Summary of the Day:
Western countries are boosting Ukraine’s defense industry, with Denmark pledging €575 million and establishing a defense hub in Kyiv. Ukraine aims to produce €20 billion worth of defense equipment domestically by 2025.
Ukrainian forces reportedly struck a Russian ammunition depot near Kotluban, Volgograd Oblast. Additional drone attacks on Russian air bases were reported, with Russia claiming to have shot down 125 Ukrainian drones overnight.
Russia plans to increase defense spending to 13.2 trillion rubles ($140 billion) in 2025, while also emphasizing social spending to maintain public support for the war.
Ukrainian forces advanced in Glushkovsky Raion, west of their salient in Kursk Oblast, while Russian forces made gains in the Toretsk and Pokrovsk directions.
Picture of the Day:
Residents wait outside after a Russian aircraft’s guided aerial bomb attack on Zaporizhia. At least 16 people were reported injured. (Zaporizhia Regional Military Administration/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Beyond Ukraine – The March Towards World War
Norway is considering building fences along its 200 km border with Russia to address migrant crossing concerns, according to Justice Minister Emily Anger Mel. The plan, which may include sensors and technology for detecting movement near the border, follows Finland’s similar actions after accusing Russia of weaponizing migration. In 2015, about 5,000 asylum seekers arrived at Norway’s Sturskug border crossing. While Norway hasn’t closed its Russian border yet, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store suggested it might follow Finland’s example if necessary. This situation mirrors Belarus’s strategy of facilitating migrant flows to neighboring NATO countries since 2021.
Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPO), led by Herbert Kickl, won the country’s general election with 29.1% of the vote. The party is known for its pro-Kremlin stance, opposition to aid for Ukraine, and desire to lift sanctions against Russia. Other parties are reluctant to form a coalition with the FPO. The party, originally formed by a Nazi lawmaker in the 1950s, is critical of immigration and the EU. This victory follows similar far-right successes in the Netherlands, France, and Germany.
The Path to Peace
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi addressed the Ukraine conflict at the UN General Assembly, calling for de-escalation and no expansion of the battlefield. He reiterated China’s offer to mediate peace talks, despite Kyiv’s skepticism of Beijing’s stance. Wang emphasized the need to avoid escalation and provocation, urging all parties to work towards reducing tensions in the region.
Situation On The Land, Sea, and Air in Ukraine
Ukrainian Operations in the Russian Federation – Initiative None
Ukrainian forces continued attacks in the Kursk Oblast salient without confirmed advances. Russian sources reported Ukrainian assaults near Lyubimovka, Kremyanoye, Pogrebki, Kamyshevka, and Cherkasskoye Porechnoye. Russian military bloggers suggested Ukrainian forces may be operating in Olgovka, east of Korenevo.
Ukrainian forces recently advanced in Glushkovsky Raion, west of their salient in Kursk Oblast. Geolocated footage shows Ukrainian troops advancing near Veseloye, likely capturing its northwestern part. Russian military bloggers claim the 56th Airborne Regiment repelled Ukrainian attacks in the area.
Russian forces launched counterattacks near the Ukrainian-held area in Kursk Oblast but made no confirmed advances. They reportedly attacked southeast of Korenevo and south of Sudzha. Ukrainian observer Kostyantyn Mashovets noted that Russian airborne, naval infantry, and other units are consolidating positions and preparing defenses in Kursk Oblast. He estimated about 40,000-41,000 Russian personnel in the area, with plans to add 6,000 more.
Ukrainian forces reportedly struck a Russian ammunition depot near Kotluban, Volgograd Oblast, which stored and modernized missiles and artillery, including recently received Iranian-made Shahed missiles. The attack was carried out by various Ukrainian military and intelligence units. While local Russian officials denied damage, satellite imagery and heat anomalies suggest a fire occurred. The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed to have intercepted 125 Ukrainian drones across seven regions that night, including 67 over Volgograd Oblast, as well as over Belgorod, Voronezh, Rostov, Bryansk, Kursk, and Krasnodar regions. Some property damage was reported in Voronezh Oblast, but no casualties. Reports also indicate possible Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian air bases in Millerovo and Yeysk, though details are unconfirmed. Kyiv has not commented on these reported attacks, which are part of Ukraine’s efforts to target Russian military and infrastructure facilities during the ongoing war.
Kharkiv Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces attacked near Kharkiv City, focusing on Hlyboke, Vovchansk, and Tykhe, but made no confirmed advances. The Vovchansk Aggregate Plant remains contested. Russia has reinforced its units in the area, including elements of the 79th and 82nd Motorized Rifle Regiments. Ukrainian observer Kostyantyn Mashovets reported that Russia has deployed most of its 6th Combined Arms Army and 11th Army Corps to the region, with about 46,000-47,000 personnel in the Belgorod Grouping of Forces operating near Vovchansk and Lyptsi.
Luhansk Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces continued attacks along the Kupyansk-Svatove-Kreminna line without confirmed advances. They claimed progress near Andriivka and Makiivka, but these claims lack visual confirmation. Attacks occurred near Synkivka, Kucherivka, Kruhlyakivka, Lozova, Tabaivka, Vyshneve, Makiivka, Nevske, and Zarichne.
Donetsk Front – Initiative Russia
Siversk
Russian forces attacked areas around Siversk. They targeted Bilohorivka to the northeast, Verkhnokamyanske to the east, and Vyimka to the southeast. Despite these offensive operations, there were no confirmed changes to the frontline in this area.
Chasiv Yar
Russian forces attacked around Chasiv Yar, including near Kalynivka to the north, Bila Hora to the south, and Kurdyumivka to the southeast. No confirmed advances were made in the area.
Toretsk
Russian forces made a small advance in central Toretsk, moving west along Druzhby Street. They also continued attacks near Toretsk, as well as in Nelipivka to the south and towards Shcherbynivka to the west.
Pokrovsk
Russian forces advanced southeast of Pokrovsk gaining ground near Selydove’s railway line and in southern Krasnyi Yar and Krutyi Yar. They continued attacks near several settlements including Vozdvyzhenka, Myrolyubivka, Novotoretske, Mykolaivka, Hrodivka, Marynivka, Lysivka, and Tsukuryne.
West of Donetsk City
Russian forces attacked near Heorhiivka, Oleksandropil, and Hostre west of Donetsk City but no confirmed frontline changes occurred. Russian sources claimed advances near Selydivska Colony No. 82 and Maksymilyanivka, while Ukrainian forces reportedly counterattacked near Hostre.
Southwest of Donetsk City
Russian forces attacked near Vuhledar and surrounding areas southwest of Donetsk City. They targeted Katerynivka, Kostyantynivka, Yelyzavetivka, Vodyane, and Bohoiavlenka. Ukrainian forces reportedly repelled a Russian attack north of Kostyantynivka. Russian sources claimed minor advances in eastern Vuhledar, while Ukrainian forces allegedly hold positions near the Pivdennodonbaska No. 3 mine. However, no confirmed frontline changes were reported.
Zaporizhia Front – Initiative Russia
Zaporizhia-Donetsk Border Area
No fighting was reported along the Donetsk-Zaporizhia Oblast border by either Ukrainian or Russian sources.
Zaporizhia Line
Russian forces attacked near Robotyne and Kamyanske in western Zaporizhia Oblast. No frontline changes were confirmed. The fighting continues without significant territorial shifts.
Kherson (Dnipro River) Front – Initiative Russia
Ukrainian officials reported Russian attacks in the Dnipro area of Kherson. No changes to the frontline were confirmed.
Ukraine News
Russia launched 22 Shahed drones against Ukraine from Krasnodar, Kursk, and Crimea. Ukrainian forces shot down 15 drones over Sumy, Mykolaiv, and Odesa regions. A school in Mykolaiv and a building in Odesa were damaged. Russia also bombed Zaporizhzhia City on September 29, destroying several buildings. President Zelensky reported that in the past week, Russia used nearly 900 bombs, 300 drones, and 40 missiles against Ukraine.
President Zelensky expressed doubt about Putin using nuclear weapons, stating Putin “loves his life” and is likely afraid to use them. Russia has repeatedly threatened nuclear action to deter Western support for Ukraine. Kremlin spokesperson Peskov said the military would determine conditions for nuclear weapon use, blaming NATO for aiding Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov warned against trying to defeat “a nuclear power.” Putin recently proposed revisions to Russia’s nuclear doctrine, suggesting nuclear responses to conventional attacks and treating any attack by a nuclear-armed country as coordinated.
Ukraine marked the 83rd anniversary of the Babyn Yar tragedy, where Nazi forces murdered nearly 34,000 Jews near Kyiv in 1941. President Zelensky called it a symbol of the consequences when the world fails to oppose evil. The total death toll, including Soviet prisoners and Rroma, is estimated at over 100,000. Zelensky drew parallels between Nazi atrocities and Russia’s current war against Ukraine, emphasizing the need for the world to stand against such violence and protect humanity.
Innocent Victims Of War
The casualty count of civilians in the past 24 hours: (Russian War Crimes)
DEATHS: 10 INJURIES: 48+
Russian forces launched two consecutive attacks on Saint Panteleimon hospital in Sumy, Ukraine, killing at least ten people and injuring 22 others. The first strike damaged the building, while the second hit during evacuation efforts, causing most casualties. UN officials reported that suicide drones were used in the attacks on this city located 32 km from the Russian border. The double strike targeted both patients and first responders.
Russian forces attacked two towns in Sumy Oblast with guided aerial bombs. In Esman, five women aged 38 to 77 were injured. In Hlukhiv, a 53-year-old woman and her 50-year-old husband were wounded. The attacks used KAB guided bombs, according to local prosecutors.
Elsewhere in Sumy Oblast, Russian drone attacks targeted multiple communities. One person was injured in Yampil, and two others were wounded in the village of Druzhba. These attacks resulted in civilian casualties across the region.
Russian forces launched guided bomb attacks on Zaporizhzhia city overnight injuring at least 16 civilians, including a 17-year-old boy. Governor Ivan Fedorov reported at least 10 strikes, causing fires and destroying buildings. Some people may still be trapped under rubble. The attack damaged a high-rise and several homes.
A view of a damaged apartment building in the city of Zaporizhzhia following Russia’s missile attack. (Ivan Fedorov / Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration)
Ukrainian Mobilization and Industrial Defense Base
Ukrainian defense company Ukrainian Armor has developed the Novator-2, an upgraded armored vehicle for military use. Based on the Ford F-550 chassis, this vehicle offers improved protection, maneuverability, and versatility for Ukrainian forces. It features strong armor, run-flat tires, and can withstand various attacks including shelling and drones. The Novator-2 is being produced domestically, allowing for quick servicing near battlefields. Ukrainian soldiers praise its durability and functionality, with hundreds already in use. This development aims to meet Ukraine’s growing need for armored vehicles in the ongoing conflict.
Ukraine’s Allies
Denmark announced a defense hub at its Kyiv embassy and pledged €575 million ($628 million) to support Ukrainian defense production, with €400 million ($428 million) coming from frozen Russian assets and €175 million ($200 million) from the Danish government. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen signed agreements in Kyiv with Ukrainian counterparts. Ukraine aims to produce €20 billion worth of defense equipment domestically by 2025 with partner funding, helping it become more militarily self-sufficient. Additionally, Denmark allocated $19.5 million to restore Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, announced a $115 million military aid package in August, and promised to transfer 19 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.
Russia News
The Russian government plans to increase defense spending to 13.2 trillion rubles ($140 billion) in 2025, up from 10.4 trillion rubles ($110 billion) in 2024, accounting for about 40% of the budget and surpassing combined spending on education, healthcare, social policies, and the economy. However, Kremlin officials are emphasizing social spending plans instead. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin highlighted funding for healthcare and pensions, while Finance Minister Anton Siluanov acknowledged resources for the “special military operation” but stressed 40 trillion rubles ($424 billion) for national projects over six years. The government also plans to spend on infrastructure and mortgage programs. This focus on social initiatives likely aims to maintain public support for the war and mitigate potential war fatigue among Russians.
Russia’s State Duma introduced five bills to tighten migration policies following increased anti-migration sentiment, especially toward Central Asians. This comes after a March terrorist attack in Moscow, claimed by ISIS, where Tajik suspects were arrested. The bills propose harsher punishments for illegal immigrants committing crimes, increased penalties for organizing illegal migration, stricter measures against document forgery, blocking illegal migrant services online, and banning intermediaries for migrant exams. Russia has been conducting raids on migrant housing and deporting Central Asians, who form a significant part of the country’s workforce. Tajikistan reported an increase in migrants returning home from Russia.
Russian investigative outlet The Insider obtained internal documents suggesting officials lied about Alexei Navalny’s death in an Arctic penal colony. Initial reports indicated Navalny experienced severe stomach pain and vomiting before his death, symptoms later omitted from public documents. Medical expert Alexander Polupan suggests these symptoms point to poisoning. Navalny, Putin’s main opponent, had previously survived a Novichok nerve agent poisoning in 2020, which investigations linked to Russian security agents. The Kremlin had consistently tried to silence Navalny and his allies through various means, including imprisonment.
Russian War Losses (Today/Total)
| Troops +1250
653060 |
Tanks +5
8874 |
Artillery +27
18822 |
Arm. VEH +27
17503 |
Aircraft
369 |
Heli
328 |
Ships
28 |
Russian Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
Russian company Uraldrone announced the development of “Berdysh,” a heavy combat drone. This drone reportedly can attack with a flamethrower and grenade launcher, lay mines remotely, transport cargo, and perform reconnaissance. It’s said to carry 20 kg payloads with a 25 km range and is currently in field testing.
Source Material
Institute for the Study of War – understandingwar.org
The Kyiv Independent – kyivindependent.com
Kyiv Post – kyivpost.com