Espreso Global

Russia running deliberate shadow campaign against Europe — von der Leyen Radio Liberty reports.“One incident could be a mistake. Two—a coincidence. But three, five, ten? This is a deliberate and targeted shadow campaign against Europe… Russia wants to sow discord. We respond with unity. It was Italian pilots, as part of NATO’s air policing mission, who escorted Russian aircraft out of Estonian airspace. Ukrainian experts are sharing frontline experience to help member states counter drone incursions,” von der Leyen said.The European Commission President called not only for a response, but also for deterrence of aggression.“Europe must urgently equip itself with strategic response capabilities… And we must be able to react in real time. This work has already begun,” von der Leyen noted.She highlighted “the largest surge in defense spending in the history of our Union.” Under the Readiness 2030 program, which foresees rearmament by the target deadline, Europe plans to mobilize up to 800 billion euros for defense. The European Commission will soon present the roadmap for this program.Von der Leyen again mentioned flagship projects proposed as the backbone of the program, including, in particular, a “drone wall.”“We need a system that is affordable and fit for use—for rapid detection, rapid interception and, if necessary, rapid neutralization. Here we have much to learn from Ukraine—both in terms of capabilities and, even more importantly, in terms of their ecosystem of rapid innovation. And Ukraine is ready to support our efforts,” the Commission President added.She also mentioned a project aimed at monitoring and protecting the air, sea, and land of NATO’s eastern flank, and noted that strengthening Europe’s defense industry is necessary to implement all planned initiatives.“Countering Russia’s hybrid warfare is not only about traditional defense. It’s about software for drones and spare parts for pipelines. It’s about rapid cyber response teams and public information campaigns to raise awareness. This requires new thinking from all of us… And most importantly, we must deter anyone who seeks to harm us,” von der Leyen concluded.

Russia running deliberate shadow campaign against Europe — von der Leyen

Russia shifts war to Ukraine’s rear by targeting infrastructure This is not accidental, but the beginning of a new phase of the war, with the front gradually shifting to the rear.What is happening:Russians are systematically targeting critical infrastructure – substations, pumping stations, communications (in particular, Slavutych and Kramatorsk);In frontline cities, they are targeting civilians: hospitals, residential areas, and water supplies.In recent days, fiber-optic FPV drones, which are difficult to jam, have been spotted over Kramatorsk.“The goal is clear — to make frontline towns uninhabitable, force people out, and disrupt rear-area supply and support. This is already happening in Kherson, and the Russians aim to do the same to Kharkiv, Sumy, Chernihiv, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia.”What does this mean?We and the enemy are approaching the point where drone zones will cover the entire front.For us, this is a defensive goal: to close the sky and land to the enemy. For them, it is an attempt to destroy the rear.When the front becomes “closed,” the war will move to the rear fronts—energy, logistics, infrastructure, and the psychological stability of the population.How to respondStrengthen the rear and critical infrastructure – air defense, electronic warfare, dispersal of facilities. In particular, this raises huge questions for local communities. They are primarily interested in protecting their own communities.Take the war deeper into Russia – strike at the enemy's military machine and border regions: Rostov, Belgorod, Bryansk, Kursk, Voronezh.Whoever is the first to drive each other out with drones will win the rear war.SourceAbout the author. Vasyl Pekhnio, journalist, presenter, analyst.The editorial team does not always share the opinions expressed by the blog or column authors.

Russia shifts war to Ukraine’s rear by targeting infrastructure

ISW: Russia's threats over Tomahawks aim to deter U.S. support for Ukraine The Institute for the Study of War writes about the issue in its daily report. American analysts note that Russia continues its campaign to prevent the U.S. from supplying Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. In particular, on October 7, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that U.S. delivery of Tomahawks to Ukraine would be a “serious escalation” that allegedly would not change the situation on the front line. He also mentioned that these missiles are capable of carrying nuclear warheads.Peskov also said that Vladimir Putin has “unequivocally” stated his position on how Russia would respond to such actions, referring to the Russian leader’s threats. On October 2, Putin warned the U.S. against supplying Tomahawks to Ukraine, claiming that American military personnel would allegedly be forced to participate directly in Ukrainian missile strikes. On October 5, he threatened that supplying Tomahawks would “lead to the destruction” of the “emerging positive trend” in U.S.-Russia relations."ISW continues to assess that the Kremlin is attempting to portray potential U.S. Tomahawk deliveries to Ukraine as a dangerous escalation to deter the United States from sending such weapons to Ukraine," the outlet stated.The institute emphasized that the Kremlin previously conducted similar influence operations when the U.S. discussed supplying Ukraine with ATACMS tactical missile systems, HIMARS rocket artillery systems, F-16 fighters, and Abrams tanks, successfully delaying the delivery of Western weapons to Ukraine.Analysts noted that previous strikes using U.S.-supplied long-range weapon systems did not trigger escalation from Russia, and that the West and Ukraine have repeatedly crossed Moscow’s so-called “red lines” in the past without provoking escalation."These recent Russian threats about Tomahawk missile provisions are part of Russia’s wider reflexive control campaign that aims to coerce Russia’s opponents to make policy decisions that actually benefit Russia," ISW concluded.On September 29, U.S. presidential envoy to Ukraine, General Keith Kellogg, reported that American President Donald Trump authorized strikes on Russian territory using long-range weapons.Later, Kellogg clarified that no final decision has been made regarding the possible provision of Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine, emphasizing that the matter is under consideration by President Donald Trump.On September 5, Vladimir Putin threatened that supplying Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine would destroy relations between Moscow and Washington.On Monday, October 6, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he has "sort of made a decision" regarding the supply of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. Putin's press secretary Peskov called this a "serious round of escalation."     

ISW: Russia's threats over Tomahawks aim to deter U.S. support for Ukraine

Russia, India kick off joint military drills Reuters reported the information.According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the drills are aimed at improving counterterrorism operations.The Russian-Indian exercises Indra 2025 are being held at the Mahajan training ground in Rajasthan and will last until October 15.“The main goal of the drills is honing the cohesion of both countries' units in the fight against terrorism, including the perfection of counter-terrorism operations' tactics,” the ministry said.Earlier reports indicated that India’s leading oil refinery, Indian Oil Corp (IOC.NS), has already made payments in Chinese currency for 2–3 shipments of Russian oil.

Russia, India kick off joint military drills

Russia eyes 25,000 Cuban recruits amid mobilization issues — military analyst Military analyst Vasyl Pekhno shared the information on Espreso TV.“If reports like those in Reuters are true, for example, that 25,000 Cubans could join the Russian army, that is a huge number. That’s roughly the monthly number of Russians destroyed — the work of all Ukrainian Defense Forces in a month,” Pekhno said.He added that contract bonuses for Russians are constantly increasing, indicating mobilization problems and fewer volunteers joining the Russian army.“First, hiring Cubans could be much cheaper for Russia. For example, $2,000 doesn’t compare to the contracts offered to Russians. Recently, signing bonuses for Russians have skyrocketed. This shows they are struggling to mobilize people. In Tyumen region, a decision was made that by November 30, payments combined with federal ones will exceed $40,000. These amounts keep rising. They have trouble mobilizing their own population, so they want to rely on much cheaper Cubans,” he concluded.On October 5, Reuters reported that the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump demanded American diplomats prevent the lifting of the long-standing embargo on Cuba, as over 5,000 Cubans are fighting for Russia against Ukraine.

Russia eyes 25,000 Cuban recruits amid mobilization issues — military analyst

Drones entering Zakarpattia region may not be Hungarian — Ukraine's general Deputy Head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) in 2014-2015, Major General Viktor Yahun, shared the information on Espreso TV."Whether we like it or not, Budapest is a member of the EU and NATO. That’s one. Secondly, I happened to be in Zakarpattia region at that time and know what was really happening there. And with all due respect to our state authorities — both administrative and military — there is serious doubt that these drones could have belonged to the Hungarian side," he said.Yahun did not rule out that it was a Russian provocation."Russia possibly used its intelligence capabilities in Hungary, but definitely not official bodies, to once again pit us against each other and provoke another escalation of confrontation. And this fits perfectly into their paradigm of preventing us from either reconciling or at least coexisting, given the current circumstances," the general said.He reminded that Hungary is currently actively preparing for upcoming elections.“There is fierce political struggle there, and Ukraine is trying to distance itself from all that in order to avoid influencing their politics and to be a neutral arbiter. We did what we did; we warned that if provocations occur, we will not ignore them — unlike, for example, the Poles, Moldova, or Romania, when unknown drones enter their airspace. And if they appear again on our borders, they will indeed be shot down,” Yahun said.According to the general, it was merely a warning, as this was the first time they had encountered such a situation."Therefore, I want to emphasize once again that I have serious doubts that they were of Hungarian origin. They could have belonged to the same group as those that flew over Munich and Copenhagen, because it all seemed part of one coordinated campaign of unidentified drones appearing in various regions of Europe," he concluded.On Friday, September 26, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that drones had violated Ukrainian airspace, most likely launched from Hungary.In response, Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó accused President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of “starting to lose his mind” and “seeing ghosts.”Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha published the flight path of a Hungarian reconnaissance drone that entered the airspace over Zakarpattia on Friday, September 26, 2025.On September 28, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of "harassment" amid tensions following the incident with Hungarian drones in Ukraine’s airspace.   

Drones entering Zakarpattia region may not be Hungarian — Ukraine's general

Drone incursions in Europe have “vaccine” effect — political analyst Political analyst Serhii Taran shared his opinions on Espreso TV.“Most European countries are aware of the threat from Russia. Especially northern European countries are preparing for such a war: in Poland and Denmark, warning systems are being tested, measures for possible mobilization are being planned, and discussions about reinstating general military service are underway. Moreover, these drone attacks currently happening in Europe have a vaccine-like effect — a weakened virus provokes a strong immune response, so if the real virus arrives, the body is prepared. Right now, these drones are a vaccine training Europe for a potential war,” the analyst explained.He added that Europe is gradually realizing that war is possible. To avoid it, countries must seriously prepare, arm themselves, and show Putin that they are ready for war and able to respond collectively to Russian aggression.“Amid ‘anonymous’ drone attacks in Europe, countries always emphasize joint defense. For example, Poland reports cooperating with other countries to counter drones. However, preparations in Europe are progressing more slowly than they should. Europe still lives in peace and calm; though aware of the threat, the response is slow. Sadly, Ukraine gives Europe time to prepare,” Taran noted.On October 2, unidentified drones were spotted over Munich, causing major disruptions at the local airport, one of Germany’s busiest.On October 3, 15 unidentified drones were recorded over the Belgian military base of Elsenborn.

Drone incursions in Europe have “vaccine” effect — political analyst

Russian drone strike targets Chernihiv power site, leaves injured in Dnipropetrovsk region According to Ukraine’s largest private energy company DTEK, Russia attacked its thermal power plant.According to preliminary information, two power engineers were wounded. They were promptly provided with all necessary assistance.“The thermal power plant equipment has been seriously damaged. We are working to eliminate the consequences,” DTEK said.In total, since the start of the full-scale invasion, DTEK's thermal power plants have been shelled more than 200 times.Dnipropetrovsk regionAccording to Serhiy Lysak, head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional State Administration, the Russian aggressors attacked the Kryvyi Rih district at night. First, they targeted the Zelenodolsk community. Then, they launched a massive attack on Novopillia with unmanned aerial vehicles.Two people were injured — a woman and a man. They were hospitalized in moderate condition. Fires broke out and were extinguished. Infrastructure was damaged.Attacks continued on the Nikopol region – Nikopol itself and Marganets. The Russians fired multiple rocket launchers, used FPV drones, and artillery.Three people were injured: an 18-year-old girl and men aged 26 and 45. All were hospitalized.A fire broke out but was extinguished. A business, a religious organization, a dozen private houses and a five-story building, three farm buildings, six cars, and a gas pipeline were damaged.In the Synelnykivskyi district, the Mezhova and Pokrovsk communities were hit by UAVs. A fire broke out on the balcony of an apartment building. It was extinguished.One private house was partially destroyed, and six others were damaged.Air defense forces shot down 29 drones over the Dnipropetrovsk region.According to Ukraine's state railway company Ukrzaliznytsia, Russian attacks have complicated train traffic in the Nizhyn direction.In connection with this changed route, the trains have been delayed by 2 hours and some have been temporarily halted.Chernihiv regionViacheslav Chaus, head of the Chernihiv Regional State Administration, reported that Russia carried out 50 attacks on the Chernihiv region in 24 hours, most of them using FPV drones. Twenty-three settlements in seven communities were shelled.Three people were injured.Yesterday in Novhorod-Siverskyi, a 44-year-old local woman was injured in a morning shelling and hospitalized. On the evening of October 7, Russians attacked a residential building in the Semenivska community with a strike drone, destroying the house and a car; a 70-year-old woman sought medical help.During the night, the Russians struck a special vehicle of a road repair company in the Semenivska community with a drone. The 56-year-old driver was injured and taken to the hospital; the vehicle burned down.Russian strike drones attacked Nizhyn, Pryluky, and Semenivka.In Nizhyn, hits on railway facilities caused fires, and in the morning, an energy facility was struck, leading to emergency outages. In Pryluky, a strike drone hit an oil depot, causing a fire. In Semenivka, a Russian drone struck an administrative building.The relevant services are working wherever there is damage or impact.    

Russian drone strike targets Chernihiv power site, leaves injured in Dnipropetrovsk region

Key Belgian defense firm reports surge in unidentified drones over its facilities Politico reported the information.Alain Quevrin, director of Thales Belgium, said that drones are being spotted over the company’s sites more frequently than a few months ago.He highlighted observations over the company’s Évegnée Fort facility in the eastern Liège region, the only Belgian site where it is licensed to assemble and store explosives for its 70mm rockets.“We are concerned about these developments,” said the Thales Belgium director.According to him, such incidents occur while the company aims to double its production capacity of unguided and laser-guided FZ275 rockets to 70,000 units over the next few years, provided there is clear demand.He explained that the company has made a “huge effort” to install detection systems at all its facilities. The company stated that it can use signal jammers to block the controls needed to operate drones and shoot them down.“But the problem is that we are not allowed — legally,” Quevrin said.One concern about shooting down drones is that they could cause damage or injure people if they fall.Quevrin noted that countries like Belgium now need to clearly define “what is the right process” for such cases, including where police responsibilities end and company responsibilities begin.“The process needs to be clarified,” he said.Quevrin also said Thales Belgium is seeing “unbelievable” demand for its rockets as NATO seeks to secure its airspace. Most of its current production is going to Ukraine.According to him, since Russian drones started operating in Poland, Thales has received dozens of requests for its rockets, as its 8 km-range rockets meet NATO standards and can be integrated into existing weapons systems.“It’s a plug-and-play solution just to address more and more types of targets,” he said.Germany, Italy, Spain, and Poland are among the company’s largest NATO clients, and the firm claims its rockets are four times cheaper than alternative market options.However, Quevrin said that to meet this demand, the EU must help the industry overcome another obstacle: creating a body to coordinate cross-border projects and procurement for both companies and governments.On October 6, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that he believes Russia may be behind the unmanned aerial vehicles detected in Germany’s airspace.

Key Belgian defense firm reports surge in unidentified drones over its facilities

U.S. military aid has drawn Ukraine into war of attrition — diplomat Diplomat Oleksandr Khara shared the information on Espreso TV."Let us recall that at the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the Americans did not want Ukraine to strike even Crimea with Western weapons. Only when Ukraine started using its own weapons and there was no World War III did it become acceptable. And, in fact, the substantial assistance provided to Ukraine by the American partners led us into the type of war we are now fighting — a war of attrition," he said.According to Khara, this happened because the U.S. did not want to provide the means and capabilities that would have given Ukraine a significant advantage."First and foremost, it's the air forces and operational-tactical, or so-called long-range, i.e., long-range missiles. Providing us assistance has always been tied to restrictions on how we can use that assistance," the diplomat said.He noted that now those restrictions are gone — no one is telling Ukraine that it cannot strike Russian oil refineries."Now Ukraine have destroyed over 40% of Russia's refining capacity there, which is, of course, the best kind of sanctions and the best way to bring about so-called negotiations with the Russian Federation — rather than Trump's talk about some sanctions and so on," Khara added.In the diplomat's view, the same story will apply to the Tomahawk missiles."They would not be usable without the Americans' permission, and of course not only our military strategic calculations would be taken into account there, but also the unwillingness to escalate relations with Russia. And it may turn out that they will give us a certain number of Tomahawks, but we will not be able to use them because of the fear of escalation," he said.Khara hopes that this will not happen and that Ukraine will be able to use them sovereignly."From the standpoint of target selection, these will be objective military targets, or those that qualify as such under international law. There is a small chance that Trump will try to restrict Ukrainian use of these Tomahawks if he provides them, because there are still significant doubts about that. That likelihood will remain," the diplomat concluded.     

U.S. military aid has drawn Ukraine into war of attrition — diplomat

Russia loses 1,010 troops, 26 artillery systems, 75 vehicles in one day of war in Ukraine Ukraine’s General Staff reported the information.Russia's total combat losses from February 24, 2022, to October 8, 2025, are approximately:personnel – about 1,118,370 (+1,010);tanks – 11,240 (+2);armored combat vehicles – 23,324 (+5);artillery systems – 33,519 (+26);MLRS – 1,517 (+1);air defense systems – 1,225 (+1);aircraft – 427 (+0);helicopters – 346 (+0);tactical-level UAVs – 67,965 (+401);cruise missiles – 3,841 (+0);ships/boats – 28 (+0);submarines – 1 (+0);vehicles and fuel tanks  – 63,650 (+75);special equipment – 3,973 (+0).The data is being clarified.On October 7, it became known that the 141st Separate Mechanized Brigade liberated the village of Sichneve in the Dnipropetrovsk region from Russian forces. 

Russia loses 1,010 troops, 26 artillery systems, 75 vehicles in one day of war in Ukraine

Zapad-2025 drills give Putin grounds to prepare for aggression against Europe — diplomat Roman Bezsmertnyi, Ukraine’s former ambassador to Belarus (2010–2011), shared his opinions with Espreso TV.“In the final phase of Zapad-2025, strategic command and staff exercises were conducted, and now their results are becoming clear. After these drills, drone attacks on European countries began, aircraft entered their airspace, and ships crossed into territorial waters. The next stage — an escalation of mass attacks on Ukraine. Then comes Valdai, with the corresponding rhetoric. Next — the deliberate stimulation of political crises in various countries. Note how right-wing and left-wing populists responded on cue, how protesters in several states suddenly rallied in support of Middle Eastern terrorist organizations. All this points to clear coordination,” commented Roman Bezsmertnyi.According to him, all these developments, including Putin’s statements at Valdai, show that Russia has entered the next stage of hybrid warfare, this time primarily targeting European countries.“The fact that reports are now emerging from the Institute for the Study of War and other sources about Putin considering concrete plans for war against European states and NATO — information also echoed by intelligence agencies — further proves that the Zapad-2025 strategic command and staff exercises gave him grounds to prepare for aggression against Europe. I am not even mentioning the growing assistance to Russia from China and North Korea, as well as reports of recruitment into the Russian army from Cuba, African, and Asian countries. All of this indicates that Moscow is deliberately escalating the situation,” the diplomat emphasized.Bezsmertnyi concluded that these actions cannot and should not be viewed as isolated or unrelated events. Together, they form a coherent picture of what is known as hybrid warfare — another stage of the conflict that Russia is now entering.On September 12, the Belarusian Ministry of Defense announced the start of the joint strategic exercises Zapad-2025, conducted by the armed forces of Belarus and Russia. The drills lasted until September 16.

Zapad-2025 drills give Putin grounds to prepare for aggression against Europe — diplomat

Ukrainian forces adapt, increasingly seize initiative across frontline — military official Ivan Tymochko, head of the Reserve Forces Council of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, shared his assessment with Espreso TV.“We are talking about the systematic nature of the liberated territories. This is not a coincidence or exception. In Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Kharkiv regions, there are numerous areas already liberated from the enemy at the tactical level — a village, for example, is a tactical unit,” Tymochko said.He emphasized that while the Russian offensive has not disappeared entirely, it is losing its maximum momentum.“This does not mean it will disappear instantly, but the enemy can no longer increase its offensive potential. Even in a liberated village in the Dnipropetrovsk region, where enemy forces have been captured, the advance they once made in areas like Dobropillia is now fragmented — some units are in operational encirclement, others completely surrounded. Mop-up operations and further liberation of territory are ongoing,” the military official noted.He added that Russia is also trying to seize the initiative and concentrate its forces in order to achieve the best possible result."This is the situation across the entire front line right now, and without any bravado, we can say that despite all the pressure from the enemy, the Ukrainian Armed Forces are adapting both their tactics and strategy in order to seize the initiative as much as possible. Of course, there is still a lot of work to be done, and many challenges to be overcome," said the head of the Reservists Council.Tymochko suggested that one of the reasons why this is now possible is the transition to a corps system.“It has taken place, and the directions where the corps are holding are more clearly defined, the lines of holding positions are more clearly defined, or, let's say, more sections of the front are held by regular corps. Therefore, this may be related to the fact that there is clearer interaction within the corps,” he said.Tymochko emphasized that this is a process and continuous work."And we had a basic task from 2024, although rather from 2014, which was not to allow the enemy to seize the initiative, and especially in 2024, not just to seize the initiative, but, say, to create opportunities for systemic breakthroughs of our front. Yes, they pushed us back, but they did not break through the front lines," concluded the head of the Reserve Forces Council.On October 7, reports said Ukraine's 141st Separate Mechanized Brigade had liberated the village of Sichneve in the Dnipropetrovsk region from Russian forces.

Ukrainian forces adapt, increasingly seize initiative across frontline — military official

Even Republicans dislike Trump provoking instability in U.S. — Ukrainian Congress Committee Marta Farion, vice president of the Illinois chapter and member of the national board of directors of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, shared her opinions with Espreso TV."I live in Chicago, and there are very strong protests here because the president said he would send troops to Chicago to restore peace and order. Well, there was no problem here. I have been living here for years, going to the city center and wherever I want. And there is no problem with stability or security," she said.According to Farion, President Trump is “making things up”, and his statements appear to be a tactic aimed at democratic cities governed by mayors and councils from the Democratic Party."There are very strong protests in Chicago, but we'll see how long it lasts, because he knows that the population won't hold out for long, and no one will protest to remove him from his position, as in other countries. But this is instability, and even Republicans don't like that he is provoking such instability in the country. So, there will be protests, but in America, there are no protests that would bring down the entire government," said the representative.On October 5, Trump authorized deploying 300 National Guard troops to Chicago, citing “out-of-control crime.” This order came just hours after U.S. Border Patrol agents shot and killed an armed woman during a clash between protesters and immigration officials in the city.

Even Republicans dislike Trump provoking instability in U.S. — Ukrainian Congress Committee

Ukraine allocates additional UAH 1.5 billion to protect energy infrastructure in frontline regions The president announced the decisions on his Telegram channel.During the meeting, Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of strengthening energy infrastructure in frontline areas. The government has allocated an additional UAH 1.5 billion (over USD 36 million) to support this effort and has created a reserve of equipment for the rapid restoration of power supply, which will be gradually increased.“We also discussed the situation in the gas sector, the buildup of gas reserves, and ensuring supply for the population. We agreed that in the near future, the Government will adopt a resolution on maintaining a fixed price for natural gas for household consumers. A decision has also already been made to impose a moratorium on disconnecting consumers from energy supply in frontline communities,” Zelenskyy said.The president also instructed officials to prepare mechanisms for increasing teachers’ salaries next year and to report on measures to support internally displaced persons.“I expect Government officials to report on both of these issues by the end of this week,” Zelenskyy added.On October 6, Zelenskyy convened a meeting of the Energy Council, warning local authorities that failure to resolve urgent issues in the energy sector could result in dismissals.

Ukraine allocates additional UAH 1.5 billion to protect energy infrastructure in frontline regions

Russia spreads false claims about Ukrainian forces hiding in residential areas The Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD) has refuted the fake story.“Russian propaganda is once again trying to justify terrorist attacks on Ukrainian cities by spreading lies about the Ukrainian Armed Forces allegedly ‘hiding in residential buildings,’” the CCD said on its Telegram channel.Kremlin-linked media reports claim that Ukrainian soldiers use residential areas as cover and that civilians are helping occupying Russian forces by providing coordinates. The CCD emphasized that these narratives are fabricated to rationalize attacks on civilian infrastructure and shift responsibility for these crimes onto Ukraine.“In reality, such statements are yet another cynical attempt to justify Russia's daily terrorist attacks on Ukrainian cities. Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and other frontline regions regularly suffer from airstrikes, missiles, and drones, resulting in civilian casualties and the destruction of civilian infrastructure,” the center noted.Earlier, on October 3, the CCD reported that after a missile strike on grain-carrying trucks, the Russian Ministry of Defense spread false claims that 20 military trucks and Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel had been destroyed.

Russia spreads false claims about Ukrainian forces hiding in residential areas

Ukraine’s Ukroboronprom signs major defense agreements with U.S., Spanish companies The news was announced by Ukroboronprom CEO German Smetanin on the Telegram messaging app.“The first day of DFNC3 was quite productive for the Ukroboronprom team. Meetings and negotiations took place, and some of them resulted in the signing of memoranda of cooperation,” Smetanin wrote.According to him, Ukroboronprom reached an agreement with the American company LeVanta Tech Inc. to cooperate on the float-and-fly concept.“We also plan to work together to develop solutions to increase the speed and stability of our products. We are interested in developing production in Ukraine, as well as organizing training for our weapons manufacturers,” Smetanin added.He also announced a partnership with the Spanish company Escribano to modernize Ukrainian armored vehicles with advanced combat modules.Smetanin noted that Ukroboronprom continues to expand its international cooperation network, focusing on technological innovation, localization of production in Ukraine, and the training of domestic defense specialists.“Today, we have put new agreements on paper. We are talking about the prospect of cooperation in the field of air defense and deepening cooperation in the field of armored vehicles,” Smetanin said.Additionally, Ukroboronprom outlined the preconditions for cooperation with the Romanian company Romarm.“We are considering the possibility of joint production of technical solutions and unmanned platforms. We also plan to jointly attract investments to finance projects,” the Ukroboronprom CEO added.

Ukraine’s Ukroboronprom signs major defense agreements with U.S., Spanish companies

Over 150 THeMIS ground robots to boost Ukraine’s battlefield capabilities This was reported by the company’s press service.A significant portion of these vehicles will be assembled and delivered in cooperation with VDL Defentec. The planned aid package was first announced in September, but the donor country had not been disclosed until now.On October 6, Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans joined representatives of Milrem Robotics and VDL at the official signing ceremony held at VDL’s plant in Born, the Netherlands.Deliveries will be carried out by Milrem Robotics Netherlands in close collaboration with VDL Defentec, which is setting up a dedicated assembly line for the ground robots at its Born facility.Milrem Robotics will also provide comprehensive training for Ukrainian operators and support staff to ensure effective deployment and maintenance in the field.“We are honoured to lead this project in partnership with the Netherlands and VDL. The THeMIS platform has already demonstrated its value under combat conditions, and we believe this contribution will materially strengthen Ukraine’s defence capability,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.What is THeMISThe new batch will complement 15 THeMIS units already operating in Ukraine since 2022, where they have demonstrated high effectiveness on the battlefield.THeMIS is a modular unmanned ground vehicle designed for logistics, reconnaissance, and combat support missions. The system is currently part of robotics programs or in operation in 19 countries worldwide.

Over 150 THeMIS ground robots to boost Ukraine’s battlefield capabilities

Russian oil exports near capacity as Ukrainian drone strikes cripple refineries According to Bloomberg data, Russia exported 3.57 million barrels of crude per day in the four weeks to October 5 — a level sustained only by diverting oil that can no longer be processed domestically.This redirection underscores the growing toll of Ukrainian strikes on Russian infrastructure. Over the past two months, at least 15 refineries across European Russia have been hit, including the Kirishi refinery, struck twice within a month. These attacks have forced Moscow to push its export system to the edge, with refinery runs now below 5 million barrels per day — the lowest since April 2022.Bloomberg emphasizes that Russia’s export network is approaching its operational limits. Two of its key ports — Primorsk on the Baltic Sea and Novorossiysk on the Black Sea — are already operating near maximum capacity, while Ust-Luga remains well below its potential due to logistical bottlenecks. This means Russia can divert little additional crude if drone strikes intensify.Meanwhile, European nations are tightening controls on Russia’s shadow fleet, seeking to curb illicit tanker operations. France recently detained the tanker Boracay for operating without a valid flag, while Denmark is ramping up environmental and compliance checks in its waters. At the same time, the EU’s 19th sanctions package is expected to blacklist more than 100 additional vessels and target intermediaries in China and other countries that help Moscow circumvent restrictions.Bloomberg concludes that Moscow’s crude exports have reached a fragile balance — temporarily elevated but dependent on overstretched infrastructure and risky maritime logistics. Should Ukraine continue its deep-strike campaign, or Europe further restrict shadow fleet activity, Russia’s oil flow could quickly hit a hard ceiling, threatening one of the Kremlin’s last stable revenue streams.

Russian oil exports near capacity as Ukrainian drone strikes cripple refineries

Over 1,000 Mercedes-Benz Zetros trucks secretly ordered for Ukraine — Defense Express Defense Express shared their analysis of the report and its implications. They note that while “trucks remain a critical component of logistics,” the scale and secrecy of this order reflect both the urgency of Ukraine’s needs and the political sensitivity surrounding new military aid packages.The contract has not been officially announced and Daimler Truck declined to comment, the FAZ piece says. The decision to keep details classified is unsurprising: the newly formed German government appears to have restricted public information about upcoming arms and equipment transfers. More specifics may emerge only when the agreement is formally published.Zetros vehicles are built by Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks (part of Daimler Truck) and are prized for off-road performance and durability under extreme conditions — reasons why they are in service with militaries in more than ten countries. As the article notes, “the order for over a thousand Mercedes-Benz Zetros will be a major boost for the Ukrainian Defense Forces.”Defense Express analysts underline two practical limitations: manufacturing lead times and Ukraine’s existing shortfalls. The vehicles will need to be produced from scratch, so delivery will take time; and Ukraine’s domestic industry and constrained budgets have hampered rapid fleet renewal — meaning these imports matter both immediately and strategically.An additional operational benefit flagged by Defense Express is the potential for partial standardization: the Zetros is being considered as a chassis for Ukraine’s 2S22 Bohdana self-propelled gun, which could help unify parts, maintenance, and training across sections of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.In short, if confirmed, the large Daimler order would materially ease some logistics pressures on Ukrainian units — but the full effect will depend on production schedules, delivery timelines, and whether the vehicles are integrated into longer-term plans for fleet standardization and repair capacity.

Over 1,000 Mercedes-Benz Zetros trucks secretly ordered for Ukraine — Defense Express

Ukrainian drones hit 66,500 Russian targets in September — Ukraine’s top commander This was reported by Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi during a regular meeting on the development of unmanned systems, held on October 7.Syrskyi emphasized that Ukraine must compensate for Russia’s advantage in manpower with quality, technology, and skill.“Given the Russian aggressor's significant superiority in personnel, unmanned systems are our strong argument for deterring the enemy and destroying them on the battlefield,” he said.According to the report:66,500 targets were hit (up 10.8% compared to August);39,200 strikes were carried out by kamikaze drones;18,159 Russian troops were killed or wounded (up 23%);The number of missions involving robotic ground systems nearly doubled.Syrskyi also noted the growing effectiveness of FPV drone operations, which remain a decisive factor on the battlefield despite Russia’s attempts to reach parity.“The enemy is not standing still... We have no right to slow down,” officers at the meeting stressed, citing intelligence on Russia’s ongoing technical developments.The Ukrainian Armed Forces have already begun scaling up their unmanned systems forces and recruiting personnel for relevant units. During the meeting, unit commanders “from the field” shared their experience in using UAVs and ground-based robotic systems, as well as their organizational and innovative solutions.The meeting identified key priorities: further development of UAS units, optimization of their structure, strengthening coordination with infantry, and ensuring reliable logistical support for unmanned systems.“Unmanned systems have received and will continue to receive my priority support,” the leadership emphasized, thanking the “warriors of the Defense Forces' unmanned systems” for their contribution.On October 6, the Russian army lost 1,020 servicemen in the war against Ukraine, according to Ukraine’s General Staff. The Ukrainian Defense Forces also destroyed dozens of vehicles and weapons. On October 7, it was reported that Russian troops were suffering significant losses in the Novopavlivka direction, but continued to press forward as their command threw new forces into battle, losing dozens of soldiers daily.

Ukrainian drones hit 66,500 Russian targets in September — Ukraine’s top commander

What is “bulbous Neptune” and why does it have mid-body bulges? During a demonstration of the capabilities of Ukraine’s defense-industrial complex for NATO member representatives, a version of the Neptune cruise missile that had never before been mentioned was publicly shown, Defense Express reports.In one of the photos posted by Ukraine’s Minister of Defense, Denys Shmyhal, the R-360 missile appears with unusual mid-body bulges. Because there is no known index for this variant and given the reaction on social media, it can for now be called the “bulbous Neptune.”It differs from the two known versions — the anti-ship R-360 and the extended-range RK360L, known as the Long Neptune (the more likely index is R-360L)."Unfortunately, the photo angle makes it impossible to precisely compare all three variants. However, it is worth noting that the diameter of the “bulbous Neptune” matches the anti-ship version (38 cm), as likely do the wing span and overall length (about 4.5 m without the booster)," Defense Express experts said."The bulges are, with high probability, conformal fuel tanks that increase the missile’s flight range. Recall that the R-360’s declared range is 280 km, while the Long Neptune is said to reach 1,000 km.Given conventional classes of target ranges, a logical assumption is that the “bulbous Neptune” would have an approximate range of 500 km," military analysts added. At the same time, there is always the possibility that designers traded fuel (and range) for a larger warhead. "Thus, we should not dismiss a variant with a conditional range of about 300 km but a warhead heavier than the R-360’s ~150 kg. For context, the Long Neptune has a declared warhead of 260 kg," Defense Express summed up.Overall, showing the Neptune missile to European partners is highly significant for attracting investment in missile production. The Long Neptune, in particular, has reportedly outperformed the MdCN — the only long-range cruise missile developed in Europe.

What is “bulbous Neptune” and why does it have mid-body bulges?

OSCE PA President in Kyiv: Ukraine remains our top priority This was reported by Espreso correspondent Kateryna Halko.Pere Joan Pons Sampietro arrived in Ukraine on an official visit. Speaking in parliament, he emphasized that the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly recognizes Crimea solely as part of Ukraine.He also stated that Russia is unlawfully holding three OSCE representatives."One of our priorities is the return of these three staff members. We raise this issue at every meeting," said Pere Joan Pons Sampietro.He highlighted the importance of coordinated international efforts to ensure the safe return of Ukrainian children."It must be clearly stated that abducting children from their homes, forcing assimilation, and abusing them is not only a war crime — it is a moral issue," stressed the OSCE PA president.Pere Joan Pons Sampietro added that in the context of Ukraine, the organization will continue to amplify its voice and respond to all Russian attacks."Ukraine remains our top priority," he concluded.

OSCE PA President in Kyiv: Ukraine remains our top priority

Kremlin targets Europe’s most committed defenders of security There is little doubt that the Kremlin is orchestrating the latest drone provocations across Europe — a conclusion reinforced by the open threats made by Dmitry Medvedev. As Medvedev declared, “The main thing is for short-sighted Europeans to feel the danger of war on their own skin… so that they are afraid and tremble like stupid animals in a herd being driven to slaughter.”At the same time, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov cynically insists that “there are no grounds for accusing Moscow,” a statement that starkly contrasts with the aggressive rhetoric coming from Moscow’s political elite.According to the Resurgam analytical community, these provocations are part of a broader effort to pressure key European states — especially those that advocate for stronger measures against Russia. The Kremlin seeks not only to intimidate but also to sow division among EU member states by testing their resolve and response mechanisms.Resurgam analysts note that one of the main targets of Moscow’s current campaign is Denmark — a nation that both symbolically and practically represents the European will to resist Russian influence. Between September 22 and 28, Danish authorities recorded four incidents involving unidentified drones over strategic facilities. This pattern, they argue, is no coincidence.Denmark’s significance goes beyond its geography. As the country holding the EU presidency until the end of this year, Copenhagen effectively shapes the European agenda. Moreover, Danish society consistently supports policies that Moscow finds most threatening — including sanctions expansion, reparations loans for Ukraine, and the crackdown on Russia’s shadow oil fleet.Crucially, Denmark controls the key straits that serve as the exit point from the Baltic Sea. In early October, Copenhagen finalized and adopted a legal framework for detaining and inspecting shadow fleet tankers without violating international law — a landmark decision in the EU’s effort to close loopholes used by Moscow to bypass sanctions. This initiative began under Denmark’s presidency and is expected to be fully implemented by year’s end.Resurgam concludes that this explains the Kremlin’s focus on Denmark: it seeks to intimidate a country that plays a leading role in tightening the sanctions regime yet has relatively limited military potential.Nevertheless, Copenhagen has made its stance clear. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that the Danish military should “shoot down any unidentified objects that pose a threat.” Similar positions have been voiced by Germany — which is preparing legislative amendments — as well as Romania, France, and Lithuania.Another focal point of Kremlin pressure is Belgium. As Resurgam points out, Belgian politicians have shown reluctance to endorse the EU plan for a reparations loan to Ukraine, which would exchange real funds from frozen Russian assets for “EU guarantee bonds.” Yet Brussels’ growing unity is forcing Belgium closer to a compromise — a development Moscow is trying to disrupt. The October 3 incidents near the German–Belgian border are seen by Resurgam as an attempt to exert psychological pressure on Belgian decision-makers.Moscow’s broader goal, the analysts note, is to redefine “red lines” yet again — this time threatening retaliation over the detention of Russian tankers, the use of frozen assets, and the supply of long-range heavy weapons to Ukraine.The reemergence of Angela Merkel in the media with ambiguous statements, according to Resurgam, reflects Moscow’s renewed attempts to leverage old political networks in Germany — networks that were once instrumental in promoting the Kremlin’s energy and economic interests in Europe.In conclusion, the analytical community emphasizes that the Kremlin’s current provocations are not acts of strength, but of fear. As Resurgam writes, “To avoid escalation, one must respond to escalation with escalation, because the Kremlin is only showing off — but it fears a real response.”

Kremlin targets Europe’s most committed defenders of security

Trump won’t supply Ukraine Tomahawk missiles. Here is why “But first I want to make sure what they'll do with them,” Trump said.My conclusion: Trump has said something again. He has a random word generator. This could well be a statement from the category “today Zelenskyy is a dictator,” and tomorrow he is not, and he never said anything like that at all.This statement is not for Ukraine. This statement is for the Russians. To drive them into a corner.We will see the American president's reaction based on their reaction.My forecast, however, remains disappointing: there will be no Tomahawks — simply because there’s nothing to launch them with. It would be better if they gave Ukraine JASSMs instead.And perhaps, in the end, that’s exactly what they’ll get.I would not be surprised if, by Tomahawk, Trump actually means the previously announced Barracuda missile, which recently went into serial production.For Trump, it's all the same.Read also: Trump announced that he had allegedly decided to supply Tomahawk missiles to UkraineI repeat, I do not believe in Tomahawk because:Ukraine does not have launchers for such missiles. Among the options are submarines or missile destroyers. Have you heard that the U.S. is preparing to transfer them? No.Another platform for launching Tomahawk is the Typhoon mobile launcher. They were only put into service in 2023. And since then, only two units in the U.S. itself have such launchers. So, do we believe that Typhoon will be transferred to Ukraine? No.Defence Express wrote about the only very theoretical option for launchers. Just a month ago, the U.S. Marine Corps decided to abandon the LRF (Long Range Fires) launchers for Tomahawk. The reason was their poor passability on soft ground, which is critical for marines who had to land LRF on the beach. But they will suit Ukraine.But Tomahawk is not just missiles and launchers. It is a huge infrastructure that Ukraine must be provided with in parallel.Plus, the production of Tomahawk itself is very expensive and specific. Ukraine cannot count on many such missiles. SourceAbout the author. Vasyl Pekhno, journalist, presenter, analystThe editorial team does not always share the opinions expressed by the blog authors. 

Trump won’t supply Ukraine Tomahawk missiles. Here is why

Ukrainian forces liberate Sichneve in Dnipropetrovsk region The 141st Separate Mechanized Brigade posted a video from the settlement on Telegram. “Sichneve. Step by step, we are liberating our land. What you see in these frames is not a movie but real combat work. These are the successful assault operations in the village of Sichneve carried out by the fighters of the 141st Separate Mechanized Brigade,” the statement said.The brigade noted that the soldiers from the assault unit Shkval once again demonstrated their high professionalism. As a result of the operation, 50 Russian soldiers were eliminated, and 8 were taken prisoner.“This operation proves that we are not standing still. We are not only holding the defense but also moving forward confidently — liberating our territories and relentlessly destroying every pest that has crawled onto our land,” the brigade wrote.On September 26, Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said that the Russian troops lack the forces and means for a decisive offensive in the Dnipropetrovsk region.

Ukrainian forces liberate Sichneve in Dnipropetrovsk region

Donetsk residents now openly voicing hatred for Russians — official Petro Andriushchenko, the head of the Center for the Study of Occupation, said this on Espreso TV.“There may be problems with the heating season in parts of Donetsk region. The fuel crisis is growing — Zaporizhzhia, Luhansk regions, and occupied Crimea are at the top. In Donetsk, the situation is better because they have to ‘extinguish water with gasoline.’ That is, the occupiers cannot allow two major crises at once — one with water and one with fuel — for fear that society will erupt. However, prices are rising and gasoline is disappearing,” Andriushchenko said.According to the head of the Center for Occupation Studies, the socio-economic situation in the occupied territories is indeed worsening, with no signs of improvement. Public sentiment, even among those who were previously ambivalent, is shifting in favor of Ukraine.“For example, Ukrainian graffiti has started reappearing in Donetsk. People in Donetsk have openly begun writing and saying that they hate Russians. The Russians are getting what they deserve. In other words, people are turning their thoughts toward us, which will make the de-occupation of the territories easier,” Andriushchenko emphasized.Why there is no water in the parts of Donetsk region controlled by Russian forces — main reasonsIn a conversation with Putin, the leader of the DPR terrorists highlighted the following main reasons for the lack of water in the central water supply system of the occupied areas of Donetsk Oblast (ORDO):1) 50% of the water came through the Siverskyi Donets-Donbas water pipeline, but it is currently out of service because, as Pushilin said, Ukraine “has imposed a water blockade”;2) another 50% came from reserve reservoirs, which, as is well known, have dried up in the current year of 2025 due to the heat;3) water supply networks that have not been repaired since the 1990s, which are deteriorating even further due to irregular use.Pro‑Ukrainian journalist, investigator, and blogger Denys Kazanskyi — who moved from Donetsk to Kyiv in 2014 but continues to study and report on his native region — cites three reasons for the current poor water supply in the Donetsk-Makiivka agglomeration and Mariupol:Complete disregard by Moscow and local leaders appointed by the Kremlin for the basic needs of Donetsk residents—the occupiers are not involved in public utilities.Destruction as a result of hostilities of the Siverskyi Donets-Donetsk water pipeline, which passed through the sites of the fiercest battles in Bakhmut, Chasiv Yar, and Toretsk.The drying up of reservoirs, which the occupiers also do not monitor.

Donetsk residents now openly voicing hatred for Russians — official

Putin's revenge: with Ukraine stalled, Europe becomes new target 1. Russia’s war against Ukraine is causing losses to our country, yet Moscow has achieved rather modest success compared to its initially declared goals and is paying a disproportionately high price for this limited outcome. There is currently no reason to hope for an end to Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine. At the same time, Russian advances on the Ukrainian front have clearly stalled.“Moscow needed to find a new strategic space for maneuvering to demonstrate success to its partners and the Russian population. Ukraine had become too constrained and costly for this purpose.”2. Due to a range of circumstances, NATO’s European countries are a convenient, well‑fed and well‑groomed victim on which Russia today wants and can, with impunity, ostentatiously demonstrate its power. It does so theatrically, effectively, and with great relish. By showing dominance over a wealthy but helpless target, Putin bolsters his standing with external partners and his own population. This is an obvious Kremlin success amid other failures. Demonstrating that success is necessary to win partner support and mobilize his population to continue the war — and Europe is now an ideal target for that.“3. The U.S. is currently showing enough detachment from European affairs to allow Russia to continue its unpunished advances against the “plump victim.”Thus, Russia’s active measures against European countries will continue and increasingly take on a more threatening character. This will persist until an appropriate symmetrical or asymmetrical response comes — either from Europeans themselves or from the U.S. So far, we see confusion and helplessness, which encourages the Kremlin to escalate its actions in the European direction.SourceAbout the author: Mykhailo Basarab, political scientist, Ukrainian Armed Forces officer.The editorial board does not always share the opinions expressed by blog authors.

Putin's revenge: with Ukraine stalled, Europe becomes new target

Putin seeks to overturn political order in Europe — German Chancellor Merz Friedrich Merz said this on German television channels ntv and RTL, according to DW.He noted that the Russian dictator is waging a hybrid war against Germany and all of Europe.“He is waging an information war against us. He is waging a war against Ukraine, and this war is directed against all of us,” Merz emphasized.The German Chancellor explained why Europe and Germany support Ukraine. According to Merz, Putin seeks to “turn Europe’s political order upside down.”“That is exactly why we support Ukraine,” Merz noted.He said that defending the political order of open, free societies in Europe is in Germany’s interest. When asked if Putin is waging a war against Germany, Merz replied, “He is waging a hybrid war against us.”Commenting on the increase in Russian airspace violations over European countries, Merz said he is aware of the threat and believes Putin aims to intimidate and spread fear.The German Chancellor added that they will not allow themselves to be intimidated and will defend effectively against this threat, describing Russia as at least a tough adversary and an enemy of their political order.When asked if he had considered calling Putin, the Chancellor added that he certainly thinks about it but sees that any attempt to talk to him now would only result in even harsher attacks on Ukraine.

Putin seeks to overturn political order in Europe — German Chancellor Merz

ISW: Russia planning provocations in Europe to prepare for potential war with NATO The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported the information.Analysts drew attention to a recent statement by the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service, which accused the United Kingdom of allegedly preparing an attack by a group of pro-Ukrainian Russians on a Ukrainian warship or a foreign civilian vessel in a European port.Moscow also claimed that London allegedly plans to provide the saboteurs with Chinese underwater equipment to later blame Beijing for supporting Russian aggression.ISW emphasized that such statements are not new and echo previous claims of illegal actions directed against European countries such as Poland, Moldova, and Serbia."This pattern of organized activity suggests that Russia has entered the first phase of preparations — “Phase 0” — to move to a higher level of war than the one Russia is currently engaged in, such as a future NATO-Russia war," the report states.According to the analysts, Russia is implementing long-term strategic plans that could be part of the preparation for a future conflict with NATO. Among these plans are the restructuring of military districts on the western border and the active development of military bases near the border with Finland.At the same time, ISW sees no signs that Moscow is actively preparing for an immediate clash with NATO at the present moment.The European Union Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, stated that German intelligence has evidence that the Russian leadership has discussed an attack on NATO.

ISW: Russia planning provocations in Europe to prepare for potential war with NATO