Russia tries to freeze Ukraine as it suffers record casualties and retreats

What the report says

Russia and Ukraine continued to exchange heavy attacks in late September and early October 2026, with Al Jazeera reporting that Moscow’s forces suffered their highest monthly casualties of the year while still pressing attacks in eastern Ukraine and on cities far from the front. The article said Ukrainian military figures put Russian losses in September at 46,230 killed or wounded, though Al Jazeera noted it could not independently verify claims from either side.

On the ground, Ukrainian forces said they reclaimed territory around Lyman in Donetsk region during a counteroffensive operation, while Russian troops kept trying to advance in the remaining parts of Donetsk and Luhansk under Kyiv’s control. The piece also described Russia’s increasing use of jet-powered and other drones, which Ukraine said were making interceptions more difficult. Kyiv has warned that Russia is targeting energy infrastructure ahead of winter to increase pressure on civilians.

In parallel, Russian strikes hit Kyiv and other areas, damaging energy facilities and civilian sites including schools and a scientific academy building, and causing power outages. Ukraine also continued long-range strikes on Russian refineries and industrial plants, aiming to disrupt fuel supplies and military production. The report said both countries are spending heavily on the war, with Kyiv seeking more external funding and Moscow expected to raise defence spending further.