Russian strikes kill 13 across Ukraine as Fedorov calls for elections
Russian missile and drone strikes killed at least 13 people across Ukraine, while former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov called for new national elections.
Russian forces executed a widespread combined air attack using missiles and drones across Ukraine, hitting targets in Kyiv, Odesa, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the strikes killed at least 13 people and injured dozens, causing extensive damage to civilian infrastructure. Meanwhile, Russian authorities reported intercepting several Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow.
The military escalation coincides with mounting domestic political tension in Kyiv. Former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov publicly demanded national elections, arguing that "democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia." His comments follow his recent dismissal and coincide with anti-corruption investigations into figures linked to the presidency, as Ukrainian lawmakers prepare to vote on confirming Yevhenii Khmara as defense minister.
Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, La Repubblica.
How outlets assessed this
- Aug 28, 2026, 03:30 PM UTC
- Il Messaggero Critical Framed former defense minister Fedorov as a direct political rival challenging Zelensky following his sudden dismissal.
- Corriere della Sera Alarmed Portrayed Zelensky as politically encircled by internal corruption probes alongside Fedorov's public demand for renewed voting.
Sources
- La Repubblica — Guerra Ucraina - Russia, le news di oggi. Fedorov chiede elezioni: “Democrazia non può essere ostaggio di Mosca”
- Corriere della Sera — Zelensky «accerchiato»: blitz anticorruzione contro un gruppo legato a lui e Fedorov chiede di andare al voto. Nuova ondata di droni ucraini su Mosca
- ANSA — Ucraina, raid russo notturno su Kiev, Zelensky: 'Tredici morti e 40 feriti'
- Il Messaggero — Chi è Mykhailo Fedorov, ?l'anti Zelensky? che chiede le elezioni anticipate: il ruolo nella guerra tecnologica e il licenziamento improvviso
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