September 14, 2022 Russia-Ukraine news

By Adrienne Vogt, Aditi Sangal, Tara Subramaniam, Sana Noor Haq, Maureen Chowdhury, Elise Hammond and Mike Hayes, CNN

Updated 8:53 PM ET, Wed September 14, 2022
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7:16 a.m. ET, September 14, 2022

Zelensky visits newly liberated city of Izium in Kharkiv, following months of Russian occupation

From CNN's Yulia Kesaieva

"I want to thank you for saving our people, our hearts, children and future," Zelensky said as he visited Izium on Wednesday.
"I want to thank you for saving our people, our hearts, children and future," Zelensky said as he visited Izium on Wednesday. (Zelensky telegram channel/Ukraine Government)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited newly liberated Izium in the northeastern region of Kharkiv on Wednesday, five days after the country's forces recaptured the city.

Photographs on the Facebook page of an army unit showed Zelensky at a ceremony in the main square to raise the Ukrainian flag over the city's administrative building. Hanna Maliar, the Deputy Minister of Defense, was also present.

"Earlier, when we looked up, we always looked for the blue sky. Today, when we look up, we are looking for only one thing -- the flag of Ukraine," Zelensky said in a post on the presidential Telegram channel.

"Our blue-yellow flag is already flying in the de-occupied Izium. And it will be so in every Ukrainian city and village. We are moving in only one direction -- forward and towards victory."

"I want to thank you for saving our people, our hearts, children and future," Zelensky said, according to a statement released on the Presidential website.

"It has been extremely difficult for you in recent months. Therefore, I ask you to take care of yourselves, because you are the most valuable asset we have," he said.

"It may be possible to temporarily occupy the territories of our state. But it is definitely impossible to occupy our people, the Ukrainian people," he said.

There was a minute's silence at the ceremony to remember those who had been lost during military operations.

Ukrainian forces took back control of Izium on Saturday, marking a huge strategic blow to Russia's military assault in the east.

Izium, which sits near the border between the Kharkiv and Donetsk regions, was under Russian occupation for over five months and became an important hub for the invading military.

Moscow was using Izium as a launching pad for attacks southward into the Donetsk region and Kupyansk, some 30 miles to the north of Izium, as a rail hub to resupply its forces.

Russia's collapse in northeastern Ukraine sparked fury from Putin loyalists, who condemned the Kremlin's abandonment of Kharkiv in a rare display of stinging criticism.

CNN's Ivana Kottasová, Tim Lister, Yulia Kesaieva, Denis Lapin, Josh Pennington and Victoria Butenko contributed reporting.

6:26 a.m. ET, September 14, 2022

Kharkiv region's electricity restored following Russian strike, says Ukraine energy operator

From CNN’s Yulia Kesaieva  

A power substation is seen destroyed by a Russian missile strike in Kharkiv on September 12.
A power substation is seen destroyed by a Russian missile strike in Kharkiv on September 12. (Vyacheslav Madiyevskyi/Ukrinform/Abaca/Sipa/Associated Press)

Two of the main electricity lines supplying part of Kharkiv region have been restored, Ukraine's energy supplier said Wednesday, following a Russian strike on a local facility that left many without power.

“Repair crews of NPC Ukrenergo have already restored the operation of two main lines supplying Kharkiv and the Kharkiv region. Work on other lines continues and will continue until complete,” the post from Ukrainian state energy company Ukrenergo read.

According to Ukrenergo, which operates the nation’s high-voltage transmission lines, energy supply was restored across the Kharkiv region late on Tuesday. CNN cannot independently verify the claim. 

The entire region of Kharkiv was without electricity after the backup power line supplying settlements “failed,” the Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Kyrylo Tymoshenko said on Tuesday, citing “insidious shelling by Russian (forces)” as the cause.

Last week, Ukrainian forces ruptured Russian defenses and recaptured swathes of territory in the east, marking a colossal blow for Moscow.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia responded on Sunday with missile strikes that hit large parts of eastern Ukraine including the Kharkiv power and heating plant, killing one employee and damaging critical infrastructure. 

5:37 a.m. ET, September 14, 2022

Putin needs Xi Jinping’s help more than ever after his setbacks in Ukraine

Analysis from CNN's Luke McGee

In early February, Russian President Vladimir Putin touched down in Beijing to a warm welcome from Chinese leader Xi Jinping, as the two strongmen put on a show of unity for the world at the Winter Olympics.

The summit, in which the pair touted their ever-growing ties and railed against NATO expansion, was held three weeks before Putin ordered his tanks into Ukraine. While it is not known if the topic of war came up during their conversations, one thing is clear now: seven months in, the invasion has gone anything but to plan.

Putin has just suffered perhaps his worst week since the early days of the war, when his troops were routed in Kyiv and forced to retreat.

Ukraine’s recapture in recent days of more territory than Russia has taken in all their operations since April is another humiliating loss for Putin, who has watched as his invasion falters and his list of friends on the global stage dwindles.

Criticism of Putin is growing even among his supporters in Russia, and he could, bluntly, do with a win. Fortunately for Putin, an opportunity presents itself on Thursday, when he holds his first face-to-face meeting with Xi since the invasion began, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Uzbekistan.

Much is made of the relationship between Russia and China, which has only strengthened since the beginning of the war. Experts say Putin will likely be counting on Beijing more than ever after his setbacks on the battlefield.

Read the full story:

1:22 p.m. ET, September 14, 2022

EU Commission president vows solidarity with Ukraine and will travel to Kyiv Wednesday

From CNN's Zayn Nabbi

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivers a speech at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivers a speech at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday. (Frederick Florin/AFP/Getty Images)

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told lawmakers at the European Parliament in Strasbourg that "Europe's solidarity with Ukraine will remain unshakeable," and that she would be visiting Kyiv on Wednesday.

Von der Leyen said European sanctions against Russia would remain in place and that the European Union's (EU) 27-nation bloc would continue to offer financial support to Ukraine.

Speaking during her annual State of the Union address, with Ukraine's first lady Olena Zelenska in attendance, she said: "The sanctions are here to stay, this is the time for us to show resolve, not appeasement."

This is not only a war unleashed by Russia against Ukraine, this is a war on energy, it's a war on our economy, it's a war on our values, it is a war on our future," Von der Leyen said.

"It is about autocracy against democracy and I stand here with a conviction that with the necessary courage, and with the necessary solidarity (Vladimir) Putin will fail and Ukraine and Europe will prevail. Today courage has a name and that name is Ukraine."

"This is why today (Wednesday), I am going to Kyiv, to discuss all this with President (Volodymyr) Zelensky – and to show him what the single market is as a potential for Ukraine's future, too," she said.

Addressing the energy crisis Von der Leyen said the EU will propose measures to cap revenues and force fossil fuel firms to share the profits.

 "In these times it is wrong to receive extraordinary record revenues and profits benefiting from war and on the back of our consumers," the EU chief said.

 "In these times, profits must be shared and channelled to those who need it most," she said.

1:22 p.m. ET, September 14, 2022

Zelensky says Ukraine has liberated 8,000 square kilometers of territory

From CNN’s Yulia Kesaieva and Hannah Ritchie

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky attends a joint press conference in Kyiv on September 9.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky attends a joint press conference in Kyiv on September 9. (Dimitar Dilkoff/AFP/Getty Images)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said approximately 8,000 square kilometers (3,088 square miles) of territory has now been liberated by Ukrainian forces so far this month, with roughly half the area still undergoing “stabilization” measures. 

“Remnants of occupiers and sabotage groups are being detected, collaborators are being detained and full security is being restored. It is very important that together with our troops, with our flag, ordinary normal life comes to the de-occupied territory,” Zelensky said in his daily address Tuesday. 

In a statement Monday, Zelensky said most of the liberated territory retaken by Ukrainian forces since the start of September was concentrated in the country’s northeast and south. 

Zelensky promised to immediately resume pension payments to all Ukrainians living in recently reclaimed areas in his message Tuesday. 

“As an example, in Balakliya, in Hrakove, the payment of pensions for five months at once, for the time when we simply could not make payments due to the occupation, has already been started,” he said, adding that “Ukraine always fulfills its social obligations to people.”

1:23 p.m. ET, September 14, 2022

At least two dead and six injured in Mykolaiv shelling Wednesday, Ukrainian official reports

From CNN’s Yulia Kesaieva

Vitalii Kim, governor of Mykolaiv region, speaks to the media in Mykolaiv on June 8.
Vitalii Kim, governor of Mykolaiv region, speaks to the media in Mykolaiv on June 8. (Edgar Su/reuters)

Russian shelling killed at least two people and injured six in Ukraine’s southern port city of Mykolaiv near the Black Sea on Wednesday, according to the head of the region’s civil military administration Vitalii Kim.

“At approximately 01:10 a.m. Mykolaiv was shelled. According to preliminary data, these were S-300 missiles. An educational institution, infrastructure facilities and residential buildings were damaged,” Kim said in a post on Telegram, claiming that a fire had broken out at a factory due to the attack. 

“According to preliminary data, two people were killed, three were injured, and three more citizens were treated on an outpatient basis. Detailed information is being clarified,” Kim added.  

Kim also urged citizens to stay away from power stations, due to possible shelling in their vicinity. 

The city’s mayor Oleksandr Sienkevych also posted about the shelling on Telegram. 

“After 1 a.m. this night Mykolaiv was massively shelled. Residential houses were damaged. Emergency services and municipal services are working on site. Some streets have to be cleaned in order for the transport to be able to pass,” Sienkevych said in a post on Telegram. 

“We are still collecting all the info on the consequences of shelling. I will inform you of the details later,” he added. 

Some context: On Tuesday Pro-Russian regional officials insisted that the Ukrainian counteroffensive in the southern areas of Kherson and Mykolaiv was being contained. 

Ukrainian officials claim that they’ve taken back approximately 500 square kilometers of territory in the south so far, along the borders of Mykolaiv and Kherson. 

3:33 a.m. ET, September 14, 2022

Pope decries "senseless and tragic war" in Ukraine as he arrives in Kazakhstan for gathering of religious leaders

From CNN’s Delia Gallagher traveling with the Pope

Pope Francis delivers his speech during a meeting with authorities, civil society and diplomats at Qazaq Concert Hall in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan on Tuesday September 13.
Pope Francis delivers his speech during a meeting with authorities, civil society and diplomats at Qazaq Concert Hall in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan on Tuesday September 13. (Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP)

Pope Francis has arrived in Kazakhstan for a three-day visit to the country.

The Pope addressed political leaders in the capital Nur-Sultan on Tuesday evening telling them that he had come at a time of “the senseless and tragic war that broke out with the invasion of Ukraine.”

I have come to echo the plea of all those who cry out for peace, which is the essential path to development for our globalized world.”

On Wednesday the Pope attends the VII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, a gathering of international religious leaders.

One religious leader who is noticeably absent is Russian Orthodox Patriarch, Kirill, who was due to meet Francis in Kazakhstan but announced at the end of August that he would not be attending.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is also due in Kazakhstan on Wednesday for separate political meetings.

The Vatican has said that there is no planned meeting between the Pope and the Chinese President.

Pope Francis told journalists on the papal plane from Rome that “he was always ready to visit China.”

3:33 a.m. ET, September 14, 2022

Pentagon has seen "a number of Russian forces" cross back into Russia from the Kharkiv region

From CNN's Ellie Kaufman

Pentagon press secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder speaks with reporters on September 13.
Pentagon press secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder speaks with reporters on September 13. (CNN)

The Pentagon said some Russian forces have crossed from the Kharkiv region back into Russia.

“We've seen a number of Russian forces, especially in the northeast, in the Kharkiv region, cross over the border back into Russia as they’ve retreated from the Ukrainian counter-offensive,” Pentagon press secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters during a briefing Tuesday. 

But Russian forces still “do exist en masse in Ukraine,” Ryder said.

The US was not surprised that Ukraine forces “pushed as quickly as they have” in the counteroffensive, Ryder said, but based on reports that the Pentagon has seen “on the Russian military response, it was probably the Russians” who were surprised by the push.

3:33 a.m. ET, September 14, 2022

Ukraine says Russian troops are trying to gain ground in some regions and alleges widespread looting

From CNN's Tim Lister and Oleksandra Ochman 

Several destroyed civilian cars are seen on a road near the town of Balakliia, Ukraine in Kharkiv region on September 13.
Several destroyed civilian cars are seen on a road near the town of Balakliia, Ukraine in Kharkiv region on September 13. (Glen Garanich/Reuters)

As Ukrainian units press their offensive in parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, Russian forces are trying to gain ground elsewhere, according to the Ukrainian military.

The military's General Staff, in its latest bulletin, said Ukrainian units had successfully repelled Russian attacks around the city of Bakhmut, while Russian artillery and air strikes continued to pound settlements near the front lines across Donetsk.

"During the day, the enemy carried out two missile strikes, eight air strikes and conducted 13 strikes from missile artillery systems," according to the military.

There was also Russian mortar and tank fire in the Zaporizhzhia region, the General Staff said.

Looting claims: The military claimed that in areas of Kharkiv and Luhansk, there was widespread looting from retreating Russian forces.

The General Staff said that on the Starobilsk-Luhansk highway, in the direction of Luhansk, "about 300 civilian cars, mostly with state license plates of the Kharkiv region were spotted – most on trailers driven by Russian military personnel."

It claimed that in the south, around the city of Polohy, Russian troops were also stealing private cars. And in Nova Kakhovka, in the Kherson region, Russians "began to massively remove furniture and household appliances from temporarily abandoned settlements."

CNN is unable to confirm the military's claims, but there has been widespread evidence of looting in Kharkiv and other previously occupied Russian areas.

Military shortage claims: The General Staff also claimed that the Russian military was moving up the graduation of cadets from some Defense Ministry academies, such as the Black Sea Higher Naval School, to make up for shortages of junior officers.

"The shortage of tactical-level commanders is due to the refusal of reserve officers to sign contracts amid recent events. The level of morale and psychological state of the enemy's personnel continues to decline," the General Staff asserted. "A significant number of servicemen do not return to military units after the end of their vacations."