Zelensky: To seize Kyiv, they will have to destroy it.

Kyiv has faced repeated Russian attacks in recent days. A large-scale Russian missile and drone attack beginning on Sept. 30 killed four people and injured at least eight, while also damaging residential and energy infrastructure in the capital.

Ukrainian drones previously struck the Samara station in April, causing a large fire and damaging five crude oil tanks, each with a capacity of 20,000 cubic meters, a source in the Security Service of Ukraine told the Kyiv Independent at the time.

Putin repeatedly said in interviews in early March 2022 that conscripts were not being asked to participate in the invasion and would not be sent to fight. Only days later, Russia’s Defense Ministry to acknowledged that some conscripts had been deployed to Ukraine and captured.

"We fought until the last moment, both publicly and privately, to prevent this from happening," Sybiha said. "You removed two oligarchs, and we will add twenty."

Putin's comments echoed warnings Russia issued to NATO on Sept. 30, saying that it would be ready to use nuclear weapons if alliance members attempt to isolate the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad.

Led by a "sanctioned and convicted criminal fraudster," and a state-owned Russian bank tied to the military, the A7 shadow network has helped Russian entities evade sanctions since 2024.

The latest strike follows other attacks on the Southern Bridge on Oct. 1, where two Russian drones hit near the bridge's supports. This was the first time Russian drones have targeted one of the capital's bridges.

The Kyiv Independent’s new Companion Collection 🐾 brings together matching items for people and their pets while supporting animals rescued from Ukraine’s front-line communities.

Asked what the missile struck, Zelensky's communications advisor told the Kyiv Independent: "We're not telling."

Redvanovich, who was 25 years old, served as the commander of the "Ghost of Kyiv" 40th Tactical Aviation Brigade.

Russian-Israeli military journalist Sergey Auslender said on Oct. 1, citing his own source and noting that the information required further verification, that there had been an assassination attempt against Denys Shtilierman near Kyiv.

The strike, which occurred at around 6:18 p.m. local time on Sept. 30, sparked a fire that was quickly extinguished. No one was injured in the attack, according to a statement.