The Federal Network Agency expressed doubts about the Russian justification. “According to the Bundesnetzagentur’s assessment, the defects alleged by the Russian side are technically not a reason for the cessation of operations,” the authority wrote. A spokeswoman for the Federal Ministry of Economics emphasized that although the situation on the gas market was tense, security of supply was guaranteed. EU Council President Charles Michel reacted more sharply. “The use of gas as a weapon will not change the EU’s resolve,” he wrote. Ukraine announced that it wants to help Germany solve its energy problem – experts are worried about the occupied Zaporizhia nuclear power plant.
Ukraine wants to supply nuclear power to Germany
Ukraine wants to support Germany with the delivery of nuclear power on its way out of dependence on Russian energy supplies. “Ukraine is currently exporting its electricity to Moldova, Romania, Slovakia and Poland. But we are quite ready to expand our exports to Germany,” Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal told the German Press Agency. Schmyhal is expected in Berlin on Saturday and will be received by Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) in the Chancellery on Sunday.
Russia reports Ukrainian military operation near Zaporizhia nuclear plant
The situation around the Russian-occupied Zaporizhia nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine remains confusing. The Russian Defense Ministry accused the Ukrainian army of wanting to recapture the nuclear power plant despite the presence of international nuclear experts. 250 soldiers and “foreign mercenaries” were involved in the operation. The Russian army claims to have repelled the attack and destroyed several boats in the process. This information could not be independently verified. The Ukrainian military in turn accused Russia of carrying out attacks in the direction of Zaporizhia on Saturday night.
Atomic Energy Agency concerned after nuclear bombardment
In view of the ongoing shelling of the occupied nuclear power plant, international experts fear for safety there after a visit. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi said in Vienna that his greatest concern remains that the nuclear power plant could be severely damaged by further shelling. Although damage is obvious and unacceptable, important safety elements such as the power plant’s power supply are working. He also doesn’t have the impression that the Russian occupiers have hidden anything. “We saw everything I wanted to see,” said Grossi.
Turkey wants to mediate between Russia and Ukraine
Turkey has brought itself into discussion as a mediator in the dispute over the power plant. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a phone call with the Russian President Wladimir Putin, as announced by Erdogan’s office. Ankara could “play a supporting role in Zaporizhia’s nuclear power plant issue, as was the case with grain exports.” There was no reaction from Moscow. The UN and Turkey had mediated agreements that Ukraine could again export grain through its Black Sea ports, despite the Russian war of aggression.
Erdogan pays tribute to Gorbachev in phone call with Putin
Erdogan also spoke to Putin about the IAEA’s mission. In the conversation, Erdogan paid tribute to the late former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev. According to the Kremlin, Erdogan referred to his “significant role” in Russia’s recent history and in the world. The Nobel Peace Prize winner died on Tuesday at the age of 91.
London: Broad advance of Ukrainian troops west of the Dnipro
According to British secret services, Ukraine is currently forcing a broad advance on three axes west of the Dnipro River in its counter-offensive in the Cherson region in the south of the country. According to a short report by the Ministry of Defense in London, this offensive only had limited immediate targets, but presumably surprised the Russians tactically. This would expose logistical shortcomings and weaknesses in the leadership of the Russian offensive.
Moscow speaks of high Ukrainian losses
According to Russian information, the Ukrainian military suffered high losses in its counter-offensive. Attempts to establish themselves in the area between Mykolaiv and Kryvyi Rih were unsuccessful, the Defense Ministry reported. Ukraine lost 23 tanks and 27 combat vehicles. In addition, more than 230 soldiers are said to have been killed. Hospitals lacked beds and blood supplies. The information could not be independently verified.
Ambassador Melnyk’s successor has been chosen
The successor to the Ukrainian ambassador to Germany, Andriy Melnyk, has now been chosen. A spokesman for the Federal Foreign Office said the government in Kyiv had issued a so-called agrément request for Oleksiy Makeyev. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has already given this agrément – i.e. the consent of the host country for diplomatic activities. The agrément is one of several steps leading to the final accreditation of an ambassador. The fact that Makejev should become ambassador had been discussed for a long time. He replaces Andrij Melnyk, who is scheduled to leave Germany on October 14. The “Welt am Sonntag” had previously reported.
Kyiv/MOSCOW (dpa-AFX)
Image sources: Oleg Golovnev / Shutterstock.com, IgorGolovniov / Shutterstock.com