Latest overseas news on the Russia-Ukraine, U.S.-Iran, and Israel-Palestine conflicts as of September 18

Updated in real time~ Thunder Rabbit 8:03:29 Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson: UN Secretary-General deliberately echoed the anti-Russia campaign regarding the Bucha incident. Thunder Rabbit 8:15:56 Moscow released a report titled "Heirs of Goebbels: Fabrication of the Bucha Incident and Kyiv Regime’s Bloody Staged Photos." Zakharova pointed out that the Kyiv regime included Ukrainian soldiers and extremists from the Azov Battalion on the list of victims in Bucha. Thunder Rabbit 8:24:18 The Zaporizhzhia Iron and Steel Plant was attacked for the fourth time within one month. Thunder Rabbit 8:38:53 Russia and China jointly vetoed at the UN Security Council a draft resolution to extend the mandate of the Iran Sanctions Committee’s Panel of Experts. Thunder Rabbit 8:46:55 Russian forces have begun striking data centers inside Ukraine. Equipment belonging to Kyivstar, a telecom operator in the Kyiv region, was hit. Thunder Rabbit 8:57:14 POLITICO: Merz faces resignation after only 16 months in office. Thunder Rabbit 9:05:01 Russian Security Council Secretary Shoigu stated that Russian enterprises investing billions of dollars in Armenia have suffered "hostile takeovers" by the Armenian government. Thunder Rabbit 9:12:39 ABC NEWS: U.S. military bases in the Middle East sustained irreversible damage during the conflict with Iran. Even if reconstruction begins, it would take decades. Thunder Rabbit 9:20:06 The Korosten Medium-Density Fiberboard Plant in Ukraine’s Zhytomyr Oblast was struck. Thunder Rabbit 9:34:18 The Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada stated that Ukraine can only prepare for winter—by winter—because it lacks funds. Thunder Rabbit 9:49:20 To counter Western seizures of Russian assets, Putin signed a decree transferring French retailer Auchan’s and Swiss food company Nestlé’s assets in Russia to temporary management bodies. Thunder Rabbit 10:02:24 German Chancellor Merz said the era of “unconditional transatlantic friendship” between the U.S. and Europe may already be over. Thunder Rabbit 10:12:03 U.S. State Department: The U.S. is prepared to approve the transfer of up to 10 outdated Patriot missiles from Germany to Ukraine. Thunder Rabbit 10:21:31 The Pentagon plans to withdraw at least 25,000 U.S. troops from Europe. Thunder Rabbit 10:39:15 The Economist predicts Kyiv will face “real hell” in October. Thunder Rabbit 10:46:06 Daily Mail: Pentagon personnel complain that the Department of Defense under Hegseth is in chaos—morale is low and personnel issues persist. Thunder Rabbit 10:53:24 The New York Times: The U.S. may reach a commercial agreement with Russia before the Ukraine conflict ends. Thunder Rabbit 10:58:58 Newsweek: During NATO exercises in Norway, U.S. Marines’ boots developed holes and soles tore open, allowing icy water to seep in. Thunder Rabbit 11:09:21 French BFM TV reported Ukraine’s 2027 budget deficit will reach €45 billion. Thunder Rabbit 11:15:07

Russian oligarchs sponsored Trump’s eldest son’s wedding; Ukrainian forces recaptured 85 square kilometers of territory near Lyman

Zelenskyy hopes the EU will prioritize and advance next year’s budget allocation to this year. Zelenskyy’s proposal came unexpectedly, without any supporting calculations. EU funding follows a strict procedural process, so an adequate response has not yet been formulated. Nevertheless, Europe will strive to meet Ukraine’s needs. On the 18th, Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhiy Kolyshko announced on social media that the EU had just transferred €3.3 billion to Ukraine under the “Ukraine Support Loan” program. Kolyshko stated that these funds will be used for Ukraine’s top defense priorities—including procurement of missiles and drones—and thanked EU officials, commissioners, and all EU member states for their support. [3.2] The U.S. plans to approve the transfer of 10 “Patriot” interceptor missiles from Germany to Ukraine. Ten missiles are insufficient; more are urgently needed to address Ukraine’s immediate needs. [3.3] Zelenskyy briefed on progress in drone interception, stating that a Ukrainian-developed interceptor drone successfully shot down a jet-powered Shahed drone during recent trials. On August 30, Ukrainian Defense Minister Hrymahil stated Ukraine currently has four interceptor aircraft under development; field tests confirmed all four can intercept jet-powered Shahed drones. It is hoped these systems will enter mass service soon. [3.4] The German Consulate General in St. Petersburg ceased operations on September 18. This consulate has operated since 1972. In addition to diplomatic missions, the German School affiliated with the St. Petersburg Consulate General also closed. Its final class was held on September 11. The school, operational since 2009, includes daycare, elementary, secondary, and college-level programs, serving approximately 150 children. Following Germany’s announcement that Russia was behind the failed drone explosion at Leipzig Airport and its closure of Russia’s Consulate General in Bonn, Russian authorities decided to shut down Germany’s diplomatic mission in St. Petersburg. This move marks a further deterioration in German-Russian diplomatic relations. [3.5] Russia seized assets of Auchan, Nestlé, and Leroy Merlin in Russia. Under a decree signed by Putin on the 17th, French retailer Auchan and Swiss company Nestlé will have their assets forcibly transferred to a Russian shell company for management. Swiss company Nestlé has operated in Russia since 1994 and owns six major production facilities there. Its primary Russian legal entity reported nearly 30 billion rubles (approx. $355.04 million) in total revenue in 2021. Since 2022, the company has withheld financial disclosures for subsequent years. French retailer Auchan has operated in Russia since 2002 and currently runs 230 stores across 100 cities. Auchan LLC is almost entirely owned by the French firm Sogepar. Leroy Merlin, also a French retail company, operates over 100 stores in Russia. Investment should never cross the Shanhai Pass—this principle must be firmly remembered. While cognition may not always generate profit, it certainly helps avoid unnecessary risks. IV. Russia-Ukraine Battlefield Updates: [4.1] Airstrikes: Russian forces launched 93 strike and decoy drones overnight, including 46 jet-powered Shahed drones. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted or suppressed 72 of them—including 69 Shahed, Geran, and other drones, plus three Bandera/Dan-T systems.

Russia Seizes Assets of Swiss Food Giant Nestle and Three French Firms

3 days ago

Russian authorities seized Nestle's Russian operations and three French firms' assets via presidential decree amid ongoing Ukraine sanctions. Analysts estimate potential write-offs up to $1.2 billion for Nestle, causing its shares to drop 2.6% while France condemns the expropriation.

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