Summary of the Day:
Russian forces have made marginal advances in several areas, including Kursk Oblast and near Kupyansk, Selydove, and Vuhledar. These gains, while limited, represent ongoing offensive operations by Russian troops in Ukraine.
Western officials continue to highlight China’s support for Russia’s war effort in Ukraine. This backing reportedly includes the supply of military drones and crucial components for weapons production, potentially bolstering Russia’s military capabilities.
In a separate development, Ukrainian media reported the assassination of Colonel Aleksei Kolomeystev, head of a Russian military drone center, in Koloma, Moscow Oblast. The killing was allegedly carried out by Russian resistance groups in coordination with Ukrainian intelligence.
Meanwhile, Russia strongly condemned Israel for an airstrike in Beirut that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, calling it a “political assassination” and warning of potential escalation in the Middle East.
Domestically, Russia is reportedly implementing legislation allowing accused criminals to avoid prosecution by signing contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defense, potentially aiming to boost military recruitment.
Picture of the Day:
Married couple Kateryna and Mykola Hradnov-Savytskyi pose for a photograph on the Superhumans Rehabilitation Centre’s rooftop in Lviv, Ukraine. Mykola, a soldier of the 12th Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine “Azov,” was wounded in the Donetsk direction in March 2024. (Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images)
Beyond Ukraine – The March Towards World War
The Russian Foreign Ministry condemned Israel for an airstrike in Beirut, Lebanon that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, calling it a “political assassination.” Russia warned Israel would be responsible for any escalation in the Middle East and called for an immediate end to hostilities. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also joined Turkey and Iran in criticizing Israeli airstrikes in Syria.
Russian presidential advisor Nikolai Patrushev accused Western nations of trying to isolate Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave between Poland and Lithuania, by disrupting transportation links. Speaking in Kaliningrad, Patrushev claimed that Western sanctions have severely limited land-based cargo transit to the region. In response, Russia plans to shift most cargo transport to sea routes and develop two ship and rail routes by 2028. Kaliningrad, a strategic area housing the Russian Baltic Fleet, became Russian territory after the Soviet Union’s collapse.
The Path to Peace
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned against attempts to defeat Russia militarily during a UN General Assembly speech, invoking the threat of nuclear weapons. This follows President Putin’s proposal to revise Russia’s nuclear doctrine, allowing nuclear responses to conventional attacks. Lavrov dismissed Ukraine’s peace formula while defending Russia’s occupation of Ukrainian territory.
Situation On The Land, Sea, and Air in Ukraine
Russian forces continue to make slow advances in eastern Ukraine, particularly around Pokrovsk, despite heavy casualties averaging over 1,000 per day. The UK Military Intelligence estimates total Russian losses since the invasion began may exceed 610,000. To maintain pressure on the front lines, Russia is reportedly sending specialist troops, including drone operators and special forces, into mass infantry attacks. This practice has sparked outrage among Russian military bloggers, who argue it wastes skilled personnel. The controversy intensified after two drone specialists, Dmitriy Lysakovsky and Sergey Gritsai, recorded a video criticizing the practice before being killed in an assault. Despite these issues, Russian President Vladimir Putin recently increased the size of Russia’s military by 180,000 personnel to sustain the war effort.
Ukrainian Operations in the Russian Federation – Initiative None
Ukrainian forces continued their offensive in Kursk Oblast but made no confirmed advances. Russian sources reported repelling Ukrainian attacks near several settlements, including Lyubimovka, Olgovka, Kremyanoye, Kamyshevka, and Cherkasskoye Porechnoye. These claims were made by Russian officials and media but have not been independently verified.
Ukrainian forces continued their offensive in Glushkovsky Raion, Kursk Oblast but made no confirmed progress. The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed to have repelled Ukrainian attacks near Novy Put and Medvezhye, both located south of Glushkovo. These claims have not been independently verified.
Russian forces recently made small gains in the Ukrainian-held area of Kursk Oblast. They advanced slightly east of Viktorovka, near Korenevo. Russian sources also claimed advances near Nizhnaya Parovaya and Plekhovo, though these are unconfirmed.
Kharkiv Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces continued attacks north and northeast of Kharkiv City near Hlyboke, Vovchansk, and Tykhe. A Russian source claimed a small advance near Tykhe, but this is unconfirmed. Russian bloggers also reported repelling a Ukrainian attack in Vovchansk, claiming Ukrainian forces don’t fully control the local Aggregate Plant. These claims lack independent verification.
Luhansk Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces advanced southeast of Kupyansk, near Hlushkivka, while continuing operations along the Kupyansk-Svatove-Kreminna line on September 28. They attacked multiple settlements in this area, including Synkivka, Kucherivka, Stepova Novoselivka, Lozova, Tabaivka, Kruhlyakivka, Hrekivka, Nevske, Makiivka, Novosadove, Terny, Torske, and Zarichne. A Ukrainian commander reported that Russian forces captured Pishchane northwest of Svatove. Russian forces are reportedly using armored vehicles and newly replenished units for assaults in the region.
Donetsk Front – Initiative Russia
Siversk
Russian forces launched an attack near Bilohorivka, northeast of Siversk. However, no confirmed changes to the frontline in the Siversk area were reported.
Chasiv Yar
Russian forces continued attacks near Chasiv Yar. While no confirmed frontline changes were reported, Russian sources claimed advances north of the town near Kalynivka. Assaults were reported in several surrounding areas, including Hryhorivka, Predtechyne, Bila Hora, Stupochky, and Kurdyumivka.
Toretsk
Russian forces continued attacks near Toretsk. While some Russian sources claimed advances in central Toretsk, there were no confirmed changes to the frontline. Assaults were reported in Toretsk itself, as well as nearby areas including Nelipivka, Niu York, and in the direction of Shcherbynivka. No significant territorial gains were confirmed.
Pokrovsk
Russian forces advanced into southern Selydove, southeast of Pokrovsk. They attacked in small infantry groups without armored vehicles, apparently trying to encircle the town from north and south. Assaults continued in several nearby areas, including Vozdvyzhenka, Novotoretske, Mykolaivka, Hrodivka, Krutyi Yar, Dachenske, Novohrodivka, Lysivka, Marynivka, and Tsukuryne. Russian claims of advances near Mykolaivka and Novohrodivka remain unconfirmed.
West of Donetsk City
Russian forces launched attacks near Heorhiivka, west of Donetsk City. However, no confirmed changes to the frontline in this area were reported.
Southwest of Donetsk City
Russian forces made a recent advance south of Katerynivka, northeast of Vuhledar. They conducted a mechanized assault with a reinforced platoon. Attacks continued in and around Vuhledar, including near Kostyantynivka, Vodyane, and towards Bohoyavlenka. Russian claims of further advances in eastern Vuhledar remain unconfirmed.
Zaporizhia Front – Initiative Russia
Zaporizhia-Donetsk Border Area
Russian forces launched attacks near Novodarivka in the Donetsk-Zaporizhia border region with no confirmed frontline changes. Ukrainian military spokesman Colonel Vladyslav Voloshyn reported that Russian troops are amassing personnel near the village of Priyutne in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, potentially preparing for future assault operations. The buildup includes light buggies for small infantry assaults, though it doesn’t yet indicate a full-scale offensive. This activity near Priyutne, located 40 km west of Vuhledar and 70 km southwest of Pokrovsk, suggests Russia may be trying to improve its tactical position in the area.
Zaporizhia Line
A Russian military blogger claimed on September 27 that Russian forces reached the outskirts of Hulyaipole in eastern Zaporizhia Oblast. However, this claim has not been independently verified.
Russian forces attacked near Robotyne and Mali Shcherbaky in western Zaporizhia Oblast with no confirmed frontline changes. A Russian blogger suggested major offensives in this area are unlikely due to strong defensive lines on both sides.
Kherson (Dnipro River) Front – Initiative Russia
The Ukrainian General Staff reported multiple Russian attacks in the Dnipro (Kherson) direction on September 27-28. A Russian blogger claimed Russian forces pushed Ukrainians out of some large islands in the Dnipro River Delta, though Ukrainian troops remain in parts of the delta. Russian airborne units are reportedly clearing the Krynky area in eastern Kherson Oblast.
Ukraine News
Russia launched a major attack on Ukraine using various missiles and drones. Ukrainian forces reportedly intercepted most of the projectiles, including 69 Shahed drones, over multiple regions. The attack targeted Kyiv for the tenth time this month. Russian sources claim to have hit an ammunition depot in Dnipro City. In Odesa Oblast, a recreation center was struck, while in Sumy Oblast, a medical facility was reportedly hit.
Innocent Victims Of War
The casualty count of civilians in the past 24 hours: (Russian War Crimes)
DEATHS: 13 INJURIES: 42+
A Russian drone strike in Kozacha Lopan, Kharkiv Oblast, killed Ukrainian Supreme Court Judge Leonid Loboyko, 61, while he was delivering humanitarian aid. Three women in his vehicle were injured and hospitalized. On the same day, September 28, Russian air strikes hit the village of Slatyne, just 13 kilometers from the Russian border, killing three people and injuring six others. The Slatyne attack targeted civilian areas, including an educational institution and shops, causing fires in several buildings and a car. One woman was reported to be in serious condition. Emergency services responded to both incidents, highlighting the ongoing civilian attacks in Kharkiv Oblast.
Russian forces launched a series of guided bomb attacks on the city of Zaporizhzhia overnight resulting in at least 14 civilian injuries. The assault, which targeted the city at least 10 times, caused significant damage to residential areas. A high-rise building and several homes were destroyed, with fires breaking out in multiple structures. Local authorities report that more people may be trapped under the rubble, and rescue efforts are ongoing.
Russian forces conducted a double attack on a hospital in Sumy, northeastern Ukraine, killing 10 people and injuring 22. The initial strike, using Iranian-made Shahed drones and a KAB-guided bomb, damaged several floors. A second attack targeted rescuers and police arriving to evacuate patients. Among the casualties were two policemen. All 113 patients were successfully evacuated to other facilities. President Zelensky condemned the attack, emphasizing Russia’s targeting of civilian infrastructure and calling for continued support to force Russia to seek peace.
A view of a damaged apartment building in the city of Zaporizhzhia following Russia’s missile attack. (Ivan Fedorov / Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration)
A hospital reportedly damaged in a Russian attack on Sumy, Ukraine. (National Police of Ukraine/Telegram)
Ukraine’s Allies
Lithuania is sending a new military aid package to Ukraine this week, including ammunition, computers, and logistical supplies. This continues Lithuania’s strong support for Ukraine during Russia’s invasion, with previous deliveries including helicopters, drones, armored vehicles, and air defense equipment. The aid aims to help Ukraine recover from a recent ammunition shortage. Lithuania has also signed a deal with Northrop Grumman to produce ammunition and plans to buy Ukrainian-made missile-drones for Kyiv.
Russia News
Ukrainian media reports that Russian resistance groups, working with Ukrainian intelligence, killed Colonel Aleksei Kolomeystev in Kolomna, Moscow Oblast, on September 27. Kolomeystev, 51, headed the 924th State Center of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, a Russian military drone center involved in training operators, including those for Shahed kamikaze drones. Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) reported his death, stating he was involved in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and sharing a photo of his body. While HUR didn’t claim direct responsibility, they emphasized that “every war crime will be punished.” Russian officials haven’t confirmed the assassination.
Explosions damaged a railway bridge near Kinel in Russia’s Samara Oblast. The incident occurred in the afternoon damaging concrete supports but not derailing a passing freight train. No casualties were reported. This event is part of a series of sabotage attacks on Russian railways since the start of the full-scale war, including recent incidents in Belgorod Oblast and western Russia. While Ukrainian intelligence hasn’t claimed responsibility for all attacks, they have acknowledged involvement in some operations targeting Russian rail infrastructure.
Russian officials are charging Western journalists with illegal entry into Kursk Oblast. This appears to be an attempt to link Western countries directly to a Ukrainian incursion in the region and accuse them of escalating the conflict.
Russian War Losses (Today/Total)
Troops +1170
651810 |
Tanks +9
8869 |
Artillery +62
18795 |
Arm. VEH +38
17476 |
Aircraft
369 |
Heli
328 |
Ships
28 |
Russian Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
Russia’s autumn conscription begins on October 1, 2024, requiring all eligible men under 30 to serve one year in the military. Despite previous assurances that conscripts wouldn’t be sent to Ukraine, some were deployed in Kursk in August 2024, causing concern among parents. While Russia is likely to avoid sending conscripts directly to Ukraine due to public sensitivity, they may continue pressuring conscripts to sign contracts after their service to maintain troop levels for the ongoing war.
Russian authorities are reportedly offering detainees in various regions, including Bryansk, Nizhny Novgorod, Novosibirsk, Komi Republic, Altai Krai, and occupied Crimea, the chance to avoid criminal charges by signing military contracts. This practice is allegedly being implemented through new legislation allowing the release of accused individuals who agree to join the Russian military.
A report by the Institute for Science and International Security estimates that Russia’s Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan is producing Shahed-136 drones at an increasing rate. As of August 2024, the facility may be manufacturing over 6,000 drones annually, up from about 4,500 in April. The report notes that high Ukrainian interception rates necessitate continued high production and increased component imports for Russia to maintain its drone strikes.
Russia’s Allies
Western officials report that China is supporting Russia’s war effort in Ukraine, despite claims of neutrality. This support includes a Chinese company sending military drones to Russia for testing and use in Ukraine, and supplying crucial components, dual-use technologies, and chips to Russia’s military-industrial complex. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Russia is heavily reliant on Chinese imports for producing weapons. China has also aided in developing unmanned aerial vehicles for Russia’s use in Ukraine, and reports suggest Russia has secretly established a drone production program in China. These actions are seen as undermining China’s stance and aiding Russia’s military campaign. Despite this, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for de-escalation at the U.N. General Assembly, emphasizing China’s willingness to mediate peace talks. However, Kyiv remains skeptical of Beijing’s intentions due to its significant support for Russia’s defense industry.
Belarus’s Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov announced that Belarus and Russia plan to sign a security agreement on the 25th anniversary of their Union State. This agreement will reportedly include provisions related to nuclear weapons, though specific details were not provided.
North Korea criticized the U.S. for providing $8 billion in military aid to Ukraine, calling it an “incredible mistake” that could lead to nuclear conflict with Russia. Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, accused the U.S. of escalating the war and pushing Europe towards nuclear confrontation. The aid package, announced during President Zelensky’s visit to Washington, includes long-range weapons. Kim warned against underestimating Russia’s nuclear capabilities and condemned the U.S. decision as a “dangerous and irresponsible gamble.” This statement comes amid accusations that North Korea is illegally supplying weapons to Russia.
Controlling the Narrative and Russian Propaganda
Vadym Filashkin, head of the Ukrainian Donetsk Oblast Military Administration, reported that Russian sources are spreading a manipulated video of him. The video features a false voiceover, aiming to spread misinformation about the situation in Pokrovsk Raion and incite panic among the population.
Source Material
Institute for the Study of War – understandingwar.org
The Kyiv Independent – kyivindependent.com
Kyiv Post – kyivpost.com