Rheinmetall has delivered 20 armored personnel carriers to Ukraine amid ongoing Russian drone attacks on Kiev. UN Secretary-General António Guterres defended his meeting with Vladimir Putin at the BRICS summit, despite criticism. Concerns are growing over potential North Korean military involvement supporting Russia. Ukrainian President Zelensky reportedly rejected Guterres’ visit to Ukraine post-summit. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces intercepted numerous Russian drones, and the Central Bank of Russia raised interest rates significantly in response to rising inflation.
Rheinmetall, a German defense contractor, has delivered 20 armored personnel carriers to Ukraine. Meanwhile, reports indicate that Russia has launched another drone strike on the capital, Kiev. Stay updated with the latest developments in this live blog.
UN Stands by Handshake with Putin
A spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Farhan Haq, has addressed concerns regarding Guterres’ handshake and meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the recent BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia. Despite Putin being the subject of an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court for his actions related to the war in Ukraine, Haq emphasized the importance of dialogue in tackling critical global issues, including the conflict in Ukraine and security in the Black Sea.
Following backlash over his visit to Russia, Guterres is reportedly planning a trip to Ukraine. Haq confirmed that efforts are being made to schedule this visit, which Guterres had previously discussed with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Scholz Raises Alarm Over North Korean Troops
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has voiced serious concerns regarding the potential involvement of North Korean soldiers in the ongoing war in Ukraine. Speaking to reporters during his time in India, he remarked, “This is something we cannot underestimate; it is concerning.” Scholz underscored the need for diplomacy to strive for a just and equitable peace for Ukraine.
Selensky Reportedly Declines Guterres’ Visit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selensky is said to have turned down UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ proposed visit to Kiev following his attendance at the BRICS summit. According to AFP, the refusal was attributed to the ‘humiliation of reason and international law’ displayed during the summit in Kazan.
More Combat Vehicles Delivered by Rheinmetall
Rheinmetall has successfully transferred 20 ‘Marder’ infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine, aligning with the official count provided by the German government. The company announced that this delivery occurred at the end of the third quarter of 2024, marking a total of around 200 combat vehicles dispatched to Ukraine, including Leopard 1 main battle tanks.
Russia’s Key Interest Rate Reaches Highest Level Since 2003
In response to persistent inflation challenges, the Central Bank of Russia has increased its key interest rate by two points to 21 percent, the highest rate seen since February 2003. Although economists anticipated a rise, they expected only a modest increase to 20 percent. The central bank is evaluating the possibility of further tightening monetary policy to combat inflation, which stood at 9.8 percent in September.
North Korean Troops’ Potential Role Viewed as Escalation
The Federal Foreign Office in Germany considers the possible deployment of North Korean soldiers alongside Russian forces in Ukraine a clear escalation of the conflict. A spokesperson urged North Korea to refrain from any involvement that could exacerbate tensions.
Selensky Warns of North Korean Deployment Soon
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selensky has indicated that the deployment of North Korean soldiers in support of Russia could happen imminently, specifically from October 27 or 28. He labeled this move a significant escalation and referenced intelligence reports suggesting North Korean troops would enter the combat zone shortly.
Putin: Negotiations Premature
In a recent state television address, President Vladimir Putin declared that Russia would not make concessions in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine and asserted that now is not the right time for negotiations. He stated that Ukraine had previously rejected Russian ceasefire proposals.
Ukrainian Prosecutors Launch Investigation
Ukrainian prosecutors have commenced an investigation into North Korea’s purported support for Russia during the war, focusing on potential crimes of aggression. Prosecutors are gathering evidence regarding allegations of North Korea arming Russian troops engaged in combat against Ukraine, according to reports from Reuters.
The Dutch Ministry of Defense has indicated that intelligence suggests at least 1,500 North Korean soldiers could soon be deployed to support Russia. Reports from Ukrainian military intelligence confirm that some troops are already in the border area.
Ukrainian Air Force Intercepts Russian Drones
The Ukrainian air force reported intercepting 36 out of 63 Russian drones over the country during recent night operations, with most drones shot down over Kiev and the Odessa region.
While Russian officials deny targeting civilians, reports of missile and drone strikes on cities beyond the front lines