Russians execute 16 Ukrainian prisoners and Iran hits Israel - Tuesday brief

Russia's war against Ukraine: Latest

• US State Department clarified its position on Ukraine's strikes against Russia using Western weapons

• Vuhledar and Pokrovsk under onslaught and Russia's goals before the cold: Frontline overview

• Russia strikes residential districts in Zaporizhzhia: Killed and wounded reported

• Russia plans to mobilize 40% of defendants to increase the army by 20,000

Iran launches rockets toward Israel: What is known

The IDF officially confirmed the launch of Iranian missiles at Israel at around 19:30. Before that, Western media disseminated information about Iran's preparations for a missile strike against Israel, according to a White House official.

During the attack, videos were posted online showing the “blows” of missiles at Israel. Explosions were heard in different parts of the country.

Israel has promised to respond to such an attack by Iran following its plans.

Largest mass execution: Russian military shoot 16 Ukrainian POWs in Pokrovsk direction

Russian military executed 16 Ukrainian prisoners of war in the Pokrovsk direction. This is the largest mass execution case since the beginning of the war, according to the Office of the Prosecutor General on Telegram and the Ukrainian Parliament's Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, on Telegram.

The Prosecutor General's Office drew attention to information that surfaced online today, October 1, about the possible execution of 16 Ukrainian soldiers by the Russian military. According to unconfirmed reports, the war crime took place near the villages of Mykolaivka and Sukhyi Yar in the Pokrovsk district.

Estonia intends to restructure military aid to Ukraine: Details

Estonia intends to adjust the structure of its military aid to Ukraine, focusing on products made by Estonian companies. In 2023, Estonia provided Ukraine with aid totaling approximately €100 million, which amounts to 0.25% of the country's GDP, citing ERR.

In the coming years, Estonia’s support for Ukraine will continue, but the focus will shift towards locally produced goods.

According to Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur, the country has already begun discussions with Ukraine regarding its priorities, aiming to tailor Estonian products to meet Ukraine's needs.

New NATO Secretary General calls Ukraine top priority

Mark Rutte's top priority as NATO Secretary-General will be Ukraine. Other key areas include investment in collective defense and relations with allies outside the bloc, citing Rutte's briefing in Brussels.

"It's difficult to distinguish between the three priorities because, of course, Ukraine is at the top of the list. But also, we need to do more in terms of our collective defense and deterrence. We have to invest and close the capability gaps and try to achieve on all the targets NATO has set," he said.

New French Prime Minister pledges continued support for Ukraine

New French Prime Minister Michel Barnier has expressed his commitment to continuing support for Ukraine in its war against Russia, according to Ukrinform.

“France will continue to support the Ukrainian people. These are people who have been fighting and dying for the sovereignty of their country and for the values that we share for two and a half years since the start of the Russian invasion,” said the French Prime Minister.