For now, links to reports from the Associated Press, Agence France-Presse, the Kyiv Independent, Tass, and Reuters; others are accessible by clicking on their names or initials below. — MCM
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Europe Union’s top diplomat dismisses concern about bloc’s long-term support for Ukraine, by Susie Blann | AP KYIV — European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, who on Monday led a delegation of top diplomats on an unannounced visit to Kyiv, dismissed concerns about political tension in the bloc over its long-term support for Ukraine’s fight against Russia. Though largely symbolic, the informal meeting . . . READ MORE . . .
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Warsaw, Kyiv make breakthrough on transit of Ukrainian grain. From AFP. It is the first breakthrough since the start of a diplomatic spat between the two allies that was triggered when Poland slapped a ban on imports of Ukrainian grain. The populist government in Warsaw, which faces a general election on Oct. 15, said the embargo was designed to protect local farmers against a collapse in cereal prices. Today’s agreement also involves Lithuania. READ MORE . . .
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With winter approaching, is Ukraine’s energy system ready for renewed Russian attacks? by Alexander Query | The Kyiv Independent The specter of Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy system looms once again as winter rapidly approaches. Last year in early October, just as Ukraine’s heating season began, Russia launched . . . READ MORE . . .
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General Staff not planning new mobilization, enough troops on hand for special op — Shoigu. From Tass. MOSCOW — The General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces has no plans to announce an additional mobilization as the military currently has sufficient troop strength to carry out the special military operation, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said. “This is largely thanks to the resolute patriotic stance of our citizens, who are actively joining . . . READ MORE . . .
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‘They’re just meat’: Russia deploys punishment battalions in echo of Stalin, by Polina Nikolskaya and Maria Tsvetkova | Reuters LONDON — Drunk recruits. Insubordinate soldiers. Convicts. They’re among hundreds of military and civilian offenders who’ve been pressed into Russian penal units known as “Storm-Z” squads and sent to the frontlines in Ukraine this year, according to 13 people with knowledge of the matter, including five fighters in the units. Few live to tell their tale, the people said. READ MORE . . .
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MAY BE CONTINUED