This week, fighting continued to rage across the frontlines with some of the fiercest battles being fought in the Pokrovsk direction. Russian drone strikes have become a nightly occurrence across the country.
Russia has likely seized the city of Ukrainsk in the Pokrovsk direction, the Institute for the Study of War said. Russian forces recently advanced near Toretsk and Pokrovsk and southwest of Donetsk city in the Vuhledar direction.
Ukrainian air defenses shot down 61 out of 70 Shahed drones and a Kh-59 guided missile that Russian forces launched at Ukraine overnight on Friday. Three more missiles of an unspecified type penetrated air defenses in Donetsk region.
This coming winter may become a breaking point for Ukraine as Russia adapts the tactics to strike at its energy system, according to Politico. This winter Ukraine could face four to 18-hour blackouts a day, a UN report warns. Russia has sold almost one billion dollars in stolen Ukrainian grain, the Wall Street Journal found.
Late in the week, the European Parliament urged EU countries to lift restrictions on Ukraine hitting targets deep inside Russia.
European Commission President arrives in Kyiv.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv on Friday. “My 8th visit to Kyiv comes as the heating season starts soon, and Russia keeps targeting energy infrastructure. We will help Ukraine in its brave efforts,” von der Leyen said on X.
The meetings will focus on helping the country to repair and reconnect its war-damaged electricity grid and boost its heating capacity as winter approaches. “I come here to discuss Europe’s support. From winter preparedness to defence, to accession and progress on the G7 loans,” von der Leyen said.