Sept 15 (Reuters) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said towns and villages recaptured by Russian forces had been destroyed, as a major city struggled to contain damage to its water system from missile attacks by Kremlin forces. read more

MILITANT

  • Kryvyi Rih, the largest city in central Ukraine, was hit by eight cruise missiles that destroyed a water pumping station and caused the Inhulets River to burst a dam, officials said. read more * Zelenskiy made a surprise visit to Izium – until four days ago Russia’s main stronghold and logistics hub in the region. Buildings showed signs of explosions and shrapnel.
  • In another battle-hit northeastern Ukrainian town, Balaklia, police said civilians were killed while the town was under Russian control. Reuters could not independently verify the account. Russia has denied targeting civilians. read more * Zelensky said Ukraine had recaptured about 8,000 square kilometers (3,100 square miles), apparently all in the northeastern region of Kharkiv. read more Sign up now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comSign up
  • Ukraine has made significant progress, but it is not possible to say whether the war is at a tipping point, US President Biden said. read more DIPLOMACY * Ukraine wants UN General Assembly to allow Zelensky to address world leaders via video. read more * Democratic and Republican US senators have introduced legislation that would designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism, a label opposed by President Joe Biden’s administration. read more
  • The Russian and Chinese navies are conducting joint patrols in the Pacific Ocean, the Russian Defense Ministry announced.
  • Putin’s chief envoy for Ukraine told the Russian leader as the war began that he had reached an interim deal with Kyiv that would satisfy Russia’s demand that Ukraine stay out of NATO, but Putin rejected it, according to three people close to the Russian leadership. read more
  • German Chancellor Scholz urged Putin to find a diplomatic solution as soon as possible, based on a ceasefire, the full withdrawal of Russian troops and respect for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, a spokesman said. read more * A United Nations proposal that Russia continue to export ammonia through Ukraine has raised hopes that global fertilizer shortages could be eased. read more

EXCERPTS

  • “We waited a long time for our children. Of course we feel positive. Joy. But there is also fear – fear that the Russians could come back here,” said 74-year-old Izium resident Liubov Sinna. Sign up now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comSign up Written by Stephen Coates Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.