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.
Read More
According to Special Envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, former President Donald Trump has authorized Ukraine to conduct long-range strikes on Russia. Kellogg stated that the authorization is clear based on Trump’s comments and those of other officials. While acknowledging the complexities, Kellogg indicated that the authority to conduct these strikes has not always been granted by the Pentagon. Zelenskyy requested Tomahawk missiles during a meeting with Trump, but a decision on that request has yet to be made.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
Ukraine’s Zelenskiy says he is ready to leave office after war, and honestly, who could blame him? You get the distinct impression that this isn’t just about the burden of leadership, but the sheer weight of the situation he’s been carrying on his shoulders. The man has endured a grueling presidency, a crucible forged in the fires of war. Many feel he’s earned a break, a chance to breathe and to focus on things beyond the immediate crisis. The man is just exhausted, and who wouldn’t be? He’s faced unimaginable challenges and, against all odds, stood firm. It’s a testament to his character that he is prioritizing his country over his own comfort.… Continue reading
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine entered its fifth day operating on emergency generators after its external power supply was severed, raising significant safety concerns. President Zelenskyy announced a $90 billion arms agreement with the United States while also criticizing Hungary for what he described as “dangerous” intelligence-gathering drone activities over Ukraine. Greenpeace Ukraine reported the plant’s reliance on emergency diesel generators as a critical situation, potentially linked to Russia’s aims of connecting the plant to its own power grid. Furthermore, the Ukrainian Minister of Energy confirmed that the plant remains in blackout mode due to shelling damage.
Read More
Unidentified drones have been detected in the airspace of Denmark, Lithuania, and Finland, raising concerns about potential security threats. These incidents coincide with a rise in Russian airspace violations across NATO territory, including Estonia, Poland, and Romania. In response to the incursions, NATO is expanding its Baltic Sea operations, adding new intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance platforms and air-defense capabilities. The alliance’s heightened vigilance comes amid a series of incidents that have led to flight delays and airport closures, prompting investigations into the drones’ origins.
Read More
Kyiv endured a severe bombardment, one of the worst since the war’s beginning, with at least four fatalities reported after Russia launched a barrage of approximately 500 drones and over 40 missiles across multiple Ukrainian regions. President Zelenskyy condemned the attacks, calling it a deliberate act of terror and a message from Moscow that it wishes to continue the war. The strikes targeted residential buildings and infrastructure, causing widespread damage and injuries, prompting responses from allies like Poland, which scrambled fighter jets in response. Zelenskyy has since called for stronger economic pressure against Russia and has warned of potential wider European conflict as Russian forces test defenses through actions such as drone incursions into neighboring countries.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood