
Tonight is the beginning of Yom Kippur, so just a brief update running down the basics. If there’s no update tomorrow night, it means I was not inscribed in the Book of Life for another year.
The cost:
The russian attack on Dnipro claimed the life of 27yo Yaroslav Buzko, his wife Bohdana said. They got married only a week and a half ago. She says she didn’t even have time to change her documents to the new surname — and now she’s a widow. This is horror.
Via Hromadske.— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 12:49 PM
On October 1, Ukraine marks the Day of Defenders of Ukraine. Zelenskyy honored the memory of fallen soldiers on Maidan.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 5:08 AM
Play fascist Russian oil refinery bingo with this handy chart from @KHoholenko on X! Yaroslavl refinery on top left. Includes dates of previous attacks on facilities.
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 1:23 AM
?? The Moscow Times:
About 70% of the downtime at oil refineries, according to the statistics agency Siala, was the result of attacks by Ukrainian armed forces drones: by the end of September, they had disabled about a quarter of Russian oil refining, or about 236,000 tons per day.
— Savchenko Volodymyr (@savchenkoua.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 5:28 AM
In September, four more Russian refineries stopped production after UAV attacks.
As a result, gasoline production in September decreased by 1 million tons, and its deficit in the domestic market reached 20% of consumption.
— Savchenko Volodymyr (@savchenkoua.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 5:28 AM
? In September, 14 SBS regiment hit 19 Russian refineries or energy targets, – Magyar’s report
— MAKS 25 ??? (@maks23.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 11:42 AM
? Thanks to Ukrainian drone strikes, 38% of Russian oil refineries are out of action. In just August and September, we’ve taken down over 20 refineries across that massive federation. ?
#StandWithUkraine #MakeRussiaSmallAgain #RussianEconomyCollapsing #RussiaGasolineCrisis— Anna from Ukraine (@annafromukraine.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Here is President Zelenskyy’s address to the European Council meeting today. Video below, English transcript after the jump.
It’s Important to Respond to Russia Directly, So They Feel the Real Price of Their Actions – Address by the President to the Participants of the European Council Meeting
1 October 2025 – 20:31
Dear friends, dear leaders!
Thank you, António, Ursula, dear Mette, everyone here!
I’m glad to see you all, thank you for your support.
I’m speaking to you on my way to Denmark – this evening, my team and I will be in Copenhagen. And for the past few days, our soldiers have already been in Denmark. And together with Danish and other partners, they are working on a shared defense system – a system to protect against drones. And it’s not just about infrastructure – it’s a political issue as well.
Russia is trying to go further. They always begin with hybrid attacks. And first, it’s something small, then something bigger. There is always a next step. That’s why we need to act now – together and with strength. I thank all the leaders who already understand the danger and are joining forces.
We need to build up our defense capabilities, and Ukraine can truly help. No country in Europe has more experience than Ukraine in defending against drones and missiles. I believe Europe will need to build a Drone Wall sooner rather than later. Drones are becoming a main weapon – for armies and for criminal or terrorist groups, this is a fact. And another fact should be our joint readiness to defend our people and infrastructure. And the sooner we all implement the SAFE program together, the better. It can really speed up the idea of the Drone Wall. And we have to understand that the Drone Wall is not just about Ukraine, our neighbors, or the Eastern Flank. It’s not only about our borders or our region. Russian drones and Russian threats are now a real issue for all countries on the shores of the Baltic Sea, and that means for all coastal countries in Europe. That’s most of Europe. Today it’s drones, tomorrow it could be missiles, the day after – new technologies, who knows. And we all need strong protection – every country in Europe, which means all of us, together. No country can protect itself alone. It’s a big mistake – even if only a few still think this way – to say: “we don’t have a coastline” or “we are surrounded by others, so we don’t need to act together.” Today, in Europe, nothing about security is separate from the rest of Europe. And this understanding must unite us. We all need protection, so we all have to work to make the Drone Wall, and the security guarantees for Ukraine, and other defense efforts truly work. And it gives all of us a strong reason to boost and expand our defense production, to build co-production projects.
What does Russia want most of all? For Europe to be divided, to argue, to look weak. That’s what Russia is counting on. But your support for Ukraine over these years proves something else – that Europe is much stronger than many expected. And the fact that we are standing strong against Russian attacks during this war – and striking back fairly when they target our energy system – proves that Russia is not as strong as it wanted to seem. So we should not be afraid to build our own security models. Security guarantees for Ukraine, once we make them real, will become a model of security for others in Europe as well. And we are ready to be a driving force of this process together with you, dear partners. The same goes for the Drone Wall. These are all parts of something bigger – things Europe truly needs.
It’s also very important to respond to Russia directly so they feel the real price of their actions. We count on the quick approval of the 19th EU sanctions package. It’s almost ready – now only political decisions are needed. I urge you all to support it. This will also help our relations with America – and with President Trump. He wants to see that Europe is acting against Russia for this war. Strong action from Europe will strengthen the U.S. response. And it’s also crucial that Europe limits buying Russian resources – especially oil. Putting pressure on Russian oil, tankers, and the money systems behind their energy exports weakens Putin and helps improve President Trump’s view of working with Europe. So those who choose ties with Russia instead of America, are going against both – Europe and the U.S. We recently talked about this with the American team, with President Trump. And we truly hope that guys from Hungary will listen to these shared signals from all of us.
And we also talked about the frozen Russian assets, and most of them are still unused. These funds must be directed toward defense and Ukraine’s recovery. The tools are already prepared – and now they need to be implemented quickly. I also want to thank every country and every leader who supports our defense – through contributions to the PURL program, defense packages for our soldiers, and funding our weapons production. This is a big, big help. Thank you, partners. I encourage the countries not yet in PURL to join, please.
A few more quick, important points.
You can all see that we are holding back Russian forces on the ground. They had big plans for this year. They wanted to take more land. But Ukrainian soldiers are stopping them. Even in the hardest areas in Donetsk region, our men and women are standing strong, holding the line, and pushing the occupiers back. We are also striking targets deep inside Russia. And you’ve probably seen reports about big damage to their fuel facilities. Such strong actions should be supported by strong political decisions. Ukraine has finished its internal screening process for EU legislation – we did it faster than anyone else before us. We did it well. And we are fully ready to open Cluster 1 in the EU membership talks – the “Fundamentals” cluster. We need real progress on this. And I’m not only talking about Ukraine. Ukraine is fighting the enemy. Moldova has once again clearly proven its European choice. And how many more such tests do we all need? Of course, we all also support the Western Balkan countries – they too deserve to be part of our common European home. Europe has to keep its promises – just as candidate countries do their part
Thank you! Thanks everyone! Thank you for the invitation, thanks again, and we are counting on results.
Thank you!
Georgia:
Georgian women lead the march toward Rustaveli Avenue in pouring rain. Day 308 of uninterrupted protests in 8+ cities across the country. ✊??
— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 12:34 PM
Congratulations, Moldova ??, from the people of Rustaveli Avenue. ✊
Day 308 of uninterrupted, nationwide protests in Georgia. ??
— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 1:04 PM
Rustaveli Avenue is blocked for the 308th night in a row, with Moldova’s flags flying high in celebration of ??’s election results.
Protests continue daily in 8+ cities across Georgia. ??
Eyes on us for the big Oct 4 rally. ✊
— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 1:09 PM
#GeorgiaProtsests
Day 308— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Important.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/o…— Marika Mikiashvili ?????? (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 6:17 AM
JUST IN: the regime has trumped-up an even heavier charge against Gela Khasaia: group violence leading to light damage to health, implying 4-6 years in jail.
Anyone who has seen or spoken to Gela knows how ridiculous this is.
Apparently, he’s been a big trouble for the regime.
— Marika Mikiashvili ?????? (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 7:03 AM
1/ The Prosecutor’s Office accuses Coalition for Change member Gela Khasaia of intentionally inflicting minor bodily injury as part of a group. The office says two individuals have been charged in connection with the incident.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 8:39 AM
2/ “An investigation by the Ministry of Internal Affairs determined that on September 1, near Tamar Mepe Avenue in Tbilisi, the defendants intentionally caused bodily injury to the victim as part of a group.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 8:39 AM
3/ The suspects were arrested on September 29. They have been charged under Article 118, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of Georgia (intentionally causing minor bodily injury, committed as part of a group), which carries a penalty of 4 to 6 years of imprisonment,” the Prosecutor’s Office stated.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 8:39 AM
4/ The arrested activist denies the charges. According to his lawyer, “It is difficult for Khasaia himself to understand what exactly constitutes the so-called criminal act he is accused of, and why he has been placed in detention
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 8:39 AM
Gela Khasaia: Around 10 people detained me and took me to the station.
Prosecutor: He came to the station on his own.
Hmm… who to believe. Who to believe?!
The pretrial detention hearing is underway for Gela Khasaia, opposition party member and activist. He faces 4-6 years.
— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 1:23 PM
1/ The State Security Service has detained Zviad Kuprava, a member of the Tbilisi City Council from the National Movement. According to the SSS, Kuprava’s detention is connected to a video he released regarding October 4.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 7:20 AM
2/ In a video on Sept 30, Zviad Kuprava said: “Our tactical task is to disrupt the Russian special operation on Oct 4. We will move throughout the city, both in groups and individually, and we will definitely disrupt at least one of the 500 special operation points.”
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 7:20 AM
There are mounting rumours / half-evidences that the Georgian Dream regime is preparing for something uniquely brutal for the grand October 4 rally.
— Marika Mikiashvili ?????? (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 6:49 AM
October 4 is going to be a big political watershed one way or another, and it’s disturbingly full of uncertainty in both how it might unfold as well as its potential outcomes. #GeorgiaProtests
— Marika Mikiashvili ?????? (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 8:48 AM
Germany:
Mass drone flights were reported in Germany – Bild.
The drones appeared near a hospital, a power plant, the local parliament, and even a refinery supplying Hamburg Airport.
Yet the Bundestag is still only preparing a law to allow the army to act.
m.bild.de/politik/inla…
— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 5:01 AM
Holland:
You have to start somewhere ?
(Dutch fighter jet with a mark for a downed Shahed drone)
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Netherlands Air Force F-35A with a UAV kill mark, marking the downing of a Russian drone over Poland on September 9–10.
— ?Special Kherson Cat??? (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 3:33 PM
France:
French special forces have seized a Russian oil tanker off the coast of France, suspected of being used to launch drones over Europe.
The vessel, part of Russia’s shadow fleet circumventing sanctions through illicit oil sales, is believed to have served as a drone launch platform between
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 1:34 PM
September 22 and 25 near Denmark—during a period when unidentified UAVs were spotted flying over Copenhagen Airport.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 1:34 PM
Poland:
Russian drones continue to be found in Poland following the massive incursion of Russian drones into Polish airspace on September 9-10. This is the 20th Russian Gerbera drone found.
— ?Special Kherson Cat??? (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 2:32 AM
/2. The drone was discovered approximately 320 km from the Ukrainian border.
— ?Special Kherson Cat??? (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 2:32 AM
Back to Ukraine.
Today is Ukrainian Defenders Day.
The only reason this land isn’t silent rubble is because of them.
They stand between Ukraine and the horde from hell, between destruction and everything good that remains.
They protect us. They protect you.support them:
savelife.in.ua/en/donate-en/— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 7:13 AM
?⚕️?? Behind every life saved are sleepless nights and the golden hands of our medics. They do not carry weapons, but they are true warriors.
— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 7:28 AM
Kyiv:
Princess Anne visited Kyiv to support children and war veterans. She met President Zelenskyy to discuss UK aid and toured the Children’s Memorial and Child Rights Protection Center, which helps youth affected by the war.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 4:57 AM
I’d like to add from myself that the support of the British Royal Family is deeply appreciated!
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 9:43 AM
STING anti-Shahed drone, developed by @wildhornets.bsky.social in a special combat livery, for a Ukrainian unit with a female commander and female drone operators ?
— ?Special Kherson Cat??? (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 10:04 AM
Balakliia, Kharkiv Oblast:
Russia struck downtown Balakliia in Kharkiv Oblast with a missile, killing a 70-year-old woman and injuring nine more people.
— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Kharkiv:
4 hours ago:
Russian drones over Kharkiv right now ‼️
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 2:11 PM
In Kharkiv last night, the market and houses were engulfed in flames after multiple russian strikes. Six civilians were injured.
— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 1:44 AM
Aftermath of russian guided aerial bomb strike on Barabashovo Mall in Kharkiv last night.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 7:22 AM
Russia struck the central part of Balakliia, a city in Kharkiv region. A missile hit the ground near a five-story residential building. The explosion sparked a fire that engulfed an apartment on the top floor and several cars parked nearby.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 2:50 PM
A 70-year-old woman was killed, and 9 others were injured. Details are still being clarified.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 2:50 PM
The borders of Chernihiv and Kyiv Oblasts:
Entire districts of Chernihiv region are without power as Russia continues attacking the area with Shahed drones‼️
In Slavutych, a major fire broke out following a Russian strike on a power substation. In addition to electricity outages, water supply is now being rationed.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Chernobyl:
A blackout at Chornobyl, while serious, is not of immediate concern as it’s not an operating plant, and power is only needed to operate the cooling-pond pumps where its spent nuclear fuel is stored. It would take weeks for the water there to boil off.
Worry about Zaporizhzhya.
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 3:52 PM
The Zaporizhzhai Nuclear Power Plant:
Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has been operating solely on backup diesel generators for ten consecutive days. Current fuel reserves are expected to last another 10 days, according to the IAEA‼️
If all backup systems fail, there is a risk of nuclear fuel meltdown.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 9:31 AM
From the Ukrainian Ministry of Energy:
Following the instructions of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine, together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, continues to work with international organizations to provide full and accurate information on the actions of Russian occupiers at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. These actions pose a direct threat to nuclear and radiation safety not only in Ukraine but also across the wider region.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has officially confirmed the dangerous situation at the plant, which has been deprived of its main power supply for ten consecutive days due to the occupiers’ actions. According to the IAEA, the facility is currently operating solely on backup diesel generators, with available fuel reserves sufficient for only 10 days of operation.
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi emphasized that this situation is highly unstable from a nuclear safety perspective, warning that a complete loss of backup power could lead to the melting of nuclear fuel.
The Ministry of Energy, in cooperation with international partners, calls on the international community to step up pressure on the Russian Federation in order to prevent a nuclear disaster and ensure the urgent return of the occupied plant to Ukraine’s full control.
Russian occupied Crimea:
The Russian administration in Crimea has introduced a new restriction on fuel sales – no more than 20 liters per person. Just a few days ago, they introduced a limit of 30 liters.
— ?Special Kherson Cat??? (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 11:34 AM
The Kursk cross-border offensive:
Russians show the aftermath of an airstrike on a bridge over the Seim River in the village of Glushkovo, Kursk region.
— ?Special Kherson Cat??? (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 7:47 AM
Nova Khakova, Kherson Oblast:
A Ukrainian drone struck ex-gauleiter of Nova Kakhovka, Volodymyr Leontyev. Occupation governor Saldo confirmed he is in hospital in serious condition. Leontyev, 61, is known for ordering the 2022 abduction of Beryslav mayor Oleksandr Shapovalov.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 4:02 AM
Moment of the liquidation of the Russian-appointed former head of the Nova Kakhovka administration, Vladimir Leontiev.
— ?Special Kherson Cat??? (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 6:30 AM
Donetsk Oblast, Russia:
Something is detonating in Donetsk. Local residents are reporting loud explosions and smoke.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 12:16 PM
Yaroslavl Oblast, Russia:
New video from today’s fire on an oil refinery in Yaroslavl, Russia.
Looks very warm ?— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Cope cages not coping? Slavneft oil refinery in Yaroslavl, 100km N of Moscow and 700 km from the nearest Ukrainian-controlled territory, burning merrily on the morning of Oct. 1 after being hit overnight. The refinery is one of fascist Russia’s largest.
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 12:51 AM
Report from UNIAN: “In Yaroslavl, Russia, an oil refinery was attacked by drones – a large fire broke out.
Locals say the VT-6 unit was attacked – it processes raw petroleum products, in particular heavy fuel oil, for further production of diesel fuel and oils.
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 1:12 AM
/3. The VT-6 unit at the Yaroslavl Oil Refinery, which vacuum distills fuel oil, was hit. The VT-6 unit’s annual processing capacity is over 6.2 million tons per year.
(57.5495030, 39.8047885)— ?Special Kherson Cat??? (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 1:30 AM
The Kazan-Moscow highway:
The fuel situation in Russia is worsening. Hundreds of cars are stuck on the M-12 Moscow–Kazan highway. Queues at gas stations stretch up to 150 km, with fuel remaining only at a few stations. Media in Tatarstan are already reporting a “local collapse.” “SMO” is going according to plan.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Rostov Oblast, Russia:
It appears that another Russian oil pumping station, Sukhodolnaya in the Rostov region, was attacked overnight.
— ?Special Kherson Cat??? (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) October 1, 2025 at 2:47 AM
That’s enough for tonight.
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