Fighting Intensifies Across Ukraine and Russia as Putin Tests Burevestnik Missile and NATO Faces Airspace Incidents
Kyiv, Ukraine — On day 1,341 of Russia’s war on Ukraine, violence continued to escalate across multiple fronts, with drone attacks, military gains, and a new nuclear missile test capturing global attention.
Fighting and Casualties
Russian drone strikes on Kyiv early Sunday killed at least three people and injured 29 others, including seven children, according to Ukrainian Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko. Russian attacks also killed a 63-year-old man in Zaporizhia, and casualties were reported in Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Kherson regions over the weekend.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian attacks on Russian-occupied territories killed at least six people across Donetsk and Kherson regions, according to Russian state media TASS. In Russia, Ukrainian drone strikes forced the closure of Moscow’s four airports early Monday, with 28 drones downed over five hours, Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said. One person was killed in Belgorod. Russia reported that 281 Ukrainian drones and two guided bombs were shot down in 24 hours.
Ukraine’s General Staff announced that its forces regained control of two settlements in Donetsk – Kucheriv Yar and Sukhetske – over the past 10 days.
Weapons and Military Developments
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the successful test of the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile, claiming it can pierce any defense shield. The missile reportedly traveled 14,000 km (8,700 miles) and stayed in the air for about 15 hours, according to Russian General Valery Gerasimov. Putin aides confirmed that the U.S. was informed of the test, describing it as a new class of weapon.
Politics and Diplomacy
In Europe, Slovakia will not participate in EU funding programs for Ukraine’s military, Prime Minister Robert Fico said, citing refusal to support schemes managing war spending. Meanwhile, North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui will visit Russia from October 26 to 28, according to Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Regional Security Concerns
NATO member Lithuania temporarily closed Vilnius airport and its Belarus border crossings after several unidentified objects, likely helium balloons, entered its airspace. This marked the fourth such incident this week, heightening concerns that Russia may be testing NATO responses.