Ukraine's former defense minister Fedorov has taken on a new international defense role just weeks after his dramatic dismissal from Kyiv's government triggered protests across the country.

Fedorov has accepted a position as defense innovation adviser to Italy's Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, where he will advise on technologies shaping modern warfare. His work will reportedly focus on autonomous systems, air defense and defense-sector innovation.

Italy's Defense Ministry described the appointment as an important opportunity, with Fedorov's experience in military technology and innovation expected to contribute to Italy's response to emerging security challenges.

Fedorov will remain based in Kyiv while carrying out his new responsibilities.

The appointment comes after a major political fallout in Ukraine. Fedorov was dismissed as defense minister in July amid reported tensions with Ukraine's military leadership. His removal sparked protests, with supporters demanding that he be reinstated.

Former Defense Minister Fedorov Gets Italy Defense Role | Election Call Puts Zelensky Under Pressure

At least 13 people have been killed after Russia and Ukraine exchanged strikes overnight, as the conflict enters another dangerous phase.

Russian strikes reportedly killed seven people in Ukraine, while four people were killed in Russia and two others were killed in Crimea.

In Ukraine, a Russian drone struck a railway station in Odesa. Footage showed workers clearing broken glass and debris from the station. Railway officials said there were no fatalities and train services were not disrupted.

A separate Russian drone strike hit a shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih, reportedly killing 16 people and injuring at least 130. Authorities said several people remained missing as rescuers searched through the rubble.

Russia-Ukraine War Escalates: Deadly Overnight Strikes As Macron Pledges New Missiles For Kyiv

The Russia-Ukraine war has entered a deadly new phase as Moscow intensifies its aerial assault on Ukraine with missiles and hundreds of drones. At least 16 people have been killed and more than 130 injured, including children, in the latest attacks.

Ukraine has retaliated with long-range drone strikes targeting Russian oil and logistics infrastructure. Kyiv has also warned of depleted Patriot missile stocks, raising concerns over its ability to intercept ballistic missiles.

France is preparing additional interceptor missiles for Ukraine, while Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for national unity. Meanwhile, Ukraine is urging the United States to take a more active role in efforts to end the war.

Russia-Ukraine War Escalates | Deadly Strikes Kill 16 | Kyiv Hit By Massive Barrage

Russia and Ukraine have exchanged a fresh wave of intense strikes, leaving casualties and widespread destruction on both sides. A prominent market in Kyiv was reportedly gutted in Russian strikes, while Ukraine claimed to have targeted a missile fuel production facility in Russia's Rostov region.

The escalation comes amid reports that British-made drones are being used in Ukrainian strikes deep inside Russian territory, including attacks targeting facilities near Moscow.

Meanwhile, a NATO F-18 fighter reportedly shot down a drone that breached Romanian airspace, marking another serious development along NATO's eastern flank.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also called for greater international support to protect Ukraine's cultural heritage sites. At the same time, Germany, France and the UK are reportedly working on their own negotiating framework amid concerns that Europe could be excluded from future US-led Russia-Ukraine peace talks.

Russia-Ukraine War Escalates: Deadly Strikes, British Drones Hit Deep Inside Russia 