Russia's frontline losses drive more strikes on Ukraine's rear as Europe prepares new sanctions
Russian forces are suffering heavy frontline losses and intensifying strikes on Ukraine's civilian and energy infrastructure, while Europe prepares a new sanctions package after a drone incident in Germany.
The war in Ukraine continues to exact a heavy toll on Russian forces. Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War estimate that Russian troops have been losing more than 40,000 soldiers killed and wounded per month in recent months, while recruitment reaches only about 30,000 per month. Despite this, Russian President Vladimir Putin insists mobilization is not currently needed, dismissing such suggestions as an information attack by adversaries ahead of State Duma elections.
Putin said he is ready for peace talks with Ukraine, though he stressed that Kyiv and Moscow themselves must reach an agreement, with mediators playing a lesser role. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said a delegation representing the US president would soon visit Kyiv before heading to Moscow. US President Donald Trump said he is willing to meet Putin, but only once a draft peace agreement is ready.
Calls to end the war were also voiced at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, where Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed support for all efforts to stop the fighting in Ukraine.
Strikes intensify
Russian missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian civilian centers have increased recently. In apparent retaliation for Ukrainian strikes on Wildberries and Ozon marketplace warehouses, Russian forces have also begun targeting Ukrainian logistics hubs, including Nova Poshta. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said strikes across Ukraine over the past two days, including in Kyiv and Odesa — cities far from the front line — have caused significant civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.
Experts expect Russia to intensify strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure this winter, increasingly using jet-powered Shahed-type drones, which are harder to shoot down. Zelensky said Ukraine is developing interceptors to counter such drones, with prototypes already in existence.
New sanctions
The European Union is preparing a new sanctions package against Russia after explosive-laden drones were discovered in August near Ukrainian cargo aircraft at Leipzig Airport in Germany. Berlin has officially accused Moscow of attempting a hybrid attack. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that if the goal was to intimidate Europe, it has only strengthened resolve to support Ukraine. Germany has already imposed its own measures, closing Russia's consulate general in Bonn and the Russian House in Berlin, tightening controls on Russian citizens, and strengthening measures against Russia's shadow fleet.
