3 energy infrastructure facilities struck in overnight Russian strikes

In an overnight attack on September 26, Russia targeted three Ukrainian energy transmission facilities with drones and missiles, according to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. Despite the assault, Shmyhal stated that the energy system remains stable, with no planned power cuts. One of the facilities hit was in Mykolaiv Oblast, though the locations of the other two were not disclosed.

Ukrainian forces intercepted 66 out of 78 Shahed drones and four cruise missiles launched by Russia. The Air Force also reported that eight drones were "lost" in various regions, and one returned to Russia. Later that morning, Russia launched three Kinzhal ballistic missiles.

President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted Russia's continued attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure during his speech at the U.N. General Assembly on September 25. He emphasized that these strikes aim to disrupt life for millions of Ukrainians as winter approaches. Russia conducted nine coordinated attacks on electricity facilities between March and August in 20 oblasts.

According to the International Energy Agency, Ukraine could face a power deficit of up to 6 gigawatts this winter, roughly one-third of peak demand, following these attacks. This past summer, the power shortage reached 2.5 GW, leading to prolonged blackouts in Kyiv.

Zelensky also warned the U.N. Security Council that Russia may target Ukraine’s three operational nuclear power plants in Rivne, Khmelnytskyi, and Pivdennoukrainsk. These plants are vital, supplying up to 60% of the country's electricity, but remain vulnerable due to regular Russian assaults.

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest, has been under Russian occupation since March 2022, adding to concerns over the safety of Ukraine’s nuclear energy infrastructure.

Russians strike railway station in Sumy Oblast, staff wounded

A Russian drone strike on a railway station in Sumy Oblast injured three railway workers, Ukrzaliznytsia reported.

The attack affected a wagon worker, a paramilitary guard, and a communications service employee on a business trip. According to the company, all three received medical care, and their lives are not in danger.

The bombardment also damaged the station building, shattering 15 double-glazed windows.

EU reacts to Putin's inclusion of non-nuclear countries in nuclear doctrine

Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin's recent threats to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear countries demonstrate his continued irresponsible behavior, but they will not affect the European Union's commitment to supporting Ukraine, according to EU spokesman Peter Stano.

Stano condemned Putin's "nuclear gamble" as reckless, particularly during the United Nations General Assembly, and emphasized that the EU firmly rejects these threats. He highlighted the EU's efforts to communicate this stance to international partners, stressing the dangerous nature of Putin’s behavior, especially given Russia's role as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, whose primary responsibility is maintaining global peace.

Despite Putin's actions, Stano reaffirmed that the EU's position remains unchanged and committed to supporting Ukraine.