Russia and China have forged an informal alliance against the United States and other democratic nations that is now complicated by the Israel-Hamas war.
Rescuers searched for survivors in the remains of the only cafe in the village of Hroza. Around 60 people, including children, were attending a wake at the cafe when the missile hit, officials said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin says hand grenade fragments were found in the bodies of people who died in the Aug. 23 crash of mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin's plane.
Former prime minister Robert Fico campaigned as a left-wing populist, opposing continued military support for Ukraine and aligning with Russia against the United States.
Millions of Ukrainians still worship in Orthodox churches deeply influenced by Russian clergy who support Moscow's invasion, sparking a clash of faith and national loyalty.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he is making an effort to answer any legitimate questions concerning his administration and its conduct during the war in Ukraine.
The Wall Street Journal reporter has been held in Russia since March. Thousands have written him letters for the Jewish new year, as the campaign for his release hones in on next week's U.N. meeting.