On September 28, Russia launched heavy overnight attacks on Ukraine, with Kyiv suffering the most. Nearly 20 locations across six districts in the capital were hit, with four deaths including a 12-year-old girl. In Zaporizhzhia, 27 people were injured, three of them children. In Khmelnytskyi, air defenses reportedly worked effectively with no casualties, while in Sumy region, Russian forces damaged residential areas but there were no reported injuries.
Across Ukraine, over 640 targets were detected, and air defenses managed to intercept 611, according to official reports. The attacks reflect Russia’s continued offensive capabilities and preparedness for escalation.
NATO is reinforcing its military presence in Northern Europe in response. Forces are being concentrated in Estonia, while Poland scrambled fighter jets to defend airspace during the attacks. Discussions are underway about the possibility of shooting down drones even over Russian territory if they threaten NATO countries. Drone incidents were also reported in the Netherlands and northern Germany, prompting governments to consider giving the military authority to respond in such cases.
After drone incidents in the Baltic Sea, NATO has also increased defenses there. US Abrams tanks have been noted moving into Estonia, and Finland and Sweden have established a joint military brigade ready for rapid deployment if necessary.
At the UN General Assembly, Russia’s Foreign Minister Lavrov continued to accuse Europe and Ukraine of provocation, directly referencing former US President Trump’s claim that Ukraine might regain control over its territories. US domestic politics remain tense, with Trump making high-profile accusations about the Capitol assault and indicating future changes in US policy direction.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz highlighted fundamental shifts in US political life, while in Korea, Trump agreed to mediate dialogue with North Korea. In Moldova, parliamentary elections are underway, which could set the country on a pro-European or pro-Russian course, as a pro-European party led by Maia Sandu and a pro-Russian bloc by Igor Dodon compete closely.
The situation is fluid internationally, with developments in Ukraine, Russia’s actions, NATO responses, and elections in Moldova demanding continued attention.
