Summary of the Day:
Ukraine continues to face manpower shortages and insufficient Western military aid, limiting its ability to defend critical areas and contest Russian advances. President Zelensky noted that Ukraine’s incursion into Russia’s Kursk Oblast has forced Russia to redirect resources but emphasized the need for more support and permission to strike military targets within Russia.
Ukrainian forces have made advances in Glushkovsky Raion, Kursk Oblast, and regained territory near Kharkiv City and Pokrovsk. However, Russian forces have also advanced near Kreminna, Chasiv Yar, Pokrovsk, and Vuhledar, while recapturing some territory in the Kursk salient.
Russia is gradually increasing its long-term military capacity and reportedly continues to coerce migrants to fight in its military.
Picture of the Day:
The aftermath of the Russian attack against the city of Kharkiv. (Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Syniehubov / Telegram)
Beyond Ukraine – The March Towards World War
Russia and Iran have reportedly increased nuclear cooperation, potentially advancing Iran’s nuclear weapons capabilities. This development is likely in exchange for Iranian ballistic missiles supplied to Russia, as confirmed by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Russian President Putin acknowledged “peaceful nuclear cooperation” with Iran during a recent meeting.
Iran’s dual approach of nuclear advancement and diplomatic openness suggests an attempt to build leverage for future negotiations. The head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization expressed willingness to improve relations with the International Atomic Energy Agency, while President Pezeshkian hinted at potential direct talks with the US.
Kazakhstan’s President Tokayev’s statement on Russia’s “military invincibility” aligns with Russia’s strategy to outlast Western support for Ukraine. This rhetoric, amplified by Russian state media, contributes to an ongoing information campaign aimed at discrediting Ukraine’s peace efforts.
These developments collectively heighten global tensions, potentially destabilizing the balance of power in the Middle East and complicating diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts in Ukraine and beyond.
The Path to Peace
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine’s Victory Plan is over 90% complete and will soon be presented to allies. The comprehensive plan includes strategies for Ukraine’s role in global security, diplomatic pressure on Russia, and economic measures. Zelensky revealed that the ongoing incursion into Russia’s Kursk Oblast is part of this broader strategy.
In addition to the Victory Plan, Ukraine is preparing for a second peace summit, following an initial meeting held in Switzerland in June. Zelensky indicated that a Russian representative may be invited to participate in the upcoming summit. However, he emphasized that Ukraine continues to reject any ceasefire proposals, viewing them as potential opportunities for Russia to regroup and strengthen its position.
The Ukrainian president stressed that the Victory Plan aims to strengthen Ukraine’s position while upholding international law. This stance aligns with recent statements from the United Nations. UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson Stephane Dujarric reaffirmed the organization’s position on ending the Ukraine war in accordance with international law and respecting Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
Dujarric’s statement came in response to comments made by US Republican vice-presidential candidate JD Vance, who suggested creating “de-militarized zones” in Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine. Vance also proposed that Ukraine should retain sovereignty only if it agrees not to join NATO, a position that contradicts the current Biden administration’s stance on the conflict.
As these diplomatic discussions continue, Zelensky expressed confidence in the feasibility of Ukraine’s Victory Plan and its alignment with international legal principles. The plan’s imminent presentation to allies marks a significant step in Ukraine’s efforts to garner support for its strategic vision in the ongoing conflict.
Situation On The Land, Sea, and Air in Ukraine
In recent developments, Ukraine is grappling with significant challenges in its defense against Russian offensives, primarily due to delays in receiving Western military aid. President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed concern over the shortage of essential equipment, particularly armored vehicles and artillery ammunition. The Ukrainian leader stated that while the country requires 14 combat-ready brigades, they have been unable to equip even four due to the slow arrival of aid.
To address these shortfalls, Ukraine has intensified its domestic drone production and is transferring equipment from reserves. Despite progress in mobilization efforts, equipment shortages remain the primary obstacle in bolstering Ukraine’s defensive capabilities. The country has partially mitigated artillery shortages by employing FPV drones, but these cannot fully replace traditional artillery systems.
While domestic production of ammunition and armored vehicles is on the rise, it falls short of meeting all of Ukraine’s military needs. Increased Western support, especially in mechanized equipment, could substantially enhance Ukraine’s combat readiness.
In a strategic move, Ukraine has launched incursions into Russia’s Kursk Oblast, forcing Russia to redirect some of its resources to defend its own territory. President Zelensky highlighted the impact of this operation, noting that before the Kursk incursion, Russia was using artillery ammunition at a rate 12 times higher than Ukraine. However, he emphasized that Ukraine still requires more resources and permission from Western allies to strike military targets within Russia to effectively counter Russian forces.
Zelensky stressed the need for Western-provided precision weapons to target Russian military assets, pointing out that delays in obtaining permission give Russia time to fortify or relocate these targets. The Ukrainian president suggested that taking the war to Russian territory aims to weaken domestic support for the conflict in Russia and strengthen Ukraine’s negotiating position.
In a related development, Ukrainian Navy Spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk confirmed on September 16 that Russia is relocating ships from Novorossiysk due to potential Ukrainian long-range strikes. Satellite images from September 14 corroborated this claim, showing no Russian vessels in Novorossiysk port, indicating they had been moved south to Gelendzhik.
Ukrainian Operations in the Russian Federation – Initiative None
In a series of developments on September 16, both Ukrainian and Russian forces made significant advances in the Glushkovsky Raion of Kursk Oblast. Footage has emerged showing Ukrainian forces progressing near the settlements of Veseloye and Medvezhye, while Russian forces simultaneously moved into the southeastern part of Veseloye. Russian sources have reported ongoing Ukrainian operations in the area, with Russian airborne units reportedly engaged in the fighting.
Ukrainian forces continued their push in Kursk Oblast on the same day, advancing northwest of Viktorovka and west of Gordeevka, south of Korenevo. Russia’s Defense Ministry acknowledged Ukrainian attacks near several settlements, including Byakhovo, Viktorovka, Krasnooktyabrskoye, Lyubimovka, and Malaya Loknya in the Korenevo and Sudzha areas.
Concurrently, Russian forces made territorial gains in Kursk Oblast, advancing in northern Obukhovka. Russian authorities claim to have captured the settlements of Uspenovka and Borki, though these claims remain unverified. Reports indicate Russian counterattacks near Lyubimovka.
The conflict in the region involves various Russian military units, including naval infantry and airborne forces. A Ukrainian intelligence official has stated that Russia has deployed approximately 38,000 personnel to Kursk Oblast, including units transferred from southern Ukraine.
In response to the escalating situation, Russian authorities have ordered mandatory evacuations in the Rylsky and Khomutovsky districts of Kursk Oblast, located northwest of Korenevo. These orders underscore the intensifying nature of the conflict in the region and its impact on local populations.
Kharkiv Front – Initiative Russia
Ukrainian forces have made advances in Vovchansk, located northeast of Kharkiv City, regaining positions within the Vovchansk Aggregate Plant. Meanwhile, Russian forces have maintained their offensive operations in Vovchansk and near the settlements of Lyptsi and Hlyboke.
A Ukrainian military spokesperson reported a decrease in Russian military activity in other areas north and northeast of Kharkiv City. However, the spokesperson noted an increase in the use of reconnaissance drones by Russian forces in the region.
Russian forces are reportedly employing small infantry groups to advance near Vovchansk, utilizing the cover provided by forested areas. Military analysts suggest that this tactic may become less effective as autumn progresses and trees lose their foliage.
Luhansk Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces have made advances near Makiivka, northwest of Kreminna, and reportedly near Tabaivka and Pishchane, southeast of Kupyansk. Russian units are pushing towards the Oskil River in the vicinity of Kruhlyakivka and Kolisynkivka. Offensive operations by Russian forces continue along the Kupyansk-Svatove-Kreminna line. These ongoing operations include areas near Synkivka, Petropavlivka, Hlushkivka, Kovalivka, Tverdokhlibove, Druzhelyubivka, Hrekivka, Nevske, and Novosadove. Russian forces are also active in the Serebryanske forest area as part of their ongoing offensive efforts in the region.
Donetsk Front – Initiative Russia
Siversk
Russian military forces conducted offensive operations in the vicinity of Siversk on September 15 and 16, according to reports. The operations targeted several areas around Siversk, including Bilohorivka to the northeast, Verkhnokamyanske to the east, and Vyimka and Ivano-Darivka to the southeast. Despite these efforts, Russian forces did not achieve any notable territorial gains in the targeted areas.
Chasiv Yar
Russian forces have made advances in the area south of Chasiv Yar. The troops crossed the Siverskyi-Donets Donbas Canal, moving towards Stupochky. Additionally, Russian forces reached the northwestern part of Andriivka. Military activities were reported in the vicinity of Chasiv Yar itself, as well as in nearby locations including Vasyukivka, Kurdyumivka, and Stupochky. Russian airborne and motorized rifle units are currently operating in the direction of Chasiv Yar.
Toretsk
Russian forces conducted offensive operations near Toretsk on September 16, with no confirmed territorial gains. Fighting erupted in eastern Toretsk, particularly around a bread factory and correctional colony. The conflict also spread to surrounding areas including Druzhba, Dachne, Zalizne, Nelipivka, and towards Shcherbynivka. Russian forces are attempting to breach Toretsk’s defenses from Zalizne and Pivnichne, employing motorized rifle brigades in this operation.
Pokrovsk
Ukrainian forces have regained positions in western Mykhailivka, southeast of Pokrovsk, reportedly impeding Russian advances towards Selydove. The frontline in the Selydove area has shifted to the railway line between Mykhailivka and Selydove, following earlier Ukrainian counterattacks that pushed Russian forces out of eastern Selydove. However, there is no visual confirmation of Russian presence in central Selydove.
Russian forces have made progress in other areas, advancing to Buriaka Street in northern Zhelanne Pershe, southeast of Pokrovsk. Reports indicate a change in Russian tactics, with forces now moving in smaller groups and utilizing cover. Russian forces continue their efforts to encircle Ukrainsk.
Military activity has been reported near various settlements including Vozdvyzhenka, Novooleksandrivka, Zelene Pole, Hrodivka, Novohrodivka, Krasnyi Yar, Marynivka, Mykhailivka, Novotoretske, Zhelanne Pershe, Zhelanne Druhe, Ukrainsk, Selydove, and Tsukuryne. Russian motorized rifle units are operating in the vicinity of Selydove.
West of Donetsk City
Russian forces conducted offensive operations in the vicinity of Heorhiivka, west of Donetsk City, on September 15 and 16. Despite these military activities, no confirmed changes to the frontline in this area have been reported.
Southwest of Donetsk City
Russian forces made progress in the vicinity of Vuhledar, southwest of Donetsk City, on September 16. Their recent advances in the area were evidenced by the destruction of a tower at the Pivdennodonbaska No. 3 coal mine. Over September 15-16, Russian forces also conducted attacks near several settlements including Kostyantynivka, Katerynivka, Maksymilyanivka, Vuhledar, and Vodyane.
Zaporizhia Front – Initiative None
Zaporizhia-Donetsk Border Area
Russian forces conducted military operations near the Donetsk-Zaporizhia border on September 15 and 16. The attacks targeted areas in the vicinity of Makarivka, Novodarivka, and Solodke. These locations are situated close to Velyka Novosilka.
Zaporizhia Line
Russian forces launched attacks in western Zaporizhia Oblast on September 16. No confirmed changes to the frontline have been reported. Some Russian bloggers claimed minor advances near Kamyanske and an increase in attacks east of the Kakhovka Reservoir. However, these claims currently lack visual confirmation.
Kherson (Dnipro River) Front – Initiative None
The Ukrainian General Staff reported on September 15 and 16 that Russian forces launched multiple attacks in the Dnipro area. These attacks are likely referring to operations on the east bank of Kherson Oblast and on islands in the Dnipro River delta.
Ukraine News
Russian forces conducted a significant drone attack against Ukraine on September 15-16, deploying 56 Shahed-136/131 drones. Ukrainian forces reportedly intercepted 53 drones across multiple oblasts, including Kyiv, Vinnytsia, and Zaporizhia, with three drones “lost” in other areas. A Russian source claimed strikes on Ukrainian military targets in Khmelnytskyi Oblast.
In a CNN interview on September 13, Ukrainian President Zelensky reported that Russian forces are using approximately 4,000 glide bombs per month in eastern Ukraine. These bombs are allegedly responsible for damaging 80% of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, though the specifics of this damage assessment are unclear. Zelensky also noted that Russian forces have intensified their attacks, launching over 640 Shahed drones in early September.
Ukrainian Navy Spokesperson Pletenchuk clarified on September 16 that the September 11 Russian missile strike on a civilian grain carrier occurred outside the designated grain corridor. He confirmed the corridor’s stability and noted that most ships there use foreign flags.
A memorial was held in Kyiv on September 16 to mark the 24th anniversary of Ukrainian journalist Georgiy Gongadze’s abduction and subsequent murder. The case, which led to protests against then-President Leonid Kuchma, remains partially unsolved, with no one charged for ordering the murder.
Ryan Routh, 58, was arrested at Trump International Golf Club in Florida for wielding an assault rifle. Routh, who had previously published a book on Ukraine and expressed support for the country, faces charges for illegal weapon possession as a convicted felon. President Zelensky condemned the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, expressing relief that Trump was unharmed. The International Legion for the Defense of Ukraine denied any connection to Routh.
Innocent Victims Of War
The casualty count of civilians in the past 24 hours: (Russian War Crimes)
DEATHS: 2 INJURIES: 63
Russian forces launched a series of attacks across Ukraine, resulting in deaths, injuries, and widespread damage in several regions. In Kharkiv Oblast, a strike on Kharkiv city claimed the life of an elderly woman and left 43 people wounded, including children. The oblast also saw attacks in Pisky Radkivski and Kupiansk.
Donetsk Oblast reported one fatality and seven injuries following attacks on Pokrovsk, Mykolaivka, and Chasiv Yar. In Kherson Oblast, Russian forces targeted 10 settlements, leaving six people injured.
Drone strikes in Marhanets, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, resulted in injuries to two men. Kyiv Oblast reported one woman injured by fallen drone debris.
Ukrainian Mobilization and Industrial Defense Base
Ukraine had passed a new mobilization law in April 2024, aimed at strengthening its armed forces as Russian advances continue in Donetsk Oblast and Ukraine opens a new front in Russia’s Kursk Oblast. The law, which lowered the minimum age for compulsory military service from 27 to 25, has resulted in nearly 4.7 million military-aged men in Ukraine updating their personal data as required.
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski criticized the timing of the law, stating it should have been implemented a year earlier when there were more volunteers. Sikorski also noted the presence of many military-aged Ukrainian men in Poland, suggesting that incentives should be provided to encourage their return to Ukraine for both economic and military reasons.
In a related development, President Zelensky has signed a bill creating a new Unmanned Systems Forces branch of Ukraine’s military. Led by Colonel Vadym Sukharevskyi, this branch aims to enhance Ukraine’s drone capabilities in response to their growing importance in the ongoing conflict. The new unit will focus on developing, producing, and innovating various types of drones for reconnaissance and combat purposes. Ukraine plans to produce 1 million drones this year, supplementing those provided by allies.
Both Ukraine and Russia have extensively used drones throughout the conflict, with Ukraine employing innovative tactics to counter Russia’s numerical advantage. In this vein, the Ukrainian volunteer group “Wild Hornets” has developed a high-speed FPV drone capable of reaching 325 kph. The first batch of these drones is set to be deployed to the front lines soon. Ukrainian aerial scouts suggest they could potentially be used to target combat helicopters, Shahed drones, or intercept guided aerial bombs.
The “Wild Hornets” unit has also developed other innovative combat drones, including one equipped with an AK-74 assault rifle and a larger multi-purpose drone. However, challenges remain, including battery performance and maintaining high speeds while carrying explosive payloads.
Ukraine’s Allies
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has stated that individual NATO countries can decide whether to allow Ukraine to use Western weapons for long-range strikes into Russia. This declaration comes amid ongoing discussions among NATO allies about expanding military support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
The United Kingdom, Sweden, Finland, and Canada reportedly support the idea of Ukraine using long-range weapons, such as Storm Shadow missiles, for strikes into Russian territory. However, Germany opposes allowing Ukraine to use its weapons for such purposes. In response to these discussions, Russian President Vladimir Putin has escalated his rhetoric, claiming that such actions would mean NATO is directly at war with Russia.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is actively seeking support from European allies for this approach. He has met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and plans similar talks in France and Germany. Meloni has expressed support for the decision, while Starmer reaffirmed Ukraine’s right to self-defense.
White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan indicated that logistical challenges, rather than political will, are the main hurdle for approving such strikes. The issue may be further discussed at the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York, where President Biden plans to meet with Ukrainian President Zelensky to discuss further support for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, NATO allies continue to provide military aid to Ukraine. Latvia is sending CVR(T) armored vehicles as part of a new military aid package, although the exact number wasn’t disclosed for security reasons. Poland has pledged to contribute €100 million over two years to a Czech-led initiative to buy artillery shells for Ukraine. The initiative has already secured funding for 500,000 rounds from 18 countries, with plans to finance 300,000 more by the end of 2024.
Denmark has announced plans to send more F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine in the second half of 2024, following an initial delivery in late July. Copenhagen has pledged a total of 19 F-16s to Ukraine. Other countries, including the Netherlands, Norway, and Belgium, have also promised F-16s to Ukraine. President Zelensky states Ukraine needs at least 128 F-16s to effectively counter Russian air power.
In a related development, Meta has announced a global ban on Russian state-run media outlets like RT and Rossiya Segodnya across its platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. This decision follows U.S. charges against RT employees for alleged election interference attempts and the seizure of 32 internet domains linked to Russian propaganda. Meta cites these outlets’ involvement in covert influence operations as the reason for the ban, which will be implemented over the next few days.
As the conflict continues, NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg acknowledged the risks of escalation but emphasized that Putin winning in Ukraine would be the greatest threat to the alliance’s security.
Life in Russian-Occupied Ukraine
Russian forces continue to occupy the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest nuclear facility, amid growing international concern. Ukraine’s National Resistance Center reports that approximately 1,300 Russian National Guard personnel are stationed at the plant, with some disguised as facility security staff.
The center has criticized the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for allegedly overlooking Russian military activities during recent inspections. IAEA Director Rafael Grossi visited the plant on September 4, noting damage to a cooling tower but not mentioning the reported troop presence.
The nuclear facility, under Russian control since March 2022, is being used to house troops and store weapons, according to Ukrainian sources. Its proximity to the front lines of the conflict has raised ongoing nuclear safety concerns.
Life in Ukrainian-Occupied Russia
Ukraine has called for United Nations and International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) verification of the situation in areas of Russia’s Kursk region recently seized by Ukrainian forces. The request follows a surprise Ukrainian offensive launched on August 6 that advanced into Russian territory, capturing numerous towns.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga stated that the country wants to demonstrate its adherence to international humanitarian law. Russia has denounced the offensive, which reportedly displaced about 150,000 Russian civilians.
Moscow claims to have recaptured parts of the Kursk region last week after initially being caught off guard by Ukraine’s advance. The situation marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict, with Ukrainian forces pushing beyond their borders into Russian territory.
Russia News
Russian military officials are facing corruption charges as part of a broader effort to address misconduct within the Ministry of Defense. Ivan Papulovsky, head of the Russian 4924th military representative office, and his subordinate Grigory Zorin were detained for allegedly accepting 11 million rubles in bribes over three years from companies supplying electrical products and cables. This crackdown is part of a wider anti-corruption initiative led by new Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, targeting issues across various military departments.
In a related development, Chechen commander Apti Alaudinov has made a controversial statement regarding Chechen fighters who surrendered to Ukrainian forces during the recent incursion into Russia’s Kursk Oblast. Alaudinov declared that these fighters should attempt to get themselves killed rather than be exchanged, considering surrender a disgrace that can only be redeemed through bloodshed.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian chess players are urging the International Chess Federation (FIDE) to maintain its ban on Russian and Belarusian players due to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Thirteen players sent a letter ahead of FIDE’s General Assembly in Budapest, arguing that removing sanctions would be premature and immoral given current circumstances. FIDE currently allows Russian and Belarusian players to compete under a neutral flag but bars their national flags from events.
In a significant political move, Andrii Derkach, a former Ukrainian lawmaker, has been appointed as a senator in Russia’s Astrakhan Oblast by Governor Igor Babushkin. Derkach, who served in Ukraine’s parliament for nearly 20 years, is now a Russian citizen living in Astrakhan. The U.S. government has sanctioned Derkach, labeling him “a Russian agent” and accusing him of election interference. Ukraine has also sanctioned him, revoked his citizenship, and placed him on its wanted list. Ukrainian authorities have accused Derkach of receiving funds from Russian intelligence to create security structures for capturing Ukraine and of engaging in subversive activities against the country. He is currently under investigation for suspected treason and illicit enrichment by Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies.
Russian War Losses (Today/Total)
Troops +1020
635880 |
Tanks +2
8685 |
Artillery +6
18129 |
Arm.VEH +6
17077 |
Aircraft
369 |
Heli
328 |
Ships
28 |
Russian Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to significantly increase the size of the Russian Armed Forces. The decree, set to take effect on December 1, 2024, will expand the military to 1.5 million combat personnel, marking an increase of 180,000 from the previous decree in December 2023. This brings the total expansion to about 350,000 combat personnel since 2022.
The overall size of the Russian Armed Forces will reach 2,389,130 people, including the 1.5 million military personnel. This expansion is not a new mobilization wave but rather an intensification of ongoing recruitment strategies. The target includes a goal of 695,000 contract personnel, as previously stated by former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.
Russia has been avoiding a wide-scale draft since its 2022 mobilization of 300,000 reservists. Instead, the country has reportedly been recruiting about 30,000 soldiers monthly, focusing on economically weaker regions and migrants. Ukraine estimates Russian casualties at over 630,000 since the full-scale invasion began, though Moscow does not confirm these figures.
The military expansion goes beyond the Ukraine war, aiming for long-term growth through extensive reforms. These changes include re-establishing military districts and forming new army units, largely reversing previous downsizing efforts. However, Russia’s ability to implement these changes effectively depends on the outcome of the Ukraine war and is constrained by long-term force-generation and economic factors.
Reports have emerged of Russian authorities forcing migrants to fight in Ukraine. Azerbaijan has appealed to Russia after three of its citizens were detained in Chechnya and sent to combat. Similar cases involving citizens from India, Nepal, Cuba, Serbia, and various Central Asian and African countries have been observed, with migrants reportedly being coerced into military service under false pretenses.
In a related development, Russia has formalized a law enrolling members of the All-Russian Cossack Society into the military’s mobilization reserve. President Putin signed a decree amending Cossack policy to include this change. The government has also transferred control of Cossack Cadet Corps to the Defense Ministry and has established Cossack organizations in occupied Ukraine, likely to expand military reserves using local populations.
Controlling the Narrative and Russian Propaganda
Russia has been accused of attempting to discredit Ukraine in order to reduce Western support and justify its own military aid from North Korea and Iran. The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service claimed Ukraine is planning a false-flag attack on a children’s facility to blame these countries. However, Western officials have already confirmed that North Korea, Iran, and China are supporting Russia’s war effort, with investigations proving Russia’s use of Iranian drones and North Korean missiles in Ukraine.
Russian media outlets have spread allegations that Ukraine is planning a staged missile attack on a children’s institution to gain international support. Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD) has dismissed these claims as disinformation, suggesting that such false narratives could signal Russia’s preparation for another attack on civilian targets. The CCD also noted previous instances where Russia attempted to blame Ukraine for attacks on civilian areas.
In a related incident, a prominent Russian military blogger accused a Kazakh journalist of being a “Kazakh Nazi” for supporting the use of indigenous place names instead of Russian imperial ones. Other Russian bloggers criticized the journalist for celebrating Central Asian states’ use of their own writing systems and names, claiming Russian orthography is the only “correct option.” This echoes the Kremlin’s tactic of labeling Ukraine and other countries as “Nazi” or “Russophobic” when they assert their cultural independence.
Meanwhile, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has rescheduled screenings of the controversial documentary “Russians at War” for September 17, after initially pausing them due to public backlash and protests. The film, directed by Canadian-Russian Anastasia Trofimova, has faced criticism for potentially whitewashing Russian soldiers involved in the invasion of Ukraine. Critics argue the documentary lacks Ukrainian perspectives, fails to address Russian war crimes, and doesn’t adequately critique Putin’s regime. Trofimova’s background working for Russian state media and her portrayal of Russian soldiers as “ordinary guys” have also raised concerns. Despite the controversy, TIFF organizers maintain the film is not Russian propaganda. The decision to screen the film has sparked ongoing debate about its ethical implications and funding sources.
Source Material
Institute for the Study of War – understandingwar.org
The Kyiv Independent – kyivindependent.com
Kyiv Post – kyivpost.com