Update 32: Russia's war with Ukraine

As Russia’s war in Ukraine nears the eight-month mark it appears to be escalating on several fronts, with Russian President Vladimir Putin launching the largest airstrikes on civilian targets in Ukraine in months. In addition, Russia’s recent explicit threats to use nuclear weapons in connection with its invasion have caused apprehension worldwide. Between 10-12 October, Russia launched up to 130 missile and drone strikes against civilian and energy facilities, particularly in the capital, Kyiv. And on 22 October, more than a dozen Russian missiles hit energy facilities and other infrastructure across Ukraine, the Ukrainian air force said, causing blackouts in parts of different regions. The leaders of the G7 condemned Russia’s missile attacks on cities across Ukraine “in the strongest possible terms” and vowed to stand “firmly” with Kyiv “for as long as it takes” in a statement on 11 October. The French President Emmanuel Macron described Russia’s attacks as “a profound change in the nature of this war”.

Read more in the attached pdf on: the battle for Kherson; Russia’s alleged use of Iranian-produced ‘kamikaze’ drones; the latest UN General Assembly resolution; stalled diplomacy; Western military and financial assistance to Ukraine; the humanitarian consequences of the armed conflict; continuing concerns about the safety of nuclear power stations; the risk of nuclear weapon use; investigations into alleged war crimes; sanctions against Russia; energy security in Europe; and developments within Russia and NATO.