From Russian advances in Donetsk and Zaporizhia to diplomatic talks and military aid, here’s a clear, up-to-date summary of the Russia-Ukraine war on day 1,322.
Russia Claims Territory Gains Amid Ongoing Fighting
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russian forces have captured almost 5,000 square kilometres (1,930 sq miles) of Ukrainian territory so far this year, maintaining what Moscow calls the strategic initiative on the battlefield.
Russian troops reportedly seized the villages of Novovasylivka in southeastern Zaporizhia and Fedorivka in eastern Donetsk, according to Russia’s defence ministry. Additionally, Russian air defence units destroyed 184 Ukrainian drones and intercepted another heading towards Moscow city, said Mayor Sergei Sobyanin.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials warned of the impact of Russian airstrikes on energy infrastructure. Ukraine’s Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk reported “significant” damage to gas production and power transmission facilities, prompting Ukraine to seek a 30 percent increase in natural gas imports from G7 countries.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of using oil tankers for intelligence gathering and sabotage, while Russia claimed a Ukrainian drone attempted to strike a nuclear plant in Voronezh but caused no damage after crashing into a cooling tower.
Military Aid and Escalation Concerns
The Kremlin, via spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, expressed concern over possible US Tomahawk missile supplies to Ukraine, warning that such weapons could carry nuclear warheads and represent a serious escalation. Peskov also said Moscow assumes US President Donald Trump continues to seek a peace settlement.
Peace Talks and Diplomacy
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke with Putin, urging diplomatic efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace. Turkey pledged to continue working toward a resolution, discussing both bilateral relations and regional issues.
Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni noted that Trump believes Russia is unlikely to pursue a peace deal, emphasizing the need to support Ukraine and maintain sanctions on Russia.
Politics and Legal Developments
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said it is not in Poland’s interest to hand over a Ukrainian diver wanted by Germany for alleged involvement in the Nord Stream pipeline explosions three years ago. A Polish court ruled the diver must remain in custody for another 40 days.
The EU has also agreed to limit the travel of Russian diplomats within the bloc, reflecting ongoing political and security measures against Moscow.
Ukraine’s Economy
Despite the war, Ukraine’s foreign currency reserves stood at $46.5 billion as of October 1, according to the National Bank of Ukraine, providing some economic resilience amid continued conflict.