Explosive drone raids, shifting battlelines, and new international military deals mark a tense day in the Russia-Ukraine war, with growing global concern over hybrid warfare and sanctions pressure.
On day 1,352 of the Russia-Ukraine war, the conflict reached another volatile chapter marked by drone strikes deep inside Russian territory, fierce fighting on the eastern front, and mounting diplomatic and economic aftershocks.
Drone Warfare Heats Up
Ukraine launched a massive drone attack on Thursday, striking targets across southern Russia. At least 75 drones hit industrial and energy sites, including a Lukoil refinery in Volgograd, sparking fires that killed one person and temporarily grounded dozens of flights.
Sources told Reuters that two major processing units at the refinery—capable of handling more than 20,000 tonnes of oil per day—were damaged, forcing Lukoil to halt operations. The strike underscores Kyiv’s growing long-range capabilities and signals a new phase of pressure on Russia’s critical energy infrastructure.
Fierce Fighting for Pokrovsk
Meanwhile, on the frontlines, Russia claimed new territorial gains in the Donetsk region, where intense street battles rage in the city of Pokrovsk. Moscow said its troops captured 64 buildings in the past 24 hours and are pushing to seize the city fully.
If Russia captures Pokrovsk, it could open the way north toward Kramatorsk and Sloviansk—Ukraine’s last major strongholds in Donetsk. Ukraine continues to resist fiercely, though reports describe the situation as fluid and brutal.
Adding to the chaos, South Africa revealed that 17 of its citizens, aged 20 to 39, are trapped in the war-torn Donbas region after joining mercenary forces. It remains unclear which side they were fighting for.
New Military Deals and Training Efforts
In Washington, Ukraine’s ambassador confirmed that Kyiv is in “positive” discussions with the United States to acquire Tomahawk missiles and other long-range weapons. Meanwhile, Sweden and Ukraine have signed a letter of intent to build a joint defense innovation hub in Ukraine.
Ukraine has also requested Sweden’s help to train its pilots on Gripen fighter jets “as soon as possible,” signaling continued efforts to bolster its air force ahead of a tough winter.
Sanctions and Energy Shifts
The sanctions war deepened as Swiss trader Gunvor withdrew its proposal to buy Lukoil’s foreign assets after the U.S. Treasury denounced the deal, calling Gunvor “the Kremlin’s puppet.”
In response to mounting Western restrictions, Lukoil began diverting Caspian oil flows from Azerbaijan’s Baku to Russia’s port of Makhachkala, rerouting crude to keep exports alive despite sanctions.
Hybrid Threats Across Europe
Beyond Ukraine, Europe is grappling with rising drone incidents that officials link to Russian hybrid warfare.
Sweden’s Gothenburg-Landvetter Airport temporarily shut down after a drone sighting prompted a sabotage probe. Similar incidents have been reported in Belgium, Denmark, Germany, and Poland, with NATO forces on heightened alert.
Poland, one of Ukraine’s staunchest allies, announced plans to train 400,000 civilians in military skills by 2026—the largest such initiative in Europe—underscoring growing regional insecurity.
War Crimes and Legal Accountability
In a landmark ruling, a Ukrainian court sentenced Russian soldier Dmitry Kurashov to life in prison for the execution of a Ukrainian prisoner of war, marking the first conviction of its kind since the invasion began. The victim, Vitalii Hodniuk, had surrendered in January 2024 before being killed in Zaporizhzhia.
Economic Fallout in Russia
Back home, Russia’s government bowed to pressure from small business owners and agreed to delay new tax thresholds designed to fund its war effort. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin confirmed the phase-in after widespread backlash.
Meanwhile, two lawmakers from Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party are set to attend a BRICS summit in Russia next week—fueling controversy amid ongoing allegations of Kremlin ties, which the party denies.
The Road Ahead
As the Russia-Ukraine war grinds toward its fourth year, the conflict continues to reshape global politics, security, and energy markets. Drone warfare, shifting alliances, and hybrid threats are pushing Europe and its allies to stay on high alert.
What happens next will depend on whether Ukraine’s strategic strikes and new partnerships can offset Russia’s slow but steady territorial gains.
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