09/29/2025

Russia batters Kyiv in hours-long drone and missile onslaught

Ukraine War – Escalation in the skies

Ukraine woke up to one of the heaviest aerial attacks since the full-scale invasion began. According to the general staff, Russian forces launched “595 drones and 48 missiles,” with four civilians – including a child – killed in Kyiv. Poland briefly closed airspace near its southeastern border and scrambled jets while explosions rattled the capital for more than 12 hours.

President Volodymyr Zelensky called for tougher sanctions, arguing Moscow is using oil revenue to fund “vile strikes.” As Kyiv pleads for more defenses, Washington confirmed it is weighing a request for long-range Tomahawk missiles, weapons that would place Moscow well within reach of Ukrainian launchers.

In the nuclear realm, the Kremlin floated extending New START limits for a year if Washington reciprocates, but also warned British and French arsenals must eventually enter the talks. “You cannot remain abstract with these arsenals,” Dmitry Peskov said.

Middle East – Pressure for a Gaza ceasefire

U.S. President Donald Trump hosts Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today, hoping to seal a 21-point proposal billed as “peace in the Middle East, more than Gaza.” The plan – outlined after last week’s U.N. meetings – seeks a comprehensive ceasefire, return of all hostages and eventual political transition in Gaza. Netanyahu arrives from New York after blasting European moves to recognise Palestinian statehood.

The White House insists regional leaders are “on board,” but Hamas says it has not yet received a concrete offer. Ahead of the talks, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff told Axios that Washington and Jerusalem are “very close to agreement,” though Hamas’ approval remains uncertain.

On the ground, Israeli armour pushed deeper into Gaza City at the weekend as the Al-Qassam Brigades claimed it had lost contact with two Israeli captives amid intense fighting (Reuters report).

Moldova – Pro-EU camp fends off ‘dirty’ tactics

Partial results show President Maia Sandu’s Party of Action and Solidarity securing a slim parliamentary majority despite what officials labelled an “extraordinarily difficult struggle” against Russian interference. With 99.9 % of ballots tallied, PAS holds 50.1 % versus 24.2 % for the pro-Moscow Patriotic Bloc, averting coalition turmoil but leaving analysts warning of a “fragile” mandate.

Opposition leader Igor Dodon has called for peaceful protests, alleging vote-rigging. EU leaders praised Moldovans’ “sovereign choice,” while Moscow denied meddling.

Asia-Pacific – Typhoon Bualoi’s deadly path

After tearing across the central Philippines, killing at least 24 people, Typhoon Bualoi smashed into Vietnam with 130 km/h winds. Authorities confirmed 11 fatalities and widespread damage, with tens of thousands evacuated and four airports shut. The storm has since weakened over Laos but left large swathes of Nghe An and Ha Tinh provinces without electricity.

Vietnam’s disaster agency warned that 20 people remain missing at sea, underscoring scientists’ warnings that warming seas are fuelling more intense storms.

Iran – Sanctions snap back and alleged spy executed

The U.N. arms embargo and other penalties on Iran formally returned after Britain, France and Germany triggered the 2015 deal’s “snapback” clause, citing Tehran’s nuclear violations. Iran condemned the decision as “legally baseless” (AFP) and recalled ambassadors from the three European states. Hours earlier, Tehran announced the execution of Bahman Choubi-asl, described as “one of the most important spies for Israel.”

The rial slid to a record low on black-market exchanges, reflecting fears of deeper economic pain.

Business & Tech – Jobs and visas in flux

Lufthansa will trim 4,000 mainly administrative roles by 2030 as Germany’s recession bites (AFP). The carrier said digitalization and AI will let it “do more with less.” In China, a new K-visa opens on Wednesday, promising STEM graduates residency without a job offer – a move analysts see as counter-programming to the U.S. decision to raise H-1B fees to $100,000 annually.