Ukraine's human rights ombudsman, Dmytro Lubinets, has urged global bodies to address allegations of Ukrainian POWs being executed in Russia's Kursk region. A Ukrainian analysis site, DeepState, claims that nine Ukrainian drone operators and contractors were shot after surrendering on October 10. Lubinets has referred the case to both the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross, denouncing it as "another crime committed by the Russians." Ukrainian Prosecutor-General Andriy Kostin confirmed that his office has launched a criminal probe into the allegations.
The escalation in tensions includes increased drone and missile strikes, with Ukraine's air force reporting it downed 31 out of 68 drones deployed by Russia overnight into Sunday. These attacks spanned across regions including Kyiv, Poltava, and Cherkasy. Ballistic missiles hit Odesa and Poltava, while Chernihiv and Sumy were targeted by guided air missiles. Local authorities reported no casualties or damage. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia launched nearly 900 guided aerial bombs and over 40 missiles alongside 400 drones in just the past week.
Zelensky has called on international allies via X to deliver more comprehensive air defense systems, highlighting the urgent need for long-range weaponry to counter Russian assaults. Meanwhile, Russia's Defense Ministry reported downing 13 Ukrainian drones over Belgorod, Kursk, and Bryansk regions. T (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)