Ukraine war latest: Over 1,000 Cubans fighting for Russia, 96 dead or missing, Ukraine says
Hi, this is Kateryna Hodunova reporting from Kyiv on day 1,330 of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Today's top story:
At least 1,076 Cuban nationals have fought or are fighting for Russia in Ukraine, Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) told the Kyiv Independent on Oct. 15.
Ninety-six are known to have died or gone missing in action.
The figures come after the U.S. earlier this month circulated an unclassified cable sharing details about Cuba's support for Russia's full-scale invasion, in which it claimed an "estimated 1,000 to 5,000 Cubans (are) fighting in Ukraine."
The information from HUR shared with the Kyiv Independent tallies with the lower end of the U.S. estimate, but also provides further insight into the recruitment process and training of Cuban nationals.
HUR claims they receive only two weeks of training at the Avangard training center in Moscow Oblast before being sent to the front line.
The information provided by HUR suggests that some Cuban nationals are tricked into travelling to Russia after being lured by the promise of lucrative construction work advertised on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
Their travel is facilitated by "private intermediaries" who sometimes pay for flights, with Russian diplomatic institutions issuing tourist or work visas.
Denmark allocates over $170 million for Ukraine's military support; Sweden weighs new aircraft supply
Last updated 8:12 p.m. Kyiv time.
Denmark has pledged $171 million in military aid to Ukraine, while Sweden is considering the delivery of additional aircraft.
The $171 million aid will be used to support Ukraine's navy, repair tanks, and provide education and training for Ukrainian military personnel, according to a statement from the Danish Defense Ministry published on Oct. 15.
The package also includes initiatives targeting the maritime sector and armored vehicle maintenance. Funds are also allocated for fuel donations and support within rehabilitation zones, both implemented under NATO's auspices.
Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson, speaking ahead of the NATO defense ministers' meeting in Brussels on Oct. 15, said Sweden is prepared to expand its support through the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative and the aviation coalition.
According to Jonson, Stockholm aims to supply radar reconnaissance and early warning aircraft to Ukraine as an initial step, and will later consider the potential delivery of Swedish Gripen fighter jets.
Kidnapped mayor from Zaporizhzhia Oblast dies from multiple injuries, Prosecutor General says
Last updated 6:55 p.m. Kyiv time.
The mayor of Dniproudne in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Yevhenii Matvieiev, who was abducted by Russian military personnel, died in a Russian prison from multiple injuries, the Ukrainian media outlet Liga.net reported on Oct. 15, citing the Prosecutor General's Office.
According to the report, Matvieiev died on Sept. 7, 2024, while being held at Detention Center No. 3 in the city of Kizel, located in Russia's Perm Krai.
The cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma to the torso, resulting in multiple rib fractures and damage to the lungs and pleura, the Prosecutor General's Office said.
A pre-trial investigation is ongoing and is being led by Ukraine's Security Service (SBU).
Matvieiev was reportedly abducted at a checkpoint by Russian forces in 2022. His body was returned to Ukraine at the end of 2024 as part of a repatriation process.
Germany pledges over $2.3 billion in new military aid for Ukraine, including Patriot and IRIS-T air defense systems
Last updated 6:45 p.m. Kyiv time.
Germany will provide Ukraine with an additional military aid package worth more than 2 billion euros ($2.3 billion), German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced on Oct. 15 during the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting in Brussels.
The package will include advanced air defense systems, precision-guided weapons, and ammunition.
"You can count on Germany. We will continue and expand our support for Ukraine. With new contracts, Germany will provide additional support amounting to over 2 billion euros," Pistorius said.
Germany will also deliver two additional IRIS-T air defense systems, accompanied by a large number of guided missiles and shoulder-fired air defense weapons. Anti-tank weapons, small arms, and secure communications systems are also expected to be part of the delivery.
Of the total amount, Germany will contribute $500 million to a NATO initiative supplying Ukraine with critically needed U.S.-made weapons, the alliance announced on Aug. 13.
The support will come through NATO's Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) mechanism, which coordinates funding for Kyiv's most urgent battlefield needs.
Ukrainian soldier captured in Russia's Kursk Oblast receives life sentence
Last updated 6:14 p.m. Kyiv time.
A Moscow court has sentenced 42-year-old Ukrainian soldier Volodymyr Parafilo to life imprisonment after he was captured in Russia's Kursk Oblast, Russia's Prosecutor General's Office and Investigative Committee announced on Oct. 15.
Parafilo was reportedly captured on Dec. 29, 2024, near the town of Sudzha, in the village of Kamyshovka, according to Ukraine's Internal Affairs Ministry.
Russian authorities accused Parafilo of committing a terrorist act, as well as sexual violence.
Parafilo is to serve the first 10 years of his sentence in prison before being transferred to a special regime correctional colony for the rest of his life.
Estonian citizens to receive drone training under new state initiative
Last updated 5:29 p.m. Kyiv time.
The Estonian Defense Ministry, the Estonian Defense League, and the non-profit organization HK Unicorn Squad MTU signed on Oct. 14 a memorandum of cooperation to enhance drone piloting skills among Estonian citizens.
Adult citizens interested in drone technology will have the opportunity to acquire essential knowledge and hands-on skills in drone operation under the Kuri Kotkas ("Evil Eagle" in English) initiative.
"Drone training is a major component of future warfare. We can already see this today in Ukraine," Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said.
Read the full story at Kaitseministeerium.
Drones reportedly target Russian oil refinery in Ufa, more than 1,300 kilometers from Ukraine
Last updated 4:39 p.m. Kyiv time.
A drone struck an industrial area in the Russian city of Ufa where one of Bashkortostan’s largest oil refineries is located, the Telegram channel Astra reported on Oct. 15
The Ufaorgsintez refinery is part of the Bashneft oil company, which is affiliated with Russia’s state-owned energy giant Gazprom.
According to Astra, local residents reported seeing smoke near the city’s industrial zone and experiencing disruptions to mobile internet service.
Russian authorities had earlier declared a drone threat in the region and implemented emergency measures at Ufa airport.
🔥🛢️ Just now, Russian oil refinery complex Bashneft in Ufa — 1,400 km from the frontline was targeted by drones.
— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) October 15, 2025
Bashneft has a total capacity around 23-26 million tons per year. It is a complex of three oil refineries located right next to each other:
•Ufimsky refinery (UNPZ)… pic.twitter.com/TYsBizHlzQ
NATO should 'not take the Russians too seriously,' alliance chief claims
Last updated 4:33 p.m. Kyiv time.
NATO should not overestimate Russia's capabilities, Secretary General Mark Rutte claimed on Oct. 15, attempting to subdue concerns about Moscow's hybrid activities targeting the alliance.
"Let's trust our military," Rutte said at a news conference after a meeting with NATO defense ministers in Brussels. "Let's not take the Russians too seriously."
Rutte underscored that NATO countries are "25 times bigger than Russia" in economic terms. Talking about the recent aerial incursions, the secretary general noted that it is difficult to establish whether they were intentional or not.
"We are so much stronger than the Russians that we don't need to shoot down their planes when they enter our airspace," he added.
Ukrainian government delegation meets with Tomahawk missile manufacturer in US
Last updated 3:30 p.m. Kyiv time.
A delegation of senior Ukrainian officials met on Oct. 15 with representatives of Raytheon, the manufacturer of Tomahawk missiles in the U.S., presidential aide Andriy Yermak said on X.
In addition to Yermak, Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, First Deputy Foreign Minister Serhii Kyslytsia, and Ukraine's Ambassador to the U.S., Olha Stefanishyna, participated in the meeting.
The Ukrainian delegation also held a separate meeting with representatives of another major U.S. defense contractor, Lockheed Martin.
Together with Prime Minister @Svyrydenko_Y, NSDC Secretary @rustem_umerov, First Deputy Foreign Minister @SergiyKyslytsya, and our Ambassador to the US @StefanishynaO,
— Andriy Yermak (@AndriyYermak) October 15, 2025
we met with Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. Their tech is saving lives: F-16s and advanced air defense systems are… pic.twitter.com/kfmg5TzgmH
Russian internet provider 'impoverished by 66 million rubles' after Ukrainian cyberattack, HUR source claims
Last updated 2:59 p.m. Kyiv time
A cyberattack carried out by Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) caused over 66 million rubles (approximately $800,000) in damages to Orion Telecom, one of the largest internet providers in Siberia, a HUR source told the Kyiv Independent.
The provider itself reported the losses in a complaint submitted to Russian police following the attack. The company also admitted that the cyber operation led to a leak of users' personal data.
"One of the largest Siberian Internet providers, Orion Telecom, was immediately impoverished by 66 million rubles as a result of a special operation by the HUR MO cyber corps," the source said.
As a result, Orion Telecom has requested Russian authorities to launch a criminal investigation into the incident. Under Russian law, the provider could face an additional fine of up to 15 million rubles for the data breach.
Finland, Lithuania join PURL initiative to arm Ukraine; new aid announced
Last updated 2:22 p.m. Kyiv time.
Finland and Lithuania have joined the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative, which facilitates the purchase of U.S.-made weapons for transfer to Ukraine, according to statements from both governments ahead of the NATO defense ministers' meeting in Brussels on Oct. 15.
Lithuania plans to contribute $30 million toward procuring weapons for Ukraine. Finland, meanwhile, has announced a new military aid package, with full details expected to be released later this week.
Before the meeting began, the Netherlands announced a new 90-million-euro ($105 million) aid package to support the production of reconnaissance and strike drones in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Estonia is expected to deliver a batch of drones to Ukraine and allocate additional funding for the PURL initiative.
Watch the full stream at Reuters.
Delivery of Tomahawks to enhance Ukraine's ability to strike Russia, NATO top official says
Last updated 2:22 p.m. Kyiv time.
The delivery of Tomahawk long-range missiles will significantly enhance Ukraine's strike capabilities in its war against Russia, a senior NATO official said during a closed-door briefing with journalists on Oct. 15, according to European Pravda.
Despite Moscow's aggressive rhetoric, the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed doubt that Russia would take any concrete action in response to the potential deliveries.
According to the source, Russia is expected to maintain its current narrative, including continued nuclear sabre-rattling.
Read the full story at European Pravda.
UK supplies Ukraine with over 85,000 drones in 6 months
Last updated 1:53 p.m. Kyiv time
The U.K. has delivered more than 85,000 drones to Ukraine in the first half of this year, according to a statement published on the U.K. government's website on Oct. 14.
As part of its defense support, the U.K. has invested 600 million pounds (nearly $800 million) in drone production for Ukraine in 2025. This includes tens of thousands of FPV (first-person-view) drones designed for frontline use.
Ukraine and the U.K. are also jointly developing Octopus interceptor drones. Once production is fully underway, Kyiv is expected to receive "thousands" of these drones each month, the statement read.
Read the full story at GOV.UK.
Evacuation zone expanded in Kharkiv Oblast as Russian forces advance near Kupiansk
Last updated 12:58 p.m. Kyiv time
Authorities in Kharkiv Oblast have expanded the mandatory evacuation zone for families with children in the Kupiansk district amid intensified Russian assaults, regional governor Oleh Syniehubov announced on Oct. 14.
The decision mandates the forced evacuation of families from 40 settlements across the area. In total, 601 children from 409 families are to be relocated to safer areas.
"This decision comes in response to the deteriorating security situation near Kupiansk," Syniehubov said.
On Oct. 15, the military monitoring group DeepState reported that Russian forces had captured the village of Myrne in Kupiansk district and were advancing toward the nearby village of Ivanivka.
Russia launched 3 more massive strikes on Ukraine's gas facilities over last week, Naftogaz says
Last updated 12:51 p.m. Kyiv time
Russia struck a combined heat and power plant and launched three massive attacks on Ukraine's gas production infrastructure over the last week, Serhii Koretskyi, the CEO of Ukraine's state-owned oil and gas giant Naftogaz, said on Facebook on Oct. 15.
Russian missiles and drones damaged gas infrastructure in Kharkiv, Sumy, and Chernihiv oblasts while drones hit the plant, as Moscow steps up its attacks on Ukraine's energy facilities and temperatures drop.
The new wave of attacks comes days after Russian strikes on Oct. 3 and 5 wiped out around 60% of Ukraine's gas production.
"Russian terrorists are committing new acts of terrorism, aimed solely at depriving Ukraine of gas, heat, and light this winter," Koretskyi wrote, adding that the company will "restore everything."
Ukraine is currently reaching out to partners for further air defense, energy equipment, and funding for gas imports. The embattled country needs at least 13.2 billion cubic meters in its gas storage facilities for the winter, and could seek imports from the U.S. and Norway.
Zelensky transfers Odesa mayor's powers to newly created military administration, appoints its head
Last updated 12:14 p.m. Kyiv time
President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Serhii Lysak, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast governor, as the head of the newly formed Odesa Military Administration on Oct. 15, according to a decree published on the presidential website.
The move came a day after Zelensky stripped the tainted Odesa Mayor Trukhanov of Ukrainian citizenship, effectively pushing him out of office.
Ukraine's Security Service has confirmed to the Kyiv Independent that Zelensky revoked Ukrainian citizenship of Trukhanov, ballet dancer Serhii Polunin, and former Ukrainian politician Oleg Tsaryov.
All three were accused of having Russian citizenship.
Trukhanov denies the allegations and promised to challenge the decision in court.
'16 fuel tanks damaged' — Russian oil terminal in occupied Crimea still burning, Ukraine's General Staff says
Last updated 12:05 p.m. Kyiv time
Sixteen fuel tanks were damaged at the Morskoi Neftianoi Terminal in Russian-occupied Feodosia, Crimea, as a result of a Ukrainian drone strike earlier this week, Ukraine's General Staff said on Oct. 15.
A source in Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) confirmed to the Kyiv Independent on Oct. 13 that drones had struck the facility in the city of Feodosia.
The fire it sparked was still visible on Oct. 14 from 25 kilometers away, local media reported. The General Staff said a "large-scale fire is ongoing on the territory of the enterprise."
The Oct. 13 strike was the second confirmed Ukrainian attack on the terminal in a week. The tanks reportedly survived a previous Ukrainian drone attack on the facility on Oct.6.
In the same overnight operation, Ukrainian Defense Forces also targeted a P-18 radar system near Krasna Poliana in occupied Crimea, a drone command post in occupied Oleshky, Kherson Oblast, and an ammunition depot near occupied Makiivka in Donetsk Oblast, the General Staff added.
7 killed, 29 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day
At least seven people have been killed and 29 others injured in Russian attacks against Ukraine over the past day, local authorities reported on Oct. 15.
Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 86 out of the 113 Shahed-type attack drones and other drones launched by Russia overnight, according to the Air Force. Twenty-six drone strikes were recorded at 11 locations. Debris from the drones was recorded at a single site.
In Kherson Oblast, Russian attacks killed three people and injured 15, including a child, over the past day, according to Governor Oleksandr Prokudin.
In Donetsk Oblast, Russian strikes killed one person in the town of Dobropillia and another in the village of Raiske. Three people were also injured in the town of Kostiantynivka and one in Raiske, Governor Vadym Filashkin reported.
In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, a 75-year-old woman was killed in a Russian FPV (first-person-view) drone strike against the city of Nikopol, while a 19-year-old man was injured in an attack against the city of Pavlohrad, the local authorities reported.
In Sumy Oblast, six people suffered injuries due to Russian attacks over the past day, according to the local military administration. Over the course of a single day, Russian forces struck the Ukrainian border region 40 times, targeting 23 settlements.
In Kharkiv Oblast, Russian attacks targeted five settlements over the past day, injuring a 54-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman in the village of Nechvolodivka, according to Governor Oleh Syniehubov.
In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, a 63-year-old man was injured as a result of a Russian attack on the Zaporizhzhia district. Over the past day, Russian forces carried out 649 strikes on 16 settlements in the region, according to the local authorities.
General Staff: Russia has lost 1,126,220 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022
Russia has lost around 1,126,220 troops in Ukraine since the beginning of its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported on Oct. 15.
The number includes 1,070 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.
According to the report, Russia has also lost 11,259 tanks, 23,347 armored fighting vehicles, 64,329 vehicles and fuel tanks, 33,671 artillery systems, 1,520 multiple launch rocket systems, 1,227 air defense systems, 427 airplanes, 346 helicopters, 70,021 drones, 28 ships and boats, and one submarine.
