On October 3, Valeriy Klychok provided an overview of the current situation in Ukraine and abroad. The main topics included massive Russian drone and missile strikes on different regions of Ukraine, notably Zaporizhzhia, Cherkasy, Dnipropetrovsk, and Poltava. A strike on an agricultural enterprise in Kharkiv region resulted in the death of about 13,000 pigs.
Russia also attacked a fertilizer plant in Berezniki, Perm Krai, almost 1,700 km from Ukraine, potentially setting a new distance record for drone strikes. The plant produces products for agriculture and explosives manufacturing.
During the past day, Russia launched 381 drones and 35 missiles, with Ukrainian air defense downing 320 targets. Official information on the consequences is pending, but some regions face power outages and infrastructure damage.
Amid fresh attacks, Vladimir Putin at the Valdai Club denied launching drones against Europe, made multiple statements on Ukraine, NATO, and the US, calling the war a “tragedy” and blaming Western countries. He denied Russian maritime piracy, commented on the tanker detained in France, and joked about not sending drones to more European capitals.
European leaders, including Donald Tusk, insist Russia is effectively already waging war against Europe. The EU debates creating a "drone wall," though not all countries support the initiative. Meanwhile, criticism arose about continued purchases of Russian gas by EU countries and Turkey.
Ukrainian military highlight efforts to form new counter-drone air defense units and deepen cooperation with European partners against drone threats.
In summary, the front situation is serious, fundraising for the military continues, and European unity is stressed for effective response to evolving threats.
