Ukraine Invasion: Part 58

[MagicFox]

We’re all still here for Thread 58. Thanks to all regular contributors, especially those doing the daily hard work. Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

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UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has found Russia and North Korea guilty of systematic GPS jamming.
The adopted resolution specifically highlights Russia’s role in destabilizing civilian aircraft navigation in Europe.
The organization demands that both countries immediately cease such actions and fully comply with their obligations to ensure unhindered navigation.

Russia will soon change its disinformation tactics, President Zelenskyy said following a meeting with the head of the Foreign Intelligence Service, Oleh Ivashchenko.
According to the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russia has recently intensified its information and psychological campaign to create conditions for a possible war with NATO.
In particular, Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service claims that the United Kingdom is allegedly preparing a group of “Russian defectors” to attack a Ukrainian Navy ship or a civilian vessel in a European port to blame Russia for it.
At the same time, Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service has recorded increased Russian information activity through foreign proxy resources in recent weeks. The Kremlin is actively promoting narratives about the “illegitimate nature of the Ukrainian government,” “demoralization of the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” and “external control.”

The previous day alone, we have experienced more than 26 attacks on our energy facilities. The Sumy, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Odesa, and Poltava regions are under constant enemy fire, said Ukrainian Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk during a meeting with ambassadors of the G7 countries, addressing Ukraine’s key needs ahead of winter amid ongoing Russian shelling.

Russia, Iran, and North Korea are losing access to established supply chains for weapons components due to sanctions. The use of counterfeit parts is increasing, affecting the quality of their products, according to the British organization Conflict Armament Research (CAR), which monitors the supply of weapons, ammunition, and military equipment used in conflicts worldwide.

Thales Belgium, one of Europe’s largest air defense companies, reported that drones are increasingly flying over its classified facilities.
The company said it could use jammers to block the control signals and shoot the drones down.
“But the problem is that we are not allowed to do that legally,” said CEO Alain Kevrin.
One concern about shooting drones down is the potential for damage or injury if they fall.
Kevrin added that these incidents come as the company plans to double its production capacity for FZ275 unguided and laser-guided missiles to 70,000 units over the next few years.

⚡️Ukraine and Lithuania have signed a memorandum to strengthen cooperation in protecting critical infrastructure.
The agreement includes sharing expertise on infrastructure protection planning and organizing joint seminars and trainings to exchange best practices in safeguarding critical facilities.

The EU plans to restrict the movement of Russian diplomats over sabotage concerns, reports the Financial Times.
EU countries have agreed to limit travel within the bloc for Russian diplomats following a series of suspected sabotage attempts, believed to be carried out by spies operating under diplomatic cover.
Under the proposal, Russian diplomats accredited in one EU capital would need to notify authorities before crossing into another member state.
The EU links the rise in Russian “diplomat-spy” activity to increased arson, cyberattacks, and sabotage targeting Ukraine’s infrastructure and its allies.

Estonia will supply 150 THeMIS combat robots to Ukraine.
The deliveries will be carried out under a program funded and coordinated by the Netherlands. The manufacturer will also train Ukrainian operators and personnel to use the vehicles in combat conditions. These robots will complement the 15 THeMIS platforms that the Ukrainian Armed Forces have been operating since 2022.
THeMIS is a multirole unmanned ground platform developed by Milrem Robotics. It is used for infantry support, logistics, reconnaissance, and combat missions. The system is already in service or undergoing trials in 19 countries.

Italy will request a ceasefire in all war zones during the 2026 Winter Olympics. This includes conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, said Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.

In September, Ukrainian unmanned aerial systems struck 66,500 Russian targets, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Syrskyi, reported.
This represents a 10.8% increase compared with August.

Ukraine has started shooting down “Shahed” drones using Thales anti-aircraft mini-missiles, reports Business Insider.
The missile is 70 cm long and its FZ123 warhead contains thousands of steel balls. It can hit targets up to 3 km away, creating a destruction zone up to 25 m in diameter.
According to the manufacturer, these missiles cost more than Ukrainian anti-aircraft drones but are much cheaper than traditional air defense systems.

Ukrainian long-range drone missiles are showing increasing efficiency. We have also achieved significant results in destroying Russian air-defense systems. We have approved operations aimed at reducing Russia's military potential, President Zelenskyy said after a meeting with the head of the SBU, Vasyl Maliuk.
"I would like to separately mention the soldiers of the SBU Special Operations Center 'A,' who are carrying out active operations in the Pokrovsky direction. We note that Russian troops received orders to storm our positions at any cost. Accordingly, Russian losses have increased significantly. Only our SBU soldiers, and only in the Pokrovsk direction, are currently eliminating more than 100 occupiers per day.
In total, over the past month, the soldiers of the SBU Special Operations Center 'A' have eliminated 3,028 occupiers — we have verification for each of them."

Almost 1,000 Russian servicemen who returned from the front are now defendants in murder cases, reports Mediazona.
Since 2023, Russian military courts have registered 989 criminal cases involving murder and intentional infliction of grievous bodily harm resulting in death.
Since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the total number of such cases has approached 1,000: 38 in 2022, 266 in 2023, 346 in 2024, and 377 so far in 2025.
The number of violent crimes has steadily risen over the 3.5 years of the full-scale invasion.
The first significant increase in convictions came in the first half of 2023, when courts handed down a record number of sentences to military personnel for murder, grievous bodily harm, and violent sexual crimes.

Trump said during a meeting with Carney at the White House that negotiations with Putin were “more difficult than the situation in Gaza.”
The US president also stated that he and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney would “work on a Golden Dome for both countries,” emphasizing that it would be “very important.”
Trump announced the plans for the system just days after returning to the White House in January.
He also described Carney as “a good person, but he can be very unpleasant.” However, during a press conference on trade, Carney assured that the US and Canada would “get the right deal.”

The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to American scientists for breakthroughs in quantum mechanics.
The laureates—John Clark, Michel Devoret, and John Martinis of the University of California—discovered macroscopic quantum tunneling and energy quantization in electrical circuits.
Quantum technology is already part of everyday life, with transistors in computer microchips as a prime example. The work of this year’s winners opens the door to the next generation of quantum technologies, including quantum computers, quantum cryptography, and quantum sensors.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

At 73, Putin is obsessed with immortality and determined to extend his life at any cost — Le Monde
His administration is actively funding projects aimed at halting aging. According to the outlet, Putin plans to remain in power at least until 2036. [this was hinted at in the recent meeting with Xi Jingping]

In a desperate attempt to maintain control over increasingly demoralized troops, Russian commanders on the Kherson front have confiscated soldiers’ bank cards ahead of an upcoming deployment, according to the Ukrainian resistance movement ATESH.

The possibility of ending the war in Ukraine, which emerged after the meeting between Trump and Putin, has been exhausted, said a representative of Russia’s Foreign Ministry.

Ukraine has begun using FP-5 “Flamingo” cruise missiles, each costing around $500,000 — The Economist

2,000 Russian military sites would fall within range (www.kyivpost.com/post/61615) of Ukraine’s forces if Washington approves delivery of long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles.

Ukraine has transferred $44 million from frozen US accounts (www.kyivpost.com/post/61621) of Russia’s Prominvestbank in Ukraine – nationalized by Kyiv after the 2022 invasion – to the state budget.
The 11th Kyiv International Economic Forum Will Take Place in Kyiv on October 16
The Forum will bring together more than 1,000 leaders of Ukrainian and international business, government representatives, investors, and experts to provide practical answers to critical questions.
This year’s topic – “Ukraine 2.0: The Power of People” – reflects a key idea: in times of war, the recovery and modernization of Ukraine and global turbulence depend on the specific decisions and actions of people – in business, government, education, and industry.
The program includes 15 panel discussions and more than 100 speakers who will addressthe future of Ukraine’s economy, industry, and energy in times of war and global transformation.
Among the speakers:

• George Friedman (Geopolitical Futures)
• Vjaceslavs Dombrovskis (former Latvian minister)
• Edward Mermelstein (New York Commissioner for International Affairs)
• Topi Paananen (Peikko Group)
• Adam Sikorski (UNIMOT S.A.)
• Teymur Taghiyev (NEQSOL Holding)
• Maxim Timchenko (DTEK)
• Vasyl Danylyak (OKKO Group)
• Zoya Lytvyn (Osvitoria, GGTC Kyiv)
• Olena Vovk (Enzym Group, Kormotech)
• Vyacheslav Klymov (Nova Post)
• Igor Liskі (EFI Group)

www.kyivpost.com/post/61595

Putin’s forces have stolen at least 178 cultural treasures, (www.kyivpost.com/post/61652) including over 140 rare artifacts from ancient archaeological sites in Crimea and 37 items from the Kamiana Mohyla Museum, Ukrainian intelligence reveals.

Tensions are rising between Ukraine and Hungary after Prime Minister Viktor Orbán accused President Volodymyr Zelensky of trying to “blackmail” his country into the EU.
Kyiv Post Editor-in-Chief Bohdan Nahaylo addressed the issue on TVP World.
www.kyivpost.com/videos/61656

A 22-year-old Indian citizen surrendered to Ukrainian forces after just three days at the front. He said he had come to Russia to study but was sentenced to seven years in prison for alleged drug charges. To avoid serving time, he agreed to sign a contract with the Russian army.

In the city of Shostka, Sumy region, local residents are being forced to cook meals outdoors. According to local community pages, some parts of the city are experiencing partial power and gas outages following Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🇸🇰 Slovakia is blocking EU sanctions against Russia that would restrict the movement of Russian diplomats within the bloc and wants the issue discussed at the leaders’ level, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reports.
The member states had reached an agreement after Hungary lifted its veto, but due to Slovakia’s demands, the entire sanctions package can only be approved at the summit on October 23.
▪️EU governments have agreed to limit the travel of Russian diplomats within the bloc in response to a surge in sabotage attempts, which intelligence agencies say are often led by spies operating under diplomatic cover.

🇪🇺 The EU is pressuring Belgium to allow the use of frozen Russian assets, the Financial Times reports, citing sources.
The bloc is urging Belgium to transfer Russia’s frozen funds as a “reparations loan” to Ukraine. The sum in question is €190 billion held in the Euroclear central securities depository.
Meanwhile, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever is asking other EU countries to share the legal and financial risks. The European Commission adds that the loan would be backed by national guarantees and that the risks for Belgium are “quite limited.”
▪️The “reparations loan” option proposed by the EU is not formally considered confiscation: Russia would retain the right to demand the return of the funds in the future — but only if it agrees to compensate Ukraine for the damages caused by the war.

🇫🇮 A drone was spotted flying over the presidential palace in Finland — an area designated as a no-fly zone.
An eyewitness nearby noticed the drone and approached the men operating it, who claimed to be tourists from Hong Kong, China.
The eyewitness reported the incident to the police, who stated that they are currently paying “special attention” to drone activity and are equipped to respond to any appearances of drones in restricted areas.
▪️In late September, a suspicious drone was also spotted over the Valajaskoski hydroelectric power plant in Rovaniemi, northern Finland.

Massive fire at turbine plant in Yekaterinburg
A large blaze broke out at the Ural Turbine Works in the Elmash district of Yekaterinburg.
According to Russia’s Emergency Ministry (EMERCOM), the roof of a warehouse building is on fire. The exact area of the blaze is being clarified, with 12 fire engines and 30 rescuers working on site.
No casualties have been reported so far. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Mykolaiv has received centralized fresh water supply for the first time since 2022.
The new pipeline is protected from shelling, equipped with shelters for personnel, and supported by backup generators.
▪️At the start of the full-scale invasion, Russian forces blew up the city’s main water pipeline, leaving more than 500,000 residents of Mykolaiv without a stable water supply.

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-october-7-2025/

Key Takeaways

1. The Kremlin continues its reflexive control campaign aimed at preventing the US from selling Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine.
2. Leaked Russian estimates of Russian killed in action (KIA) to wounded in action (WIA) rates in Ukraine underscore the impact of increased tactical drone usage in Ukraine and the extent to which drones complicate ground advances and casualty evacuation.
3. The leaked estimates indicate that Russian forces suffered their highest casualties in the Pokrovsk, Kupyansk, and Lyman directions between January and August 2025, reflecting command prioritization of these sectors of the front.
4. Russian forces appear able and willing to sustain these casualty rates despite achieving limited tactical advances.
5. European states continue to provide humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine and conclude joint agreements with Ukraine’s defense industrial base (DIB).
6. The Russian military command reportedly appointed Former Commander of the Russian Force Grouping in Syria Lieutenant General Sergei Kisel as the deputy commander of the Northern Grouping of Forces.
7. Ukrainian forces advanced near Novopavlivka and Velykomykhailivka. Russian forces advanced in eastern Zaporizhia Oblast, the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka and Dobropillya tactical areas and near Siversk, Pokrovsk, and Novopavlivka.

Live:Ukraine

🇨🇭The Swiss government has decided to extend the temporary protection status (Status S) for Ukrainians until March 4, 2027.

At the same time, members of the Federal Council decided that not all Ukrainian citizens will be granted protection status. When providing temporary protection, Switzerland will now distinguish between regions where returning is considered “reasonable” and those where it is “unreasonable.”

Currently, returning is deemed reasonable for residents of the Volyn, Rivne, Lviv, Ternopil, Zakarpattia, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Chernivtsi regions.

Ukrainians who will no longer qualify for Status S under the new rules may apply for asylum in Switzerland. The new regulations will take effect on November 1.

🇩🇪 German police will be allowed to shoot down drones — the German government has approved a new law.

The bill will now go to the country’s parliament for consideration.

The new law authorizes police to neutralize drones that violate German airspace. In addition to firearms, they will be able to use lasers and electronic warfare systems.

Police will be responsible for drones flying at low altitudes (around tree level), while the military will handle other UAVs.

🔹 Russian forces have attacked a DTEK facility in Donetsk region for the second time in a day.

The target was a coal enrichment plant that supplies fuel for thermal power stations. During the strike, on-duty workers were in a shelter — no casualties were reported.

This is already the third large-scale attack on the plant in the past month and a half. The equipment has been rendered unusable, forcing the company to suspend operations. The plant’s workers have been reassigned to other DTEK facilities.

🇪🇺 The EU’s law to phase out Russian oil and gas is expected to be approved on October 20, Reuters reports, citing diplomats.

On October 8, EU ambassadors agreed to forward the draft law — which sets a target to end dependence on Russian oil and gas by 2028 — to their ministers. Negotiations over technical adjustments to the text are still ongoing.

Diplomats said that almost all EU member states supported the plan, suggesting the law will pass easily despite criticism from Hungary and Slovakia.

Unanimous approval is not required for this legislation — it only needs a qualified majority, meaning support from 55% of EU member states.

🔥 A massive fire broke out at an electronics manufacturing plant in Russia.

The blaze occurred at the Solder Plant in Novosibirsk, which specializes in producing electronics and microchips, as well as repairing and assembling electrical equipment.

The facility is also involved in soldering components and manufacturing equipment for weapons, communications, and radio electronics for the Russian defense industry.

🔸 Zaluzhnyi on rumors about his alleged election plans: “I am not creating any headquarters or parties.”

The former Commander-in-Chief, now Ukraine’s ambassador to the UK, responded to claims that he is preparing to run in upcoming elections.

“I do not recognize any idea of holding elections during wartime. Anyone who receives an offer to join any initiatives supposedly linked to my name should immediately report it to law enforcement. I am not creating any headquarters or parties and have no connections whatsoever with any political force,” he stated.

Valerii Zaluzhnyi reiterated that his position remains unchanged: as long as the war continues, elections to Ukraine’s state institutions are impossible.

▪️On October 8, the French outlet Intelligence Online reported, citing sources, that some senior officials allegedly close to Zaluzhnyi had been offered places on his “parliamentary list,” even though he has not yet decided whether to run for president.

🔹 Russia launched a massive drone attack on the Odesa region, injuring five people.

The strike caused a large fire at a port infrastructure facility — containers filled with vegetable oil, vehicles, and fuel pellets caught fire.

Two residential buildings, an administrative facility, and a gas station were also set ablaze. More than 30,000 customers were left without electricity as a result of the attack.

❗️Russia destroyed about 60% of Ukraine’s gas production this week — Bloomberg reports, citing informed sources.

The strikes on October 3 targeted the Kharkiv and Poltava regions. Following the attacks, Ukraine urgently appealed to its G7 partners for equipment to repair its energy infrastructure and once again requested additional air defense systems.

Kyiv is also seeking financial support to pay for the necessary gas imports.

According to sources, if the attacks continue, Ukraine will need to purchase around 4.4 billion cubic meters of gas by the end of March — worth roughly €2 billion. This amounts to nearly 20% of Ukraine’s annual gas consumption.

United 24 Media:

🔹 Ukrainian long-range drone missiles are showing increasing efficiency. We have also achieved significant results in destroying Russian air-defense systems. We have approved operations aimed at reducing Russia's military potential, President Zelenskyy said after a meeting with the head of the SBU, Vasyl Maliuk.

"I would like to separately mention the soldiers of the SBU Special Operations Center 'A,' who are carrying out active operations in the Pokrovsky direction. We note that Russian troops received orders to storm our positions at any cost. Accordingly, Russian losses have increased significantly. Only our SBU soldiers, and only in the Pokrovsk direction, are currently eliminating more than 100 occupiers per day.

In total, over the past month, the soldiers of the SBU Special Operations Center 'A' have eliminated 3,028 occupiers — we have verification for each of them."

🔸 EU ambassadors have agreed to ban Russian oil and gas imports starting in 2028, despite objections from Hungary and Slovakia, Reuters reports.

🔹 Russia claims it can shoot down American Tomahawk missiles if they are supplied to Ukraine.

“We know these missiles very well—how they fly, how to shoot them down, and we worked with them in Syria, so there’s nothing new. The only problems will be for those who supply them and those who use them,” said Andrei Kartapolov, head of the State Duma Defense Committee.

🔸 German police will be allowed to shoot down drones, the government has approved, Reuters reports.

The law now needs to be reviewed by the German parliament.

It permits police to neutralize drones that violate the country’s airspace using firearms, lasers, or electronic warfare systems.

Authorities will only target low-flying drones at tree level, while the German military will handle other drones.

🔹 Ancient artifacts returned from Australia to Ukraine

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has transferred a 3rd millennium BC temple pendant and a 12th–13th century arrowhead to the Ministry of Culture. These items were illegally exported from Ukraine and intercepted in Australia at the end of 2023.

“The return of Ukrainian artifacts is an important step in restoring historical justice and confirming the historical continuity of Ukraine. This is especially significant as Russia wages a genocidal war against Ukraine and attempts to erase our history,” Foreign Minister Sybiha stated.

🔸 Ukrainian drone attacks have pushed Russia’s oil production to its lowest level in five years, Bloomberg reports.

Since the beginning of August, drones have struck at least 28 oil refineries across Russia, causing production to drop by 10%.

🔹 The leader of the winning party in the Czech parliamentary elections, ANO, Andrej Babiš, said that if his political force forms a government, it will not allocate budget funds for weapons for Ukraine.

“If we are in government, we will tell Czech arms factories: do you want to export weapons to Ukraine? We have no problem with that,” he said.

🔸 Zelenskyy: Ukraine’s Palianytsia Rocket Drone Already Hit Dozens of Russian Targets

Ukraine’s domestically produced long-range strike systems are showing growing effectiveness, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a meeting with Ukrainian journalists on October 9.

According to the President, the locally developed Palianytsia rocket drone has already achieved ten confirmed hits on Russian military targets.

“As for our strikes deep inside Russia, I mean our responses to Russian strikes—there are positive developments,” Zelenskyy said.

“Palianytsia has already begun hitting enemy ammo depots in dozens of cases. That’s a positive development, because there were different situations, and now we’re no longer talking about isolated incidents.”

🔹 “I haven’t received a refusal from Trump to sell Tomahawk missiles. The U.S. will work on this issue at the technical level,” Zelenskyy said.

He noted that he had raised this issue during the Joe Biden administration but was rejected.

“This is an important signal—strengthening Ukraine with all its capabilities. One of the key elements is Tomahawks. Such weapons can strengthen Ukraine and force the Russians to sober up and come to the negotiating table. And if there is a ceasefire, this very fact will influence the possibility of reaching an agreement later, of having a plan,” Zelenskyy said.

Kyiv Post:

🔹 Putin’s censors scrub giant Crimea fuel depot blaze from the news — even as smoke fills the sky for miles and gas lines stretch for hours.

Three days after Ukrainian drones struck the site, the fire still rages while Kremlin media remains silent.

🔸 Putin has lost 281,000 troops in just 8 months of 2025, while the war’s death toll now exceeds 1 MILLION.

🔹 Russia-Kazakh border delays – are dual-use goods being confiscated?

In a video posted by a truck driver, trucks are seen queuing at what appears to be the Russian-Kazakhstan border — but what exactly is going on?

❗️Israel and Hamas have signed the first phase of a peace plan — Trump announced on Truth Social

He said that “all Israeli hostages will be released very soon,” and that Israel will withdraw its forces to an agreed line.

🔸 Peace mirage: US officials reject the Kremlin’s “baseless” claims, while former Ambassador Herbst says only economic pressure and weapons — including Tomahawks — will make Putin end his aggression.

🔹 A massive fire erupted at a Lukoil gas processing facility in southern Russia after another overnight drone strike.

The Korobkovsky plant, Russia’s largest gas processor in the south with a capacity of 450 million cubic meters per year, produced output largely destined for export.

🔸 NATO countries are discussing deploying attack drones along the Russian border and easing fire restrictions for pilots engaging Russian aircraft — the Financial Times

🔹 Russia is outsourcing its war against Ukraine — this time, with a growing number of Arab recruits lured by false promises of a better life. [Quick death more like]

🔸 Ahead of winter, Putin’s forces have renewed efforts to cripple Ukraine’s energy system.

Last night, a massive Russian drone attack on the Odesa region sparked fires and left over 30,000 civilians without power

🔹 New Normal? MAGA lawmaker claims ‘personal’ right to conduct Moscow diplomacy.

Kyiv Independent:

⚡️ Taiwan ready to halt Russian naphtha purchases if EU requests, minister says.

"We will respect and abide by EU and G7 norms," Taiwan's Economy Minister Kung Ming-hsin said.

⚡️ Russia says Trump-Putin 'strong' Ukraine peace momentum 'exhausted' as talks stall.

"The strong momentum created in Anchorage toward reaching agreements has been largely exhausted due to the efforts of opponents... primarily among Europeans," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said.

⚡️Ukraine, EBRD discuss funding additional gas imports amid rising Russian strikes on energy sector.

"We discussed with the EBRD the possibility of securing additional financing for gas purchases to ensure the stable passage of the 2025–2026 heating season," Ukraine's Finance Minister Serhii Marchenko said.

Russia is ramping up Shahed-type drone strikes on the front line in Ukraine

Russia is increasingly using Shahed-type drones to target Ukrainian front-line positions, likely looking to conserve KAB guided aerial bombs where possible to prepare for a long war ahead, soldiers and experts have told the Kyiv Independent.

⚡️Tajikistan lets Putin enter despite ICC arrest warrant.

The Tajik government has not publicly explained why it did not comply with the ICC warrant and arrest Vladimir Putin on its territory.

⚡️Russian stock market plummets to 3-year low after Kremlin statement on 'collapsing' US-Moscow relations.

The 4.05% drop brings the MOEX Russia Index, the primary benchmark of the Russian stock market, to its lowest levels since September 2022.

⚡️Pro-Trump US lawmaker to meet with Putin's envoy this month.

Republican Representative Anna Paulina Luna said on Oct. 8 that she will meet with Kirill Dmitriev later this month.

"Our two countries do not need to be enemies. Allies in trade benefit everyone," she said.

Luna opposes all U.S. aid to Ukraine and co-sponsored the "Ukraine Fatigue Resolution" in 2023.

⚡️ Russian strikes reportedly destroy over half of Ukraine's gas output before winter.

Ukraine's gas network, which met the country's needs before the full-scale war, has been repeatedly hit by missiles and drones, endangering millions of households that depend on gas for heating in winter.

⚡️ Belgium wants EU to share risks of 140 billion euros Ukraine loan, Politico reports.

Belgium also opposes outright confiscation of Russian assets and seeks an agreement to cover the money if Euroclear is forced to return them in the event of a peace deal, Politico reported.

⚡️ Russian strikes kill 5, injure 19, hit port and energy infrastructure in Ukraine.

According to Ukraine's Air Force, Russian forces launched 112 Shahed-type attack and decoy drones overnight.

⚡️ Ukraine to nominate Trump for Nobel Peace Prize if he secures ceasefire with Russia.

Trump, who has boasted about ending "seven wars" since returning to office, has actively campaigned for receiving the prestigious award.

⚡️ Tomahawk deliveries could force Russia to 'sober up' and negotiate, Zelensky says.

"Right now, it is important to send a signal that Ukraine will be strengthened by all means possible," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

⚡️ Update: Ukraine confirms strikes against oil and gas facilities in Russia’s Volgograd Oblast.

Explosions and fires were reported at both the Korobkovsky Gas Processing Plant in Kotovo and the Yefimovka Linear-Production Dispatch Station, the military said.

⚡️ Ukraine's parliament backs creation of cyber forces in first reading.

The bill aims to establish the Cyber Forces as a military command body responsible for Ukraine's defense and security capabilities in cyberspace.

🔹 These are the indicative estimates of Russia’s combat losses as of Oct. 9, according to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Putin has lost 281,000 troops in just 8 months of 2025, while the war’s death toll now exceeds 1 MILLION.

Not correct. The Russians now have over a million casualties. That figure is made up of not just killed in action but also those taken prisoner, missing in action, or too injured to continue fighting. The number of KIA is likely less than half of the total.

The Russians don't give a fig for the KIAs or POWs, but they hate having to devote resources to treating the wounded. They also make for very bad PR when they return to Russia grievously wounded. That's why they make only minimal efforts to evacuate and care for the wounded, particularly for the newest recruits who are forced into participating in the "meat assault" attacks.

Such barbarians.

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-october-8-2025/

Key Takeaways

1. Russian President Vladimir Putin remains committed to his theory of victory, which holds that Russia can outlast the West and Ukraine in a war of attrition, and his demand for Ukraine’s full capitulation.
2. Putin acknowledged Ukraine’s long-range strike campaign against Russian oil refineries amidst ongoing gasoline shortages and price surges in Russia and occupied Ukraine.
3. The Kremlin is intensifying its efforts to use defunct US-Russian arms control treaties to gain concessions from the United States on the war in Ukraine.
4. The Kremlin’s moves to withdraw from PMDA likely immediately aim to prevent US sales of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine and are part of an ongoing reflexive control campaign.
5. The Russian military command reportedly redeployed elements of the 41st Combined Arms Army (CAA, Central Military District [CMD]) from south of Pokrovsk to the Novopavlivka direction, which will likely improve Russia’s command and control (C2) in both sectors.
6. European officials continue to report drone sightings and GPS interference in European airspace.
7. European officials continued to warn that Russia’s recent drone attacks against Europe are part of a broader campaign to generate fear and disunity in Europe.
8. Ukrainian forces recently advanced in northern Sumy Oblast and Novopavlivka, and Russian forces recently advanced near Kupyansk, Siversk, and Pokrovsk and in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️ NATO reportedly weighs stronger military response (kyivindependent.com/nato-reportedly-weighs-stronger-military-response-to-russian-provocations/) to Russian provocations.
According to four NATO officials, the goal is to raise the cost of Moscow's gray-zone operations and strengthen deterrence following a series of incursions by Russian drones and aircraft, the Financial Times reported.

⚡️EU parliament (kyivindependent.com/eu-parliament-condemns-russian-escalatory-actions-calls-for-possible-downing-of-hostile-aircraft/) calls for readiness to down of Russian aircraft, drones over member states' territory.
The European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning Russia's ongoing "escalatory actions" on Oct. 9, calling for tougher responses to violations of EU airspace.

⚡️Potential water, power shortages reported (kyivindependent.com/potential-water-power-shortages-reported-in-kyiv-amid-massive-drone-strikes/) in Kyiv amid massive drone strikes.
"All emergency teams are monitoring the situation and ready to respond," Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said.

⚡️ Trump admin reportedly proposes (kyivindependent.com/trump-admin-reportedly-proposes-banning-chinese-airlines-from-flying-over-russia/) banning Chinese airlines from flying over Russia on US routes.
The move follows growing frustration among American airlines, which have been barred from flying over Russia since 2022, while Chinese carriers continue to use the route.

⚡️Trump meets with Stubb, vows to defend Finland (kyivindependent.com/trump-meets-with-stubb-vows-to-defend-finland-in-case-of-russian-attack/) in case of Russian attack.
During a White House meeting on Oct. 9, U.S. President Donald Trump said he would “vigorously” defend Finland if Russia attacked it.

⚡️ US falling behind (kyivindependent.com/us-delay-on-hypersonics-creates-battlefield-asymmetry-to-russia-and-china-study-says/) Russia and China in hypersonic weapons race, study says.
The assessment shows a critical gap in U.S. military capabilities as Russia deploys hypersonic missiles against Ukraine and China rapidly advances its own arsenal.

⚡️ Ukraine's prime minister, top Zelensky aide heading to US next week. (kyivindependent.com/ukraines-prime-minister-heading-to-us-next-week-to-discuss-air-defense-sanctions/)
Ukrainian delegates will discuss air defenses, energy, sanctions against Moscow, peace talks, and frozen Russian assets.

Exclusive: EBRD preparing new funds to cover urgent gas imports for Ukraine, vice president says
(kyivindependent.com/ebrd-will-help-fund-urgent-gas-imports-for-ukraine-vice-president-says/)
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development will provide Ukraine's state-run oil and gas giant Naftogaz with fresh financing for emergency gas imports amid devastating Russian strikes on its gas production facilities, the bank's vice president told the Kyiv Independent in an interview on Oct. 9.
Nearly 60% of the country’s gas production was damaged in recent strikes, which targeted Ukraine's Poltava and Kharkiv oblasts, Bloomberg reported on Oct. 9, citing sources with knowledge of the matter.

⚡️ Zelensky holds first phone call (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-holds-phone-call-with-czechias-populist-election-winner-babis/) with Czechia's populist leader since election win.
The call comes as Kyiv worries that a Babis-led government could undermine Czechia's pro-Ukraine stance, as he has questioned continued military aid and Ukraine's path toward EU membership.

⚡️Serbia sends (kyivindependent.com/serbia-sends-around-6-million-humanitarian-aid-to-russias-kursk-oblast-moscow-claims/) humanitarian aid to Russia's Kursk Oblast worth around $6 million, Moscow claims.
While Moscow framed the assistance as "centuries-old brotherhood" and praised "the close ties between our countries and peoples," the move underscores Serbia's ongoing balancing act between its EU aspirations and longstanding ties with Russia. [what is the situation in Kursk then, if Serbia is sending humanitarian aid?]

The EU's ambitious plan for frozen Russian assets, explained (kyivindependent.com/the-eus-ambitious-plan-for-frozen-russian-assets-explained/)
Momentum is building to tap more of Russia’s central bank reserves — immobilized after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine — to help fund Kyiv's war effort.

⚡️Russian-owned oil company in Serbia loses U.S. sanctions exemption (kyivindependent.com/serbias-russian-owned-oil-company-loses-u-s-sanctions-deferral/).
Serbia's largest Russian-owned oil company, Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS), announced on Oct. 9 that it had not received an extension of its U.S. sanctions waiver, Reuters reported.

⚡️Oil prices (kyivindependent.com/oil-prices-dip-modestly-amid-gaza-ceasefire-stalled-ukraine-peace-talks/) dip modestly amid Gaza ceasefire, stalled Ukraine peace talks.

⚡️ Ukraine's parliament backs creation of cyber forces (kyivindependent.com/ukraines-parliament-backs-creation-of-cyber-forces-in-first-reading/) in first reading.
The bill aims to establish the Cyber Forces as a military command body responsible for Ukraine's defense and security capabilities in cyberspace.

⚡️ Russian MiG-31 fighter jet crashed (kyivindependent.com/russian-mig-31-fighter-jet-crashed-during-landing/) in western region during landing, Moscow says.
The MiG-31, a twin-seat supersonic aircraft capable of carrying Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, has been widely used by Russia to strike targets deep inside Ukraine.

⚡️Drones attack Russia's Rostov Oblast (kyivindependent.com/drones-attack-russias-rostov-oblast-allegedly-targeting-an-oil-depot-media-reports/), allegedly targeting an oil depot, media reports.

⚡️ Putin admits Russian air defense opened fire (https://kyivindependent.com/putin-meets-azerbaijans-president-in-tajikistan-amid-tense-moscow-baku-ties/) at Azerbaijani airliner in 2024.
Putin claimed that the missiles exploded a few meters away from the plane, which was then hit by fragments. He linked the incident to an alleged sighting of a Ukrainian drone in the area.

⚡️ Ukraine's Security Service denies investigating (kyivindependent.com/ukraines-security-service-denies-probe-of-top-anti-graft-prosecutor/) top anti-graft prosecutor.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) denied on Oct. 9 media reporting suggesting it was investigating a possible involvement of chief anti-corruption prosecutor Oleksandr Klymenko in a criminal case.

One of the greatest 20th century Ukrainian novels, now in English translation
(kyivindependent.com/one-of-the-greatest-20th-century-ukrainian-novels-now-in-english-translation/)
Overwhelmed by the buzzing nightlife of Khreshchatyk Street in central Kyiv, Stepan Radchenko, the despondent protagonist of Valerian Pidmohylnyi’s novel “The City,” looks up at the moon for solace and reminds himself: “The city must be conquered, not despised!”

We are happy to introduce a long-requested feature — Kyiv Independent members can now pay for monthly or annual memberships using PayPal.
We’ve also expanded our payment features, and now there is no need to pay for conversion fees when paying in EUR, GBP, CAD, or AUD.
This makes supporting our journalism easier, more flexible, and more accessible to readers around the world.
(kyivindependent.com/membership/?utm_source=memb-tg-pp&utm_medium=tg)

⚡️ Update: 5 injured (kyivindependent.com/potential-water-power-shortages-reported-in-kyiv-amid-massive-drone-strikes/) in Zaporizhzhia in Russian strike, emergency shutdowns introduced across Ukraine.

⚡️ Update: 4 injured (kyivindependent.com/potential-water-power-shortages-reported-in-kyiv-amid-massive-drone-strikes/) in Russian strike on Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.

⚡️Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 405 out of the 465 Russian drones, as well as 15 of the 32 cruise and ballistic missiles launched overnight on Oct. 10, according to Ukraine’s Air Force.

⚡️Update: 'Missiles, one after another' — Child killed (kyivindependent.com/potential-water-power-shortages-reported-in-kyiv-amid-massive-drone-strikes/), 12 injured amid mass Russian attack on Ukrainian cities, energy infrastructure.
Russia launched a large-scale drone and missile attack on Ukraine overnight on Oct. 10, killing a seven-year-old boy in Zaporizhzhia, injuring at least three others in Zaporizhzhia and nine in Kyiv, while leaving parts of Ukraine's capital without power.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦
‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA — OCT 10, 2025 (1/2)
■ Most engagements since early May (9th highest overall); highest casualties in over two months
■ Land-based equipment losses above the 7-day average
■ Overnight attacks: major wave (including 32 missiles of which 15 were shot down) ■ 🇷🇺 MLRS & air strikes below average, only 2 🇺🇦 strikes reported

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

[more info] NATO countries are discussing a military response to Putin’s provocations in Europe, the Financial Times reports.
The publication says allies are considering deploying combat drones along the border with Russia and easing restrictions on pilots engaging Russian aircraft. Another option under consideration is conducting NATO military exercises near the Russian border, particularly in remote and less-guarded areas.
The talks were initiated by countries bordering Russia, with support from the UK and France.

The European Parliament has adopted a resolution calling for Russian planes and drones to be shot down if they violate the airspace of EU and NATO countries.

Trump said he was considering imposing additional sanctions on Russia. He also added that Russia and Ukraine would soon sit down at the negotiating table.

❗️Preliminary reports indicate that Russia targeted thermal and hydroelectric power plants, thermal stations, and transformers in various regions of Ukraine.
Consequences of the Russian attack:
▪️ In Kyiv, 12 people were injured. A high-rise building in the Pechersk district caught fire, which has since been extinguished.
▪️ In the Kyiv region, emergency power outages were reported. In Brovary, drone debris hit a minimarket, causing a fire.
▪️ In Zaporizhzhia, traffic on the Dnipro Hydroelectric Power Station dam has been blocked as a safety measure. Zaporizhgaz urged residents to temporarily limit gas consumption. There is damage to facilities and reports of injuries.
▪️ In Dnipro, energy infrastructure was struck. A man was injured and hospitalized in moderate condition. Emergency power outages were introduced across the region.
▪️ In Kaniv, Cherkasy region, rocket debris damaged a multi-story building and injured one person. Critical infrastructure was also hit, and traffic across the hydroelectric dam—like in Zaporizhzhia—was blocked.

⚡️The Armed Forces of Ukraine liberated over 180 sq. km during the Dobropillia operation, Olexandr Syrskyi reported.
Specifically, 180.8 sq. km of Donetsk region territory were liberated, and 212.9 sq. km were cleared of saboteurs.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine stated that counter-sabotage measures will continue, and defensive operations will remain active.
Syrskyi added that efforts are underway to prevent Russian advances in the Pokrovsk direction, improve logistics, and protect roads and critical infrastructure.

An oil depot in Feodosia, temporarily occupied Crimea, has been burning for the fourth day following a successful drone attack.

The Russians blew up a section of the Togliatti–Odesa ammonia pipeline near the settlement of Rusyn Yar in the Donetsk region to slow the advance of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

"We have capabilities that are not currently on the battlefield in Ukraine. They are very powerful, can cause serious damage in the place of our choosing, at the time of our choosing. Some of them can be transferred to Ukraine for use," said US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker.

Sweden has donated 400 tons of fishing nets to Ukraine to help protect against suicide drones.

The Verkhovna Rada has adopted the Law on Approval of the President of Ukraine’s Decree on the Dispatch of Units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to Other States.
The Decree allows the deployment of Ukrainian Armed Forces units to Türkiye and the United Kingdom for the duration of martial law.

Belgium Draws Red Lines on €140 Billion Loan to Ukraine — Politico
EU capitals are working to address Belgium’s concerns about the loan ahead of a crucial EU leaders’ summit on October 23. A political agreement at the summit would allow the EU to present a legal proposal shortly afterward.
Among the 27 EU countries, Belgium has the greatest stake in the issue, as it is home to Euroclear, the depository holding most of Russia’s frozen assets.
The Belgian government fears it may have to respond to legal and financial claims from Russia and has been urging all EU countries to provide guarantees on the loan, effectively using taxpayer money to cover any potential costs.
A statement handed to European leaders on October 1 outlines the “red lines” Belgian Prime Minister Bert De Wever has set for his colleagues and the EU executive, who are seeking ways to make the plan acceptable to Belgium.
These include rejecting any measures that could be seen as asset confiscation; establishing legally binding guarantees that European countries will share all current and future risks for both Euroclear and Belgium; and agreeing to immediately release funds if Euroclear is forced to return assets to Russia, for example after a peace deal.

The 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature has been awarded to Hungarian writer László Krasznahorkai “for his compelling and prophetic work, which, in the midst of apocalyptic terror, confirms the power of art.”

The premiere of the film almanac “War Through the Eyes of Animals” took place in Kyiv on World Animal Day.
The seven short stories depict the full-scale invasion by the Russian Federation through the eyes of animals. The world premiere was held in June at the Tribeca Festival.
During the screening, the “Companions” project was presented — a program for training emotional support dogs for veterans and children who have survived the war.
“War Through the Eyes of Animals” will be released widely on November 6 and will later be shown in Europe and on streaming platforms.
Part of the proceeds from the distribution will go toward helping animals.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Ukraine is weighing the return of military courts (www.kyivpost.com/post/61775) more than a decade after they were abolished, as wartime crimes surge.

Israel and Hamas on Thursday agreed a ceasefire deal to free hostages held in Gaza in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners detained in Israeli jails.
Here is what we know so far about the agreement, (www.kyivpost.com/post/61813) reached in indirect talks in Egypt.

Amid political chaos, Senators approve funds for the Baltic Security Initiative (www.kyivpost.com/post/61805) and mandate action on Ukraine children abducted during the conflict.

Trump announced the end of the war between Israel and Hamas.
He said that Gaza would be completely rebuilt and that Israeli hostages were expected to be released on Monday or Tuesday.
This weekend, the US President is set to travel to Egypt, where peace agreements will be signed.

The EU allocates €6.6 million to support independent media in Ukraine.
The initiatives include grants for frontline media, training in investigative journalism, emergency assistance for journalists, and the creation of 15 regional media hubs to counter disinformation.

Ukraine has reportedly discovered a Russian drone loaded with a “napalm-type” incendiary mixture (www.kyivpost.com/post/61771) — a terrifying weapon with no official designation.

The most critical components inside Russia’s deadly Shahed drones — unleashed in thousands of attacks on Ukraine — come from the United States, China, and Taiwan, (www.kyivpost.com/post/61770) a senior Ukrainian official has revealed.

Ukraine will nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize — if he delivers Tomahawk missiles — Zelensky

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-october-9-2025/

Key Takeaways

1. EU and NATO states continue to take steps to increase European defenses against covert and overt Russian attacks.
2. The Kremlin continued its reflexive control campaign aimed at deterring the United States from selling Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, including by threatening to deploy Russian missiles to Cuba.
3. Kremlin officials continue to indicate that US-Russian relations are deteriorating to levels similar to those during the Biden administration.
4. Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK Valerii Zaluzhnyi highlighted a Russian cognitive warfare effort to spread false information about future Ukrainian elections.
5. Russian President Vladimir Putin implicitly admitted that Russian air defenders shot two missiles at an Azerbaijan Airlines civilian plane in December 2024.
6. Russian elites are reportedly expressing concerns over the Kremlin’s years long efforts to nationalize assets.
7. Russia is increasingly conducting Shahed-type drone strikes against frontline areas, but will likely continue to conduct less precise guided glide bomb strikes as well due to their larger payloads.
8. Russia continues to commit war crimes against Ukrainian civilians.
9. Ukrainian forces advanced in northern Sumy Oblast and near Lyman and Velykomykhailivka. Russian forces advanced near Kupyansk and Pokrovsk, in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area, and in the Kherson direction.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🇳🇴🇺🇦Ukraine and Norway launch €20 million program to develop Ukrainian and Norwegian defense technologies.
The initiative, called Brave-Norway, includes:
🔴grant support for startups developing innovations in UAVs and other defense technologies;
🔴Joint hackathons to find practical solutions that can impact the battlefield;
🔴Creation of modern platforms for integrating research institutions.

Zelensky: Orban bases his election program on criticizing everything that the EU offers. He fuels his electorate or a more radical electorate on this criticism.
And Ukraine is one of the main incentives for his party's rating to grow precisely on the basis of blocking Ukraine. Therefore, he will do everything to block us.
There are several ways out of this situation. This is a change of rules. Changing the rules is being discussed in the EU's lobby. When the majority makes a decision. We need to get to that point...
The second option is for partners to use other levers to influence the position of the Prime Minister of Hungary. There is no other way yet. Together with the European Union, we believe that by the end of this year Ukraine will be ready with six clusters.

🇦🇲🇬🇪 Armenia releases Georgian fighter Giorgi Kinoyan, who fought for Ukraine — Russia had requested his extradition.
Activist Georgi Tumasyan reported that Armenian authorities refused the extradition, stating that “it would endanger Kinoyan’s life.”
On October 25, 2024, an occupation court in Donetsk sentenced Kinoyan in absentia to seven years in prison, accusing him of “participation in mercenary combat operations.”

Twenty-three Ukrainian children and teenagers have been returned from Russian-occupied territories.
Two sisters, aged 11 and 14, were threatened by the occupiers — their mother was told the girls would be taken away if she refused to send them to a Russian school.
One teenage boy, left without guardianship after the occupation, was forced to obtain a Russian passport but refused to attend a Russian school on principle.
In another case, a young girl and her mother were not allowed to leave the occupied area because a relative served in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. As a result, the family was left without documents and lived under constant pressure.

Russia carried out a massive overnight attack on Ukraine. The consequences:
▪️Kyiv: The number of injured has risen to 12. The city’s Left Bank is currently without power, and there are disruptions to the water supply. A residential building in the Pechersk district was damaged. Metro trains are operating on modified routes.
▪️Kyiv region: Around 28,000 households in the Brovary and Boryspil districts are without electricity. Critical and social infrastructure facilities have been switched to generators. No casualties reported.
▪️Zaporizhzhia: A 7-year-old boy was killed and three people were injured. Gas infrastructure facilities were damaged. Traffic across the DniproHES dam has been closed as a precautionary measure.
▪️Dnipropetrovsk region: Energy infrastructure was targeted. One man was injured. In the Sumy region, emergency power outage schedules have been introduced.
▪️Cherkasy region: Critical infrastructure was attacked, and traffic across the hydroelectric dam has been suspended. In Kaniv, a residential building was damaged and one person was injured.

There were recent reports about the significant level of crimes committed by returning military personnel in Russia.

From reading the article it seems that unauthorized absence is a huge problem in the Ukrainian forces but it also seems certain that the number of crimes committed by military personnel has risen.

Over time I've noticed that when an aspect of life in Russia that's changed following the invasion is reported, a few days later the equivalent issue in Ukraine is mentioned with, quite often, the same sorts of problems. The number of Ukrainian ex-military committing crimes notably wasn't mentioned here, but it has to be a problem as well as in Russia.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️ US Senate approves $925 billion defense bill (kyivindependent.com/us-senate-approves-925-billion-defense-bill-proposes-500-million-for-ukraine/), proposes $500 million for Ukraine.
The legislation reflects a $100 million increase in the aid for Ukraine over the House of Representatives' version.

⚡️Putin says (kyivindependent.com/putin-says-alaska-agreements-with-trump-on-ukraine-still-relevant/) Alaska agreements with Trump on Ukraine still relevant.
"We have not fully disclosed what was discussed in Anchorage. We remain committed to the basis of that discussion and have changed nothing for ourselves," Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

⚡️Trump threatens (kyivindependent.com/trumps-100-tariff-plan-to-target-chinese-imports-amid-trade-tensions/) China with additional 100% tariffs amid trade tensions.
"The United States of America will impose a tariff of 100% on China, over and above any tariff that they are currently paying," Donald Trump said.

⚡️ UK, France, Germany to move forward with using Russian assets (kyivindependent.com/uk-france-germany-to-move-forward-with-using-russian-assets-to-aid-ukraine/) to aid Ukraine.
"We agree to develop further bold and innovative mechanisms to increase the cost of Russia's war and ramp up pressure," the British government said in a statement.

⚡️Putin blasts Nobel Peace Prize (kyivindependent.com/putin-blasts-nobel-peace-prize-decision-wins-thanks-from-trump/) decision, wins thanks from Trump.
Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Trump's peacekeeping efforts and said the Nobel committee's decisions to award the honor to "people who have done nothing for peace" damaged the prize's reputation.

⚡️Seven EU states increase (kyivindependent.com/seven-eu-states-increase-russian-energy-imports-in-2025-reuters-reports/) Russian energy imports in 2025, Reuters reports.
Among the seven nations increasing their purchases, France saw a 40% jump, importing 2.2 billion euros ($2.5 billion), while the Netherlands’ imports surged 72% to 498 million euros ($579 million). Belgium, Croatia, Romania, and Portugal also raised their imports. Hungary recorded an 11% increase over the past year.

⚡️'New record of Russian meanness' — Russia waited (kyivindependent.com/new-record-of-russian-meanness-russia-waited-for-bad-weather-middle-east-developments-to-launch-large-scale-attack-on-energy-infrastructure/) for bad weather, Middle East developments to launch large-scale attack on energy infrastructure, Zelensky says.
"I believe that the weather conditions affected our capability to repel by something like 20-30%," Zelensky told reporters during a press briefing following the attack.

⚡️Ukrainian delegation to offer purchase of air defense, HIMARS systems during upcoming US visit (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-delegation-to-offer-purchase-of-air-defense-himars-during-upcoming-us-visit-zelensky-says/), Zelensky says.
A Ukrainian delegation is set to visit Washington next week to negotiate the purchase of additional air defense systems as well as HIMARS rocket systems as part of a "Mega Deal", President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a press briefing on Oct. 10.

⚡️ Venezuelan opposition leader awarded Nobel Peace Prize (kyivindependent.com/nobel-peace-prize-goes-to-venezuelas-opposition-leader-as-trump-sought-the-honor/), Trump loses out.
The committee described Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado as "a brave and committed champion of peace."

⚡️ Ukraine, UK negotiating joint production (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-uk-negotiating-joint-production-of-2-000-interceptor-drones-monthly/) of 2,000 interceptor drones monthly.
"Very shortly, we'll be producing around 2,000 drones a month, deliberately shipping all of them to Ukraine so they can be used to intercept Russian drones," U.K. Defense Readiness and Industry Minister Luke Pollard said.

⚡️Ukraine, Netherlands sign (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-netherlands-sign-memorandum-on-joint-drone-production/) memorandum on joint drone production.
President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans to finalize the agreement, describing drone production as "one of the most promising areas of our bilateral cooperation."

⚡️ Trump suggests 'throwing out' Spain (kyivindependent.com/trump-suggests-throwing-out-spain-from-nato-over-defense-spending/) from NATO over defense spending.
"They have no excuse not to do this. Maybe you should throw them out of NATO, frankly," U.S. President Donald Trump said. (can see his point here, though Spain is not at high risk of invasion)

⚡️ Poland's foreign minister (https://kyivindependent.com/polands-foreign-minister-visits-western-ukraine-amid-mass-russian-attack-on-kyiv-other-cities/) visits western Ukraine amid mass Russian attack on Kyiv, other cities.
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski visited the site of a Russian attack against the village of Lapaivka on Oct. 5, which killed four family members, including a 15-year-old girl.

⚡️Azerbaijan releases (kyivindependent.com/azerbaijan-frees-russian-state-media-editor-after-putin-admits-russian-missiles-downed-azerbaijani-plane/) Russian propagandist as tensions with Moscow ease.
Igor Kartavykh, editor-in-chief of Sputnik Azerbaijan, was moved from police detention to house arrest in Baku, according to Dmitry Kiselyov, who oversees Sputnik's parent organization.

⚡️Ukrainian journalist Roshchyna posthumously named (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-journalist-viktoriia-roshchyna-posthumously-named-ipi-press-freedom-hero/) Press Freedom Hero.
The IPI said Roshchyna's death on Sept. 19, 2024 "exposed the brutal treatment suffered by the dozens of Ukrainian journalists unjustly held by Russian authorities, and brought new urgency to the need to protect the press and secure accountability for attacks on journalists."

⚡️ Eurovision winner Nemo to perform (kyivindependent.com/eurovision-2024-winner-nemo-to-perform-first-solo-concert-in-kyiv-amid-russian-attacks/) first solo concert in Kyiv after Russian attacks.
"I wanted to come to Kyiv and show my support for Ukrainians," Swiss singer Nemo Mettler said.

⚡️ Russian attacks kill 6, injure 45 (kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-kill-6-injure-45-in-ukraine-over-past-day-hit-energy-grid/) in Ukraine [from 9 Oct 25 - 10 Oct 25] , hit energy grid.
The attacks come amid Russia's intensifying aerial campaign targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure ahead of the winter months.

⚡️ Russian attacks kill 4, injure 18 (kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-in-ukraine-8/) in Ukraine over past day, hit energy grid.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦
‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA — OCT 11, 2025

■ Engagements and casualties remain above average
■ Land-based equipment losses also remain above average
■ Overnight attacks: all drones, interception rate could be better
■ 🇷🇺 MLRS & air strikes below average, only one 🇺🇦 strike reported

UNITED24 Telegram Highlights

🏭 The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has begun restoring its external power supply.
After consultations involving Ukraine, Russia, and the IAEA, the plant is being reconnected to the national power grid via Ukrainian lines. The blackout lasted for about two weeks.

Putin said he and Trump share a common understanding of how to end the war in Ukraine.
Other statements by the Russian dictator on the sidelines of the CIS summit in Dushanbe:
▫️ Russia may soon announce a new weapon — the tests are progressing successfully.
▫️ The response to the transfer of Tomahawks to Ukraine will be the strengthening of Russian air defense.
▫️ Trump sincerely seeks to resolve the “conflict” in Ukraine.
▫️ Russia and the United States remain within the framework of the agreements in Alaska.
▫️ The Nobel Peace Prize, Putin said, has sometimes been awarded to people “who did nothing for peace.”

Melania Trump said she received a response from Putin to her letter about Ukrainian children.
The US First Lady noted that after sending the letter, an “open channel of communication” was established between her and Putin regarding the issue.
“My representative is working directly with Putin’s team to ensure the safe reunification of children with their families between Russia and Ukraine. Eight children have been reunited with their families in the last 24 hours,” she said.

Ukraine supports Italy’s proposal for a global truce during the 2026 Olympics — MFA

German defense company Rheinmetall will deliver several additional Skyranger 35 systems to Ukraine, financed by funds from frozen Russian assets.

The Baltic states are preparing for a mass evacuation in case of a threat from Russia.
According to Reuters, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are developing contingency plans for an invasion or large-scale Russian troop buildup, providing for the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people.
The plans cover border areas with Russia and Belarus, home to about 400,000 residents. Estonia intends to house a tenth of its population in temporary shelters, while Latvia expects to evacuate up to a third of its residents.
Other possible scenarios include sabotage of communications or transport routes, a massive influx of migrants, unrest among Russian-speaking minorities, or fake news triggering panic and mass departure.

There are already agreements with Norway and the Netherlands on operational assistance in restoring energy after Russian strikes, President Zelensky said.

The US still has many cards to play to force Russia to make peace, said US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker.

The UK has delivered LMM missiles and interceptor drones to Ukraine ahead of schedule, according to the British government.
Lightweight Multirole Missiles and interceptor drones manufactured in Belfast arrived five months early. This acceleration of aid directly strengthens Ukraine’s air defenses amid constant Russian air attacks.

The Patriot system intercepted a “Kinzhal” and four ballistic missiles today, Ignat reported.
The head of the Air Force Communications Department said the system’s interception radius is limited — only a few dozen kilometres, up to about 25 km. He noted this shows how many complexes are needed to fully cover Ukraine or protect regional centres with critical infrastructure. When the enemy attacks with large numbers of ballistic missiles, interceptions cannot be as comprehensive as desired, especially since Iskander-M and KN-23 missiles flew in different regions, the colonel added.

A rare phenomenon called the “Broken Ghost” was recorded in the Carpathians.
This unique atmospheric event occurs when a person’s shadow is cast onto clouds or fog, surrounded by bright rings of sunlight.

More than 800 Russians who failed to confirm passing the Latvian language exam must leave Latvia by October 13, Politico reports.
According to Madara Puke, head of the public relations department at the Latvian Citizenship and Migration Department, this concerns 841 Russian citizens.
By June 30, 2025, Russians residing in Latvia were required to apply for permanent EU resident status, demonstrate at least an A2 level of Latvian language proficiency, and pass security and biographical checks.
The procedure covered about 30,000 people. Nearly 2,600 failed to meet the requirements and returned to Russia, while another 841 did not submit proof of language proficiency in time.

As a result of the Russian strike on Zaporizhzhia, 7-year-old Makar Dorosh, a first-grader at Gymnasium No. 86, was killed.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Thousands of Russians have found themselves unable to leave the country after the Kremlin activated a nationwide system of electronic military draft notices. (www.kyivpost.com/post/61842)

Russia plans to cut funding for aircraft and shipbuilding projects (www.kyivpost.com/post/61826) in 2026 by more than half, slashing airline subsidies to zero. [that's not small]

Germany’s Bundeswehr is set to spend €9 billion on Rheinmetall air defense systems, to be delivered by 2030, (www.kyivpost.com/post/61840) as drone sightings heighten fears over the country’s airspace security.

Already the fourth Russian military jet lost this year: a MiG-31 fighter crashed near Lipetsk (www.kyivpost.com/post/61823) while approaching for landing.
The cause of the incident remains unclear, but the crash adds to a growing list of aviation losses suffered by the Russian military in 2025.

🎙️New episode of Off the Record out now!
In this raw Off the Record episode, Canada’s ambassador to Ukraine, Natalka Cmoc, sits down with Nobel Peace Prize laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk to discuss justice, Russian war crimes, and the unbearable cost of silence.
Watch now: www.kyivpost.com/videos/61864

Kremlin propaganda in overdrive: Russian state media and pro-war influencers openly cheered (www.kyivpost.com/post/61838) on Friday’s massive missile and drone blitz that hammered Ukraine’s power grid and heating infrastructure.

Boombox records ‘Zhyvyi’ in Scotland: a song (www.kyivpost.com/post/61845) born from the frontlines and raw emotion.
The song premiered live at Atlas Weekend on July 18, 2025. Despite an air raid alert interrupting the show, around 30,000 fans still got to hear “Zhyvyi” for the first time.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🇪🇸🇺🇸 Trump suggested expelling Spain from NATO over its low defense spending.
“You have to start talking to Spain. You have to call them and find out why they’re so far behind. They have no excuse for not doing it — but that’s okay. Maybe you should frankly kick them out of NATO,” Trump said.
In response, the Spanish government stated that the country remains committed to the Alliance and meets its operational readiness standards.
▪️The Hague Declaration, adopted at the NATO summit on June 25, set a commitment to raise defense spending to 5%.
▪️Ahead of the summit, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said he opposed the plan to increase the defense spending target to 5%, calling it “incompatible with the welfare state and Spain’s vision of the world.”

💥 A unit of Russian volunteers fighting within Ukraine’s Defense Forces has used naval drones for the first time.
The attack was carried out by the Freedom of Russia Legion in cooperation with special forces from the FERRATA active operations unit of Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR).
Video: Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (HUR) https://t.me/liveukraine_media/34989

🇨🇿 Czech Republic reports increased sightings of unidentified drones near military facilities and critical infrastructure.
According to a spokesperson for the Czech General Staff, the army is prepared to neutralize such drones using electromagnetic interference or shoot them down, depending on the level of potential damage.
The spokesperson added that the Czech military regularly exchanges threat information with NATO partners, though the details remain classified.
Later, however, a Czech Army representative described the recent drone incidents as “ordinary violations of airspace regulations.” She explained that they are mostly caused by ignorance of the law or unprofessional handling of drones by amateur pilots.

🇩🇪 German troops are unable to shoot down drones within domestic airspace due to the country’s Nazi past.
Germany’s post–World War II constitution explicitly prohibits the military from playing a central role in internal security. The lawmakers who drafted it remembered how the Nazis abused military power domestically to suppress left-wing political forces.
Although the Bundeswehr can theoretically use weapons inside the country in the event of a large-scale invasion, drone incursions are not currently classified as serious enough attacks. Under existing law, the Bundeswehr may shoot down drones only over military bases.
At present, the German army can provide only “administrative assistance” in defending against drones — for example, helping to identify UAVs or relaying information upon request, as it did recently when drones were spotted over Munich Airport.

Security Service of Ukraine strikes Russian equipment and personnel bases.
Operators from the SBU’s “A” Special Operations Center used FP-2 strike drones equipped with 105 kg warheads for the attack.
The operation was carried out in temporarily occupied territories.

In Zaporizhzhia, the number of casualties from the Russian strike has risen to 11
Among the wounded are two children. A seven-year-old boy was killed.
While emergency workers were dealing with the aftermath, the enemy carried out a double-strike tactic. One State Emergency Service employee was injured — he sustained a closed head injury, blast trauma, and bruises to his spine and knee joint.

Detailed operational planning is happening with the Pentagon and Ukraine about exactly how Tomahawks would be supplied and used - missile variants, launching options, etc.

https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2025/ukraine-and-u-s-coordinate-tomahawk-transfer-details-signaling-deeper-ukrainian-reach

This is hopeful news. I'd forgotten how many different Tomahawk variants there are. More here

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomahawk_missile

The U.S. may well have inventory in some variants that aren't considered high priority for the Indo-Pacific forces that could be spared for Ukraine, especially since it has other, new deep strike weapons available.

If Ukraine gets any Tomahawks it's a big change strategically for the Russians. Air defense system, which they are critically short of, would have to be moved inland to protect high value fixed targets and other high value targets like strategic bombers would have to be dispersed. It would be a huge headache for them and previously safe targets would become vulnerable.

Fingers crossed that Trump moves on this soon. He hasn't ruled it out, or the operational planning wouldn't be happening.

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-october-10-2025/

Key Takeaways

1. Russian forces launched a large, combined drone and missile strike against Ukraine on the night of October 9 to 10, primarily targeting energy infrastructure and civilian targets.
2. The Kremlin continues parallel efforts to curry favor with the United States while deflecting blame onto Ukraine and Europe for stalling negotiations on ending the war in Ukraine.
3. Putin also continued to threaten the West as part of his reflexive control campaign aimed at preventing the United States from selling Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine and portraying Russia’s continued adherence to the New START treaty as a meaningful concession in negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.
4. US First Lady Melania Trump announced that she assisted efforts to return seven Ukrainian children that Russia abducted.
5. Ukraine’s European partners continue to allocate aid to Ukraine and deepen cooperation with the Ukrainian defense industrial base (DIB).
6. Ukrainian forces advanced near Siversk and Novopavlivka. Russian forces advanced in eastern Zaporizhia Oblast; the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka and Dobropillya tactical areas; and near Borova, Lyman, and Velykomykhailivka.

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-october-11-2025/

Key Takeaways

1. The Russian defense industry is implementing long term efforts to increase T-90 tank production and recreate Russia’s pre-war tank reserves, indicating that Russia intends to present a long term military threat to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
2. Recent open-source data indicates that Russia is also increasing its refurbishment of T-72 tanks, possibly for use on the battlefield in Ukraine in the short term or to reestablish its tank reserve to threaten NATO in the medium term.
3. Russian forces are still using tanks to advance on the battlefield during infrequent mechanized assaults when Ukraine’s drone defenses are degraded, indicating that tanks remain and will remain a relevant weapon on the battlefield under proper tactical conditions.
4. Russia may be able to pose a significant threat to NATO on a timeline much sooner than 2036 and without necessarily reconstituting its tank fleet.
5. European authorities continue to report increased unidentified drone sightings in European airspace near military facilities.
6. Ukraine’s European partners continue to allocate aid to Ukraine and deepen cooperation with the Ukrainian defense industrial base (DIB).
7. Russian forces advanced near Pokrovsk and Velykomykhailivka and in the Dobropillya tactical area.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Ukrainian air defenses operating (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-air-defenses-operating-at-74-effectiveness-syrskyi-says/) at 74% effectiveness, military chief says.
"Over the past month, (Russia) has increased the number of air strikes 1.3 times," Oleksandr Syrskyi said.

⚡️ Update: Zelensky, Trump discuss Tomahawk missiles, (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-calls-with-trump-top-aide-says/) Axios reports.
Trump and Zelensky discussed the possibility of supplying Ukraine with Tomahawk cruise missiles during their phone call on Oct. 11, Axios reported, citing undisclosed sources.
It remains unclear whether any decision has been made during the 30-minute conversation.

⚡️NATO aircraft carry out 12-hour flight (kyivindependent.com/british-forces-join-nato-in-12-hour-flight-near-russian-border-amid-rising-tensions/) near Russian border amid rising tensions.
The joint U.K.-U.S. operation was conducted on Oct. 9, following recent airspace violations by Russia targeting several NATO countries.

⚡️Belarus launches (kyivindependent.com/lukashenko-orders-troop-readiness-check-as-security-concerns-grow/) military readiness check as security concerns grow.
The Belarusian military is implementing a "set of measures" to bring select units to their "highest level of combat readiness" under Alexander Lukashenko's direct orders.

⚡️German airlines call to shoot down drones (kyivindependent.com/german-airlines-call-to-shoot-down-drones-threatening-airports/) threatening airports.
Germany's airlines are calling for drones that threaten airport operations to be shot down, Der Spiegel reported on Oct. 11. The call to action comes amid a recent surge of unidentified drone sightings that have disrupted airports in Germany, prompting efforts to address the threat.

⚡️Hungary launches petition (kyivindependent.com/hungary-launches-petition-against-eus-ukraine-war-funding-orban-says/) against EU's Ukraine war funding, Orban says.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Oct. 11 that Budapest has launched a nationwide petition drive to collect signatures in opposition to the European Union's "war plan" to finance Ukraine's war effort.

⚡️Fires reported in Russia's Belgorod oblast amid suspected power plant attack (kyivindependent.com/fires-reported-in-russias-belgorod-oblast-amid-suspected-power-plant-attack-local-officials-say/), local officials say.
Falling debris from downed missiles sparked fires and caused damage in Belgorod, Russia, the regional governor reported Oct. 11 amid a suspected attack on a power plant in the city.

⚡️Estonia closes (kyivindependent.com/estonia-closes-border-crossing-with-russia-amid-increased-military-activity/) border crossing with Russia over unusual military activity.
Estonia has temporarily closed the Saatse border crossing following heightened Russian military activity near the area, the Estonian public broadcaster ERR reported on Oct. 10.

⚡️UK, Ukraine sign LYRA defense cooperation agreement (kyivindependent.com/uk-ukraine-sign-lyra-defense-cooperation-agreement/).
Ukraine and the U.K. agreed to launch the LYRA defense cooperation program, focusing on battlefield tech and joint weapons development, Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal announced Oct. 11.

⚡️Zelensky approves new Russia sanctions (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-approves-new-russia-sanctions-in-coordination-with-japan/) in coordination with Japan.
"Eight individuals and 14 legal entities involved in supporting the Russian military machine and evading sanctions were sanctioned," the President's Office announced on Oct. 11.

⚡️North Korea displays (kyivindependent.com/north-korea-displays-new-icbm-during-parade-with-russias-medvedev-in-attendance/) new ICBM during parade with Russia's Medvedev in attendance.
The parade, attended by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and United Russia party leader Dmitry Medvedev, featured a display of advanced weaponry.

⚡️Over 75% of Americans support (kyivindependent.com/over-75-of-americans-support-additional-sanctions-on-russia-poll-finds/) additional sanctions on Russia, poll finds.
Despite U.S. President Donald Trump's reluctance to impose additional economic pressure on Moscow, some 77% of Americans are in favor of implementing additional sanctions on Russia to force an end to its war effort, a recent poll Harvard/Harris X poll found.

⚡️ Ukraine strikes Russian oil refinery (kyivindependent.com/kyiv-strikes-russian-oil-refinery/) 1,400 kilometers from front, SBU source says.
Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) drones struck a Russian oil refinery in Ufa on the morning of Oct. 11, resulting in explosions and a fire, a source in the agency told the Kyiv Independent.

⚡️Bomb threats force (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-railways-halts-3-trains-including-international-route-over-bomb-threats/) Ukrainian Railways to halt 3 trains, including international line.
The affected trains included routes between Dnipro and Kyiv, Ternopil and Kyiv, and the international Kyiv–Warsaw route.

⚡️Over 135,000 Russian soldiers killed (kyivindependent.com/over-135-000-russian-soldiers-killed-in-ukraine-identified-by-media-investigation/) in Ukraine identified by media investigation.
Russian independent media outlet Mediazona, in collaboration with the BBC Russian service, has confirmed the identities of 135,100 Russian military personnel killed in Ukraine.

⚡️Russia launched (kyivindependent.com/russia-launched-over-3-100-drones-92-missiles-nearly-1-360-aerial-bombs-against-ukraine-in-a-week-zelensky-says/) over 3,100 drones, 92 missiles, nearly 1,360 aerial bombs against Ukraine in a week, Zelensky says.
In a renewed effort to disrupt Ukraine's energy grid ahead of winter, Russia carried out several large-scale missile and drone strikes on energy and gas facilities this week.

⚡️7 killed, 23 injured, including children, in Russian attacks (kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-kill-injure-in-ukraine-over-past-day/) on Ukraine over past day.
Ukrainian forces downed 103 out of the 118 drones, including Shahed-type attack drones and decoys, launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force reported. A missile and 15 drones struck 10 different locations, according to the statement.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
· 1h
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA — OCT 12, 2025
■ Most casualties since mid-July; engagements remain above 200
■ Considerable losses of unarmored vehicles
■ Overnight attacks: triple-digit, but with decent interception rate
■ More strikes on both sides, improved strike ratio

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Belgium will begin delivering F-16s to Ukraine after October 13, when it receives its first F-35s from the United States, the country’s Foreign Ministry said.
Belgium has pledged to transfer up to 30 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.

Russia is preparing for war with NATO and increasing tank production, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Frontelligence Insight reports that documents from the Uralvagonzavod plant indicate Russia plans to boost production of T-90 tanks by 80% by 2028 and launch a new T-90M2 modification. Between 2026 and 2036, Moscow intends to modernize more than two thousand T-90 and T-72 tanks.
Analysts note that Russia has already reduced the use of tanks on the front line, likely stockpiling them for future operations in Ukraine and against NATO.
ISW experts warn that the Kremlin could pose a real threat to the Alliance even before 2036, without fully restoring its arsenal.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu warned that Russia will seek new ways to influence the country and destabilize the situation.

Finnish MPs will undergo bomb shelter training for the first time, reports Visegrad.
According to First Deputy Speaker of Parliament Paula Risikko, the exercise will take place in November as part of Finland’s heightened preparations for a possible war amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The shelter, located in the basement of the parliament building, includes an emergency meeting room where lawmakers could convene in exceptional situations, including wartime. It was equipped in 2014 during the reconstruction of the building.
The exact date of the training will be announced later, and MPs will receive instructions on how to prepare.

The Tomahawk issue is causing extreme concern in Moscow, as President Putin has already stated, according to his press secretary, Dmitry Peskov.
Other statements:
▫️ Tomahawks are a serious weapon, but they will not change the situation on the front lines.
▫️ The issue of a settlement in Ukraine is at a very dramatic juncture, with tensions escalating on all sides.
▫️ Russia is ready for a peaceful settlement, and Trump is also calling for negotiations, but the EU and Kyiv are unwilling to act.

🕯 A 23-year-old woman was killed in Nikopol as a result of a Russian FPV drone strike, reported Serhiy Lysak, head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration.

❗️Russians killed two employees of a regional energy company in the Chernihiv region.
While workers were eliminating the consequences of a UAV strike on the company’s transport in the Semenivska community, the occupiers launched another attack, hitting another vehicle.
One employee died on the spot, and four others were injured. Unfortunately, one of them later died in the hospital.

Former Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, who was overthrown in 2024, now lives in Moscow City and spends hours playing online games, Die Zeit reports.
According to the publication, Assad has settled in one of the skyscrapers with his family. His brother Maher lives permanently in the Four Seasons Hotel, where he “regularly gets drunk and smokes hookah.”
Journalists note that the Assad family owns about 20 luxury apartments in Moscow, guarded by the FSB like other dictators who have found refuge in Russia.
Sources say Bashar al-Assad lives in three apartments above a shopping center and rarely goes downstairs. [I'd wondered what happened to him. At least online he's going to be fairly harmless]