WORLD WORLDWIDE EUROPE UKRAINE KYIV - THE KYIV POST DAILY - It’s Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.

 

It’s Friday, Oct. 2 The Russian military was given a blank check to strike everything and anything, according to Zelensky. The statement came as Russia targeted Kyiv’s South Bridge – one of three major routes spanning the Dnipro River that separates the capital – multiple times yesterday, causing a near-total traffic collapse today, with the bridge awaiting clearance to reopen. But that might only be the beginning, as the Kremlin is reportedly planning to shut off 90% of Ukraine’s utility services this winter, based on purportedly leaked war plans, and force Ukrainians out of homes and, with that, a mass exodus to Europe. But that doesn’t mean Ukraine is taking a beating for nothing – it’s also inflicting damage with another 646-drone swarm that hit Russia’s largest tank farm in Europe, with Moscow losing more ground on the front than it occupies this year. Kyiv’s $27 billion defense funding gap is also covered, which is good news. Kyiv also denied reports that it’s running out of parts for F-16s – again, probably good news as they appear to now be actively used to down the ever-rising number of jet-powered drones. By Leo Chiu Your Ideas, Your Voice Join us on Telegram! Follow our coverage of the war 24/7 at @Kyivpost_official. View Ukraine War Updates Russia Lost Ground Despite Putin’s Claims of Major Advances, ISW Says The assessment contradicts Putin’s claim that Russian forces captured 1,301 square kilometers (502 square miles) in September alone. Other war-related updates: Kyiv Metro Awaits Safety Clearance to Resume South Bridge Crossings Ukraine Denies F-16 Crisis Over Maintenance and Parts Ukraine Tests Five High-Speed Drone Interceptor Models to Counter Russia’s Jet-Powered Attacks Russia Wants to Force Kyiv Residents Out of Capital, Zelensky Says Russia Plans to Cut 90% of Power, Heat and Water in Ukraine’s Biggest Cities SBU Nabs 2 Zaporizhzhia Teenagers Accused of Moscow-Backed Assassination Plot ‘No Rules Now’: Putin Orders Civilian Attacks, Zelensky Says Kyiv Grinds to a Halt as Russian Strikes Shut Bridges, Force People to Walk 646 Drones Swarm Russia as Fires Hit Europe’s Largest Tank Farm, Oil Facilities Russian Attack Kills 1 in Kyiv High-Rise, Shuts Down Bridges Across the Capital Russia Turns Its Drone War on Kyiv’s Dnipro Bridges – Why Now? Russian Drone Hits Kyiv’s Southern Bridge for Third Time in One Day, Damaging Support ‘A Deliberate Tactic’: Zelensky Condemns Russian Drone Strike on Kyiv School For the Record “He said there are no rules now.” – President Volodymyr Zelensky on Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s alleged orders to the Russian military based on Kyiv’s intelligence reports Politics & Economy No EU Membership for Ukraine on Jan. 1, 2027, Brussels Admits Kyiv’s delayed reforms and renewed pressure on anti-corruption institutions threaten its accession prospects as France’s 2027 election approaches. Other developments: Ukrainian Grandmother Detained in Alleged FSB Trap Ukrainian Startup Osavul Raises $10 Million to Expand Threat Detection Kremlin Urges US-Russia Deals Before Ukraine Settlement Latvia Detains Couple Suspected of Spying for Russia South Korea Warns ‘Further Measures’ if Ukraine Refuses Public Apology Russian Strike on European Arms Factory Would Trigger Article 5, EU Defense Chief Says US Announces $24.4 Billion Contract to Speed Up Missile Production If Moscow Is Not Stopped in Ukraine, NATO Itself Could Be Next, Merz Warns New Russian Mobilization Could Leave Low-Skill Workers Poorer, KSE Institute Says Ukraine, EU Say 2026 Defense Needs Covered as Kyiv Starts Freezing Allocations Putin Raises Nuclear Threat Over Kaliningrad, Says Russia Monitors Arms Factories in Europe UK Announces Package of 31 Sanctions Against Russia In Focus Last-Minute Push for Russia Sanctions Bill From hallway conversations to emotional appeals, Ukrainian advocates reveal what happened behind the scenes as Congress prepared a Russia sanctions vote. By Andrii Getman Thanks for reading. See you soon. Looking to share KP’s news briefing with friends? They can subscribe here. Visit Our Site Our mailing address is: support@kyivpost.com