Finland's President Alexander Stubb and Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre spoke to Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin for the first time about his war against Ukraine during a phone call. “The aim of the phone call was to send messages directly to President Putin regarding future negotiations that should help end the war,” the two European politicians said in Helsinki. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the phone call, which had not previously been publicly announced by either party.
“The discussion was open and well-founded,” said Stubb. "The outcome of this war will have a direct impact on our security and the security of Europe as a whole. Direct talks are needed to end the war," he stressed. Støre said: "The suffering and destruction will affect entire generations. In the phone call we emphasized the importance of de-escalation."
According to their own statements, Stubb and Støre took the initiative themselves to work for peace and stability in Europe. As supporters of Ukraine, you are clearly on Kiev's side. They also emphasized that they did not speak to Putin on behalf of Europe as a whole. Both countries are also concerned about predictability in the Baltic Sea region, they said in a joint statement.
Russia has hit an important bridge in Kiev in nightly attacks on Ukraine, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. “Tragically there are casualties and hits in Kiev, including at the South Bridge,” he wrote on X, referring to one of the most important road bridges over the Dnipro River, which divides the Ukrainian capital. Russia used 16 ballistic missiles and more than 280 drones in the attacks, which also targeted numerous other regions.
Russia and Ukraine have begun a localized ceasefire in the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky. Both sides confirmed the start of the ceasefire, which is intended to allow humanitarian measures for the city near the front. Food and medicine are to be delivered to the city's needy residents. In addition, preparations should be made to ensure freedom of movement for residents.
At least one person was killed in a Russian rocket attack on the Ukrainian capital Kiev this evening. Numerous people were injured, as Mayor Vitali Klitschko announced on Telegram. According to him, an ambulance was also hit in addition to several buildings. Two paramedics were injured.
The five militarily strongest European NATO members want to strengthen Ukraine militarily before the upcoming winter with air defense systems and other equipment. “We have put together winter packages as part of our support for Ukraine,” said Defense Minister Boris Pistorius after a meeting with his counterparts from France, Poland, Great Britain and Italy in Paris.
According to official information, at least two people were killed in a Russian attack on the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. In addition, at least four people were injured, Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported on Telegram.
According to the secret service, a spy network coordinated by Russia has been uncovered in Romania. This network targeted military and industrial targets in Romania.
After a Ukrainian drone attack, there was a partial power outage at a factory owned by the Russian mining and steel company Severstal. The mining and processing plant in the Belgorod region was affected.
Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar visited Russia with a business delegation and received criticism from the opposition in his country. He met his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Moscow.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj has again complained about delays in the delivery of defense missiles and criticized US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. “In particular, we have been waiting for Mr. Hegseth’s signature regarding the missiles for Patriots and Nasams for almost a month,” Zelensky wrote.
According to Russian information, the talks planned for next month between Russia, Ukraine and the USA to resolve the conflict do not provide for any restrictions on military actions.
The Russian domestic secret service FSB says it has thwarted a Ukrainian drone attack on an important element of Moscow's air defense and a power plant. Two suspects were arrested.
According to Russian authorities, at least two people were killed and many more injured in massive Ukrainian drone attacks in the Voronezh region. In total there are 17 injured.
Anton Hofreiter, chairman of the European Committee in the Bundestag, calls for the Bundeswehr to be deployed against ships from Russia's “shadow fleet” that sail through German maritime areas.
