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Ukraine war latest: Body of missing ex-British soldier found; Moscow politician slams ‘lies’ in Russian military
A Russian politician has blamed a culture of lying in its army for preventing victory in Ukraine, while admitting Kyiv’s forces have made use of ‘well-equipped’, abandoned Russian defences; Ukrainian authorities have found the body of a missing ex-British soldier, police have said.
Saturday 16 September 2023 15:58, UK
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Key points
Culture of ‘lying’ in Russian military preventing victory – Moscow official View post
Russia likely ‘stockpiling missiles’ for winter attack on Ukrainian energy grid View post
Kim tours Russia’s nuclear air attack force View post
Ukraine testing AI drones to ramp up attacks on Russian warships
Body of missing ex-British soldier found in Ukraine View post
Analysis by Dominic Waghorn: War stakes raised by Crimea attack View post
On the front line: Drones, explosives and raids on Crimea View post
Live reporting by Brad Young
59m ago
10:58
Russia knows where to hit Ukraine’s energy infrastructure – they built it
Earlier today, we reported on British intelligence which suggested Russia may be stockpiling missiles to attack Ukraine’s energy grid this winter.
Here, military expert Sean Bell gives his take on the reports…
By Sean Bell, military expert
Between October last year and March, Russia launched wave after wave of cruise missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
The Russians used the air-launched AS 23a Kodiak cruise missile for many of these attacks and since April this year, Russia has reduced dramatically its use of these missiles while ramping up production.
The UK MoD suggests that the Russians are increasing their stockpiles of these cruise missiles in preparation for a resumption of attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure this coming winter.
Russia knows where the key energy infrastructure nodes are as they were all built in the Soviet Union era. However, as a result of last year’s sustained attacks on the Ukrainian power grid, the locals have become more resilient and developed work-arounds.
And the increasingly effective Ukrainian air defence systems will undoubtedly be focused on protecting critical national infrastructure.
Despite the hardship, the sustained Russian attacks on the Ukrainian population have yet to undermine morale – indeed, evidence suggests that this has simply served to stiffen Ukrainian resolve.
But since the war looks unlikely to be concluded anytime soon, it looks increasingly likely that for many Ukrainians, this could be a very long cold winter.
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1h ago
10:30
Russia denies losing Andriivka
Reports of Ukrainian success in Andriivka have gone unchallenged by Russia – until now.
Ukraine “unsuccessfully” tried to oust troops from the town, the Russian defence ministry said in its daily briefing.
It also denied “partial success” reported by Ukraine in nearby Klishchiivka – both south of Bakhmut.
Andriivka
Andriivka
This week, Ukraine has made no secret of what it said was victory in Andriivka, calling it a stepping stone to surround Bakhmut.
Even the president took to praising the brigade responsible in his nightly address.
Sky News is unable to verify these battlefield reports.
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1h ago
10:00
Kremlin makes moves to control Wagner – and eyes Libyan port
By Sean Bell, military expert
Following Yevgeny Prigozhin’s abortive coup in June this year, Russia has been systematically dismantling the Wagner Group and bringing key elements under Russian MoD control.
Although Wagner played a major role in the war in Ukraine – specifically in securing Bakhmut after months of attrition – their presence in Africa enables Russian influence well beyond the battlefields of Ukraine.
Wagner Group operations in North Africa are highly lucrative to Russian officials, and despite their betrayal of the Kremlin (dealt with summarily), Putin still needs their capability.
According to the Institute for the Study of War, the Russian defence ministry may have assigned former commander of the Aerospace Forces Sergei Surovikin to this task.
Russian sources posted pictures of the previously dismissed Wagner-affiliated general in Algeria on 15 September. Russian milbloggers claimed that Surovikin has a new formal position as Head of the Coordination Committee on Air Defence Issues and speculated that Surovikin may take over Wagner assets and operations in the region.
Surovikin may be involved in Russian efforts to subsume Wagner operations due to his affiliation with the mercenaries and his command experience, although it is unclear if the Russian MoD intends for Surovikin to assume direct command of these efforts.
The Russian deputy defence minister appears to have been heavily involved in efforts to subsume Wagner’s operations in the Middle East and Africa.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Russian officials met with Khalifa Haftar (commander of the Tobruk-based Libyan National Army) in recent weeks to request access to ports in Benghazi or Tobruk for Russian warships.
The Russian MoD reportedly visited Libya several times in the past months to replace private military companies with Russian MoD-controlled formations.
The Kremlin may be attempting to revive a longstanding campaign to secure access to a Mediterranean port in Libya in parallel with the effort to subsume Wagner’s operations in Libya.
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2h ago
09:13
Poland bans entry of Russian-registered cars – reports
Poland will ban the entry of passenger cars registered in Russia from Sunday, according to reports.
Interior minister Mariusz Kaminski said the move was another sanction against Russia for its “brutal war”, reported Polish news agency PAP.
“The Russian state today constitutes a threat to international security,” he said.
Russia-registered trucks are already banned from entering Poland.
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3h ago
08:15
Soldiers hold positions in Andriivka
Ukrainian soldiers battle to hold their positions in Andriivka.
Their capture of the town forms the eastern part of Kyiv’s multipronged counteroffensive.
Andriivka is located six miles from Bakhmut, a strategically unimportant city that has become symbolically significant over months of grinding attrition.
As we reported earlier today, Ukraine hopes to use Andriivka as a launch pad to encircle Bakhmut.
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4h ago
07:49
Body of missing ex-British soldier found in Ukraine
Police searching for a missing ex-British soldier have been informed by Ukrainian authorities that they have found a body.
Former paratrooper Daniel Burke, 36, from South Manchester was reported missing on 16 August by family who had not heard from him and believed he had travelled to Ukraine.
Greater Manchester Police said it was working with Mr Burke’s family and Ukrainian authorities to support a formal identification and bring his body back to the UK.
Detective Superintendent Lewis Hughes said: “This is an upsetting time for Daniel’s family, we have family liaison officers in contact with the family and offering support.
“My team and I are working with the Ukrainian authorities to make formal identification with a view to repatriating Daniel following that process.
“Daniel’s family have asked for privacy at this difficult time.”
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5h ago
06:20
Ukraine to use Andriivka to surround Bakhmut – commander
Capturing Andriivka in eastern Ukraine was a necessary bridgehead to surround Bakhmut, a Ukrainian commander has said.
If you’re just joining us, Ukraine took the town in a devastating series of battles that defence analyst Michael Clarke called “something out of the First World War”.
Without Andriivka, it would be “impossible” to take back Bakhmut – Vladimir Putin’s single major victory in months of war – said Maksym Zhorin.
Russian armoured vehicle shot by a drone near Andriivka
Russian armoured vehicle shot by a drone near Andriivka
The deputy commander of the 3rd Assault Brigade said: “The battles for this settlement were very difficult.
“The enemy constantly transferred reserves, because for them even the thought of losing Bakhmut is a nightmare.
“They killed so many of their personnel here that it is logically impossible to explain it.”
Last night, Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the brigade for a “significant and much-needed result for Ukraine”.
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6h ago
05:30
Ukraine testing AI drones to ramp up attacks on Russian warships
More attacks on Russian ships will be carried out, a Ukrainian minister has promised.
Drone production has increased 100-fold in 2023, and this will rise to up to 140-fold by the end of the year, said digital minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who played a key role in building the country’s drone industry.
Ukraine is testing AI systems that can locate targets several kilometres away and guide drones to them even if external communications are disrupted by electronic warfare measures, he said.
File photo
File photo
“There will be more drones, more attacks, and fewer Russian ships. That’s for sure,” said Mr Federov.
“At the moment it’s all at the testing stage, but some drones we are buying use AI to recognise targets. In a forest, it can detect a target and recognise whether it’s a person, tank, or a certain vehicle. These technologies are being used actively.”
His comments follow several attacks on Russia’s Black Sea fleet using missiles and sea drones around the Crimean peninsula.
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7h ago
04:45
North Korean leader inspects bombers and warships
Kim Jong Un inspects bombers, missiles and warships at Knevichi aerodrome near Vladivostok in the Primorsky region, Russia.
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7h ago
04:03
Russia likely ‘stockpiling missiles’ for winter attack on Ukrainian energy grid
Russia may be gearing up to attack energy infrastructure again this winter, according to British intelligence.
Moscow has likely been stockpiling air-launched cruise missiles (ALCM) since April, which were at the heart of its attacks between October 2022 and March, said the UK defence ministry.
It said less ALCMs have been launched since the beginning of spring and Russian leaders have highlighted efforts to increase the rate of cruise missile production.
“Russia is therefore likely able to generate a significant stockpile of ALCMs,” said the UK MoD.
“There is a realistic possibility Russia will again focus these weapons against Ukrainian infrastructure targets over the winter.”
Last winter, Russian forces launched widespread and repeated attacks on Ukrainian energy to deprive civilians of heat, water and access to health services.
Average winter temperatures in Ukraine are approximately -3C and can plunge to -20C, according to Human Rights Watch.
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8h ago
03:31
Russian authorities to auction Zelenskyy’s Crimean property
Russian-installed authorities in Crimea plan to sell a property owned by Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
It will be auctioned alongside approximately 100 others belonging to Ukrainian business figures, said Vladimir Konstantinov, speaker of the Crimean parliament.
Together, they value at more than 815 million roubles (£6.8m), he said.
In February, the authorities said they nationalised around 500 properties in occupied Crimea.
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9h ago
02:54
Kim tours Russia’s nuclear attack force
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected Russian nuclear-capable strategic bombers, hypersonic missiles and warships today.
He was greeted in Russia’s Knevichi airfield, about 30 miles from the Pacific city of Vladivostok, by defence minister Sergei Shoigu.
The US and South Korea fear deepening cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang could give Kim access to some of Russia’s sensitive missile technology, while helping arm Russia.
Oleg Kozhemyako telegram channel via AP
Oleg Kozhemyako telegram channel via AP
“It can fly from Moscow to Japan and then back again,” Shoigu told Kim of one aircraft, during the visit.
Mr Shoigu showed him the MiG-31I supersonic interceptor aircraft equipped with “Kinzhal” hypersonic missiles – an air-launched ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear or conventional warheads.
Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP
Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP
Why the fanfare: Russia has gone out of its way to publicise Kim’s visit and drop repeated hints about the prospect of military cooperation with North Korea.
For Mr Putin, who says Moscow is locked in an existential battle with the West, courting Kim allows him to needle Washington and its Asian allies while potentially securing a supply of artillery for the Ukraine war.
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9h ago
02:42
Culture of ‘lying’ in Russian military preventing victory – Moscow official
A culture of lying within the Russian military is preventing its victory in Ukraine, according to a Moscow politician.
False reports have led to “poor decisions at many levels” of command, said Russian parliament deputy Lieutenant General Andrei Gurulev.
He complained Russian troops have been forced to retreat by up to 10km in some areas and Ukrainian forces were making use of “well-equipped”, abandoned Russian defensive positions.
The Ukrainian army has become more competent at clearing mines, said the former Deputy Commander of the Southern Military District.
Its air defences are effectively preventing Russian helicopters from using anti-tank missiles, he added.
The lieutenant general also raised concerns over Ukrainian drones: “They use them wisely, you see these attacks not only at the front, but also in our deep rear.”
Mr Gurulev previously leaked an audio message in which former commander Major General Ivan Popov expressed grievances over the lack of support for Russian forces, according to the Institute for the Study of War.
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9h ago
02:20
Good morning
Welcome back to our live coverage of the war in Ukraine.
Before we kick off our updates today, let’s catch you up on some of the key moments that occurred over the last 24 hours.
Vladimir Putin insisted he was willing to engage in peace talks with Ukraine;
Russia continued to downplay a “catastrophic” attack on the headquarters of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet at the Sevastopol shipyard in Crimea;
Talks on North Korea providing arms to Russia for use against Ukraine advanced, the White House said.
Russian general Sergei Surovikin – who dropped out of public view in the aftermath of the Wagner rebellion – was reported to be in Algeria;
The Wagner mercenary group was officially categorised as a terrorist organisation in the UK.
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18h ago
17:53
Kim Jong Un praises Russian warplanes
Kim Jong Un expressed admiration for Russia’s aviation technology undergoing rapid development during his visit to a Russian fighter jet factory today, the North Korean news agency KCNA reports.
Earlier today, Mr Kim inspected the Russian fighter jet factory, which is under Western sanctions, as part of his visit in Russia.
The North Korean leader met test pilots, climbed onto an airliner produced by the plant and watched the test flight of an Su-35 fighter jet.
Mr Kim’s stay is expected to continue on Saturday, possibly with a visit to the eastern city of Vladivostok and a naval base.
The Kremlin said today that Russia and North Korea had not signed any agreements on military matters or on any other areas during Mr Kim’s visit to Russia this week.
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18h ago
17:17
Where is Russia buying its weapons from?
Is Russia running out of ammunition? It’s a question Ukraine and its allies have been pondering as the war continues well into its second year.
There is evidence that Russia is getting supplies from abroad. This week, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is in Russia to meet Vladimir Putin and it’s thought that ammunition supplies will be up for discussion.
Back in December, the US military estimated that, without outside help, Moscow would burn through its stocks of artillery shells and rockets by early this year – so why haven’t they run out?
It’s certainly true that, whatever supply issues it has encountered, Russia’s war machine continues to rain down misery upon Ukraine’s defenders.
You can read more on Russia’s stocks here…
Where is Russia buying its weapons from?
Sky News
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19h ago
16:42
Biden to meet world leaders next week
President Joe Biden will next week meet various world leaders including the presidents of five central Asian countries, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the White House has said.
Mr Biden will discuss a range of issues including climate change, the war in Ukraine and security, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters.
It comes after it was reported that Mr Zelenskyy will visit Congress next week.
It’s believed Mr Zelenskyy will travel to Washington after attending a gathering of world leaders at the UN General Assembly in New York.
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19h ago
16:12
Ukraine confirms British and French cruise missiles used in Crimea attack
By Deborah Haynes, security and defence editor
Ukraine has confirmed that British as well as French cruise missiles – fired from either wing of a Ukrainian bomber – were used in a major attack against Russia’s navy in occupied Crimea.
The strikes, in the early hours of Wednesday morning, devastated one of four Russian cruise missile-capable submarines in its Black Sea Fleet and a large warship that had been undergoing maintenance in a dry dock in the port city of Sevastopol.
Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk, the head of the Ukrainian air force, explained that British Storm Shadow missiles had been attached under the left wing of a Ukrainian Su-24 jet and French Scalp missiles under the right wing.
“Both missiles work perfectly, without a chance for the occupier!” he wrote.
It is very rare for Ukrainian commanders to release specific details of an operation.
The air chief signalled his Su-24M bomber aircraft also had the capacity to carry German Taurus missiles – a weapon that Berlin has signalled it may give to Kyiv.
“Then the ‘game of cities’ can be continued even more effectively,” the head of the air force said in this Telegram post.
“Once again, I thank our Western partners for the weapons and equipment that help us destroy the aggressor and liberate Ukrainian land!”
A Ukrainian and a Western source told Sky News on Wednesday that British Storm Shadow missiles were used in the raid.
France is the only other country to have given Ukraine cruise missiles since Russia launched its full-scale invasion.
In a further update on the Sevastopol attack, Britain’s Ministry of Defence identified the two vessels that were hit as the Rostov-na-Donu Kilo class submarine and the landing ship Minsk.
It said the warship “has almost certainly been functionally destroyed, while the Rostov has likely suffered catastrophic damage”.
The UK added: “Any effort to return the submarine to service is likely to take many years and cost hundreds of millions of dollars.
“There is a realistic possibility that the complex task of removing the wreckage from the dry docks will place them out of use for many months.”
