Russia said on Tuesday that its armed forces had launched strikes on multiple Ukrainian targets, while Ukraine, on the same day, accused Russia of large-scale missile and drone raids.
In its latest report on Tuesday, Russia's Defense Ministry said that over the past 24 hours, Russian troops struck 142 locations in Ukraine, targeting Ukrainian energy facilities, drone production and storage facilities, ammunition depots, fuel depots, and temporary deployment points for Ukrainian troops and foreign mercenaries.
The ministry also said that Russian air defenses had shot down Ukrainian guided aerial bombs and drones.
Dmitry Peskov, press secretary to Russian President Vladimir Putin, said Tuesday that Russia will continue its special military operation to fully safeguard its national interests.
Peskov added that no reasonable voices calling for dialogue have emerged from the West, making the special military operation necessary.
On the same day, the Ukrainian air force said on social media that Russian forces had launched missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, with 40 locations across the country hit.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on social media on Tuesday that Ukraine's capital Kyiv and several regions had come under airstrikes, with infrastructure, power facilities, and communication facilities damaged in multiple places.
Zelensky also said Ukraine and Belgium have reached an agreement under which Belgium will deliver three F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine by the end of 2026. Ukraine will expedite the procedures to receive these fighter jets.
In addition, Zelensky thanked the United States and Norway on the same day for providing Ukraine with the NASAMS system and the missile package, and thanked France and Germany for their recent air defense assistance, including missiles.
He also said that Ukraine needs continued air defense support in the face of Russia's escalating attacks.
Russia claims striking multiple Ukrainian targets, Ukraine accuses Russia of launching large-scale airstrikes
The U.S.-led coalition concluded its military mission in Iraq on Wednesday, marking the end of more than two decades of Western military presence that began with the 2003 invasion.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi on Wednesday announced the conclusion of the U.S.-led international coalition's mission to combat the Islamic State (IS) in Iraq.
On the same day, the Pentagon said the United States and its allies have officially ended Operation Inherent Resolve against the IS in Iraq.
To mark the occasion, the Iraqi government declared a four-day official holiday from September 30 to October 3, designated as "Sovereignty Day" celebrations.
"For Iraq, the withdrawal of U.S. forces means that national sovereignty is further fully implemented. Iraq will be able to decide its own stance independently. This is something to be happy about and an important moment of national significance," said Majid Al-Hasnawi, a resident.
Iraqi analysts echoed hopes that regaining full autonomy will accelerate domestic recovery.
"I think at this current time, the withdrawal of U.S. forces and international coalition troops will help promote the reconstruction process. Because the Iraqi people will rely on their own country's talents and institutions, and the people of this country will drive the national reconstruction themselves," said Faisal Radi, an economist.
The drawdown follows years of shifting security dynamics. The U.S. launched the Iraq War in 2003 and carried out a broad withdrawal in late 2011, leaving only a residual force.
In 2014, the Islamic State group seized vast territories across Iraq's west and north. The U.S.-led coalition to combat the extremist group was subsequently formed and deployed forces to Iraq.
In 2024, the U.S. and Iraq agreed on a two-phase transition to conclude the coalition's mission.
"Ending the foreign military presence is an important political decision made and being implemented by Iraq. The problem is that a foreign military presence may provide room for intervention in Iraq's domestic political affairs, and this kind of interference in Iraq's internal affairs is something the Iraqi side cannot accept," said Salah Boushi, director of the Iraq Center for Strategic Affairs.
U.S.-led coalition concludes military mission in Iraq
