Ukraine news latest: Madman Vladimir Putin ‘not joking’ about nuclear war as Biden says world faces risk of ‘Armageddon’
- Moment Russian soldiers surrender with white flag
- How Ukraine could liberate Crimea and win war in WEEKS
JOE Biden warned the world is facing nuclear "Armageddon" if Vladimir Putin uses his arsenal - and said the despot "isn't joking".
After Russia's invasion eight months ago, Putin has made thinly veiled threats to use nuclear weapons if he feels he has run out of options in his bid to seize swaths of Ukrainian territory in the face of stiff resistance by Western-back Kyiv.
"We have not faced the prospect of Armageddon since Kennedy and the Cuban missile crisis" in 1962, Biden said Thursday in New York, adding that "we're trying to figure out what is Putin's off-ramp".
While experts say any nuclear attacks would likely be relatively small, Biden warned that even a tactical strike in a limited area would still risk triggering a wider conflagration.
Putin is "not joking when he talks about potential use of tactical nuclear weapons or biological or chemical weapons, because his military is, you might say, significantly underperforming," he said.
Read our Ukraine-Russia live blog below for the latest updates...
One dead following missile attacks in Zaporizhzhia
Following the missile attacks in Zaporizhzhia, the regional governor has clarified that at least one person has died.
Oleksandr Starukh writes on Telegram: "Updated data on victims. So far, it is known about the death of one woman.
"The death of another person has not been confirmed," he adds. "Thanks to the doctors, her life was saved."
Credit: AFP A day-by-day look at the 'autumn offensive'
Oleksii Reznikov, Ukraine's Minister of Defence has shared a video outlining the progress made by Zelensky's army in recent weeks.
"#UAarmy’s autumn offensive, day by day. While the "Russian parliament" is intoxicated from the futile attempts at annexation, our soldiers continue moving forward," he said.
As outlined in the video below, Ukraine has taken back large swathes of land in recent weeks, forcing Putin's army back.
At least two dead in Zaporizhzhia bombing, governor claims
The recently-annexed region's governor has said that at least two have died after a Russian bombing.
"One woman died. Another died in an ambulance," said Oleksandr Starukh in a message on Telegram.
"At least 5 people are under the rubble of buildings. Many people were saved. Among them is a three-year-old girl, the child is fostered. A rescue operation is underway at the scene."
Ukraine begins new military offensive in Kherson
The British Ministry of Defence revealed the new Ukrainian offensive in their most recent strategic update.
The statement said: "Ukraine’s Armed Forces started a new phase of offensive operations in Kherson Oblast on 2 October 2022.
"Advancing south, Ukrainian units have pushed the front line forwards by up to an additional 20km, primarily making gains along the east bank of the Inhulets and west bank of the Dnipro, but not yet threatening the main Russian defensive positions.
"Russian forces have typically broken contact and withdrawn. Russian commanders are likely to see the growing threat to the Nova Kakhovka sector as one of their most pressing concerns.
"The damaged river crossing over the Dnipro in this area remains one of the few routes available for them to resupply forces.
"Russia faces a dilemma: withdrawal of combat forces across the Dnipro makes defence of the rest of Kherson Oblast more tenable; but the political imperative will be to remain and defend.
"Russia has committed the majority of its severely undermanned airborne forces, the VDV, to the defence of Kherson.
"Therefore, Russia currently has few additional, high quality rapidly deployable forces available to stabilise the front: it likely aims to deploy mobilised reservists to the sector."
Russia hints ‘certain territories will be returned’
Dmitry Pesko the Kremlin spokesperson has suggested that some territories within the four regions in Ukraine that Russia has annexed may be returned.
According to Russian media group RBC reports Mr Peskov said: “Read the order. There is legal wording there. In general, of course, there we are talking about the territory in which the military-civilian administration operated at the time of admission [to Russia].
“But I repeat once again: certain territories there will be returned , and we will continue to consult with the population that expresses a desire to live with Russia.”
Europe’s largest nuclear power plant will be supervised by Russian occupiers, Kremlin claims
Following the annexation of the Zaporizhzhia region, its nuclear power station will now be operated by Russian forces.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry announced the decision yesterday, according to Reuters.
Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), will reportedly visit Moscow in the coming weeks, to discuss the plant.
Russian anti-war journalist escapes house arrest
Marina Ovsyannikova made headlines for staging a walkout during a live news broadcast earlier this year, wielding a sign that said: “stop the war.”
In August, the journalist was placed on house arrest until October 9.
Now, Mrs Ovsyannikova has revealed she has escaped this arrest.
“I consider myself completely innocent, and since our state refuses to comply with its own laws, I refuse to comply with the measure of restraint imposed on me as of 30 September 2022 and release myself from it,” Reuters reports she said on Telegram.
EU announces new set of sanctions for Russia
Ursula von der Leyen took to Twitter yesterday to announce the 8th set of EU sanctions for Putin’s Russia.
This comes just days after the dictator announced the annexation of four Ukrainian regions.
These sanctions centre on placing a cap on Russian oil.
Ukrainian energy company claims it will control Zaporizhzhia power plant
Contrary to the reports from Russia yesterday, Ukraine’s state energy company, Energoatom, claims it will be in control of the Zaporizhzhia power plant.
“All further decisions regarding the operation of the station will be made directly at the central office of Energoatom,” Energoatom chief Petro Kotin said.
“We will continue to work under Ukrainian law, within the Ukrainian energy system, within Energoatom.”
Ukraine’s counteroffensive continues in northeast and southern regions
In its latest analysis, the Ministry of Defence noted that Ukraine has continued to liberate land from Putin’s forces this week.
The statement reads: “Ukraine continues to make progress in offensive operations along both the north-eastern and southern fronts. In the northeast, in Kharkiv Oblast, Ukraine has now consolidated a substantial area of territory east of the Oskil River.
“Ukrainian formations have advanced up to 20 km beyond the river into Russia’s defensive zone towards the supply node of the town of Svatove.
“It is highly likely that Ukraine can now strike the key Svatove-Kremina road with most of its artillery systems, further straining Russia’s ability to resupply its units in the east.
“Politically, Russian leaders will highly likely be concerned that leading Ukrainian units are now approaching the borders of Luhansk Oblast, which Russia claimed to have formally annexed last Friday.”
Zelensky meets with top military officials to discuss ‘further liberation of Ukrainian territories’
Yesterday, Zelensky met with his top military advisors to discuss the “further liberation of Ukrainian territories.”
Discussions also centred on “stabilizing the situation in the newly de-occupied areas.”
This comes as Ukraine liberates “dozens” of settlements from Putin’s forces.
Recap: What did Liz Truss say about Ukraine in her Conservative party speech?
Here is what the PM said about the war in Ukraine on Wednesday.
“The Ukrainian people aren’t just fighting for their security, but for all of our security. This is a fight for freedom and democracy around the world.
“Putin’s illegal annexation of Ukrainian territory is just the latest act in his campaign to subvert democracy and violate international law.
“We should not give in to those who want a deal which trades away Ukrainian land. They are proposing to pay in Ukrainian lives for the illusion of peace.
“We will stand with our Ukrainian friends, however long it takes. Ukraine can win. Ukraine must win. And Ukraine will win.”
CIA boss brands Putin ‘dangerous and reckless’
If Russian President Vladimir Putin is cornered, he could become “dangerous and reckless,” said Bill Burns.
Putin has “gotta be concerned, not just about what’s happening on the battlefield in Ukraine, [but] what’s happening at home and what’s happening internationally,” Burns told CBS.
He went on to discuss China backing out of its previous “friendship without limits” pledge after denying Russia military aid.
Liz Truss slams Putin in Conservative party conference speech
The PM vowed to support Ukraine for “however long it takes” in her speech yesterday.
She branded the invasion of Ukraine “illegal” and slammed the annexation of 15% of the country.
Mrs Truss has been firm on her pro-Ukraine stance since taking on the position of Prime Minister.
Europe’s largest nuclear power plant will be supervised by Russian occupiers, Kremlin claims
Following the annexation of the Zaporizhzhia region, its nuclear power station will now be operated by Russian forces.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry announced the decision today, according to Reuters.
Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), will reportedly visit Moscow in the coming weeks, to discuss the plant.
Russian anti-war journalist escapes house arrest
Marina Ovsyannikova made headlines for staging a walkout during a live news broadcast earlier this year, wielding a sign that said: “stop the war.”
In August, the journalist was placed on house arrest until October 9.
Now, Mrs Ovsyannikova has revealed she has escaped this arrest.
“I consider myself completely innocent, and since our state refuses to comply with its own laws, I refuse to comply with the measure of restraint imposed on me as of 30 September 2022 and release myself from it,” Reuters reports she said on Telegram.
GRISLY finding made near Izyum mass graves
A horrific discovery has been revealed as a box full of gold teeth with unearthed near the gravesite.
The teeth belong, it is thought, to those who were buried in the mass grave in the recently freed city.
There were around 200 gold teeth in the plastic box found in Pisky-Rad’kivs’ki, reported the .
Iranian drones hit Kyiv for the 'first time'
Officials claim to have found Iranian drones being used for the first time in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Six "kamikaze" drones, HESA Shahed 136, were discovered in strikes that hit buildings 45 miles from Kyiv.
Man facing serious criminal charges after reports claim he avoided mobilisation
It has been reported by human rights lawyer Pavel Chikov that a 32-year-old man in the city of Penza is facing serious criminal charges for refusing to sign call-up papers following Putin’s mobilisation.
The charges carry a possible two year prison sentence.
This is the first known criminal case against a man accused of avoiding mobilisation in Russia.
Putin orders his troops to take over Zaporizhzhia power plant
The dictator has told his military that they need to take over the nuclear power plant.
Ukraine has told the workers in the plant not to sign any documents, reported AP press.
Reactor to be restarted at Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant
International Atomic Energy Agency previously announced that all six reactors of Europe's largest power plant had been shut down.
It has been confirmed that one is back up and running.
In a statement, the IAEA said: “Senior Ukrainian operating staff informed IAEA experts present at the ZNPP that preparations are underway to start unit 5 at reduced power to produce steam and heat for the needs of the plant.”
'Ukraine continues to make progress'
In its latest analysis, the Ministry of Defence noted that Ukraine has continued to liberate land from Putin’s forces this week.
The statement reads: “Ukraine continues to make progress in offensive operations along both the north-eastern and southern fronts. In the northeast, in Kharkiv Oblast, Ukraine has now consolidated a substantial area of territory east of the Oskil River.
“Ukrainian formations have advanced up to 20 km beyond the river into Russia’s defensive zone towards the supply node of the town of Svatove.
“It is highly likely that Ukraine can now strike the key Svatove-Kremina road with most of its artillery systems, further straining Russia’s ability to resupply its units in the east.
“Politically, Russian leaders will highly likely be concerned that leading Ukrainian units are now approaching the borders of Luhansk Oblast, which Russia claimed to have formally annexed last Friday.”
Head of UN's IAEA on way to Kyiv
The head of UN's nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, is heading to Ukraine to discuss the situation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.
Rafael Grossi said that "the need for a Nuclear Safety and Security Protection Zone" is needed urgently.
Russia hints 'certain territories will be returned'
Dmitry Pesko the Kremlin spokesperson has suggested that some territories within the four regions in Ukraine that Russia has annexed may be returned.
According to Russian media group RBC reports Mr Peskov said: "Read the order. There is legal wording there. In general, of course, there we are talking about the territory in which the military-civilian administration operated at the time of admission [to Russia].
"But I repeat once again: certain territories there will be returned , and we will continue to consult with the population that expresses a desire to live with Russia."
Russian sub spotted in chilling satellite pics
Satellites have spotted Russia's massive mega submarine.
Belgorod has now been spotted in satellite pictures by expert naval observers operating in the Barents Sea - a part of the Arctic Ocean.
The relatively shallow waters are key proving ground for Putin's navy with the sea's coasts belonging to Russia and Norway.
Pictures first released by naval warfare researcher show the submarine surfaced in the Barents on September 22.
