Explosions heard in Zaporizhzhia, officials report air defense at work

Over central Kyiv, air defense systems were reported to be active, filling the city with the sounds of blasts and explosions.

Air defenses were engaged as Russian drones damaged residential buildings and a warehouse, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said.

Media reports suggest Kovalsky could ultimately be appointed prosecutor general, rather than merely serving in an acting capacity.

The offer follows President Volodymyr Zelensky's announcement on Sept. 25 that U.S. President Donald Trump granted Kyiv permission to produce its own Patriot air defense missiles.

"The occupiers continue to be eliminated, and the designated objectives are being achieved," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

Kherson Oblast Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said Russian forces have attempted to disrupt the deliveries.

The elections were accompanied by "mass falsifications, forced voting, and predetermined turnout figures," Ukraine's presidential office said.

Overnight on Sept. 27, Russian forces launched 170 Shahed-type attack drones, Ukraine's Air Force said.

The number includes 1,690 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.

"Russia must end its war of aggression against Ukraine and cease its hostile actions against Germany and its allies," German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukrainian intelligence had obtained Russian internal documents showing the volumes of weapons Russia is preparing to produce next year and the funding allocated for them.

The strikes hit several locations across the Sumy community, including a residential area, Sumy Oblast Governor Oleh Hryhorov said.

Russian forces attacked Ukraine overnight on Sept. 26 with 173 Shahed-type drones, 50 of which were jet-powered, the Air Force said.

The plant, located in the city of Azov, is part of Russia’s Tactical Missiles Corporation and produces opto-mechanical and optoelectronic equipment, as well as electronic systems for artillery, missile, and anti-tank weapons.