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Russian authorities is executing a strategic manipulation operation of warnings to discourage the America from delivering Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine, as reported by defense experts. An influential legislator stated: “We are familiar with these weapons completely, their operational characteristics, defensive countermeasures, we encountered them in Middle East operations, so it presents no surprises. Those delivering them and those who use them will encounter difficulties … We will develop strategies to target those who cause us trouble.”

Ukrainian Defensive Operations Progress

Ukrainian forces were inflicting heavy losses in a counteroffensive in eastern Donetsk region, the war's main theatre, Ukraine's leader stated on Wednesday. Zelenskyy's assessment, based on a briefing from his top commander, differed from the Russian president's address to defense leadership a day earlier in which he claimed the invading army possessed the operational control in every combat zone.

In an assessment covering early October, military analysts said Russia was suffering significant losses, especially due to drone strikes by Ukraine, in exchange for limited tactical advances. Ukrainian forces, Zelenskyy said, were “defending ourselves along all other directions”, highlighting especially northeastern Kupiansk, a heavily damaged urban area in north-eastern Ukraine under sustained offensive operations for an extended period.

Local Situations

The regional governor in the Kherson area of Kherson said offensive operations on Wednesday resulted in three fatalities in and around the regional capital of the oblast center. Local authorities of northern Sumy, on the border area with the Russian Federation, said three fatalities occurred in UAV assaults in multiple locations. Kyiv's air command said it successfully countered the majority of Russian strike and decoy drones through the evening.

Military action significantly harmed critical infrastructure, authorities said on Wednesday. Two employees were harmed during the strike, as reported by energy company officials. Sources gave minimal specifics, about the plant's location, but government officials said attacks targeted critical utilities in the Chernihiv region, southern Ukraine and eastern Ukraine.

Humanitarian Consequences

In the north-eastern Sumy town of northeastern Ukraine, severely affected by the Russian onslaught against the power supply, local government has put up tents where people can seek warmth, receive warm beverages, power electronic devices and obtain emotional assistance, based on information from regional head.

International Reactions

Ukraine's ambassador to Nato on midweek encouraged European allies to accelerate procurement of US weapons for Ukrainian forces. “This doesn't mean we prefer US equipment instead of allied or alternative military systems – the issue is that we are requesting the America for weapons which EU members can't provide,” said the diplomatic representative.

Germany's national police will soon be allowed to shoot down UAVs, interior minister announced on midweek, following multiple UAV observations believed to be foreign operations to spy and intimidate. Announcing legal changes, the official said law enforcement would receive permission “to implement sophisticated countermeasures against drone threats, including electronic countermeasures, signal disruption, satellite signal blocking, but also with direct interception”.

EU Protection Concerns

European Commission President declared on midweek that Europe must strengthen its protective capabilities to respond to Russia's “hybrid warfare” after airspace breaches, cyber-attacks and submarine infrastructure disruption. “This doesn't represent isolated incidents. It is a systematic and intensifying operation,” the representative said in a address before the European lawmakers. “A couple of events are isolated incidents, but three, five, ten – this constitutes a intentional and focused hybrid threat strategy against Europe, and Europe must respond.”

Refugee Conditions

The Swiss authorities has extended its temporary shelter granted to Ukrainian refugees to at least early 2027. Temporary protection, which allows people to leave the country as well as be employed in Switzerland, is generally limited to one year but can be extended. “This determination shows the persistent dangerous conditions and ongoing military actions across extensive regions of the country,” said a Swiss government statement. “Regardless of worldwide negotiation attempts, a lasting stabilisation that would allow for secure repatriation is not projected in the foreseeable future.”