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Russian Army Advances Towards Konka River in Zaporozhye

28 October 2026 at 21:28

Click to see full-size image. (Russian Ministry of Defense)

In the Zaporozhye direction the “Dnepr” grouping is advancing towards the Konka River line, while units of the “East” grouping have recorded a deep breakthrough between Vozdvizhevka and the Verkhnyaya Tersa, creating a threat to Ukrainian logistics. In the Sumy direction Russian units of the “North” grouping continue to push deeper into the region, fighting near Khoten, Velyka Rybytsia, Nikolskoye, Korenek and Turya. In the Kharkiv direction heavy fighting continues towards Kharkiv and on the Volchansk sector, where advances of up to 700 meters have been recorded. In the Slavyansk direction positional fighting persists around Rai-Aleksandrovka and Nikolayevka, with Ukrainian units being pushed out of Dibrova and the woodland near Ozyornoye. In the Kupyansk direction Russian forces have repelled a Ukrainian counter-offensive and are consolidating in the areas of Bolshaya Shapkovka, Polomarovka, Kovalevka and Sobolevka, preparing conditions for a further advance towards Monachinovka. Meanwhile the presidents of the Czech Republic and Finland, Petr Pavel and Alexander Stubb, discussed by telephone the development of a common European position on peace negotiations concerning Ukraine following Stubb’s and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre’s conversation with Vladimir Putin.

Sumy direction

Ukrainian units have not undertaken significant offensive action and have concentrated on defense. Elements of the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade are being returned to the Sumy region. Electronic-warfare crews from the same brigade have also been redeployed to the area to strengthen counter-drone efforts.

Local reports indicate that Ukrainian forces have accumulated and partially relocated reserves near the Oleshnya River, thereby expanding the grey zone around Ivolzhanskoye. However, it is premature to speak of consolidation in the riverside area, as the Ukrainian side is relying mainly on small groups for movement.

In the Sumy district Russian assault troops advanced on ten sectors by up to 600 meters amid heavy fighting. In the Shostka district units of the “North” grouping continue to press towards Korenek. In the Krasnopolye district Russian assault groups are engaged in small-arms fighting near Turya.

Kharkiv direction

Activity around Tsupovka and Novaya Kazachya is gradually declining as the summer–autumn campaign draws towards its close. Russian units are attempting to capture and hold Novaya Kazachya, but Ukrainian forces, using Tsupovka as a base, are dislodging them with counter-attacks. Stabilisation will be possible at best if Novaya Kazachya can be taken and the line held. Ukrainian logistics, which rely on Kharkiv and the valley route through Dergachi to Slatino, remain more convenient in this sector.

Russian troops have driven Ukrainian units out of Alisovka in the Kharkiv region. The settlement lies directly on the E105 highway that previously linked Belgorod and Kharkiv. The capture of Alisovka has allowed an advance along the road and created a threat to Liptsy from the west.

On the Volchansk and Velykyi Burluk sectors fierce fighting continues around Prikolotnoye. Total advances on four sectors over the past 24 hours reached up to 700 meters.

Near Velykyi Burluk the newly formed 50th Motor Rifle Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces is suffering heavy losses. It was transferred to attempt a break-out from the encirclement in the north-east of Kharkiv region but has been unable to enter combat owing to catastrophic under-strength and losses inflicted by Russian aviation.

Zaporozhye direction

The “Dnepr” grouping is focused on reaching the Konka River line while simultaneously supporting the left flank of the “East” grouping in the encirclement and destruction of the Ukrainian grouping around Orekhov. Fighting continues in Primorskoye and in the Lukyanovskoye area. Heavy combat persists around Orekhov and Preobrazhenka. The front remains broadly stable: the Ukrainian side has transferred special-forces units that are holding the northern outskirts of Orekhov and most of Preobrazhenka. Relying on the network of underground communications and the defensive line constructed east of Orekhov in 2023, they are attempting to infiltrate flanks and rear areas and to insert small groups into Malaya Tokmachka.

Further east, in the sector of the “East” grouping, a breakthrough has been recorded between Vozdvizhevka and the Verkhnyaya Tersa. Although still narrow, the penetration is already deep and is acquiring operational-tactical significance. The situation is gradually shifting in favor of Russian units. It is important not only to cut Druzhkovka from the west but also to establish drone positions on the heights west of the town in order to disrupt logistics more effectively, and to gain a foothold on the outskirts so that offensive operations can be conducted with greater prospects of success during the winter.

Slavyansk direction

The principal task remains the retention of positions secured during the summer–autumn campaign around Rai-Aleksandrovka and on the outskirts of Nikolayevka, together with the final clearance of Ukrainian units from Starodubovka. The expulsion of Ukrainian forces from Dibrova continues, while fighting persists in Ozyornoye and the adjacent woodland. Reports of the clearance of Ozyornoye should not be interpreted as final capture of the settlement; Ukrainian units retain a presence and continue to operate in small groups from the direction of Yampol. Further north, near Kolodezi, the intensity of clashes has somewhat decreased, although probing attacks against Russian defenses continue. In Krasny Liman itself the situation is more complex: fighting affects the urban area and the southern approaches, and Ukrainian forces still hold positions in several districts.

Kupyansk direction

Fighting is currently under way in the areas of Bolshaya Shapkovka, Polomarovka, Kovalevka and Sobolevka, where Russian presence is substantial. Consolidation is essential. If successful, operations can gradually begin to take Monachinovka, a large settlement, strongpoint and strategic road junction.

The capture of Monachinovka would create an immediate threat to Sredniy Burluk. South of it lies marshy lowland where logistics are extremely difficult. The main Ukrainian supply route to Velykyi Burluk runs through Pechenegi. If Sredniy Burluk can be taken, discussion of the operational encirclement of the Velykyi Burluk grouping becomes realistic. On the northern flank, around Dvurechnaya–Kutkovka, fighting continues for positions west of the Oskol.

In Kupyansk itself the main clashes remain concentrated in the urban area. Local successes have been recorded on the north-western approaches, but a continuous line of control within the city has not yet been established. Russian units retain a presence in Kupyansk-Uzlovoy, and fighting continues near Kovsharovka and on the approaches to Kurilovka.

 

 

Conclusion

In the Sumy direction the capture of Alisovka and advances near Khoten, Velyka Rybytsia and Korenek create conditions for further pressure on the border positions. In the Kharkiv direction Russian forces are driving Ukrainian units from their positions around Prikolotnoye and Velykyi Burluk while inflicting heavy losses on newly formed brigades. In the Zaporozhye direction the advance to the Konka River and the deep breakthrough between Vozdvizhevka and the Verkhnyaya Tersa are forming the preconditions for the envelopment of the Orekhov grouping. In the Slavyansk direction the retention of key positions and the clearance of the Seversky Donets floodplain are reducing the threat to Russian logistics. In the Kupyansk direction the repulsion of the counter-offensive and consolidation on the western approaches open the prospect of an advance towards Monachinovka.

On the diplomatic track contacts on a settlement continue. The presidents of the Czech Republic and Finland, Petr Pavel and Alexander Stubb, discussed by telephone the development of a common European position on possible peace negotiations concerning Ukraine. On Tuesday Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “The conversation held on October 29 between the Finnish president and the Norwegian prime minister with Vladimir Putin was discussed. Prospects for achieving a common European position on possible peace negotiations were also among the topics,” the official website of Prague Castle stated following the Wednesday telephone call between the Czech and Finnish presidents. Both presidents agreed on the need to continue negotiations involving all interested parties in various formats.

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Russia and Ukraine Exchange Strikes: Railway Infrastructure, Energy, Metallurgy, and Chemical Industry Targets Hit

28 October 2026 at 18:25

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On the night of October 28, Russian forces carried out a combined strike against targets on Ukrainian territory. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, the attack employed an Iskander-M/S-400 ballistic missile and 88 strike UAVs. The main emphasis was placed on logistics and energy infrastructure in Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Chernihiv, Volyn, and other Regions. In parallel, Ukrainian forces conducted a series of drone and cruise missile attacks against industrial targets on Russian territory, including the largest metallurgical combine and a chemical plant.

Strikes on Ukrainian Territory

Kharkiv Region

  • Logistics center in Kharkiv. According to a statement by the Russian Ministry of Defense, the site was used to store military and dual-use cargo intended to supply Ukrainian troops.

  • Locomotive near the settlement of Ordovka.

Dnipropetrovsk Region

  • Pyatykhatky railway station, Kamianske district. Two consecutive Geran-4 UAV strikes during the day. The first strike set a rail trolley on fire, destroyed the driver’s cab, and damaged the overhead contact line and a grain car in a freight train; the second strike set an electric locomotive on fire.

  • Gas station in Shakhtarske.

Chernihiv Region

  • Energy infrastructure in Chernihiv. According to Ukrainian sources, about 210,000 subscribers were left without electricity, and roughly 90 percent of the city was de-energized. The specific target has not been identified.

Volyn Region

  • PS-330 Lutsk-Northern substation, Lutsk. According to a statement by the Russian Ministry of Defense, the facility supplied power to military-industrial enterprises producing UAVs and components.

  • PS-330 substation, Kovel. A similar target; power outages were recorded in Kovel after the strike.

Kirovohrad Region

  • Railway facility in Znamianka.

Odesa Region

  • Bulk carrier underway toward the port of Chornomorsk. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the vessel was delivering cargo to supply the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Reports also indicated strikes on targets in Zhytomyr, Vinnytsia, Khmelnytskyi, Kherson, Kyiv, Cherkasy, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia Regions. A blackout was recorded in central Kyiv, with electricity absent in parts of the central districts.

Strikes on Russian Territory

According to a statement by the Russian Ministry of Defense, 531 Ukrainian UAVs were shot down overnight over Russian territory across 13 federal subjects.

Lipetsk Region

  • Novolipetsk Metallurgical Combine (NLMK), Lipetsk. The largest metallurgical enterprise in Russia, with a capacity of about 17 million metric tons of steel per year. According to Ukrainian sources, it was attacked with FP-5 cruise missiles; a fire was reported in the area of the combine. The governor of Lipetsk Region confirmed that UAV debris had fallen and vegetation had caught fire, while denying a “major fire at an industrial enterprise.” A total of 45 UAVs were shot down over the Region.

Tula Region

  • Azot chemical plant, Novomoskovsk. According to Ukrainian sources, the plant was attacked by UAVs, with the AM-70 ammonia production unit reportedly hit. Russian authorities confirmed the attack on the chemical plant and damage to residential buildings, without providing details about production capacity.

Kursk Region

  • Building housing servers for the regional healthcare system, Kursk. Damaged as a result of a UAV attack; disruptions to certain medical services are possible. Over the day, 168 UAVs were shot down over the Region, and three people were injured.

For the week of October 19–25, according to Russian data, attacks on civilian targets killed 50 civilians and injured 263.

On October 28, two opposing directions are evident: Russian strikes are concentrating on Ukrainian railway logistics, energy, and warehouse infrastructure, while Ukrainian drones are attacking large industrial sites deep inside Russia, including metallurgy in Lipetsk and chemical production in Novomoskovsk. The strikes on the substations in Lutsk and Kovel are of particular significance, as they point to an attempt to weaken the power supply to western Ukraine’s logistics and production capacity.


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Patriot Deployment Signals Growing Preparations for Possible Iran War

28 October 2026 at 17:41

File image.

The United States military is moving an additional Patriot air-defense system from Texas to Israel as signs mount that Washington and Tel Aviv are preparing for possible renewed attacks on Iran after the American midterm elections on November 3.

The Wall Street Journal reported on October 28 that the transfer, identified through flight-tracking data and confirmed by two officials familiar with the movement, is intended to strengthen Israel’s missile defenses ahead of a potential new round of fighting.

The deployment comes amid broader U.S. military preparations. Washington has moved troops away from Middle Eastern bases considered vulnerable to Iranian retaliation and is replenishing munitions, while bomber aircraft and fighter jets are being prepared for possible strikes, the Journal reported.

In addition, the U.S. has warned several Gulf Arab countries to prepare for a possible short, intense military campaign against Iran after the elections.

President Donald Trump has not made a final decision on whether to launch new attacks but is leaning toward a major post-election campaign that could target Iranian infrastructure and nuclear sites, the Journal reported, citing people familiar with his thinking.

Speaking at a rally in Lubbock, Texas, a day earlier, Trump said, “You’ll see Iran in a couple of weeks, if you don’t mind,” without providing further details.

The White House declined to comment on “sensitive military plans that may or may not exist,” adding that “President Trump keeps all options on the table to ensure that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.”

Meanwhile, regional mediators have continued efforts to revive negotiations with Tehran, although those efforts have yet to produce a breakthrough, the Journal reported.

A senior Iranian official involved in recent talks told Reuters on October 28 that Tehran had received only “unacceptable ideas and not an offer,” adding that Iran would show no flexibility on its nuclear program.

The central dispute over the terms and sequence of negotiations clearly persists. Washington wants Iran’s nuclear program included from the outset, while Tehran says its conditions, including an end to the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports and the lifting of sanctions on Iranian oil exports, must be met first. Given this, a return to fighting seems more than likely.

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Russia Tests Optical Navigation System to Help Drones Defeat Jamming

28 October 2026 at 17:18

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Russia has tested an autonomous navigation system designed to guide drones when satellite navigation signals and external communications are unavailable or jammed.

The system, called SOVA, or Comparative Optical Visual Authentication, was developed by VA Technologies and uses computer vision to compare images captured by an onboard camera with satellite maps, allowing a drone to determine its position in real time, the Center for Unmanned Systems and Technologies told TASS on October 28.

“The developer of the solution, VA Technologies, is a finalist in the third cohort of the CUST Special-and Dual-Use Projects Accelerator. The SOVA system is based on computer vision technology. During flight, the system compares images from an onboard camera with a satellite map of the terrain and determines the UAV’s [unmanned aerial vehicle] location in real time.

During testing, a drone equipped with the SOVA system completed a route that had no clear landmarks and included substantial differences between the satellite map and the actual terrain,” the company said.

The test drone followed a star-shaped route, visiting four waypoints before returning to its launch site. The test used satellite imagery from the spring of 2025 rather than an updated map, deliberately introducing discrepancies between the stored imagery and the actual terrain.

One section of the route highlighted the system’s ability to correct navigation errors when the landscape did not match the stored images.

“The second waypoint on the satellite map was located over dark plowed land, while the actual terrain featured a light-colored field covered with stubble. With no landmarks to guide it, the UAV deviated from its course. However, upon reaching a tree line, the SOVA system promptly corrected its course and successfully reached the third waypoint,” the company said.

The center said the developer estimates that SOVA could substantially improve mission reliability when satellite navigation is unavailable.

“According to the developer, in the absence of GPS, SOVA is capable of increasing the UAV mission reliability rate to 99%,” the CUST noted.

The tests come as Russia has begun incorporating similar optical-navigation technology into its one-way attack drones used against Ukraine.

Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate said earlier in the month that Russia had equipped its upgraded Geran-4 jet-powered attack drones with a system called Susanin, which uses an optical sensor to compare images of the terrain with reference images stored in the drone’s computer. A similar system was identified on the K5 variant of the Geran-5.

Ukrainian drone analyst Serhii Beskrestnov has also told Business Insider that comparable systems were already being used on smaller Molniya, V2U and Lancet drones.

The rapid development and deployment of such systems reflects a broader Russian effort to make drones more resilient to electronic warfare, which has become a central feature of the conflict in Ukraine.

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Military Situation In Yemen On October 28, 2026 (Map Update)

28 October 2026 at 17:05

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  • Saudi Arabia said on October 27 that its air defenses intercepted five ballistic missiles targeting Riyadh and the Eastern Province, while the Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting four drones heading toward southern Saudi Arabia;
  • The Yemeni army (Ansar Allah) advanced south of Taiz city, capturing several hills;
  • The Yemeni army (Ansar Allah) advanced in the Kahbub area in the Lahij province;
  • The Yemeni army (Ansar Allah) attacked Saudi positions in the cities of Jeddah and Yanbu with a number of cruise missiles and suicide drones;
  • Explosions were reported in Aden on October 28 after Ansar Allah called for the evacuation of Aden Airport, alleging that a Saudi military cargo aircraft carrying weapons was present at the facility.

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Putin Says Russia Is in Touch With Starlink’s Founder While Building Its Own Rival

28 October 2026 at 16:21

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Russian President Vladimir Putin said on October 28 that Russia remains in contact with Elon Musk over satellite constellations, praising the SpaceX founder as a “genius” while touting Moscow’s efforts to build its own satellite internet network to rival Starlink.

“We are in close contact with our American partners, including Mr. Musk,” Putin said during a visit to an exhibition held alongside the Russia-Africa summit in Moscow.

Putin further noted that cooperation was important to prevent satellites from interfering with one another despite political disagreements between the two countries.

“Musk is a genius, truly a genius,” Putin said. “How many spacecraft does he have in orbit? More than 5,000. And we are only taking our first steps.”

Russia’s homegrown satellite internet project, called Rassvet, is being developed by Bureau 1440, a subsidiary of Russian technology group IKS Holding.

Bureau 1440 is building a low-Earth-orbit constellation designed to provide broadband internet access, with commercial service planned for 2027. Russia has launched more than 30 Rassvet satellites, although the network remains at an early stage of deployment.

Putin said Russia was proud to have begun developing the system independently and emphasized the need for coordination in space.

“On orbit, it is very important not to interfere with one another, to observe a certain discipline and order,” he said, adding that Russia’s space agency Roscosmos and other companies were working closely with their American counterparts.

Putin’s remarks highlighted continued contacts on satellite constellations despite political tensions between Moscow and Washington.

The Russian project has a certain military significance. Ukraine’s military intelligence told the defense publication Janes in September that Russian forces had used the first group of Rassvet satellites for communications over Ukraine for several hours in July. The agency warned that a larger constellation could support real-time data transmission and the operation of reconnaissance and strike drones.

SpaceX’s Starlink network has become a major provider of satellite broadband worldwide, including for Ukrainian military communications during the conflict.

Developing an independent system would give Moscow an alternative for satellite connectivity and reduce its reliance on foreign communications infrastructure.

It’s worth noting that Musk recently faced accusations of restricting the service for Ukrainian forces, while he said the limits followed violations of Starlink’s terms by Kyiv, which he accused of using the civilian network for offensive drone strikes against Russia.

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Military Situation In Iran On October 28, 2026 (Map Update)

28 October 2026 at 15:23

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  • On October 27, an oil tanker caught fire after striking naval mines east of the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iran’s Navy;
  • Washington has reportedly urged Gulf Arab states to prepare for a possible renewed military campaign against Iran after the November 3 U.S. midterm elections.

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Houthi Missiles Slam Aden Airport as Saudi Cargo Plane Escapes (Video)

28 October 2026 at 15:16

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Yemen’s Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, struck Aden International Airport twice on October 28, after ordering the evacuation of the facility over the presence of a Saudi military cargo plane carrying weapons.

A missile fell inside the airport perimeter shortly before the evacuation warning, a local police source told Agence France-Presse.

A Saudi military aircraft was at the airport when the missile struck, but was not hit and took off shortly afterward, the source said, adding that a second missile later targeted an area under Saudi forces’ control inside the airport perimeter.

“Our armed forces call on those present at Aden airport to immediately evacuate due to the presence of a military cargo plane belonging to the Saudi enemy transporting weapons to kill the sons of the Yemeni people,” Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree said in a statement shortly before the strike.

Video footage that surfaced online after the strike revealed that the runway received at least one direct hit that caused serious damage.

The attack marks another strike near a key gateway to southern Yemen amid a sharp escalation in fighting between the Houthis and Saudi-backed forces.

The airport has been targeted repeatedly in recent weeks, including an October 16 attack in which two missiles landed inside its perimeter.

The Houthis have been steadily extending their control around the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait and the key city of Taiz. Against that backdrop, the recent strikes on Aden may be part of the group’s preparations for a large-scale offensive against the port city in the near future.

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Military Situation In Ukraine And Ukrainian Attacks On Russian Territory On October 28, 2026 (Maps Update)

28 October 2026 at 14:58

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  • Russian strikes hit targets in the Sumy, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, Vinnytsia, Kyiv, Kirovohrad, Khmelnytskyi, Zhytomyr, Cherkasy, Chernihiv regions, and the DPR;
  • According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russian forces attacked Ukraine with an Iskander-M/S-400 ballistic missile and 88 strike UAVs;
  • Russian forces struck an electronics manufacturing plant (NTU Ukrspeccommunication LLC) in the Kharkiv region;
  • Ukrainian losses amounted to approximately 1,160 personnel over the past 24 hours.

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  • Russian forces took control of Barilovka in the Sumy region.

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  • Russian forces took control of Alisovka in the Kharkiv region.

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  • During the past night, Russian air defenses destroyed 531 Ukrainian drones in the rear regions;
  • Russian air defenses intercepted UAVs in the Belgorod, Bryansk, Voronezh, Kaluga, Kursk, Lipetsk, Oryol, Rostov, Ryazan, Smolensk, Tambov, and Tula regions, and in the Moscow region;
  • Ukrainian drones targeted a building housing servers for the regional healthcare system in Kursk;
  • Ukrainian forces attacked the Novolipetsk Metallurgical Plant in Lipetsk;
  • Ukrainian forces attacked the Azot chemical plant in Novomoskovsk and targeted multi-story and private houses and infrastructure in the industrial zone of the Tula region;
  • In the Luhansk People’s Republic (LNR), four civilians were killed and eight injured over the past 24 hours.

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Ethiopia Receives 12 Russian Su-35s as S-400 Air Defenses Loom (Photos)

28 October 2026 at 12:32

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Ethiopia has received its first 12 Russian-made Su-35 fighter jets and will acquire four batteries of S-400 long-range air defense systems, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced on October 28, in a major expansion of the country’s aerial combat capabilities.

“Today, in accordance with our prior agreement with the Russian government, we have taken delivery of the first twelve Su-35 4++ Generation fighter jets,” Abiy wrote in a social media post.

He also thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for facilitating the delivery a year ahead of schedule, describing the acquisition as a milestone in Ethiopia’s efforts to strengthen its national defense and deter potential aggression.

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Abiy made the announcement while arriving in Moscow for the Third Russia–Africa Summit, underscoring the growing military dimension of Ethiopia’s relationship with Russia.

The Su-35 is a twin-engine, multirole fighter designed for air superiority and precision-strike missions. It can reach speeds of Mach 2.25 and carry up to eight tons of weapons. Its radar can detect aerial targets at distances of up to 350 kilometers, track 30 targets simultaneously and engage up to eight, according to Russian manufacturer United Aircraft Corporation.

The 12 aircraft give Ethiopia a substantial upgrade in its ability to detect and engage aerial threats, conduct long-range combat missions and challenge opposing aircraft.

The planned S-400 acquisition would complement the fighters with ground-based protection against aircraft, drones, cruise missiles and certain ballistic missile threats. Depending on the interceptor used, the Russian system has an advertised engagement range of up to 400 kilometers. Abiy did not specify when the four batteries would be delivered.

The military buildup comes as Ethiopia faces renewed fighting in Tigray and worsening relations with Egypt over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile. The two countries exchanged diplomatic expulsions in October amid broader regional tensions, while Cairo continues to demand a binding agreement governing the dam’s operation.

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Is Europe starting to come to its senses on Ukraine?

By: A A
28 October 2026 at 12:22

Finland and Norway are hinting at the need for a new approach to the continent`s relationship with Russia

By Matthew Blackburn

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The Trump administration’s latest initiative to end the war is creating heartburn in Europe.

“We have to pressure the aggressor to stop the war, not the victim to surrender,” said European Union High Representative Kaja Kallas. “Squeezing Ukraine is not the right approach, and that’s why Europe is standing by Ukraine.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, meanwhile, insists Russia has no genuine desire for peace, pointing in particular to Russian strikes on Ukrainian civilians.

This moral language frames the conflict as a zero-sum, good-versus-evil struggle. In this light, Europeans have no choice but to unite behind Ukraine to stop Russian President Vladimir Putin.

But not all European leaders are talking this way. The press conference in Oslo on Oct. 20 featuring Zelenskyy, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Finnish President Alexander Stubb was full of constructive language about ending the conflict. Stubb said the Oslo summit was the result of “substantive progress” made “under the radar.” Støre emphasised that “Europe has to be at the table” to secure a “lasting peace.” Europe, it seems, is not united on a negotiated end to the conflict.

Then on Tuesday, the two met with Putin unofficially, in an effort at de-escalation, according to reports. “We are neighboring countries to Russia,” Stubb said in a statement afterwards. “The outcome of this war will have a direct impact on our and the broader European security. Ending the war requires direct discussions.”

The Oslo summit was no bolt from the blue; Finnish and Norwegian representatives have been preparing the ground for several months. At last week’s Warsaw Security Forum, Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide avoided the usual binary of Ukraine’s victory or capitulation. He stressed that since the Europeans are now paying for the war, they should also lead the diplomacy to end it. Eide noted that a peace agreement could secure a democratic, independent Ukraine integrated into the EU with 80% of its original territory. Advancing this point among more hawkish European colleagues, Eide struck a tone of hope rather than fear. In an interview last Saturday, Eide noted that Europe must contribute concrete proposals for a post-war security architecture: “in the long run, we need to return to a normal relationship with Russia after the war (….) some kind of order must be restored.”

During his recent visit to the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs, Stubb presented a complementary argument. Restating his case for a “value-based realism,” he argued that European states should be faithful to their values but would not resolve the conflict by rigidly clinging to the moral high ground. Stubb urged the audience to keep “cooler heads”; fostering a “war mentality” would make it near impossible to conceive of peace.

Eide and Stubb are moving in a different direction from those who claim “victory” over Russia – however defined – is a prerequisite for future European security. They reject the mantra of ex-NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg that “weapons are the way to peace” and emphasize the military reality that neither side has the resources to win decisively.

This is a noble recognition of reality. Offensive actions from both sides have repeatedly failed to produce a breakthrough. Costs keep rising for both warring parties, while gains have become increasingly meagre. Europe, Ukraine, and Russia are stuck in a war that cannot be won on the terms set by either side.

Continuing the current course brings problems for all sides. Putin faces an overheating economy and increasing social fatigue and anxiety. Even if Russia destroys more and more Ukrainian infrastructure from the air, land offensives are likely to incur heavy losses. Ukraine’s situation is even tougher. Its chronic manpower shortages have led to intensified forced mobilization and increased social strains. Blockaded at sea and bombarded from the air, Ukraine is also short of money and weapons, constantly appealing to Western allies to plug the gaps.

The European coalition behind Ukraine faces serious problems of its own. Many European states are facing a sovereign debt crisis as war costs mount. The EU has been unable to persuade Belgium to make use of Russia’s frozen assets to fund the war. All the while, the dirty reality is that, since the war began, Europe has spent more on Russian energy imports than on weapons for Ukraine.

Tuesday’s meeting in Oslo provides a way out of this mess. As Stubb said at Tuesday’s press conference: “Peace requires patience. But unfortunately, war does not wait. People are dying each and every day. Our job is to do what we can to end it.” Norway and Finland are communicating the urgency of ending a senseless war. Referring to the recent spat between Trump and Zelensky, Støre advised against dwelling on past disagreements: “What matters now is what lies ahead of us.”

On the same day, Kaja Kallas looked back in anger. She accused the Trump administration of trying to “push Ukraine into surrender” on “Putin’s terms.” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, for her part, presented Ukraine as Europe’s only protection: “If we allow Ukraine to fall, we will open the way for Russia to advance into other parts of Europe.”

One can understand fears that, if Ukraine is rendered neutral with limits on its armed forces, Russia would hold the whip hand over Europe. Nobody wants to let Moscow dictate the terms of the European security architecture through violence. But at this point, Europe’s rejection of a “dirty deal” could mean impotently watching Ukraine’s destruction over the next six months. How would this outcome improve European security or prestige?

Norway and Finland have offered the most constructive European response to U.S. diplomacy since Trump returned to the White House. They offer Europe a new language of patient diplomacy to replace maximalist rhetoric. This is in line with both countries’ previous experience mediating and building bridges with Russia. It also recognizes a basic fact: all protracted wars not settled decisively on the battlefield — which is to say, the vast majority of wars — end in negotiated settlements between the aggressor and the defender. America’s signature is absolutely necessary to secure such an outcome.

Mainstream analysis seems unable to accept these realities. It is stuck in moral posturing or fearmongering. There is still little serious discussion of what compromises might be struck. The 28-point plan that U.S.-Russian diplomacy developed in 2025 should not be equated with Ukraine’s capitulation, nor is it a recipe for turning Ukraine into Belarus. Ukraine would enter the EU, receive reconstruction assistance, and retain armed forces on a level comparable to Finland’s. It is time to return to the core points on which a deal must be struck.

Russia has responded positively to the proposals sent from Oslo. Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. have agreed to a three-way summit in November, according to Zelensky. The key question now is whether other European governments will take the Oslo initiative seriously and agree on who can represent Europe in these talks. Dmitri Peskov, Putin’s press secretary, has cautiously welcomed the idea that Alexander Stubb could represent Europe in the negotiations.

Finland and Norway’s more moderate language is a crucial first step toward a shared European understanding that continuing the war in its current form is self-defeating. As Eide observed at the U.N. last month, “diplomacy can work – if we allow it to.”

But first, Europe must decide: will it support or sabotage the U.S. effort to build a diplomatic off-ramp?

Original article: responsiblestatecraft.org

Turkey Courts Egypt With Maritime Deal as Libya Dispute Deepens

28 October 2026 at 11:07

File image.

Turkey is ready to sign a maritime boundary agreement with Egypt that would give Cairo more than 15,000 square kilometers of additional maritime jurisdiction compared with a potential deal with Greece, the Turkish Defense Ministry said on October 28.

The ministry reiterated the offer during a weekly briefing, saying an agreement with Egypt could be reached on the basis of mutual interests.

It also welcomed the eastern-based Libyan House of Representatives’ October 20 approval of a 2019 maritime agreement with Turkey, describing the decision as an important development supporting Ankara’s approach to international law and equitable maritime boundaries.

“Our proposal to Egypt is clear. If Egypt signs such an agreement with our country, it will have approximately 15,000 square kilometers more maritime jurisdiction than it could have under a potential agreement with Greece,” Defense Minister Yaşar Güler said.

The Turkish-Libyan agreement has long been opposed by Egypt, Greece and Cyprus, which argue that it conflicts with their maritime claims in the eastern Mediterranean.

Turkey maintains that the agreement is legitimate and protects its interests in the strategically important waters, where competing claims over maritime boundaries and potential energy resources have fueled years of disputes.

The latest escalation began when Libya’s eastern-based parliament approved the agreement, reversing its previous opposition to the deal and its earlier decision to sever political ties with Ankara. The memorandum was originally signed in 2019 by Turkey and Libya’s internationally recognized government in Tripoli, which controlled the country’s west.

Egypt rejected the parliamentary approval the following day, saying it had no legal effect on Cairo and that the memorandum infringed on its sovereign rights in its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

It also argued that the agreement violated international maritime law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Cairo reinforced its opposition through diplomatic contacts with Ankara. On October 24, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty told his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, that the memorandum was null and void and that Egypt rejected any measures taken under it that contradicted its declared maritime boundaries.

Turkey expressed understanding of Egypt’s concerns and stressed the importance of continued consultations, according to Egypt’s Foreign Ministry.

Egypt has also coordinated with Greece, which signed a maritime delimitation agreement with Cairo in 2020. The two countries reaffirmed their rejection of the Turkish-Libyan arrangement on October 22 and agreed to continue consultations on maritime boundaries. Greece, from its part, said the countries are discussing extending their maritime zone eastward toward Cyprus.

On October 26, Egypt and Greece joined Cyprus, the European Union, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates in a joint declaration at the UN opposing the Turkish-Libyan agreement.

The signatories warned that the arrangement raised serious concerns about regional security and stability and could establish a precedent for bilateral agreements that undermine international law. They also argued that the memorandum could not override the maritime rights of third countries.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan dismissed the criticism on the same day, saying objections by the European Union and other parties to the agreement’s approval lacked a legitimate legal basis. Ankara also maintained that it does not seek to gain at the expense of other countries in the eastern Mediterranean.

Turkey’s renewed offer to Egypt appears to be an attempt to avoid further escalation. Cairo seems open to talks. However, taking into account its long stance on the issue, it is unlikely that it will make any concessions.

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Trump Leaning Toward Bigger Iran Operations After Midterm Elections

28 October 2026 at 10:49

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Written by Ahmed Adel, Cairo-based geopolitics and political economy researcher

American forces in the Middle East are prepared to launch new, potentially major, military operations against Iran “within 96 hours of receiving” an order from President Donald Trump, according to two US officials. The officials said sufficient forces are now in the region to carry out the potential attacks and that new US military operations would likely extend beyond efforts to “mow the lawn” or maintain the status quo by striking radars, launchers, and other Iranian assets that can be quickly reconstituted. As the sources stressed, this has been the case since Trump halted full combat operations earlier this year.

“It will be a big effort,” one of the officials told CNN. Other current and former US officials familiar with internal military planning say it is a matter of when, not if, Trump will issue a go-order. They believe it could come at any time before the end of the year, though it is most likely after the US midterm elections on November 3.

CNN reported that Iranian forces are now more familiar with US tactics, making it harder for the American military to destroy all intended targets. However, leaders at US Central Command and the Pentagon have been developing a wide-ranging target list that includes Iranian energy infrastructure, military sites, and nuclear facilities.

The planning also takes place against the backdrop of assessments that any larger US and Israeli operation would likely prompt immediate retaliation by Tehran and the Houthis against American personnel and facilities in the region. One US official described the current situation around the Strait of Hormuz as “untenable” over the longer term, citing it as one factor that could influence a decision on military action if diplomacy fails.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also been pushing to launch new attacks against Iran, but US officials have asked him to delay until the Trump administration is ready to conduct joint operations, according to the two US officials and an Israeli security source.

Recent US intelligence assessments indicate that Netanyahu and his allies still lack a clear strategic objective beyond demonstrating some form of “progress” and continuing to degrade the Iranian regime, one source familiar with the reports said.

“Netanyahu really wanted and tried to convince Trump for a joint attack in Iran before the elections, and Trump did not give a green light,” the Israeli security source told CNN. The Israeli prime minister’s office called it “fake news.”

The Israeli security source added that one reason Trump declined was that Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir told US Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs, that it would harm Israel’s elections and lead to their postponement.

Israel’s Channel 12 News reported on October 25 that Zamir and Netanyahu had an “unprecedented” confrontation less than 48 hours before the election. According to the report, Zamir received a directive from the political echelon regarding Iran but sought an in-depth discussion and legal authorization before acting, concerned that the move could be miscalculated and trigger an immediate conflict.

Defense Minister Israel Katz said the report was “completely baseless and false.”

The preparations US officials described come amid other military plans reported by other American outlets. The New York Times, for example, has reported that the US and Israeli militaries have developed specific plans for a short, intensive round of strikes following the American midterm elections, with likely targets including Iran’s energy infrastructure, nuclear facilities, and missile and drone arsenal. According to the NYT, the two sides have stepped up exercises, including flights over Iraq to practice strike manoeuvres. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also recently met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss options.

ABC News reported that the Israeli military and the US have drawn up plans for renewed joint strikes in the coming weeks, with Israeli sources indicating the operations would almost certainly be delayed until after the US midterms. The White House has publicly stated that the US will not attack Iran before the November 3 elections.

At the same time, Iranian officials have signalled they are preparing for renewed hostilities. Iranian sources have warned that any new US-Israeli campaign would prompt a broader retaliatory response, potentially including attacks on energy infrastructure, data centers, and other economic targets in Gulf states.

Although it is uncertain whether the current planning will lead to a new major operation, it appears that Trump is heading in that direction if Iran does not submit to American demands. Nonetheless, US officials insist that although forces are in position and target lists have been prepared, no final order has been issued—and past periods of apparent readiness have not always led to action.


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U.S. Intelligence Shares Rare Image of China’s Reusable Spaceplane

28 October 2026 at 07:55

Click to see full-size image. (Maxar Technologies via DIA)

The United States Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) has released a previously unseen image of China’s reusable spaceplane in orbit, showing the secretive spacecraft with its service module attached and solar arrays deployed.

The image, captured by Maxar Technologies in 2024, was included in the agency’s Challenges to Security in Space report released on October 26. It shows the underside of the spacecraft, offering a rare view of a Chinese orbital vehicle whose design and mission objectives remain largely undisclosed.

China has launched the spaceplane on four orbital missions since September 2020, using Long March 2F rockets. The first flight lasted two days, while the second remained in orbit for 276 days between August 2022 and May 2023. The third mission, launched in December 2023, lasted 268 days and ended with the spacecraft’s return to Earth on September 6, 2024. A fourth mission began in February 2026.

The DIA’s latest report describes the spacecraft’s rendezvous and proximity operations during its second and third missions.

In May 2023, commercial space-tracking company LeoLabs reported that the vehicle had maneuvered near a smaller object, designated Object J, and appeared to have conducted multiple capture or docking operations before releasing it again.

Tracking data from the spacecraft’s fourth mission also indicated that it released and subsequently recaptured an object in September 2026, according to astronomer Jonathan McDowell, who analyzed U.S. Space Force orbital data. The identity and purpose of the object have not been publicly established.

The image released by the DIA shows the spaceplane with a service module believed to provide electrical power and propulsion during its orbital mission. The module is expected to separate before the spacecraft returns to Earth.

Visible features also appear to include payload-bay doors, although their precise configuration and function remain unclear.

The DIA report identifies two Chinese spaceplane programs, Shenlong and Tengyun, but does not establish which spacecraft appears in the image.

The vehicle is often compared with the U.S. Space Force’s X-37B, an uncrewed reusable spacecraft that also conducts extended orbital missions.

The spaceplane’s proximity operations have raised questions about its potential military applications. The ability to maneuver close to other spacecraft and capture or release objects could support satellite inspection and servicing, but could also potentially be used to interfere with other satellites.

There is no publicly available evidence confirming that the Chinese spaceplane is designed as an antisatellite weapon or carries a specific military payload. Its actual capabilities and intended role remain undisclosed.

Chinese authorities have described the program as a test of reusable spacecraft and in-orbit servicing technologies intended to support the peaceful use of space.

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Military Situation In Ukraine And Ukrainian Attacks On Russian Territory On October 27, 2026 (Maps Update)

27 October 2026 at 19:40

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  • Russian strikes hit targets in the Sumy, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, Kyiv, Vinnytsia, Zhytomyr, Ivano-Frankivsk, Odesa, Rivne, Khmelnytskyi, Cherkasy, Chernihiv regions, and the DPR;
  • According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russian forces attacked Ukraine with Iskander-M/S-400 ballistic missiles and 280 strike UAVs;
  • Russian forces struck an industrial enterprise, the Oakline LLC UAV assembly workshop, another UAV workshop, and the Yuzhny road-rail bridge in Kyiv;
  • Russian forces struck the unloading and customs terminal of Regional Logistics Centre LLC in Kharkiv;
  • Russian forces struck a dry cargo vessel delivering cargo to the port of Chornomorsk in the Odesa region;
  • Russian forces struck an energy facility in Chernivtsi;
  • Ukrainian losses amounted to approximately 1,115 personnel over the past 24 hours.

Click to see the full-size image

  • Russian forces advanced toward Khatneye.

Click to see the full-size image

  • Russian forces advanced in the tract area near Miropolye and Velyka Rybytsia.

Click to see the full-size image

  • During the past night, Russian air defenses destroyed 222 Ukrainian drones in the rear regions;
  • Russian air defenses intercepted UAVs in the Novgorod, Tver, Belgorod, Bryansk, Kursk, Kaluga, Oryol, Tula, Voronezh, Smolensk, and Rostov regions, in Krasnodar Krai, in the Republic of Crimea, and over the Black Sea;
  • Russian air defenses intercepted UAVs in the Novgorod, Tver, Belgorod, Bryansk, Kursk, Kaluga, Oryol, Tula, Voronezh, Smolensk, Rostov regions, Krasnodar region, the Republic of Crimea, and over the Black Sea;
  • One person was killed and six were injured in Bryansk. Several apartment buildings were damaged;
  • Ukrainian drones targeted a passenger bus traveling from Simferopol to Moscow, One person was killed.

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Russia Continues Strikes on Ukraine’s Attack-Drone Production and Military Supply Hubs

27 October 2026 at 19:26

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On the night of October 27, the Russian Armed Forces carried out a massive combined strike across Ukrainian territory. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, the attack involved Iskander-M/S-400 ballistic missiles and strike UAVs, 16 missiles and more than 280 drones in total. The Russian Ministry of Defense says it struck defense-industrial enterprises involved in the production of cruise missiles and UAVs, transportation infrastructure, logistics centers handling dual-use cargo, and maritime vessels used to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Strikes by Region

Kyiv and Kyiv Region

• Southern Road-and-Rail Bridge. A key piece of transportation infrastructure in the capital used for the transit of cargo by road and rail. Ukrainian sources confirmed damage to the crossing, which led to a partial suspension of service on the Green Line of the metro and major transport disruption at Darnytsia Station.
• UAV assembly workshop of LLC Oakline. A production site that assembled and stored Fire Point’s FP-1 and FP-2 long- and medium-range unmanned aerial vehicles.
• Industrial facility producing and storing long- and medium-range UAVs. Another Kyiv site struck during the overnight attack; its specific name has not been disclosed.
• UAV assembly workshop producing and storing long- and medium-range fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.

Kharkiv Region
• Unloading and customs terminal of the Regional Logistics Center company. A logistics facility where, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense, military supplies, dual-use cargo intended for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and reconnaissance and strike UAVs were stored and distributed.

• Electronics manufacturer LLC NTP Ukrspetssvyaz, in the settlement of Nadtochii. A production site that made automation systems and communications equipment for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

• Gas production infrastructure. Naftogaz reported a morning strike on gas production infrastructure in Kharkiv Region. The available information does not identify specific fields or facilities.

• Budmen home-improvement store in Kharkiv. A facility reportedly struck, according to local Telegram channels.

Odesa Region
• Bulk carrier bound for the port of Chornomorsk. A cargo vessel that, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense, was delivering supplies intended to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
• Bulk carrier bound for the port of Odesa. Another cargo vessel en route to Odesa with military cargo; it was struck in the daytime wave of attacks.

Chernivtsi Region
• Energy infrastructure facility. Local sources said the target was a substation; Chernivtsioblenergo warned of possible large-scale emergency outages. In Chernivtsi, trolleybus service was suspended, power was lost in several districts, and water was supplied at reduced pressure.

Chernihiv Region
• Depot holding UAV assets and winter uniforms of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. According to monitoring channels, a UAV strike sparked a large fire that destroyed unmanned systems and winter uniforms belonging to Ukrainian troops.

Strikes on facilities were also reported in Vinnytsia, Zhytomyr, Lviv, Sumy, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, Ivano-Frankivsk, Rivne, Khmelnytskyi, and Cherkasy Regions.

The nature of the October 27 strikes points to a continued systematic campaign against Ukraine’s strike-UAV production chain and the logistics hubs supplying its armed forces. Within this framework, the overnight wave combined strikes on Kyiv’s assembly facilities with damage to the Southern Bridge, affecting both drone production and its delivery channels. The strikes on the logistics terminal in Kharkiv Region and on cargo vessels off Chornomorsk and Odesa serve the same purpose: cutting off routes for dual-use cargo and components. The damage to the energy facility in Chernivtsi Region was limited in scale and did not involve major power-generation capacity, unlike earlier attacks on thermal and hydroelectric power plants.

Ukraine’s response is shifting toward scaling output rather than quality: Defense Minister Oleksii Khmara discussed with Western partners the transfer of 10% of their Patriot and IRIS-T missile stockpiles, as well as the possibility of doubling Ukrainian drone production by 2027 with sufficient funding. This aligns with Fire Point’s acknowledgment that the Flamingo missile mattered more as a political signal than as a “superweapon.” According to company head Iryna Terekh, the project was primarily intended to demonstrate Ukraine’s ability to conduct long-range strikes against Russian territory. The company also acknowledged the economic trade-off: delivering a 200-kilogram warhead over 300 kilometers by ballistic missile costs about $600,000, whereas a drone can deliver a comparable payload over 380 kilometers for $40,000-$50,000.

It is precisely this economic logic that explains why strikes on FP-1 and FP-2 assembly capacity and logistics hubs are becoming increasingly significant: drones remain Ukraine’s most numerous and affordable means of long-range strike, and this segment is also the most vulnerable part of its program. In the medium term, Russian strikes are likely to continue prioritizing enterprises that produce components for UAVs and cruise missiles, as well as transportation routes linking Ukraine’s central and western regions to the front line.


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Military Situation In Yemen On October 27, 2026 (Map Update)

27 October 2026 at 18:34

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  • On October 26, the Yemeni army (Ansar Allah) shot down a Saudi-operated Wing Loong II over Taiz;
  • On October 27, the Yemeni army (Ansar Allah) struck the Ras Tanura refinery in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province with a ballistic missile;
  • On October 27, the Yemeni army (Ansar Allah) repelled Saudi-backed forces attacks near Bab al-Mandab;
  • Fighting between Ansar Allah and the Saudi-backed forces continue in the western areas of Taiz city and south of Sabr mountain.

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Houthis Repel Saudi-Backed Push Toward Bab al-Mandab, Advance in Lahj

27 October 2026 at 18:20

file image.

Yemen’s Houthis (Ansar Allah) said October 27 that they had repelled an attack by Saudi-backed forces toward the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait, reporting heavy casualties and the destruction of several military vehicles as fighting continued in western Lahj.

In a statement, Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, the Houthis’ military spokesman, said the forces were advancing from the south toward the strait under the supervision of Saudi officer Badr al-Harbi, whom he identified as commander of an advanced operational base in Aden.

The Houthis struck the troop concentrations with ballistic missiles and heavy weapons, causing large numbers of deaths and injuries, while ambulances rushed to the targeted areas, Saree said. The spokesman added that Houthi forces went on to destroy a number of military vehicles and thwart the advance.

“We warn those being misled against responding to calls from the Saudi enemy and its officers, who are pushing them into the furnaces of death,” Saree concluded.

The latest failed Saudi-backed attack follows a series of reported Houthi advances in western Lahj over the past several days.

On October 25, the Houthi-aligned Yemen Press Agency, citing southern political figure Adel al-Hasani, reported that the group had secured Wadi al-Nabiq after fierce clashes and was advancing toward al-Shatein, in the al-Mudharaba and Ras al-Arah districts.

The very next day, the agency reported that the Houthis had advanced beyond the Kahboub mountain range after positions held by the 31st Amaliqa Brigade collapsed, with remaining fighters withdrawing toward Aden.

Reports that surfaced around the same time Saree issued his latest statement described a further Houthi push toward al-Suqayyah following the reported gains around Kahboub.

The fighting has focused on the highlands and coastal routes of western Lahj, where control of the Kahboub range and surrounding areas could strengthen the Houthis’ positions along the southern approaches to Bab al-Mandab. The group captured the strategic coastal region in a lightning offensive last month.

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Military Situation In Iran On October 27, 2026 (Map Update)

27 October 2026 at 15:54

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  • During the past 24 hours, Iranian forces attacked several oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz;
  • Iranian Armed Forces Chief of Staff Ali Abdollahi warned that vessels violating Iran’s designated maritime routes and transit procedures in the Strait of Hormuz could face serious damage;
  • Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority threatened action against South Korea’s Sinokor Shipping Company over repeated violations of Iran’s Strait of Hormuz transit rules;
  • The UKMTO reported a vessel on fire 63nm southeast of Al-Faw, Iraq, on October 26.

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Houthis Strike Saudi Oil Refinery, Defense Ministry Amid Reports of $1 Billion Offer (Videos)

27 October 2026 at 15:03

Illustrative image. (The Houthis’ Military Media)

Yemen’s Houthis (Ansar Allah) on October 27 claimed a series of missile and drone attacks against Saudi Arabia, including a ballistic missile strike on the Ras Tanura refinery that it said caused massive fires.

Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, the group’s military spokesman, said in a statement that the group had struck the refinery in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province with a ballistic missile, describing the strike as precise and claiming it caused “massive fires” at the site.

Bloomberg News, citing a person familiar with the matter, reported that Saudi Arabia had contained a fire near the Ras Tanura oil terminal early in the day. The extent of the damage was unclear, and Saudi authorities had not confirmed that the refinery itself had been struck.

A resident of the nearby city of Al Khobar told Agence France-Presse that he received a mobile phone alert before hearing an explosion.

In a separate statement, Saree said that Houthi forces had targeted two military transport aircraft with ballistic missiles, one at Najran Airport and the other at King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait. He said both operations had “achieved their objectives successfully.”

Saree subsequently claimed that a ballistic missile had struck Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense in Riyadh, describing the impact as a “direct hit.”

In the fourth statement, he said the Houthis had targeted Abha International Airport with a drone, claiming the strike was precise and had disrupted air traffic at the airport.

Saudi authorities had not immediately confirmed the claimed strikes on the military aircraft, Defense Ministry or Abha airport.

The Saudi-led coalition said during the day that it had intercepted and destroyed three ballistic missiles launched toward the kingdom’s Eastern Province and four drones directed toward its southern regions.

Saudi Civil Defense issued early-warning alerts in the Eastern Province and Kharj governorate before announcing that the danger had passed.

In a separate report, Reuters said the coalition had also announced the interception and destruction of two ballistic missiles launched toward Riyadh. Saudi Civil Defense authorities briefly issued an air raid alert in the capital.

The latest Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia come amid reports that the kingdom is seeking a negotiated end to the confrontation. Israel Hayom reported on October 26, citing unnamed Gulf diplomatic sources, that Riyadh had offered the group $1 billion through Iran in exchange for a ceasefire and an end to strikes on Saudi territory.

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The .org domain name had been blocked by the US (NATO) (https://southfront.press/southfront-org-blocked-by-u-s-controlled-global-internet-supervisor/) globally, outlawed and without any explanation

Back before that, from 2013 to 2015, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.com

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