Russia ‘pursuing strategy of terror’, EU’s von der Leyen says after deadly strikes on Ukraine – Europe live

From

3h ago

Russia 'pursuing a deliberate strategy of terror,' EU's von der Leyen says

The European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen condemned the latest round of Russian attacks on Ukraine, blaming Moscow for “pursuing a deliberate strategy of terror.”

Announcing the commission’s move to disburse €1.24bn to Ukraine for drones and missiles, she said:

“Russia is pursuing a deliberate strategy of terror. Trying to make daily life impossible for Ukrainians who want to live in peace.

To protect people and infrastructure, Europe is stepping up. Others must step up their support too.”

Key events

  • 28m ago

    French trade union backs calls for further street protests on Thursday

  • 51m ago

    Nearly 460 schools affected across France as student protests continue

  • 1h ago

    Aftermath of Russian strikes on Ukraine – in pictures

  • 2h ago

    At least seven people injured in a suspected knife attack at a school in Poland - reports

  • 3h ago

    France's Kagan and Japan's Soai awarded the 2026 Nobel chemistry prize

  • 3h ago

    Nobel prize in chemistry about to announced

  • 3h ago

    Russia 'pursuing a deliberate strategy of terror,' EU's von der Leyen says

  • 3h ago

    Death toll from overnight Russian attacks on Ukraine rises to 15

  • 3h ago

    Rubio highlights close ties with Greece ahead of 'major speech' on democracy and west's decline

  • 4h ago

    Ukraine hit two Russian oil facilities in 'just responses' to Russian strikes, Zelenskyy says

  • 4h ago

    Bulgaria halts search efforts for crew of ship sunken by drone attack

  • 5h ago

    Overnight Russian attacks on Ukraine - in pictures

  • 5h ago

    At least 11 dead, 34 injured after 'vile' attack on Ukraine on Putin's birthday, Zelenskyy says

Russia’s health agency said on Wednesday that it saw “no epidemic risks” following the reported plague death of a laboratory technician in Siberia last week, as Moscow faced mounting calls for transparency.

“More than 90 percent of contacts have completed medical observation. No health disorders associated with infectious pathology were detected,” health watchdog Rospotrebnadzor said in a statement, stressing that “there are no epidemic risks for the population of Irkutsk and the Irkutsk region”.

French trade union backs calls for further street protests on Thursday

There are no signs of the French protests going away any time soon.

A protester holds a placard reading “Generation Six – Seven re-enacts May 68" behind a barricade to block the Boulevard Saint-Germain during a blockade of Sciences Po university in Paris, France.
A protester holds a placard reading “Generation Six – Seven re-enacts May 68" behind a barricade to block the Boulevard Saint-Germain during a blockade of Sciences Po university in Paris, France. Photograph: Sarah Meyssonnier/Reuters

The left-wing CGT trade union, France’s second-largest, said it would rally behind the student union’s call for further street protests on Thursday.

“The CGT will continue to shoulder its responsibilities in supporting the young people who have mobilised and protecting them from violence and police repression,” a CGT statement said.

Nearly 460 schools affected across France as student protests continue

In France, nearly 460 schools are affected by continuing protests today, just over a half of those that joined the “day of mobilisation” yesterday, the French education ministry said.

Once again, there are reports of localised clashes with police, including outside Sciences Po university in Paris, where police forces destroyed a barricade raised by the protesters.

Students block the road outside Sciences Po during a protest in Paris, France.
Students block the road outside Sciences Po during a protest in Paris, France. Photograph: Tom Nicholson/Getty Images
Police spray tear gas as they clash with students on Boulevard Saint-Germain during a protest outside Sciences Po in Paris, France.
Police spray tear gas as they clash with students on Boulevard Saint-Germain during a protest outside Sciences Po in Paris, France. Photograph: Tom Nicholson/Getty Images
French riot gendarmes attempt to move protesters behind a barricade to block the Boulevard Saint-Germain amid clashes during a protest outside Sciences Po university in Paris.
French riot gendarmes attempt to move protesters behind a barricade to block the Boulevard Saint-Germain amid clashes during a protest outside Sciences Po university in Paris. Photograph: Sarah Meyssonnier/Reuters

Aftermath of Russian strikes on Ukraine – in pictures

Emergency services work to rescue residents from under the debris at the site of an apartment building which was hit by a Russian missile strike in the town of Pryluky in the Chernihiv region, Ukraine.
Emergency services work to rescue residents from under the debris at the site of an apartment building which was hit by a Russian missile strike in the town of Pryluky in the Chernihiv region, Ukraine. Photograph: Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters
People carry a casualty, as emergency services work to rescue residents from under the debris at the site of an apartment building which was hit by a Russian missile strike in the town of Pryluky in the Chernihiv region, Ukraine.
People carry a casualty, as emergency services work to rescue residents from under the debris at the site of an apartment building which was hit by a Russian missile strike in the town of Pryluky in the Chernihiv region, Ukraine. Photograph: Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters
Specialists remove the debris of a Russian missile that fell in a residential neighbourhood of Kyiv during a night of Russian missile attacks.
Specialists remove the debris of a Russian missile that fell in a residential neighbourhood of Kyiv during a night of Russian missile attacks. Photograph: Thomas Peter/Reuters

Back to Ukraine, the death toll has gone up again, with another four people confirmed dead in Pryluky after a Russian missile hit a five-storey residential building.

The total death toll from today’s attacks is now at 19.

At least seven people injured in a suspected knife attack at a school in Poland - reports

We are getting reports of a knife attack at a vocational school in Ostrołęka, Poland, which left at least seven people injured, including two seriously, as reported by Poland’s RMF FM radio.

The city mayor, Paweł Niewiadomski, confirmed in a statement that the situation has been contained.

I will keep an eye on this for you.

France's Kagan and Japan's Soai awarded the 2026 Nobel chemistry prize

French chemist Henri Kagan and Japanese chemist Kensō Soai have been awarded the 2026 Nobel prize in chemistry “for the discovery of non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis.”

Here’s more from the organisers:

“Henri Kagan discovered a new way of manipulating chemical reactions, allowing a greater excess of one of the mirror images to be created than was previously assumed possible. His discovery has been revolutionary for chemists who develop reactions for the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, flavours, scents and new materials.

Kenso Soai designed the first chemical reaction in which only one of the potential mirror images was formed. Other than life itself, no one had ever achieved this feat. The Soai reaction is one of the most spectacular chemical experiments ever conducted.”

They are conducting a live experiment to explain all of that on the stream below, if you are into this sort of things.

Nobel prize in chemistry about to announced

In other news, the winner of the 2026 Nobel prize in chemistry is about to be announced.

You can watch it live here:

The winner of the 2026 Nobel Prize in chemistry is announced – watch live

Russia 'pursuing a deliberate strategy of terror,' EU's von der Leyen says

The European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen condemned the latest round of Russian attacks on Ukraine, blaming Moscow for “pursuing a deliberate strategy of terror.”

Announcing the commission’s move to disburse €1.24bn to Ukraine for drones and missiles, she said:

“Russia is pursuing a deliberate strategy of terror. Trying to make daily life impossible for Ukrainians who want to live in peace.

To protect people and infrastructure, Europe is stepping up. Others must step up their support too.”

Death toll from overnight Russian attacks on Ukraine rises to 15

Back to Ukraine, the death toll from a Russian strike on an apartment building in Pryluky has gone up from five to nine.

It means that at least 15 people were killed in Russian attacks last night.

Rubio highlights close ties with Greece ahead of 'major speech' on democracy and west's decline

Meanwhile, US secretary of state Marco Rubio is in Greece this morning to discuss a range of bilateral issues, including on energy exports of US-produced liquified natural gas to parts of Europe.

US secretary of state Marco Rubio speaks as he and Greek foreign minister George Gerapetritis deliver a joint statement at the Greek foreign ministry in Athens, Greece.
US secretary of state Marco Rubio speaks as he and Greek foreign minister George Gerapetritis deliver a joint statement at the Greek foreign ministry in Athens, Greece. Photograph: Louisa Gouliamaki/Reuters

Speaking alongside his Greek counterpart George ​Gerapetritis, Rubio said the two countries were “bound by a common heritage and by proud histories,” with “a long history of friendship and partnership,” calling it “a source of stability in an unstable world.”

He praised Greece’s decision to increase defence spending, and its role in fighting transnational criminal organisations, human trafficking and terrorism in the Mediterranean region.

“Greece is a true, strong and model Nato ally, a country that understands the importance of burden sharing and that is willing to work with partners to address critical threats to all member states,” he said.

But there are also some awkward questions that are likely to come up, with US media raising concerns about the US ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle’s conduct in closed talks with Greek officials. Rubio declined to comment on the issue.

Later today, Rubio is expected to deliver a major speech on democracy, calling for “a great renewal of the western spirit – an inheritance stretching from Athens and Rome to Christendom to the founding of the American Republic,” according to the state department’s briefing.

Ukraine hit two Russian oil facilities in 'just responses' to Russian strikes, Zelenskyy says

In another update, Zelenskyy said Ukraine carries out “just responses to all Russian strikes against our people,” with Ukrainian forces hitting two Russian oil facilities, among other targets.

“Over the past day, our warriors struck four targets that help Russia finance and wage its brutal war – two oil facilities and a training ground in the Perm, Samara, and Astrakhan regions. There was also a response in the Black Sea.”

Bulgaria halts search efforts for crew of ship sunken by drone attack

Meanwhile, Bulgaria has halted its search for the missing crew of a ship that sank after being ⁠hit by a drone on Tuesday, Reuters reported.

As reported yesterday (Europe Live, Tuesday), two ships were hit in a drone attack in Bulgaria’s Black Sea exclusive economic zone. One sank and the other ⁠was damaged. The crew of the damaged ship were rescued, but the crew of the sunken one remain missing.

Crew members from a ship damaged in a drone attack disembark from a Bulgarian border police vessel in Varna, Bulgaria.
Crew members from a ship damaged in a drone attack disembark from a Bulgarian border police vessel in Varna, Bulgaria. Photograph: Petko Momchilov/Reuters

“There are no traces ​of the sailors from the first ‌ship, and there will be ‌none. There is also no information about drone remains,” he said on a Nova ‌TV morning show.

“A boat, three life rafts and parts of the ship’s equipment have been found.”

It was not immediately clear who carried out the attack involving air and sea drones in waters off the coastal town of Byala in eastern Bulgaria, but there are growing concerns about hybrid attacks by Russia as it wages war in ‌Ukraine.

Overnight Russian attacks on Ukraine - in pictures

A resident with a dog looks on at the site of private car garages hit by a Russian missile strike in Kyiv, Ukraine.
A resident with a dog looks on at the site of private car garages hit by a Russian missile strike in Kyiv, Ukraine. Photograph: Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters
Firefighters work while residents walk past the site of private car garages hit by a Russian missile strike in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Firefighters work while residents walk past the site of private car garages hit by a Russian missile strike in Kyiv, Ukraine. Photograph: Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters
A residential building destroyed following a Russian missile strike in Pryluky, Chernihiv region.
A residential building destroyed following a Russian missile strike in Pryluky, Chernihiv region. Photograph: Ukraine Emergency Service/AFP/Getty Images
A firefighter walks through the smoke at the site of a warehouse that burned out after it was hit during a night of Russian missile attacks in Kyiv, Ukraine.
A firefighter walks through the smoke at the site of a warehouse that burned out after it was hit during a night of Russian missile attacks in Kyiv, Ukraine. Photograph: Thomas Peter/Reuters

At least 11 dead, 34 injured after 'vile' attack on Ukraine on Putin's birthday, Zelenskyy says

Jakub Krupa

Jakub Krupa

Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia launched “one fo the most vile strikes” on Ukraine last night, targeting the country’s energy infrastructure overnight.

At least 11 people were killed, and more than 34 injured in a series of attacks on Pryluky, Dnipro, Kremenchuk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kyiv, which Zelenskyy ironically called “a birthday gift for Putin” who turns 74 today.

Rescuers work at a site of an apartment building damaged by a Russian missile strike in the town of Pryluky, Chernihiv region, Ukraine.
Rescuers work at a site of an apartment building damaged by a Russian missile strike in the town of Pryluky, Chernihiv region, Ukraine. Photograph: State Emergency Service Of Ukraine/Reuters

“Russian ballistic missiles remain the greatest challenge. And air defense packages for us right now are a vital necessity. That is why every day we are looking for missiles for Patriot systems that can and must actually protect people’s lives here, in Ukrainian skies,” Zelenskyy said.

Ukraine’s foreign minister Andrii Sybiha went further, saying:

“On Putin’s birthday, Russian generals brought him his favorite present: war crimes.”

He added:

“What Russian generals fail to tell Putin is that he is not winning this war and never will. …

I urge all partners to give Putin real presents that will help him finally choose diplomacy over war. Stronger sanctions on his military-industrial complex, including facilities producing ballistic missiles and the Rassvet satellite system, as well as stronger support for Ukraine, including all kinds of air defence and energy assistance ahead of winter.

But his ultimate present will be a dock in The Hague. We are preparing the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine for practical launch already next year. Putin and his friends should know that accountability is inevitable.”

Elsewhere, I will bring you the latest from France, as high school protests continue after a major march in Paris, which ended with sporadic vandalism and running skirmishes with riot police, and officers firing teargas and carrying out baton charges to disperse protesters.

Following allegations of police brutality, interior minister Laurent Nuñez suspended the use of stun grenades at the protests, after a 15-year-old reportedly lost a hand on Monday, and a 14-year old lost several teeth.

The French PM, Sébastien Lecornu, is expected to speak later today to set out his plans for responding to the protests.

I will bring you also all other news from across Europe.

It’s Wednesday, 7 October 2026, it’s Jakub Krupa here, and this is Europe Live.

Good morning.