Exclusive
 | Russia’s war devastates Black Sea ecosystems and communities. A year after the Kakhovka dam attack, activists are racing against the clock to prevent an eco-collapse fueled by drifting mines and war-driven pollution. |
 | The real problem with Zelenskyy’s victory plan. Ukraine’s ambitious victory plan runs into the lack of political will among its allies, some of whom believe Russia could still be pulled back to Europe |
Military
Frontline report: Russian forces trapped twice in Kursk as rescue mission backfires. Ukrainian forces have orchestrated a complex maneuver in Kursk Oblast, simultaneously encircling Russian troops in Kremyanoe and near Malaya Loknya.
Ukraine downs 2/4 Russian missiles and 69/73 drones in overnight attack. However, two Russian Iskander missiles struck unspecified targets, and no details on the extent of the impact are yet available.
As of 28 SEP 2024, the approximate losses of weapons and military equipment of the Russian Armed Forces from the beginning of the invasion to the present day:
- Personnel: 650640 (+1470)
- Tanks: 8860 (+14)
- APV: 17438 (+42)
- Artillery systems: 18733 (+55)
- MLRS: 1203 (+4)
- Anti-aircraft systems: 961
- Aircraft: 369
- Helicopters: 328
- UAV: 16093 (+62)
- Cruise missiles : 2610 (+2)
- Warships/boats: 28
- Submarines: 1
- Vehicles and fuel tanks: 25411
Intelligence and technology
ISW: West may underestimate benefits of long-range strikes for Ukraine. The Institute for the Study of War suggests that Russia’s covert operations aimed at undermining European stability and NATO readiness are likely to persist or intensify, irrespective of whether Ukraine receives long-range strike capabilities from Western allies.
Netherlands retires F-16 fighters, readies them for Ukraine. Kyiv will receive 24 F-16 jets from the Netherlands.
Resistance movement kills top Russian drone chief in Moscow Oblast. Ukrainian intelligence reportedly coordinated with local resistance to eliminate Colonel Kolomoytsev, head of Russia’s drone program, signaling an intensification of covert operations within Russian territory.
International
“World is not black and white”: Austrian foreign minister calls for continued dialogue with Russia. Alexander Schallenberg also acknowledged Russia’s current unwillingness to engage in meaningful talks about Ukraine.
US shows “great interest” in Ukraine’s victory plan, Zelenskyy’s spokesperson claims. Zelenskyy’s spokesperson said that negative media descriptions of the plan’s reception were all untrue.
Switzerland backs controversial China-Brazil peace plan for Ukraine. A spokesperson for the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs said that the plan offers “an alternative to the warlike speeches” of Ukraine and Russia and emphasizes a “ceasefire and political solution.”
China and Brazil push their peace plan for Ukraine, Zelenskyy dismisses it as pro-Moscow. Seventeen nations gathered at the UN to discuss a China-Brazil led peace initiative for Ukraine, despite Ukrainian President’s criticism that it serves Russian interests.
West must draw its own red lines for Russia, urges veteran German diplomat. Wolfgang Ischinger, former chairman of the Munich Security Conference, suggests that instead of reacting to Russian ultimatums, the West should establish and enforce its own boundaries in Ukraine.
Zelenskyy after US visit: “Victory Plan presented, all key issues on partners’ table”. In a bid for continued US backing for Ukraine, Zelenskyy held talks with Biden, Harris, and Trump.
Humanitarian and social impact
Kryvyi Rih police HQ strike: 4 dead after Russian missile attack on 27 Sep. Emergency services have removed 650 tons of debris following a Russian missile strike that destroyed the local police headquarters and damaged nearby buildings.
9 dead in double Russian attack on Ukrainian hospital (update). A hospital in the city of Sumy was hit twice by Russian drones.
68,000 women serve in Ukrainian military, 5,000 in combat zones. Women represent 8% of Ukraine’s 880,000-strong armed forces.
Other developments
Zelenskyy: Only through strength can Russia be forced to respect rules. Ukrainian president claimed his strategy of “peace through strength” received full endorsement from US officials.
