Putin's new nuclear threats, Shaheds equipped with Starlink - Wednesday brief
Collage by RBC-Ukraine
Russian leader Vladimir Putin announced his intention to expand the list of conditions for the use of nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, the occupiers began installing Starlink on their Shaheds.
Read more details about what happened on Wednesday, September 25.
Putin decides to expand conditions for use of nuclear weapons
Russia seeks to expand the list of conditions for the use of nuclear weapons, one of which includes a massive drone attack, according to a statement from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
According to Putin, the updated version of the doctrine proposes "several clarifications" in the section outlining the conditions for the use of nuclear weapons.
"In the updated version of the document, aggression against Russia by any non-nuclear state, but with the participation or support of a nuclear state, is proposed to be considered as a joint attack on the Russian Federation," the dictator added.
Russia installs Starlink on Shahed drones: Defense Express named purpose of upgrade
Russia has equipped the Shahed kamikaze drones with Starlink satellite communication. This will allow the enemy to use the drones for reconnaissance as well, according to Defense Express and Andrii Kovalensky, the head of the Center for Countering Disinformation.
According to Defense Express, the Russian forces have gained a wide and powerful feedback channel with the drone, allowing them to transmit information from it and change its flight task at any distance. Thus, the Shahed has transformed into a reconnaissance tool.
In particular, the enemy will be able to relay information about the positions of Ukrainian air defense systems. If the drone is also equipped with cameras, it will be able to strike moving targets.
Biden administration finds workaround to send $5.9 billion in aid to Ukraine
The Biden administration has discovered a way to extend presidential authority to send $5.9 billion worth of weapons and equipment to Ukraine, funds that are set to expire at the end of the fiscal year in late September, reports Politico.
In April, the US Congress approved a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine. $5.9 billion remains and could expire on October 1, at the end of the US fiscal year.
The president's powers have enabled the acceleration of aid to Ukraine, as weapons are sent from Pentagon stockpiles. The allocated funds are used to replenish US arsenals.
The Biden administration is working to extend these powers beyond the fiscal year without requiring Congress' approval, as previously planned.
Ukrainian defenders capture about 20 Russian troops at aggregate plant in Vovchansk
During the liberation of the aggregate plant in Vovchansk in the north of the Kharkiv region, Ukrainian soldiers captured about two dozen Russian invaders, according to an officer of the Tymur special unit of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine with the call sign "Viking".
He notes that after receiving a combat mission from the head of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov, the second battalion of the Tymur special unit and a related unit of the Russian Volunteer Corps went on a mission.
“The battle lasted a little over a week. There was intense Russian shelling. Russia itself put up considerable resistance at the plant, but in the end, we completed the task,” the soldier says.
Political expert assesses risks for Ukraine in case of Trump's presidency
If Republican candidate Donald Trump comes to power in the US, the risks for Ukraine are evident. His statements alone indicate that there are individuals in his circle who may create anti-Ukrainian mindsets, said Volodymyr Fesenko, head of the Penta Center of Applied Political Surveys.
"The very fact that Trump is being turned against Zelenskyy and Ukraine indicates that there are people in his circle who can form, albeit situationally, anti-Ukrainian attitudes," Fesenko noted.
He stated that if Trump returns to power, the risks for Ukraine will be present, but emphasized that they are not based on what Trump is currently saying about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy or Ukraine itself.
Turkish President: US and other NATO members do not want Ukraine to join Alliance
Türkiye intends to take its time in considering Ukraine's accession to NATO. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan says that some countries are opposed to Ukraine's membership, according to his interview with NBC News.
According to Erdoğan, the United States and other NATO countries "don’t want Ukraine to be a member state."
"These are not questions to be rushed. And when making our minds, when we are taking our decisions, we always take into consideration the stance of other NATO member states, we discuss those possible questions around the table and make the final decision accordingly," the Turkish leader said.
