Ukrainian media on October 28 highlighted intensifying battles around Pokrovsk and Kupyansk, with reports of Russian forces re-occupying parts of Kupyansk and breaking into Mirnohrad's outskirts. Discussions also covered the potential fall of Pokrovsk after prolonged fighting.
Concurrently, President Zelenskyy announced plans for a 250-aircraft fleet, prioritizing Swedish Gripens, and stated that Iranian "Shaheds" are becoming more dangerous than ballistic missiles. A former NATO commander called for a shift to an alert status amid Russia's 'hybrid' war. By late afternoon, President Zelenskyy announced the creation of an Energy Coalition, and the start of the heating season was confirmed for October 29 in Kyiv. The former Odesa mayor Trukhanov was reportedly under suspicion for negligence during a flood.