian attacks against Ukraine kill 5, injure 33 over past day.

Ukrainian air defenses shot down 61 of the 70 Shahed-type drones launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force reported. Nine drones were "lost" in Ukraine as a result of "active measures" by Ukrainian forces.

9:34 AM

Ukraine slaps new sanctions against individuals, entities from Iran, China, Russia.

Ukraine has imposed sanctions against six individuals and over 40 entities from Iran, China, and Russia.

8:42 AM

General Staff: Russia has lost 639,480 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022.

This number includes 1,340 casualties Russian forces suffered over the past day.

8:24 AM

Von der Leyen arrives in Kyiv to discuss Ukraine's energy needs with Zelensky.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv on Sept. 20 to discuss Ukraine's energy needs ahead of the coming winter.

7:40 AM

Guardian: Russia commanders warned of plans for Ukraine's Kursk incursion months in advance, seized documents show.

While the earlier warnings were largely vague, they grew increasingly more detailed — including specific threats that Ukraine would try to seize the town of Sudzha — a warning that was realized after Ukraine captured it in August.

6:16 AM

Kremlin begins criminal investigation into chief editor of Russian independent media outlet Novaya Gazeta Europe.

Russia's Investigative Committee reportedly alleged that Kirill Martynov, chief editor of Novaya Gazeta Europe, was "conducting activities of an undesirable organization."

3:43 AM

EU considering ending Georgia's visa-free access over ruling party's democratic backsliding.

"All options are on the table" if Georgia does not reverse its trend toward authoritarianism, "including the potential temporary suspension of the visa liberalization scheme," a spokesperson for the European Commission told Politico.

3:32 AM

Bulgarian far-right party’s foreign agent bill fails in committee vote.

Founded in 2014 and described by some as pro-Russian, Revival came in third in Bulgaria's snap parliamentary election in June, gaining 41 seats in the 240-seat parliament. Revival has supported maintaining Bulgaria's "deep ties" with Russia.

2:44 AM

Delivering more weapons to Ukraine will help ‘end the war’ sooner, Stoltenberg says.

"The paradox is that the more weapons for Ukraine we are able to deliver, the more likely it is that we can reach a peace and end to the war," Stoltenberg said. "The more credible our long-term military support, the sooner the war will end."

1:52 AM

Germany plans additional $445 million in aid for Ukraine in 2024, AFP reports.

According to the document seen by AFP — a letter to the parliamentary budget committee — additional funds are needed to "fulfill the German government's support commitments to the Ukrainian armed forces."