Thu Sep 12 06:05:40 UTC 2024: ## UK Reportedly Approves Long-Range Missile Use by Ukraine

**Kyiv, Ukraine** – The UK has reportedly given Ukraine the green light to use Storm Shadow missiles for long-range strikes deep into Russian territory, according to media reports. While this decision has not been officially confirmed, sources suggest it was made in response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s repeated requests for such weapons to limit Russia’s ability to launch attacks.

Meanwhile, Russia continued its assault on Ukrainian infrastructure, targeting energy facilities in the northeastern region overnight. The attacks, carried out using Shahed-type drones, injured at least 14 people and caused significant damage to energy infrastructure, disrupting power and water supply in the city of Konotop.

The UK’s reported decision on the Storm Shadow missiles coincides with a push by the US to lift restrictions on the use of its long-range weapons by Ukraine. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during a visit to Kyiv, hinted strongly that the White House is on the verge of lifting these restrictions.

**Other key developments:**

* **ICRC Workers Killed:** Three Red Cross workers were killed and two injured in an artillery strike in the Donetsk region, which Ukraine accuses Russia of carrying out. The ICRC has condemned the attack.
* **Russian Counteroffensive in Kursk:** Russia has reportedly begun attacking Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region, after Kyiv’s incursion into Russian territory in August. Russian forces claim to have retaken some territory.
* **Kazakh Businessman Pardoned:** Kazakh President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev pardoned sinologist Konstantin Syroyezhkin, who had served more than half of his 10-year prison sentence on high treason charges.
* **Afghan Women Protest:** A small group of Afghan women staged a rare protest in Kabul, demanding their rights and calling on the international community to denounce Taliban rule.
* **Trial of Navalny’s Lawyers:** A court in Russia’s Vladimir region began the trial of three former lawyers for jailed opposition politician Alexei Navalny on extremism charges.
* **Grain Ship Attacked:** Ukraine accused Russia of using strategic bombers to fire missiles at a civilian ship carrying Ukrainian grain in the Black Sea. The ship was in Romania’s maritime economic zone when it was hit.
* **Ali Karimli Trial:** A court in Baku set September 19 as the trial date for the chairman of the opposition Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan, Ali Karimli, who is being prosecuted on a charge of slander.
* **Iran President Visits Iraq:** Iran’s new president, Masud Pezeshkian, kicked off a three-day visit to neighboring Iraq, his first foreign trip since taking office.

These events highlight the continued tension and violence in the ongoing conflict, as well as ongoing international efforts to resolve the situation.

Read More