Ukrainian politician and minister in wartime, shaping defence policy
Ukraine has reported that Starlink and its military sister service Starshield have been limited to roughly 160 km/h inside Ukraine, disrupting drone guidance and logistics during recent Russian strikes. Kyiv has accused SpaceX or Washington of imposing the throttle; Elon Musk has said Starshield is controlled by the US government and that usage limits are set by the US military and president.
Ukraine's prosecutor general has released restored surveillance footage of a June 29 parcel bombing in Monaco that wounded tycoon Vadym Yermolaiev, his partner and their teenage son. Investigators have traced transfers of cash and cryptocurrency linking a suspected bomber, Anastasiia Berezovska, to two detained men in Ukraine; Berezovska was later found shot dead near Kyiv.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has carried out a surprise cabinet reshuffle that has removed defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, nominated Serhii Koretskyi as prime minister and named SBU head Yevhenii Khmara as acting defence minister. The moves have provoked mass protests in Kyiv and other cities, prompted at least one senior military resignation and raised questions about unity in Kyiv’s war effort.
Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has been dismissed in a sweeping government overhaul, triggering protests and a public clash with army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Zelenskyy says unity requires change; protests demand Fedorov’s return. The government is set to appoint a replacement as security forces reassess modernization plans amid mounting pressure.
Ukraine has seen mass protests after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has removed Mykhailo Fedorov as defence minister and named SBU chief Yevhen Khmara as acting minister. Fedorov had clashed with commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi over modernisation and digital reforms. Demonstrations have continued in Kyiv and other cities and political tensions are rising during ongoing Russian strikes.
Ukrainian drone strikes have damaged Russian oil infrastructure, triggering fuel shortages across the country. Authorities report production hiccups, rationing in some regions, and attempts to stabilise supplies amid heightened price pressures. The government has sanctioned imports and redirected shipments to mitigate the impact.
A multi-day barrage of ballistic missiles hits Kyiv while Ukraine claims it has targeted Russia's shadow fleet and oil facilities. Dozens are confirmed dead or injured in Kyiv and regional strikes. The conflict broadens with renewed attacks on Black Sea shipping and energy infrastructure.
A renewed round of Russian strikes targets Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, while Kyiv reports drone and missile attacks, drone production sites, and shelling that underline the ongoing tit-for-tat conflict. Ukrainian leaders have warned of further missile activity in the next 48 hours, as both sides mobilize resources and public support amid a volatile security backdrop.
Zelensky has appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi, 43, as commander-in-chief of Ukraine's armed forces, replacing Oleksandr Syrskyi amid protests and calls for reform. Supporters describe Drapatyi as a reform-minded leader with frontline experience who can modernise the military and empower field commanders. Critics note his track record in drone warfare and accountability.
The Times of Israel reports that the IDF has disciplined troops after a mass walkout by the Givati Brigade’s Tzabar Battalion. Soldiers left Sde Teiman after a battalion commander removed decor or signs, with footage showing protests and disordered equipment. Most have returned; a subset faces disciplinary action and on-base confinement as leadership vows a strict standard.
Ukrainian drone operators are increasingly using satellite connections to control interceptor drones from distant locations, reducing exposure. Ground teams still transport, assemble, and arm drones, and protect crews amid Russian targeting. The trend marks a shift toward safer remote operation while preserving frontline capabilities.
Missile and drone attacks hit Kyiv and surrounding regions, leaving multiple fatalities and injuries. Authorities report damage to residential areas, a medical facility, and a school; NATO and neighboring states warn of heightened tensions as Russia's campaign and Ukraine's response continue.
The latest wave of Russian strikes targets Kyiv and other Ukrainian infrastructure, intensifying an already brutal conflict. Officials report civilian casualties, power outages, and disrupted daily life as both sides escalate long-range attacks and Ukraine warns of winter-scale challenges ahead.
Ukraine’s sacked Defence Minister has urged Zelenskyy to schedule presidential elections amid ongoing war. He says democracy must not be Russia’s hostage, while allies debate safe conditions for votes. Polls show strong trust in various leaders, complicating the scene.
The UK has announced it will help France set up assembly lines in Ukraine for long-range missiles, declassifying information on UK-made components to aid Kyiv. Leaders visiting Kyiv frame the step as a long-term boost to Ukraine’s weapons capacity, while Moscow warns of consequences for increased involvement in the war.
The Guardian reports a surge in Russian strikes that have killed civilians and targeted Ukrainian infrastructure. France seeks to accelerate an anti-missile coalition and license missile production for Ukraine, while Kyiv receives assurances on Western military aid. Several cities face attacks, with casualties and damage across Kyiv, Kryvyi Rih, Odesa and Zaporizhzhia.
Ukraine has pressed SpaceX’s Starlink to operate beyond its borders, arguing wider access could sustain long-range drone operations. SpaceX has restricted use inside Russia, while Zelenskyy says expansion would be a significant escalation. The presidency is coordinating with Washington on how Musk’s policy could shift Ukraine’s military capabilities.
Russia has held a three-day parliamentary election from Sept. 18–20 that is set to return a United Russia-dominated State Duma. Most anti-war candidates were barred, the liberal Yabloko party was disqualified from the nationwide list, voting is being held in Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine, and Moscow reported large drone attacks and a sustained cyberattack on electronic voting in the capital.
Ukraine has launched a defense-tech initiative backed by Palantir’s Alex Karp, aiming to translate battlefield lessons into civilian and allied defense applications. Fedorov, the former defense minister, says the venture will prioritize Ukraine and expand into AI-enabled missiles, drones and robotics; details are forthcoming as partnerships develop.
Kravchenko has offered his resignation as Ukraine’s prosecutor general, citing political reasons, while anti-corruption agencies allege a money-laundering network tied to call centres. Kyiv faces ongoing pressure as anti-corruption probes proceed and Ukraine navigates political tensions during the war.
Kyiv remains under pressure as drones strike northern and southern bridges over the Dnipro. Emergency services are responding to damage to road surfaces and trolleybus wires, with traffic blocked and power and heating risks rising as winter approaches.