Russia launches fresh strikes on Kyiv as von der Leyen warns against attacks on EU soil

Russian drone strikes targeted Kyiv while Ukraine hit Russian oil facilities, as Brussels warned Moscow against hybrid attacks inside EU borders following a German probe.
Russian forces launched additional overnight drone strikes against Kyiv, injuring at least one person and damaging local infrastructure. The attacks follow Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's address at the United Nations General Assembly, where he referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin as "patient zero who wanted the war." Moscow's defense ministry subsequently confirmed a new campaign specifically aimed at destroying Ukraine's energy network.
In response to the escalating aerial strikes, Ukrainian long-range drones struck Russian fuel facilities, disrupting refinery production and forcing Russia to purchase foreign fuel to meet domestic demand.
Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issued a firm warning regarding hostile actions within European Union borders, stating, "We do not tolerate attacks on EU soil." Her declaration follows a German investigation in Leipzig that identified two suspects with ties to Moscow behind explosive drone incidents.
Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.
Sources
Earlier coverage
- Oct 16, 2026, 06:30 PM UTCEU warns Moscow after drone incidents as Russia targets Ukrainian energy
- Oct 16, 2026, 05:30 PM UTCEU warns against Russian hybrid threats as strikes hit Kyiv and energy targets
- Oct 16, 2026, 05:00 PM UTCEU warns Moscow over hybrid threats as Russian drone strikes hit Kyiv
- Oct 16, 2026, 12:30 PM UTCRussian strikes target Kyiv as EU warns Moscow over hybrid threats
- Oct 16, 2026, 11:30 AM UTCEU vows response to alleged Russian sabotage as Kyiv faces fresh drone strikes
- Oct 16, 2026, 11:00 AM UTCGerman police identify Russian-linked suspects over Leipzig drone discovery
- Oct 16, 2026, 06:30 AM UTCRussia targets Kyiv with drones as EU warns against acts of sabotage on its soil
- Oct 16, 2026, 05:00 AM UTCRussia launches new campaign against Ukrainian energy grid as Kyiv comes under drone attack
- Oct 16, 2026, 12:30 AM UTCGerman authorities identify suspects in Leipzig drone incident as EU warns Moscow
- Oct 15, 2026, 11:00 PM UTCEuropean Union warns Russia over covert operations as strikes target Kyiv and Russian energy sites