Russians hit Kharkiv about 10 times, injuring 47

On September 1, Russia launched a devastating attack on the city of Kharkiv, injuring at least 47 people, according to local authorities. The assault began around 1 p.m. local time, with explosions reported in Kharkiv's Saltivskyi and Nemyshlianskyi districts, as confirmed by Mayor Ihor Terekhov. Preliminary reports from the Prosecutor General's Office indicated that the city was struck by Iskander-M ballistic missiles.

Initially, 22 people were reported injured in the Saltivskyi district and six in the Nemyshlianskyi district, with two individuals in serious condition. As the day progressed, Mayor Terekhov revealed that two children and two medics were among those injured in the Saltivskyi district. By 6:44 p.m. local time, the State Emergency Service reported that the number of casualties had risen to 47, including seven children. The youngest victim was just three months old.

The attack also caused significant damage, destroying Kharkiv's Palace of Sports in the Nemyshlianskyi district, where rescue operations were ongoing amid concerns that people might be trapped under the rubble. Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Syniehubov confirmed the destruction and noted that energy infrastructure in the city had also been targeted, though details about the specific facilities affected were not immediately available.

President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, describing it as another instance of Russian terror against Kharkiv. He emphasized the need for international support, urging world leaders to provide Ukraine with the resources required to defend itself. Zelensky highlighted that "all the necessary means for the rescue operation have been deployed" and called for greater courage from global leaders to stop the ongoing terror.

The September 1 attack follows a similar strike on August 30, in which Russia used UMPB D-30 munitions to target Kharkiv, killing at least seven people, including a child, and injuring 97 others. The recent escalation of attacks on Kharkiv Oblast has been linked to Russia's renewed cross-border offensive in the region, which began in May. Despite Ukrainian forces halting the advance, Russian troops continue to occupy several settlements near the border.

Russia could occupy the whole of Donbas and threaten the Dnipropetrovsk region in the spring 2025

Michael Clarke, visiting professor in defense studies at King’s College London, has predicted that by spring 2025, Russian forces could potentially capture all of Donetsk Oblast and threaten the Dnipropetrovsk region.

Clarke shared his thoughts in his article in the British outlet The Times

Michael Clarke notes that neither side anticipates a decisive battlefield outcome this year. Both are preparing for a "big push" in the ground war in 2025.

"They hope this phase of arm-wrestling will boost their chances in future battles and convince their backers worldwide that military success is achievable. Only one will be proven right," the article states.

Clarke suggests that Ukrainian strategists might be banking on the offensive in Russia’s Kursk Oblast to heighten political pressure on Vladimir Putin as the cost of the war becomes clearer to the Russian public.

"Although this goal is appealing to Kyiv’s leaders, they might have to face losing Pokrovsk and Chasiv Yar in the process. If that happens, both President Zelenskyy and Oleksandr Syrskyi, his military chief, could find themselves under political pressure as well," The Times reports.

Michael Clarke is a visiting professor of defense studies at King’s College London and a distinguished fellow at the Royal United Services Institute.

Russia to change its nuclear doctrine in response to West's "escalation course"

Russia plans to revise its nuclear doctrine based on an analysis of recent conflicts and the perceived escalation by the West.

plans
Ryabkov indicated that the process of finalizing the relevant document is ongoing, though the timeline for its completion remains uncertain. He pointed out that this is a complex issue as it involves critical aspects of national security.

Vladimir Putin emphasized that Russia's nuclear doctrine is a dynamic document that may be updated as necessary, reiterating Moscow's stance that a nuclear exchange should never occur.

Earlier, Ryabkov suggested that Western actions have necessitated a review of Russia's nuclear doctrine to align with current needs. He noted that the actions of the U.S. and its allies have significantly worsened the global situation, prompting Moscow to continuously assess its nuclear deterrence policies in response.

According to the 2020 "Foundations of State Policy of the Russian Federation in the Area of Nuclear Deterrence," Russia's use of nuclear weapons is considered possible under certain circumstances. These include the use of weapons of mass destruction against Russia or its allies, the detection of a ballistic missile launch targeting Russia or its allies, an attack on critical nuclear response facilities, or aggression against Russia using conventional weapons that threatens the state's existence.