Russia preparing for assault operations in Zaporizhzhia Oblast

Russian forces appear to be gearing up for assault operations in southeastern Zaporizhzhia Oblast, according to Ukrainian military spokesman Vladyslav Voloshyn on Sept. 28. Voloshyn stated that Russian troops are concentrating personnel in the region, potentially preparing for new maneuvers near the occupied village of Pryiutne, which lies on the border with Donetsk Oblast.

This development comes as Russian forces continue to intensify their offensives along the eastern front, particularly targeting the Pokrovsk, Vuhledar, and Toretsk axes in Donetsk Oblast. The Ukrainian soldiers, outnumbered and outgunned, are reportedly being forced to retreat incrementally.

Voloshyn, speaking on national television, indicated that intelligence reports suggest Russia is amassing troops in Zaporizhzhia Oblast and has received 25 light buggies, likely for use by small infantry groups in assault operations. He noted these movements as potential indicators of upcoming attacks but emphasized that a larger force would be necessary for a full-scale offensive.

He suggested that this buildup might be aimed at improving Russia’s tactical position in the area, though he clarified that there is currently no indication of a major offensive.

Pryiutne is situated about 40 kilometers west of Vuhledar, a key mining town that Russian forces have been trying to capture for over two years. Russia has escalated its efforts in this area since August, gradually advancing to encircle Vuhledar. Capturing this town would provide Moscow with a strategic southern flank for a larger push towards Pokrovsk, a vital logistics hub in the Donbas region, located approximately 70 kilometers northeast of Pryiutne.

Trump meets with Zelensky, says his views on ending the war ASAP have not changed

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the need to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine during a meeting with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in New York on Sept. 27.

"This war should never have started. We need to do everything to stop Putin," Zelensky told Trump during a joint interview for Fox News.

This was their first meeting in five years. Zelensky outlined his "victory plan," which he previously shared with U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, and stressed the importance of U.S. support.

Trump reiterated his commitment to ending the war quickly if elected, stating that both Zelensky and Putin want the conflict to end.

Zelensky invited Trump to visit Ukraine, an invitation Trump accepted. Despite recent criticism of U.S. support for Ukraine, Zelensky highlighted the need for strong American backing to secure a just peace.

Republican leaders had accused Zelensky of meddling in U.S. politics by visiting a factory in Biden’s hometown, and House Speaker Mike Johnson called for the dismissal of Ukraine's ambassador to the U.S. for arranging the visit.

Zelensky concluded by expressing optimism that his meetings with both presidential candidates would help solidify support for Ukraine's victory.

Russian double-tap attack on Sumy hospital 9 killed , 12 injured

Russian forces conducted a double-tap strike on a hospital in Sumy, northeastern Ukraine, on Sept. 28, killing nine and injuring 12, according to Ukrainian officials. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko reported that the first attack caused significant damage to several hospital floors and killed one person. The second strike hit as rescuers and police were evacuating patients, resulting in additional casualties, including two policemen. Klymenko noted this was the second consecutive day of police casualties, with search efforts ongoing in Kryvyi Rih for a potentially trapped worker.

For over two years, Russia has targeted civilian infrastructure across Ukraine, including hospitals, schools, and residential areas, seemingly aiming to weaken the nation’s morale. Fighting around Sumy has escalated since Ukraine’s surprise cross-border operation into Russia’s Kursk Oblast in August. The region had been relatively calm after Russia’s initial withdrawal.

The regional military administration reported that Russian forces used an airstrike and Iranian-made Shahed drones to target the hospital, followed by a powerful KAB-guided bomb attack. President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed condolences and emphasized the need for international attention to Russia’s targeting of civilian sites. He reiterated that force is the only way to achieve peace, thanking those who support Ukraine's defense efforts.