➡️Russia pressed forward on several fronts last week, making its most notable gains near the junction of Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts.
➡️ Meanwhile, the air war remained intense with the heaviest drone and missile barrage in September. Ukrainian strikes inside Russia caused disruptions to infrastructure but far fewer reported casualties — including the first day with none recorded since these reports began.
⚖️ Key Numbers
🇷🇺 Russian Strikes: ~1300 drones launched (88% neutralised); 59 missiles launched, 45 neutralised (76%)
🧍♂️ Civilian Impact: 34 (15) killed, 270 (191) injured on Ukraine-controlled territories – 50% more than last week; 12 killed, 53 injured in Russia and occupied territories.
🔄 Cross-border: Russia claims interception of 600 Ukrainian drones, down by ~150 from the last week.
🔥 Weekly Developments
💥 Russian Barrages:
• 28-SEP: 593 drones + 50 missiles (Kinzhal, Kh-101, Kalibr, and Banderol types)
• 24, 25, 26 & 27-SEP: >100 drones per night
🗺️ Russian forces claimed control of several villages at the junction of the three regions, including Berezove and Ternove, securing approximately 28.4 sq km of territory. Ukrainian sources noted the enemy used a three-pronged strike strategy to exploit perceived weaknesses in the defensive lines.
🗺️ Russian forces advanced further inside Stepnohirsk, securing high-rise positions along the E105 Highway that give them fire control over much of the town.
🇺🇦 Ukrainian drone & missile activity over Russia stays intensive, reaching an oil pumping station in Chuvashia, refinery in Krasnodar krai, electrical components plant in Bryansk oblast, as well as destroying an S-400 Anti Air System in the occupied Crimea.
🎯 Strategic Impact
➡️ Air War: Ukrainian drones continue to hit important facilities and military equipment, causing significant damage to Russia’s war effort.
➡️ Ground War: Russian forces exploit manpower advantage and weak points in Ukraine’s defenses, sustaining a slow but steady advance.
Picture source: ASTRA press, modified
