Kyiv says it is preparing to carry out more long-range strikes on Russian energy infrastructure as winter approaches

It was supposed to fall more than a year ago, but Pokrovsk is still holding on, even as street fighting has erupted inside the city after Russian troops infiltrated.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said his forces are fighting fierce battles in the strategic eastern city of Pokrovsk as Russia masses troops in an effort to seize control of the stronghold.

Russia mounted its second most-intense aerial assault overnight into Thursday, October 30, launching a salvo of 653 drones, decoys and missiles. Ukraine’s Air Force intercepted 592 drones and 31 missiles;

Moscow’s forces infiltrated Pokrovsk after months of attacks on the city, a strategic part of Ukraine’s eastern defenses.

Russia has tested a new nuclear-capable cruise missile, moving closer to deploying it, according to President Vladimir Putin

Nor is Russia able to reroute its electrons from the export market to domestic consumption. Electricity exports to China have all but collapsed (down over 70% from 2024 levels). The system operator now openly floats importing power from China to keep the lights on in the east while new plants and lines are built.

In the city of Kherson, in southern Ukraine, small drones routinely target ordinary people by dropping hand grenades, and record video documenting their attacks, a U.N. commission reported.

The strikes, which were the latest in Russia’s almost daily attacks on the Ukrainian power grid as bitter winter temperatures approach, killed at least six people, including a 7-year-old girl, according to authorities. Children between 2 and 16 years of age were among the 18 injured.

Ukraines top military commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, confirmed on Saturday that Ukrainian forces are continuing to defend the embattled eastern city of Pokrovsk, despite Russia claiming to have nearly encircled it