Ukraine returns 205 citizens from Russian captivity; Zelensky urges allies to finance Ukraine’s drone production: October 2 latest

Ukraine conducts prisoner swap

Ukraine brought home 205 its citizens: 185 service members and 20 civilians in prisoner swap. Most of them had been held in Russian captivity since 2022.

Among them are members of the Armed Forces, the National Guard, and the State Border Service. The youngest service member is 26 years old, and the oldest is 59.

Zelensky urges allies to finance Ukraine’s drone production

Ukraine's President Zelenskyy discussed with partners the financing to increase the production of Ukrainian drones, he said at a news conference following the Defence Summit in Denmark.

"We need more financing to be comparable. Because Russia uses 500-600 drones every day, while we use 100-150. We have enough capacity; it's now a question of finances. I spoke with our partners. By increasing financing, we will be comparable with long-distance drones," Zelensky said.

Russia attacks residential area in the Kharkiv region

Russian forces attacked the city of Balakliya in the Kharkiv region with Iskander-M ballistic missile late on October 1. The attack hit a residential area, killing one person and injuring 16, including a child, said the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor's Office.

160-190 assaults per day: Ukraine’s General Staff about the situation on the frontline

Russian troops are conducting offensive operations along the entire line of contact in 13 main operational directions, an average of 160-190 assaults per day, said Andrii Hnatov, Chief of the General Staff.

Hnatov added that the situation in the combat zones remains difficult. Russian forces continue to actively assault the positions of Ukrainian troops on the main fronts, creating a 5-6 times advantage in forces and resources.

The most tense situation remains in eastern Ukraine, where the Russians significantly outnumber Ukrainian forces in terms of strength and resources. In addition, Russia is trying to widely use the tactic of infiltrating small groups into the rear areas of Ukrainian troops for further accumulation and development of an offensive in the rear of the Defense Forces.

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry: Russia weaponizes nuclear safety

Russia deliberately cut off power to the occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant because it is preparing to reconnect the plant to its power grid, said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.

"The Zaporizhzhia NPP should be viewed as a military maneuver. Each step Russia takes is not only a deadly risk but also a path to disaster. The recent blackout at the Chernobyl NPP, caused by a Russian strike, has once again shown how Moscow uses nuclear safety as a weapon," Sybiha said.

Other important news

• Ukraine’s General Staff says blackouts in Moscow are possible as every Russian action against Ukraine will be met with a symmetrical response.
• The US government shutdown could cost $15 billion per week. Trump sees it as an “unprecedented opportunity.”
• Israel intercepted a flotilla carrying pro-Palestinian activists, including Swedish political activist Greta Thunberg
• Ukraine severed diplomatic relations with Nicaragua over its decision to recognize Ukraine's temporarily occupied territories as part of Russia.
• Rescue teams completed operations in Odesa after heavy rainfall and flash floods that hit the city on Monday and Tuesday. More than 380 people have been rescued, 10 are reported dead.
• A Russian boat was spotted near a gas pipeline in the port of Szczecin in Poland early on October 1.