thekyivindependent_unofficial@activitypub.writeworks.uk
The Kyiv Independent [unofficial]
Russia’s war against Ukraine
A woman walks past the Ukrainian National Academy of Sciences building, which was damaged in a Russian air attack, in downtown Kyiv on Oct. 24, 2026. (Roman Pilipey / AFP via Getty Images)
Massive Ukrainian drone attack hits shopping center in Russia’s Belgorod Oblast, locals say. MegaGRINN is the largest shopping complex in Belgorod, covering over 163,000 square meters and housing more than 200 shops. The center was closed and empty of visitors during the reported overnight attack.
Starshield operations restored to normal speed, Zelensky confirms as Elon Musk claims Ukraine violated Starlink terms. “We record a speed of more than 400 kilometers per hour, the connection is stable,” the ministry said.
Ukrainian forces reportedly strike Russian targets 2,500 kilometers from border. Ukraine struck several targets, including a petrochemical plant and a warehouse in Siberia around 2,500 kilometers away from the border on Oct. 24, monitoring channels reported.
Ukraine sanctions Russian arms suppliers as Moscow ramps up attacks. Included in the first sanctions list are 51 Russian citizens and 44 businesses that produce and supply raw materials, equipment, and tools used in long-range weapons such as the Iskander, Kalibr, Kh-101, and Kinzhal missiles.
Factories on fire in Russia’s Tolyatti amid reported drone attacks. Videos filmed by locals show smoke billowing over the city in the early morning, with reports claiming that the Tolyattikauchuk chemical plant was attacked and that evacuations took place at the AvtoVAZ car manufacturing factory.
Ukrainian forces strike Oryol electronics plant, General Staff confirms, drone attacks shut down Moscow airports. Restrictions were placed on incoming and outgoing flights at Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo, and Zhukovsky airports, the Russian civilian aviation authority, Rosaviatsiya, reported.
Read our exclusives
The trouble with loving Russia: Evan Gershkovich’s memoir seeks sentimentality in a lost country
American journalist Evan Gershkovich does not claim that his experience represents the Russian prison system as a whole, and he repeatedly refers to himself in the book as a “voyeur” among actual prisoners.
Photo: Natalia Kolesnikova / AFP via Getty Images
Human costs of war
Deadly Russian drone strike targets apartment in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, killing 3, injuring 12. One of the injured victims is an 11-year-old girl. Five wounded individuals are being treated in the hospital, with two in serious condition and undergoing surgery.
Russian attacks kill 4, injure 78 across Ukraine over past day, as drone strikes Kyiv residential building in the morning. Overnight, Russian forces launched 126 drones, 61 of which were jet-powered, while Ukraine’s air defense managed to suppress 101 drones, including 50 jet-powered drones, the Air Force said.
International response
European Parliament Vice President ends hunger strike following Oleshky ceasefire. European Parliament Vice President Pina Picierno announced the hunger strike on Oct. 20, demanding an immediate humanitarian truce in the occupied town.
Germany in talks to buy Ukrainian jet-powered drones. The Bars jet powered drone has a range of 1,000 kilometers and can reach speeds of up to 700 kilometers per hour.
In other news
Sanctioned Russian energy giant secretly funded US gas project, NYT reports. The gas project was part of an energy deal discussed by U.S. peace envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner during their September visit to the Kremlin, sources told the New York Times.
Ukraine’s Sine Engineering launches joint defense tech initiative with Finland. The initiative will focus on resilient communications, navigation, and onboard autonomy, as Sine Engineering specializes in producing satellite-independent navigation software, enabling drones to fly without relying on GPS.
You’ve made it this far, which means you care.
Ukraine Daily has never missed a morning — not through blackouts, not through mass attacks. Our mission is to show the world the truth of what is happening here. Becoming a member helps us keep doing that, every single day.
This newsletter is open for sponsorship. Boost your brand’s visibility by reaching thousands of engaged subscribers. Click here for more details.
Today’s Ukraine Daily was brought to you by Dominic Culverwell, Jonas Heins, Volodymyr Ivanyshyn, Olena Goncharova, and Abbey Fenbert.
If you’re enjoying this newsletter, consider joining our membership program. Start supporting independent journalism today.
