Russian strikes force closure of Ukraine's largest steel plant

ArcelorMittal, the world's second-biggest steelmaker, has closed its largest plant in Ukraine, located in Kryvyi Rih, saying safe and sustainable operations are no longer possible. The company informed the Ukrainian government of the decision on Friday after four Russian strikes in five weeks caused extensive damage and killed five workers.

The closure deals another blow to Ukraine's steel sector, which once accounted for 15% of the country's exports but has been squeezed by both Russian attacks and EU restrictions. Russia has stepped up airstrikes in recent months, using ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones to hit businesses, logistics networks, Black Sea port facilities and civilian infrastructure.

Zelenskyy warns of expanding attacks

Speaking on Friday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia was continually broadening its attacks on infrastructure Ukrainians depend on daily, including data centres and warehouses. He cited a drone strike that day on a warehouse used by McDonald's, saying Russia was targeting ordinary life itself — food supplies, internet providers and businesses alike.

Zelenskyy said the EU and the International Monetary Fund understood the need to help Kyiv finance its budget deficit and defence spending. Ukraine is seeking an additional $27bn from partners this year as war costs rise, and has asked to bring forward part of an EU loan. He said drones needed to be ordered in October and November or Ukraine would face difficulties early next year.

Zelenskyy has asked Donald Trump to press Chinese leader Xi Jinping to use Beijing's influence over Moscow to end the war, though he said he had not yet heard the outcome of Trump's talks with Xi.

Putin denies plans to attack Europe

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia was not preparing for any kind of conflict with Europe, responding to warnings from some Nato members, including Denmark, about potential Russian threats to the alliance. Senior European officials, including the foreign ministers of Lithuania and Estonia, said support for Ukraine would endure even if political shifts in some countries reduced their commitment.

Meanwhile, a bipartisan group of 14 US senators urged Trump to rescind Putin's invitation to the G20 summit in Florida in December, arguing Putin bears sole responsibility for the war.