Ukraine War Front: Kyiv says a daring “Vivaldi” operation captured 250+ Russian troops after robots and explosive-laden “Trojan” vehicles were used behind enemy lines, while Russia’s September losses hit a yearly high with little territorial gain. Winter Energy Campaign: Moscow is rolling out “Shahed with whiskers” drones aimed at power lines and substations, as Zelensky warns Russia plans a multi-stage push to cripple Ukraine’s grid and force civilians to flee. Kyiv Under Strain: The mayor says intensified strikes are “tearing Kyiv apart,” with bridges hit again, traffic paralyzed, and infrastructure targeted. Rules of War Claim: Zelensky alleges Putin ordered troops to abandon restraints on airstrikes in September, driving a surge in attacks on civilian sites. NATO & Europe: Mark Rutte says Russia keeps testing NATO across Europe via hybrid tactics, while Putin escalates nuclear warnings over Kaliningrad. Regional Politics: Latvia votes amid looming Russia threat, and Lukashenko vows Belarus’ full support for Putin while keeping “nuanced” views. Diplomacy & Sanctions: China welcomes Putin’s planned APEC attendance; Zelensky urges tighter sanctions as Russia’s drone supply chains depend on foreign components.