Ukraine has begun using its domestically produced Flamingo missiles to strike Russian territory. According to Deconst, Ukraine currently manufactures 2-3 missiles per day, with plans to boost output to 7 per day by the end of October. These missiles have a range of over 3,000 km and carry a warhead weighing nearly 1,150 kg. They are made using upgraded Soviet-era turbojet engines and a carbon fiber fuselage. Each missile costs approx. half a million dollars.
The night of October 6 saw significant gains for Ukrainian forces, including confirmed strikes on an ammunition plant in Dzerzhinsk (Nizhny Novgorod oblast), targets in temporarily occupied Crimea, and the Belgorod thermal power station. As a result, many in Belgorod were left without electricity or heating. Meanwhile, Russian forces targeted a healthcare facility in Sumy.
President Zelensky warns of a tough winter as Russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Ukraine is building reserves, ramping up arms production, and planning through 2026. A €140 billion reparations loan is under discussion, to be repaid through future Russian reparations or frozen Russian assets in Europe.
Zelensky notes Russia uses components from the USA, China, Taiwan, and elsewhere in drones and missiles, often via third-country intermediaries. North Korea now supplies up to 50% of Russia's munitions. Reports also indicate Israel sold radar systems to Russia after initially providing them to Ukraine.
The Kremlin denies launching drones over Europe, while Russian intelligence accuses Ukraine and the UK of staging provocations. Meanwhile, France faces political turmoil as Prime Minister Lecornu resigns after just 27 days in office. India is negotiating to purchase additional S-400 air defense systems and missiles from Russia to enhance its military capabilities.
Angela Merkel stated in an interview that the Covid pandemic prevented direct talks with Putin in 2021, which she believes contributed to Russia's decision to go to war. She stressed the importance of Europe supporting Ukraine.
The article also summarizes ex-presidential adviser Oleksiy Arestovych's controversial political plans regarding occupied territories. Ukraine's Cabinet has approved an additional 325 billion UAH for defense spending by year-end.
