Ballistic Missile Pressure on Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia: Russia hit Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia with ballistic missiles, triggering fires and casualties, as air-raid alerts and emergency responses rolled through the night. North Korea’s Deeper Role: Zelensky says Russia can’t wage the war without North Korean reinforcements, warning of more troops and new ballistic missile deliveries as Ukraine pushes deep strikes. Deep-Strike Campaign Targets Russian Industry: Ukraine’s long-range drones hit oil and petrochemical facilities, including a deadly strike on Nizhnekamsk in Tatarstan, underscoring a strategy to raise the cost of sustaining the war. Air Defense Strain and Interceptor Shortages: Ukrainian officials warn they can’t reliably intercept ballistic missiles amid interceptor gaps, even as Russia adapts to penetrate defenses. War Crimes Claims at the UN: Former Ukrainian detainees and officials accuse Russia of systematic torture and abuse of POWs and civilian captives; Russia calls it a disinformation campaign. Russian Elections Tighten Against Anti-War Views: Russia’s Supreme Court barred Yabloko, the last registered anti-war party, from the September ballot, shrinking legal space for dissent. Ukraine Governance and Economy: The NBU announced major currency liberalisation steps, while Ukraine continues heating-season preparations amid ongoing attacks. Diplomacy and International Links: India’s new ambassador presented credentials in Kyiv, and Ukraine and Moldova discussed rail options for grain shipments.