Russian attack on Odesa Oblast damaged civilian vessel

Russian forces attacked the Paresa, a civilian cargo ship flying the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis, in Odesa Oblast on October 6, according to Oleksii Kuleba, Ukraine's minister for the development of communities, territories, and infrastructure. The ship, carrying around 6,000 tons of Ukrainian corn for export, was damaged at the Pivdennyi Port in the Black Sea. Fortunately, no casualties were reported among the 15 crew members, who included Egyptian and Syrian nationals.

This attack occurred along a newly established export route, which Ukraine set up after Russia terminated the Black Sea grain deal. Initially designed as a humanitarian corridor for stranded ships, the route has evolved into a significant trade artery. However, ships traveling through this route remain vulnerable to Russian attacks, and drifting mines also pose a threat.

Despite these risks, Ukraine continues to export essential goods, having shipped over 73 million metric tons of products to countries across Africa, Asia, and Europe since the start of the war. This includes a previous Russian missile strike on a cargo ship carrying Ukrainian wheat to Egypt in September. Kuleba emphasized Ukraine's crucial role in ensuring global food security through its humanitarian efforts, providing necessary food to millions around the world despite ongoing threats from Russia.

Russia droped glide bombs on Kherson, injuring 20 people

On the morning of October 7, Russian forces launched an airstrike on the city of Kherson, dropping four guided aerial bombs, injuring 20 civilians, according to Oleksandr Prokudin, head of the Kherson Oblast Military Administration. The attack damaged previously destroyed school and residential buildings in the city's Central district.

Among the injured were two children, a 2-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl, both of whom were hospitalized with blast injuries and shrapnel wounds to their legs. Fortunately, their condition has been reported as stable. In addition, 14 other individuals — six men and eight women — were also receiving medical care. Later reports indicated that the number of injured rose to 20, including two elderly men and an 18-year-old boy, all of whom sought medical attention for blast injuries.

This incident adds to the mounting toll of civilian casualties from ongoing Russian strikes in the region.

Ukrainian Parliament to restrict Telegram usage

The Verkhovna Rada - Ukraine's parliament, is set to introduce restrictions on the use of the Telegram messenger app for official purposes. This decision follows recommendations from the National Security and Defence Council to enhance security protocols within government operations. Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament's Committee on Freedom of Speech, outlined the new measures in a statement.

Key security measures include:

• Mandatory two-factor authentication for all employees.
• Prohibition of contact synchronization on devices.
• Banning the transmission of official information via Telegram.
• Telegram will be blocked on work computers and personal devices used for work purposes.
• Technical blocks will be put in place, and unauthorized attempts to access Telegram via work devices will be logged.

These measures were prompted by previous incidents where unauthorized access to government employees' data occurred through Telegram. Notably, a counterfeit Telegram channel impersonating Ruslan Stefanchuk, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, highlighted the app's vulnerabilities.

The restrictions are exclusive to the Rada's staff and do not apply to personal use of the messenger app outside of work.

Russians fully occupy Krasnohorivka in Donetsk Oblast

According to analysts from the DeepState project, Russian forces have fully occupied the city of Krasnohorivka in Donetsk Oblast. In addition to securing Krasnohorivka, Russian troops have made advances in nearby areas, including Tsukuryne, close to Hirnyk and Liubymivka. These developments reflect ongoing Russian efforts to strengthen their positions in eastern Ukraine amid intense fighting in the region.