Putin orders military leaders to target civilians and nuclear facilities, Zelensky warns: ‘No rules now’

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Zelensky says Putin ordered military to abandon rules of war

   President Volodymyr Zelensky says intelligence intercepted on October 1 reveals Vladimir Putin ordered military leaders to abandon the rules of war. According to Zelensky, the Russian president removed previous restrictions on air campaigns, specifically directing generals to increase attacks on civilian targets and nuclear energy sites. This shift coincides with intensified strikes on Kyiv, including a drone attack on the Northern Bridge during a visit from the German chancellor, which Zelensky claims is an attempt to force residents to leave the capital.

   Why it matters

   The escalation follows a period of governed air campaigns and comes amid reports of Russian nuclear warnings regarding the Baltic exclave of Kaliningrad. These developments signal a potential transition toward unrestricted warfare.

   What is confirmed

   • President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Vladimir Putin ordered military leaders to abandon the rules of war.
   • Intercepted communications indicate Putin eliminated previous restrictions on air campaigns.
   • Putin directed generals to increase attacks on civilian targets and nuclear energy facilities.
   • A Russian drone hit Kyiv's Northern Bridge on Sunday during a visit from the German chancellor.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Vladimir Putin is preparing a mass military mobilization.
   • Russia intends to force Ukrainians to leave the capital through strikes on Kyiv.

   What to watch next

   • Verification of mass military mobilization reports
   • Evidence of targeted strikes on nuclear energy sites
   • Further intercepted communications regarding Russian military restraints
   Sources used for this update (16)

   1. michaelharrison.org.uk — The war in the Ukraine – what you are not being told – 2026 – updated September 25
   2. Financial Times — Putin has told military leaders to abandon rules of war, Zelenskyy says
   3. The Daily Beast — Putin Humiliated as His Desperate Order Is Exposed
   4. Українська правда — Zelenskyy on Russian strikes on Kyiv: They want Ukrainians to leave the capital
   5. The Independent — Putin tells generals to abandon rules of war as Russia targets Kyiv civilians
   6. timesofindia.indiatimes.com — Why Kaliningrad matters to Putin: The Suwałki Gap vulnerability, Kremlin's nuclear threat and India link
   7. New York Post — Putin orders military leaders to target civilians and nuclear facilities, Zelensky warns: ‘No rules now’
   8. Semafor — Russian fear-mongering stokes fears of military escalation
   9. www.dailymail.com — Putin 'orders his military leaders to abandon the rules of war' as Ukraine sees increase in attacks on ci....
   10. The Independent — Ukraine latest: Zelensky warns Putin is abandoning rules as Russia strikes key bridge
   11. www.kyivpost.com — ‘No Rules Now’: Putin Orders Civilian Attacks, Zelensky Says
   12. nypost.com — Putin orders Russian troops to abandon rules of war: Zelensky
   confidence 90%