Execution of Ukrainian service member in Donetsk region; hundreds of pagers explode in Lebanon and Syria: September 17 highlights

Russians executed Ukrainian prisoner of war

Russians executed a Ukrainian prisoner of war with a sword in Novohrodivka, Donetsk region. The photos circulating online show a man with duct tape on his hands, and a sword saying “For Kursk” stuck in his chest. 

Ukrainian law enforcement launched an investigation and Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets appealed to the ICRC and the UN to record another human rights violation by Russia.

The US reviews Zelenskyy's victory plan

The US has already reviewed President Zelenskyy's plan on ending the war and believes that his strategy "can work," said the US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield. 

Shoigu visits Iran

Former Russian Defence Minister and current Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu arrived in Iran on an unannounced visit. He met with President Masoud Pezeshkian and delivered a message from Putin.

Hundreds of pagers explode in Lebanon and Syria

Hundreds of pocket pagers detonated near simultaneously across Lebanon and Syria killing at least 8 people, including members of the Hezbollah group. More than 2,700 people are reported injured. Both Hezbollah and official Lebanon blamed Israel for the incident.

Ukraine attacked Russian ammo depots near Mariupol

Ukraine attacked Russian ammo depots near occupied Mariupol, damaging the infrastructure of the storage facilities and destroying tonnes of ammunition the Russians planned to use against Ukraine. 

Later, the Russian bureau of Radio Liberty published satellite images of the aftermath of these attacks. According to journalists, some of the attacks took place as early as 13 September, while others happened on the night of 16 September.

Odesa Mayor denies allegations of Russian citizenship

Volunteer and blogger Serhii Sternenko published data from allegedly Russian databases confirming that Odesa Mayor Gennadiy Trukhanov has Russian citizenship. 

Later, the official published a video address denying the allegations and saying that he does not have Russian citizenship. In his opinion, such statements were made for “political reasons.” 

Ukraine's Parliament votes on taxes increase

Ukraine's Parliament approved a bill to increase taxes by UAH 58 billion this year and UAH 137 billion in 2025. In early September, the parliament failed to vote on it.

Other important news

• General Drapatyi was transferred to the position of commander of Operational Tactical Group Luhansk.
• Ukraine’s Parliament has approved customs reform which is necessary for the IMF and the World Bank.
• Politico: Ukrainian former Commander-in-Chief Zaluzhnyi was against the Kursk operation, but Zelenskyy rejected his comments.
• President of Belarus Lukashenko claims that he allegedly agreed with Ukraine to avoid media coverage of drones entering the territory of his country.
• Ukrainian drone technology manufacturers were invited for the first time to participate in tenders organized by the drone coalition.