Speaking at the Warsaw Security Forum, Ukrainian Foreign Minister expressed that there will be no safe haven for Russia, and Ukrainian weapons will target any military objective within its borders. This statement followed remarks by US President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, suggesting Trump authorized Kyiv to launch long-range strikes on Russia. Sybiha emphasized Ukraine’s right to self-defense, citing Article 51 of the UN Charter. Meanwhile, reports indicate the potential supply of Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine is under consideration by the Trump administration.
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The Kremlin responded to reports of the U.S. considering sending Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating there is “no panacea” to alter the current dynamics of the war. Peskov questioned the potential involvement of Americans in the targeting and launching of the missiles. The potential delivery of long-range missiles to Ukraine follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s request to the U.S. government. This comes as Trump explores options to increase pressure on Russia amidst ongoing conflict, including considering more stringent sanctions.
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Following President Petro’s criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, the US revoked his visa, prompting a strong response from the Colombian leader. Petro condemned the move, arguing that the US was violating international law by punishing his denouncement of alleged genocide. Colombia’s foreign affairs ministry echoed these sentiments, criticizing the use of visa revocation as a diplomatic tool and the UN should find a neutral host country. This action marks a further deterioration in relations between Colombia and the United States, which have been strained by various disagreements, including Petro’s earlier actions blocking deportation flights and accusing US officials of coup plotting.
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Moldova’s recent parliamentary election saw the pro-Western Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) secure a clear majority, decisively defeating pro-Russian groups. This victory is seen as a strong endorsement of Moldova’s path towards EU membership, a choice further solidified by the country’s application for EU membership in 2022. The election was held amidst claims of Russian interference, including cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and attempts to incite unrest. With the PAS securing a majority, President Maia Sandu is expected to nominate Prime Minister Dorin Recean to form a new government, with the goal of furthering EU integration by 2028.
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On September 29, President Vladimir Putin signed a decree mandating a military draft for the autumn of 2025, spanning October 1 to December 31. This draft will enlist 135,000 Russian citizens aged 18 to 30. Russian officials have stated that draftees will serve within Russia’s borders and will not be deployed to Ukraine. Simultaneously, Russia is contemplating a major overhaul of its conscription system, potentially implementing continuous, year-round draft procedures due to significant military losses in Ukraine.
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According to a classified US military intelligence report, China is rapidly expanding its commercial ferry fleet, potentially for an invasion of Taiwan. The report reveals modifications to these vessels, enabling them to carry tanks and participate in amphibious operations, and China is building over 70 large ferries by the end of 2026. The US intelligence community has expressed concern over these preparations, with a Pentagon report considering these ferries as potential military targets in a conflict scenario. This assessment has prompted debate within the US Indo-Pacific Command, weighing the legality of targeting civilian vessels against the potential military advantage China gains from this dual-use strategy.
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Reports from Russian Telegram channels indicate that Ukrainian HIMARS rockets struck a thermal power plant near Belgorod on September 28, leading to power outages across the region. Belgorod Oblast Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov confirmed the strike on critical infrastructure, although the extent of the damage remains unknown. This attack aligns with Ukraine’s recent intensification of strikes against Russian energy infrastructure, a strategic move impacting Moscow’s revenues and armed forces’ logistics. Furthermore, Belgorod, located near the Ukrainian border, has been a regular target of Ukrainian strikes.
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Russia launched a large-scale overnight attack on Kyiv on Sept. 28, with a missile element striking the roof of the Polish Embassy, though causing minimal damage and no casualties. The attack involved nearly 500 drones and over 40 missiles, resulting in at least four deaths and over 70 injuries, primarily in Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia. The incident occurred amidst rising tensions between NATO countries and Russia, marked by airspace violations by Russian aircraft in several European countries over the past month. Poland responded by scrambling fighter jets, mirroring previous responses to protect its airspace from previous breaches by Russian drones.
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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Russia is utilizing tankers to launch and control drones in European countries, based on intelligence data. He underscored the importance of sanctions targeting Russia’s energy trade and tanker fleet due to this development. Zelenskyy also urged the closure of the Baltic Sea and other seas to Russian tankers, specifically targeting the “shadow fleet”. This follows recent drone incursions and airport closures across Europe, leading to increased scrutiny of Russian activities.
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Ukraine has dismissed suggestions from Hungarian officials regarding territorial concessions for the sake of peace. According to a Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Ukraine does not require advice on relinquishing territory or sovereignty. This response came after Hungary’s Deputy Foreign Minister alluded to Hungary’s historical territorial losses and seemingly implied Ukraine should cede a portion of its land. The Ukrainian spokesperson firmly stated that Ukraine would not consider such actions.
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John Q. Hosedrinker