Ukraine Invasion: Part 58

[MagicFox]

We’re all still here for Thread 58. Thanks to all regular contributors, especially those doing the daily hard work. Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

Agreed thread guidance:

A. The agreed purpose of the thread is for the sharing of information and commentary on current events

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In Mariupol, the occupiers have destroyed all Ukrainian murals, monuments, and pedestals.
The city is now being filled with wall art featuring Russian tricolors, propaganda about “friendship with Russian cities,” “heroes of the special military operation,” and images of Peter I and Catherine II.
The occupiers have also renamed Azovstal Street to Tula Avenue and installed a monument to a gingerbread and samovar.
According to the Mariupol City Council, all of this is being done to symbolically de-Ukrainianize the city and impose pro-Russian narratives.

Very old tactics, this is how USSR got these parts of Ukraine to become Russian speakers in the first place.

Also Slovak prime minister is an idiotic twat comparing Ukraine to Hamas. What a thing to say!

Oh lord, @Desdemonashandkerchief , I was on autopilot! Delighted if you do tomorrow. Or woudl Thursday be an option? That's my super busy day this week

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Russia's 'imperialist plan' (kyivindependent.com/russias-imperialist-plan-is-only-beginning-merz-says/) is only beginning, Merz says.
Russia's "imperialist plan wouldn't end with the conquest of Ukraine but would rather be just the start," German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Sept. 8.

⚡️Russia planned large-scale offensive (kyivindependent.com/russia-planned-large-scale-offensive-in-zaporizhzhia-direction-but-ukraine-thwarted-it-syrskyi-says/) in Zaporizhzhia direction, but Ukraine thwarted it, Syrskyi says.
"The Russians were forced to postpone their offensive in Zaporizhzhia Oblast and redeploy marine units to Donetsk Oblast," Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said.

⚡️US steps back from joint efforts to combat misinformation (kyivindependent.com/us-steps-back-from-joint-efforts-to-combat-misinformation-ft-reports/), FT reports.
The U.S. will no longer work with Europe on combating disinformation from countries including China, Iran, and Russia, the Financial Times reported on Sept. 8, citing three unnamed European officials.

As Poland builds Europe's largest army, Russia’s ongoing war reveals its gaps (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-shows-gaps-in-polands-military-drive/)
Spurred by belligerent Russia and the war in Ukraine, Poland has raced to build the largest European army in NATO.
As Western officials warn about an open clash with Moscow within the next five years, Warsaw readies to bear the brunt of such a war.

⚡️New sanctions won't force (kyivindependent.com/no-sanctions-will-force-russia-to-change-course-on-war-kremlin-says/) Russia to change course, Kremlin says.

⚡️ US urges Europe to stop buying Russian oil, gas (kyivindependent.com/us-urges-europe-to-stop-buying-russian-oil-gas-to-win-tougher-moscow-sanctions/) in exchange for tougher Moscow sanctions.
"If the Europeans drew a line and said: 'We're not going to buy more Russian gas, we're not going to buy Russian oil.' Would that have a positive influence on the U.S. leaning in more aggressively (on sanctions) as well? Absolutely," U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said.

⚡️Russian forces are once again focusing on hitting (kyivindependent.com/russia-concentrating-attacks-on-ukraines-energy-sector-zelensky-says/) Ukraine's energy infrastructure, Zelensky says.
The statement follows a massive Russian attack overnight on Sept. 8 that damaged one of the thermal power generation facilities in Kyiv Oblast.

⚡️ As inflation bites, Russia cracks down (kyivindependent.com/as-inflation-bites-russia-cracks-down-on-food-producer/) on food producers amid public concern.
"Potatoes, eggs, milk, and butter are becoming more expensive... But some unscrupulous producers, suppliers, or sellers are allowing themselves to profit in this way," Russian Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov said. [there are Russian sellers with scruples?]

⚡️Romania, Czechia, and Hungary disband Belarusian espionage network (kyivindependent.com/romania-czechia-and-hungary-disband-belarusian-espionage-network-in-europe/) in Europe.
Romania, Czechia, and Hungary have jointly dismantled a Belarusian espionage network operating across Europe, the Czech Security and Information Service (BIS) announced on Sept. 8.

⚡️ Two explosions (kyivindependent.com/two-explosions-in-russias-far-east-target-military-unit-accused-of-war-crimes-in-ukraine-hur-says/) in Russia's Far East target military unit accused of war crimes in Ukraine, HUR says.
Khabarovsk in Russia's Far East is more than 6,000 kilometers from Ukraine.

⚡️China's exports (kyivindependent.com/chinas-exports-to-russia-see-sharpest-decline-in-6-months/) to Russia see sharpest decline in months.
China's exports to Russia fell 16.4% year-on-year in August, the sharpest drop in five months, adding to July's 8.6% decline.

⚡️EU to phase out (kyivindependent.com/us-urges-europe-to-stop-buying-russian-oil-gas-to-win-tougher-moscow-sanctions/) Russian energy supplies as soon as possible, EU spokesperson says, following US criticism.
“The sooner we have that import ban in place, the better our energy security, independence, and price stability,” Anna-Kaisa Itkonen, the European Commission spokesperson for climate, energy, transport, and taxation, told the Kyiv Independent.

⚡️ Rheinmetall to supply Ukraine with Skyranger systems (kyivindependent.com/rheinmetall-to-supply-ukraine-with-skyranger-systems-to-counter-drones/) to counter drones as Russia escalates strikes.
The contract, set to be signed on Sept. 10 and worth "hundreds of millions of euros," will see the first units delivered to Ukraine by the end of the year.

⚡️Estonia summons top Russian diplomat after helicopter violates (kyivindependent.com/estonia-summons-top-russian-diplomat-after-russian-helicopters-violates-estonian-airspace/) Estonian airspace.
Estonia summoned the Russian charge d’affaires at Moscow's embassy in Tallinn on Sept. 8 after a Russian MI-8 helicopter violated Estonian airspace over the Baltic Sea, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said on X.

⚡️EU considers (kyivindependent.com/eu-considers-new-sanctions-on-russian-banks-oil-trade-bloomberg-reports/) new sanctions on Russian banks, oil trade, Bloomberg reports.
The EU has dispatched a delegation to Washington to discuss potential new restrictions with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, who, despite repeated threats, has yet to impose additional sanctions on Russia.

⚡️ Russia detains Azerbaijani citizen (kyivindependent.com/russia-detains-azerbaijani-citizen-over-alleged-terror-plan-as-moscow-baku-tensions-escalate/) over alleged Ukraine-linked 'terror' plot as Moscow-Baku tensions escalate.
Russian authorities are known to extract confessions under duress, and the highly formalized language of the arrested man's testimony suggested it may have been pre-written.

⚡️Thousands rally (kyivindependent.com/thousands-rally-in-belgrade-to-condemn-police-brutality-at-anti-government-protests/) in Belgrade to condemn police brutality at anti-government protests.
Thousands of students and other demonstrators marched in Belgrade on September 8, demanding accountability for police violence during recent anti-government protests, RFE/RL reported.

⚡️19th Russian top executive (kyivindependent.com/19th-russian-top-executive-dies-under-suspicious-circumstances-since-2022-invasion-media-reports/) dies under suspicious circumstances since start of all-out war, media reports.
Alexey Sinitsyn, CEO of potash producer K-Potash Service, was found dead near Kaliningrad.

⚡️ Explosions put 2 Russian gas pipelines (kyivindependent.com/explosions-put-2-russian-gas-pipelines-out-of-service-intelligence-source-claims/) out of service, intelligence source claims.
Two gas transmission pipelines in the city of Penza with a capacity of 2 million barrels per day were put out of service, the source claimed on Sept. 9, without specifying the cause of the blasts.

⚡️Ukrainian drones strike (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drones-strike-oil-pumping-station-supplying-fuel-for-moscow-military-says/) fuel pumping station supplying diesel to Moscow, military says
The attack hit a fuel pumping station that feeds diesel into the Moscow Ring Oil Product Pipeline, which supplies fuel to the capital and surrounding regions.

⚡️ Russian missile that hit government headquarters contained over 30 foreign-made (kyivindependent.com/russian-missile-that-hit-government-headquarters-contained-over-30-foreign-made-parts-ukraine-says/) parts, Ukraine says.
"Compared to missiles from previous years, there are fewer components from Europe and the U.S., and more from Russia and Belarus," presidential sanctions commissioner Vladyslav Vlasiuk said.

⚡️ Russian propagandist Simonyan diagnosed with 'serious illness (kyivindependent.com/russian-propagandist-simonyan-diagnosed-with-serious-illness-she-says/),' she says.
Russian propagandist Margarita Simonyan said on Sept. 7 that she has been recently diagnosed with a "serious illness" and is about to undergo surgery.

⚡️ Boris Johnson urges Western troop presence (kyivindependent.com/boris-johnson-urges-western-troop-presence-in-ukraine-as-signal-to-putin/)in Ukraine as signal to Putin.

⚡️Drone strike on Russia's Sochi (kyivindependent.com/drone-strike-on-russias-sochi-kills-1-damages-houses/) kills 1, damages houses.

⚡️ 7 killed, 23 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine (kyivindependent.com/7-killed-23-injured-in-russian-attacks-on-ukraine-over-past-day/) over past day.
Ukraine's Air Force said Russia launched 84 Shahed-type attack and decoy drones overnight, with air defenses downing 60. [but see below]

⚡️ BREAKING: Over 20 killed (kyivindependent.com/russian-air-strike-on-donetsk-oblast-village-kills-over-20/) in Russian air strike on Donetsk Oblast village.
A Russian air strike against the village of Yarova in Donetsk Oblast killed over 20 people, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sept. 9.
The bombing strike took place as pensions were being distributed in the village, according to Zelensky.

‪Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
· 2h
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA — SEP 9, 2025
■ Increased casualties, nearly 200 engagements, modest equipment losses
■ Double-digit overnight attacks, 71% intercepted
■ 🇷🇺 strikes slightly above average, 🇺🇦 strikes focused on control posts

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

OSCE to convene special meeting at Ukraine’s request over massive Russian strikes
“Today, September 9, at 11:00 Kyiv time, at the request of Ukraine, the Finnish OSCE Chairmanship will convene a special meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council. This meeting will be a response to the recent massive Russian attacks that have resulted in numerous civilian casualties and destruction,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said.

❗️Ukraine and the European Commission have begun screening for the latest cluster of negotiations on EU accession, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka said.
This concerns the section "Agriculture and Rural Development" of the cluster "Resources, Agriculture and Cohesion Policy." The screening will last until September 10.
"We know our advantages, we know the challenges, and today we have the opportunity to lay the foundation for further integration of the Ukrainian agricultural sector into the common EU policy," Kachka noted.

This week we will meet with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha in Budapest to discuss Hungarian-Ukrainian relations, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said.
"We believe in dialogue and are always ready for negotiations. But the initiative belongs to Ukraine: real progress is possible only if the rights of Hungarians in Zakarpattia are fully restored," he noted.

Oil prices rose after OPEC+ agreed over the weekend to slow output increases from October on expectations of weaker global demand — Reuters.
Brent crude gained 34 cents, or 0.5%, to $65.84 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate rose 30 cents, or 0.5%, to $62.17.
Both benchmarks fell more than 2% on Friday after a weak U.S. jobs report dampened demand expectations, ending last week over 3% lower.
OPEC+, which includes the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, Russia and other allies, decided on Sunday to continue raising output from October but at a slower pace. Saudi Arabia, the group’s de facto leader, seeks to regain market share while curbing growth compared to previous months.
Since April, OPEC+ has been boosting production following years of cuts. The latest move surprised markets, as a potential oil glut looms in the northern hemisphere’s winter months. Eight OPEC+ members will increase supply by 137,000 barrels per day from October — far below the monthly hikes of about 555,000 bpd in September and August and 411,000 bpd in July and June.

[more info] The Belarusian KGB created an intelligence network in three EU countries, according to a report by the secret services of Romania, Hungary and the Czech Republic.
The network included employees of the Belarusian State Security Committee, as well as citizens of other countries, including the former deputy head of intelligence of Moldova. The agents were tasked with collecting and transmitting secret information to the KGB.
Some of them had diplomatic cover. The Czech Foreign Ministry is expelling an employee of the Belarusian embassy who was exposed for cooperating with the KGB.

The enemy tried to tear apart the two banks of the Dnipro in Kremenchuk. Road traffic has already been restored, said Chairman of the Board of JSC “Ukrzaliznytsia” Oleksandr Pertsovsky.

The heads of 60 diplomatic missions in Ukraine inspected the Cabinet of Ministers building, damaged by the Russian strike on the night of September 7.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

The entire French government has been dismissed after a vote of no confidence.

Syrsky says Russia has a 3:1 advantage in forces, (www.kyivpost.com/post/59681) 4-6 times in key areas, yet in August, Ukraine blunted offensives and regained 58 sq. km. “Survival is our victory,” Zelensky says.

The US has tightened visa rules for Russians. (www.kyivpost.com/post/59674) Applications are now restricted to being made in Kazakhstan and Poland after Moscow blocked its embassy from hiring staff.

Ukraine’s HUR said it hacked and disabled Russian fuel card systems and telecom services, (www.kyivpost.com/post/59696) causing millions in losses and defacing dozens of Russian websites.

Kyiv Post intelligence sources said explosions hit Russia’s Military Unit 6912 near Khabarovsk, (www.kyivpost.com/post/59685) killing and injuring troops tied to war crimes in Bucha and Irpin.

The Netherlands says it has run out of resources to host more Ukrainian refugees seeking temporary protection.
Roughly 300 new arrivals per week — mostly women and children — are pushing the system to its limits.

“Peace will come only when Ukraine is made part of Russia,” (www.kyivpost.com/post/59666) Kadyrov’s latest statement underlines what many outside and inside of Russia think is the Kremlin’s ultimate and ongoing aim despite Putin’s talk of peace.

Mass youth protests erupt in Nepal after government blocks 26 messaging apps.
At least 19 people have been killed in Kathmandu, with over 100 injured by tear gas and police fire. The parliament building is reportedly on fire.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🇪🇺 EU prepares new sanctions targeting Russian banks and oil — Bloomberg reports.
According to sources cited by Bloomberg, the upcoming sanctions package will include restrictions on:
🔴Russian “shadow fleet” vessels;
🔴Russian oil traders operating in third countries;
🔴Major Russian oil companies, including Rosneft and Lukoil;
🔴Military-related artificial intelligence technologies.
For the first time, the EU is also considering sanctions against Kazakhstan to block the supply of certain goods used in the production of Russian weapons.

In occupied Donetsk, drones and missiles hit the former Topaz plant.
The site is currently used by Russian forces as a base for military equipment and personnel.

Margarita Simonyan reportedly diagnosed with cancer — The Moscow Times sources.
According to sources cited by The Moscow Times, Russian state propagandist Margarita Simonyan has allegedly been diagnosed with cancer.

Blackwater founder Erik Prince seeks access to Ukraine’s drone sector — The Guardian reports.
According to sources cited by The Guardian, Erik Prince, founder of the largest U.S. private military company Blackwater, is now looking to invest in Ukraine’s drone industry.
“Erik is planning to buy companies that produce drones,” one source stated.
Prince’s renewed interest in Ukraine follows his recent involvement as an advisor to a drone-based targeted killing program in Haiti. He has also reportedly deployed hundreds of fighters to the crisis-stricken country — a key site of Western mining interests.
This isn’t the first time Prince has made such proposals. Back in 2018, he offered to fund a mercenary army in Afghanistan using revenue from local mining projects.
▪️Prince has long viewed Ukraine as a potential source of profit. In 2020, he proposed a multibillion-dollar plan to the Ukrainian government — aiming to purchase aircraft engine manufacturer Motor Sich, take control of the Antonov plant, build an ammunition factory, and establish a private army composed of veterans from the war in eastern Ukraine.

Russian soldier who executed Ukrainian POWs in Kharkiv region admits guilt.
Thirty-six-year-old Russian national Serhii Tuzhylov, a rifleman-assault trooper from the 69th Motorized Rifle Division of Russia’s 6th Army, has been charged with cruel treatment of prisoners of war combined with premeditated murder.
He took part in the fighting near Vovchansk in June 2024. During an assault on a local factory, Tuzhylov and an accomplice executed three captured Ukrainian servicemen. Tuzhylov personally shot one of the prisoners.
Shortly after the incident, Ukrainian forces destroyed his unit, capturing Tuzhylov as the sole survivor. He now faces a life sentence.
During the court hearing, the Russian soldier pleaded guilty. He expressed regret for his actions and said he would not go to war in Ukraine again.
“I deeply regret what I did. But it can’t be undone… What can I say to the families? I’m sorry for what I did. But it probably won’t bring them any comfort,” said “Altai” in the courtroom.

🇫🇮 Wagner fighter who took part in the occupation of Selydove and fled to Finland in June will not be prosecuted.
Russian soldier Yevgeny, known by the call sign “Kanello,” has applied for asylum in Finland. As a result, his case for illegal border crossing will not be referred to the prosecutor.
“Kanello” gained notoriety after appearing in a video from occupied Selydove in the Donetsk region, in which he declared that the city had “returned to Rasyeyushka.” Later, he criticized Russian military commanders and accused them of abusing Russian soldiers.
In Russia, he had multiple convictions for robbery and, before fleeing, claimed he was being persecuted and beaten by unidentified individuals.

Trump blames Democrats for the death of a Ukrainian refugee and slams media for covering up the tragedy.

@notimagain what will happen now in France?

Don't really know to be honest..

We watched the TV coverage of the debate and vote last night and it was frustrating to hear a few right of centre agree that the budget needed sorting, agreeing with a lot of Bayrou's proposals..but then promptly voting against him..

Fundamentally it seems to have been a case of sticking one indirectly on President Macron and sod the consequences....the world really seems short of grown up politicians ATM.

Haven't followed that much this AM, not sure where we are with a new PM.

Yes very happy to do Thursday 🫡

Thanks a lot @Desdemonashandkerchief , that's great!

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-september-9-2025/

Key Takeaways

1. Russian territorial gains have become less costly over the last four months compared to Spring 2025 as Russian forces are sustaining a lower casualty rate per square kilometer seized.
2. Russian casualty rates per square kilometer peaked in the first four months of 2025 as Russian forces fought to maintain the intensified pace of offensive operations they began in Fall 2024.
3. Russian advances began to slow during the first four months of 2025 as Russian casualties remained consistent, resulting in a higher Russian casualty rate between January and April 2025.
4. Russian forces began to make quicker gains in May 2025 and have sustained a faster rate of advance over the last four months as Russian casualties marginally decreased, although Russian forces continue to advance at footpace.
5. Russian casualty rates have likely decreased in Ukraine due to Russia’s renewed emphasis on using UAVs to generate some effects of battlefield air interdiction (BAI), largely led by UAV operators of Russia’s Rubikon Center for Advanced Unmanned Technologies.
6. Recent Russian polling suggests that support among the Russian population for the war remains high despite growing casualties and relatively slow advances on the battlefield.
7. Ukraine continues to strike Russian energy infrastructure.
8. Ukrainian forces reportedly conducted a combined strike against three Russian command posts in and near occupied Donetsk City on September 8.
9. Russian State Duma officials are engaging in a top-down Kremlin-organized effort to threaten Finland.
10. Russian forces conducted a strike against a mobile pension dispersal point in Donetsk Oblast that killed and wounded dozens of mostly elderly civilians.
11. Ukrainian forces recently advanced in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area. Russian forces recently advanced near Novopavlivka.

What do we think of the drones in Poland? A message to the coalition of the willing perhaps or to sow a little discord into NATO?

Apparntly a us jet was involved in dealing with the drones

Putin pushing boundaries ? Apparently it was the border with Belarus

Bit early to unpick exactly what went on last night TBH..still lots of conflcting reports (and disinformation) but it does look as if, at the very least, Russia don't care about drones en-route to targets in western Ukraine penetrating Polish airspace.

Via Mark Chadbourne

Polish President Karol Nawrocki will convene the National Security Council within 48 hours to discuss the Russian incursion.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk says Poland has asked NATO to invoke Article 4 for urgent consultations.

This isn’t the first time though is it? We do need a more robust response

Agree re the response..

I think (but not sure) this might be the first incursion on this scale, so it looks as if the Russians might not be able to blow this off as simply "one of our drones got lost"....

They are either deliberately provoking Poland/NATO or have no qualms about Polish overflight enroute to targets in Ukraine, something that might help them tactically, or both reasons may apply.

Sky News right now breaking - Russia claiming the drones were Ukrainian.
Arseholes. What is it going to take for us to mount a proper, robust defence? I don't know.

A lot of pushing their luck recently by the Russians.

Surely the remnants of shot down drones will definitely prove they were russian?
The Kremlin seems to take its pathological denial methods from Shaggy.

Yes it's clearly a ridiculous claim.
But adds insult to injury. And is further evidence that they'll stop at nothing to destabilise NATO, and make it look ineffectual.
And I suppose there will be some - inclined that way - who will believe them.

The techies will quickly verify who the darned things belong to, but the fellow travellers/tin foil hatters/useful idiots won't believe a word of it....

Pictures are online, so no doubt who owned them.
I take it the two drones over Poland last week, and left alone to continue on their killing mission, was Russia's toe in the water.
It was pretty selfish of Poland to not have brought them down, "because they were of no harm to us." Maybe that's the NATO way.
The Russians are like rust. Unless to get rid of the first signs, it will grow and corrode.

I don't know about selfish - no one wants what's probably coming. But Russia is becoming more and more overt and I can't help thinking that it's pushing for the situation where a country/NATO has to take action then it can scream 'self defense!'. Which makes me wonder if the economic problems in Russia are becoming more pressing; and if things do blow up, if China will support Russia financially, take over Taiwan and if NK will support Russia with an eye on S Korea in the longer term. Rearrange the cards on the table, so's to speak.

@Natsku what signs are you seeing of the reported Kremlin attempts to threaten Finland?