Recent drone strikes on Russian refineries have led to widespread gasoline shortages across the country, with prices soaring and rationing becoming common. The situation has worsened significantly from initial reports, prompting long queues, limited sales, and even closures at some gas stations. Reports indicate that the Russian people, who have largely tolerated the conflict, are beginning to feel the impact and express their frustration. Some analysts suggest that the impact of the attacks has disrupted fuel supplies to the Russian military.
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In late September, Russia officially denounced the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, ceasing its obligations to allow international inspectors into penitentiary institutions. This action, prompted by alleged restrictions within the Council of Europe, significantly alters monitoring mechanisms and transparency regarding detention conditions. The denunciation follows Russia’s expulsion from the Council of Europe in 2022 and raises concerns about human rights, particularly in light of reports of violence against Ukrainian prisoners of war. Consequently, there is a pressing need for heightened scrutiny from the international community and human rights organizations to address potential shifts in the protection of prisoners’ rights.
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In response to Ukraine’s ban on several Hungarian media outlets, the Hungarian government has prohibited access to a selection of Ukrainian news websites, including Ukrainska Pravda and European Pravda. According to Minister Gergely Gulyás, this decision is based on the principle of reciprocity, following Ukraine’s actions against Hungarian media, which were accused of disseminating Russian propaganda. Gulyás stated that Ukraine’s actions were prompted by critical reporting on sanctions against Russia and military support for Ukraine, as well as the depiction of the EU and NATO. This decision mirrors Russia’s prior bans on Hungarian media, raising questions about press freedom and political tensions in the region.
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Ukraine anticipates receiving a variety of fighter jets, including Swedish Gripens, French Mirages, and additional F-16s, as confirmed by Deputy Defense Minister Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk. While the exact delivery timelines and quantities remain undisclosed, the request for at least ten medium-range Patriot systems has also been made. The general refrained from specifying the specifics, stating that the public would see the aircraft in Ukrainian skies before details were released. This follows previous announcements of increased air defense support, including the commitment of two Patriot systems from Germany.
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Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stirred controversy by stating Ukraine is not a sovereign nation, responding to allegations of Hungarian drone airspace violations. While acknowledging potential drone incursions, Orban dismissed Ukraine’s sovereignty, citing its territorial losses during the ongoing war with Russia. This stance drew sharp criticism, with Ukrainian officials accusing Orban of being influenced by Russian propaganda. Orban’s position aligns with his history of Kremlin-friendly policies, including blocking sanctions and aid to Ukraine, and opposing its EU accession.
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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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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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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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John Q. Hosedrinker