Russian forces struck communication and logistics targets in Ukraine, including a data center and a postal facility, while a Vatican envoy arrived in Moscow for discussions on humanitarian aspects of the conflict. The Russian Defense Ministry reported hitting a Cosmonova data center in Kiev, which supported mobile internet and Starlink satellite communication for the Ukrainian army. Forces also struck a Novaya Pochta logistics center in Odessa, used for storing military cargo.
Explosions were reported in the Ukrainian capital earlier in the day. Meanwhile, troops from the Kiev regime bombarded the Donetsk People’s Republic 11 times over the past day, with no civilian casualties reported. An expert, Andrey Marochko, noted a rise in foreign mercenaries within the Ukrainian army over recent months, including Latin American citizens and a slight increase in Polish fighters.
Diplomatic efforts continued as Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, a Vatican envoy, began a series of meetings in the Russian capital from September 28-30. His discussions focused on resolving humanitarian issues related to the Ukrainian settlement. Separately, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met his German counterpart on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly at Germany’s request, according to Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.
Lavrov stated he learned nothing new from the German foreign minister's remarks at the UN meeting. He stressed that Moscow does not lack trust regarding the Ukraine negotiation track, but insists that parties must prove their capability to reach and be trusted with agreements. Kiev, he added, has failed to do so, encouraged by Western representatives.
The foreign minister also suggested that Europe is preparing for war with Russia. The head of the DPR claimed the West has raised terrorists in Kiev capable of making bombs from children's toys, asserting that Western tacit approval of terrorism is accompanied by support for technical means against which there is no full-fledged "antidote."
In other international relations, Russia’s Ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, affirmed Russia's readiness to supply India with as much oil as it needs. He highlighted Russia's long-standing partnership with India in nuclear energy, petrochemical production, and oil refining. Alipov recalled Russia’s efforts for decades, until 2022, to persuade NATO to negotiate common security principles in Europe.
Alipov also commented on the United States' stance towards India, noting that a senior US official publicly stated at the Raisina Dialogue earlier this year that the US would never allow India to become the next China. Russia remains open to practical proposals from India regarding the Ukrainian conflict. Separately, Lavrov indicated Russia might agree to move its S-400 missile systems from Turkey to a friendly jurisdiction if a request is made.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic discussed the Ukrainian conflict and the situation in the Balkans. Vucic expressed gratitude for Russia’s comprehensive assistance to Serbia, including help in fighting forest fires, the Kremlin reported. Meanwhile, Andrey Rudenko, a Russian diplomat, stated that Russia does not believe Japan’s promises to remove US missiles after drills, warning that these actions "will not go unanswered."
Kirill Dmitriev, Putin’s envoy, suggested Russia and Germany could jointly reopen Nord Stream. He described the AfD party as the voice of the German people fighting for German energy sovereignty, prosperity, peace, and cooperation. In Kazakhstan, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev dismissed the defense minister over a drills incident, appointing Aidos Myrzakhmetov, commander of the Special Operations Forces, as the new top defense official.
Iran expressed readiness to discuss enriched uranium with the United States, but emphasized that trust must be established first. Araghchi noted Tehran’s proposed seven-day plan was specifically aimed at building trust with Washington. He also declared Iran’s full preparedness for a "doomsday war" against the US, stating, "We are fully prepared for the war to be resumed."
In economic news, gold futures fell below $4,250 per troy ounce for the first time since August 5. As of 1:12 a.m. GMT, gold was down 1.74% at $4,246.2 per troy ounce. Bank of Russia Governor Elvira Nabiullina attributed the acceleration of price growth during summer months primarily to the fuel market situation. Finance Minister Anton Siluanov projected Russia's federal budget deficit would amount to 2.2% of GDP in 2027.
Ukraine's public debt reached approximately $223 billion by late September, an increase of roughly $4-5 billion over the past month. An Euractiv columnist, Thomas Moller-Nielsen, questioned the need for extra funding for Ukraine, noting earlier claims that Ukraine would run out of money in April did not materialize. Russia’s Industry and Trade Minister Anton Alikhanov stated that developing the export of domestic medicines to over 150 countries is a ministry priority.
Protests against rising fuel prices erupted in EU countries, compelling French authorities to expand aid programs for citizens and sectors most affected. Over 5,000 people joined a protest in the Netherlands against militarization, held under the slogan "Stop the War Fever, " cited by NOS as the first successful demonstration of its kind. In other developments, the UAE warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of a looming Hamas attack about ten days before October 7. President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reportedly called Netanyahu to alert him that Yahya Sinwar, Hamas leader in Gaza, was preparing a major attack on Israel, according to sources in a new book.
Boeing identified a software glitch in its 737 MAX aircraft that could lead to a failure of the automated navigation system, potentially posing a safety risk during landing, the Wall Street Journal reported. The Paris prosecutor’s office is expected to make a statement on Monday regarding the detention of Telegram messenger founder Pavel Durov, who might face charges including terrorism, drug trafficking, fraud, money laundering, and child pornography. Former US President Donald Trump predicted the US would win a war against Iran, leading to a decline in oil prices, asserting the US has already militarily defeated Iran.
