Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky believes the potential delivery of Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine could significantly strengthen its position and compel Russia to negotiate. Zelensky discussed the matter with former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has not ruled out the possibility, despite previous rejections under the Biden administration. The Tomahawk’s long range would enable strikes deep into Russia, potentially escalating the war and prompting strong warnings from the Kremlin. The U.S. president has expressed an intent to supply the missiles, as the administration already begins supplying weapons to Ukraine.
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According to President Zelenskyy, Ukraine and the European Union are on course to match Russia’s annual artillery round production by 2026. He indicated that slight acceleration by partner nations could ultimately give Ukraine and its allies an artillery advantage over Moscow. This increased production is a strategic move to ensure sustained ammunition supplies for Ukraine’s defense and reduce Moscow’s battlefield advantage. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has also reported that Europe’s artillery shell production has increased significantly in recent years.
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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russian forces have sustained over 12,000 casualties, including more than 7,200 fatalities, during the counteroffensive near Dobropillia, which began on August 21st. The President also discussed frontline developments, brigade training, and logistics with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. In addition, Zelenskyy heard a report from the Head of the Security Service of Ukraine and approved plans, and noted the ongoing fuel shortage in Russia, currently at around 20%.
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In an effort to mend strained relations, President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that Russian air defenses were responsible for the downing of an Azerbaijani jetliner in December, resulting in 38 fatalities. The Russian missiles, targeting a Ukrainian drone, exploded near the Azerbaijani plane, causing the tragic incident. Putin addressed the situation at a meeting with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, pledging compensation and punishment for those accountable. The event, which occurred as relations between the two countries had already soured, was one of many that resulted in tension.
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Ukraine has reportedly struck the Korobkovsky Gas Processing Plant, a major Russian facility, and an oil transportation station in the Volgograd region, leading to explosions and a fire. These attacks are part of an escalating energy war between Russia and Ukraine, as both countries seek to disrupt each other’s gas and oil production ahead of winter. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has lauded the success of these strikes, attributing them to newly developed long-range missiles and drones, which have targeted numerous Russian energy facilities and depots. However, the conflict has also significantly impacted Ukraine, with reports indicating that recent Russian attacks have eliminated roughly 60% of Ukraine’s gas production.
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NATO allies are reportedly considering a tougher stance against Russia, discussing measures such as easing restrictions on pilots to allow them to shoot down Russian aircraft and deploying armed drones. These discussions, initiated by frontline NATO members and supported by France and Britain, come amid escalating tensions due to alleged airspace violations, drone activity, and sabotage plots. Concerns over the cost of intercepting drones and a perceived need for stronger deterrence are driving the discussions. Russia has warned that shooting down its aircraft would escalate the situation, while the EU is also preparing its own responses to the ongoing provocations.
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President Zelensky recently told journalists that if Russia attempts to seize all of eastern Ukraine, the Russian army could suffer casualties of around one million soldiers. This projection was based on the estimated losses Russia has already sustained while capturing 30% of the east. Zelensky also mentioned that former U.S. President Donald Trump has lost trust in Putin, as Putin’s actions do not align with a desire for peace. Zelensky expressed his willingness to engage in dialogue for a just peace and is open to the meeting format suggested by Trump.
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A significant fire erupted at the Zavod Pripoyev factory in Novosibirsk, Russia, a facility that supplies metal products, including solders and alloys, to industrial clients. The factory reportedly serves Russia’s defense sector, suggesting potential links to the military-industrial complex. The blaze, which consumed a warehouse spanning approximately 2,000 square meters, was tackled by over 70 firefighters and a fire train. While the cause is under investigation, Russian authorities reported the fire has been localized, and there were no casualties.
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Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov warned the United States of “severe consequences” should it provide Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles, urging a responsible approach. Ryabkov’s statement emphasized that using such systems would necessitate direct American involvement. He implored the White House and Pentagon to consider the implications “soberly, prudently and responsibly.” This statement followed President Trump’s reported decision on potential Tomahawk missile supplies, adding to prior concerns from Russian leadership regarding the potential for strained relations.
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The National Payment Card System (NSPK) is recommending that Russian banks remove all remaining Visa and Mastercard cards from circulation. This is due to the expiration of security certificates embedded in the cards’ chips on January 1, 2025, rendering them unusable. The NSPK, established by the Central Bank, will work with credit institutions to determine a timeline for this withdrawal following Visa and Mastercard’s exit from Russia in 2022. This decision aligns with the Central Bank’s plans to restrict the validity of expired cards to combat fraud, a measure that was first announced in July 2025.
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John Q. Hosedrinker