Ukraine Invasion: Part 59

[MagicFox]

Well, it’s thread 59.

Thanks to all regular contributors, especially those doing the daily hard work. Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

Agreed thread guidance:

A. The agreed purpose of the thread is for the sharing of information and commentary on current events

B. If you post a link please tell us where it leads/give a precis of the content

C. Discussion and debate is welcome, but please keep it respectful

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Reporting in. 🫡

Checking in

🇺🇦

Thanks, @MagicFox .

Checking in

🌻

Checking in, with thanks for the new thread 🇺🇦

Thank you for the new thread 🌻

Thread 59 😞but thank you @MagicFox

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-october-20-2025/

Key Takeaways

1. US President Donald Trump’s October 17 meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reportedly ended with Trump supporting a ceasefire on the current frontlines and not Russian President Vladimir Putin’s demands that Ukraine cede territory in Donetsk Oblast to Russia.
2. Kremlin voices clarified Russia’s position on negotiations following Western reporting about the October 17 Trump-Zelensky meeting in order to reiterate that Russia remains committed to addressing the alleged “root causes” of the war and is unwilling to agree to a ceasefire.
3. The Kremlin is priming the Russian people for a full victory in Ukraine whatever the cost — a domestic effort that is at odds with Putin’s reported willingness to make territorial concessions.
4. The Kremlin is leaning into its cognitive warfare effort to portray Russian forces as relentlessly advancing and a Russian victory as inevitable. This effort aims to obscure the reality that Russian forces are only making minimal gains at disproportionately high manpower costs and that Russia is unlikely to obtain its strategic objectives by force in the short- or medium-term.
5. Russian officials are also attempting to falsely portray ongoing limited Russian operations in the Kherson direction as the start of a new major Russian offensive in the province.
6. The Kremlin is attempting to use all available informational avenues to convince the United States, Europe, and Ukraine to acquiesce to the Kremlin’s demands by convincing them that a Russian victory in Ukraine is certain when it is anything but.
7. Kremlin officials are attempting to present Ukraine as the obstacle to peace to obfuscate how Putin himself has been impeding the process by insisting that Ukraine cede more territory than Russian forces currently occupy.
8. Ukrainian forces recently advanced in the Siversk direction. Russian forces recently advanced in the Velykyi Burluk direction.

Oh bother, posted on last thread!

Thank @MagicFox for the new thread

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-october-21-2025/

Key Takeaways

1. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated that Russia is unwilling to agree to an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine that does not result in Ukraine’s complete capitulation.
2. Ukraine and its European allies signaled their support for U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal for an immediate ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
3. Recent Russian war crimes in Pokrovsk highlight the humanitarian cost of Russian advances in more populated areas.
4. Russia’s long-range strike campaign continues to target critical Ukrainian energy infrastructure ahead of Winter 2025-2026.
5. Ukrainian Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi was appointed as the commander of the newly formed Joint Forces Task Force.
6. Polish and Romanian authorities connected Russian military intelligence to attempted acts of sabotage aimed at undermining European Union (EU) support to Ukraine.
7. Russian forces advanced in western Zaporizhia Oblast and near Pokrovsk.

Sorry, late today.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️ Blasts hit Romanian, Hungarian oil refineries tied to Russia. (kyivindependent.com/blasts-hit-romanian-hungarian-refineries-tied-to-russia-media-reports/)
Explosions took place at the Petrotel-Lukoil refinery in Ploiești, southern Romania, as well as at Hungary’s largest oil refinery in Szazhalombatta.

⚡️ No plans for Putin-Trump meeting (kyivindependent.com/no-plans-for-putin-trump-meeting-in-immediate-future-media-reports/) in 'immediate future,' media reports.

⚡️Russia targets Ukrainian cities with ballistic missiles in mass overnight attack (kyivindependent.com/russia-targets-ukrainian-cities-with-ballistic-missiles-in-mass-overnight-attack/).
Explosions have been reported in Kyiv, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, and the southern port city of Izmail.

Ukraine strikes Russian chemical plant with long-range Storm Shadow missiles (kyivindependent.com/breaking-ukraine-strikes-russian-chemical-plant-with-long-range-storm-shadow-missiles-military-says/), military says.
The Bryansk Chemical Plant produces gunpowder, explosives, and rocket fuel components, which Russia uses in ammunition and missiles launched against Ukraine.

Chart of the week: Will Ukraine’s central bank weaken the hryvnia? (kyivindependent.com/will-ukraines-central-bank-make-the-unpopular-move-and-weaken-the-hrynvia/)
Ukraine’s central bank has held the country’s exchange rate relatively stable in the last year after the initial volatility caused by Russia’s full-scale invasion. But that might be about to change.

⚡️ Ukraine, Europe back Trump's call to cease hostilities (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-europe-back-trumps-call-for-ceasefire-along-current-front-line/) along current front line.

⚡️ Update: Norway pledges $150 million (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-arrives-in-sweden-to-make-defense-export-announcement/) to Ukraine for gas purchases.

⚡️ Zelensky arrives in Sweden (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-arrives-in-sweden-to-make-defense-export-announcement/) to make 'defense export' announcement.

⚡️Ukrainian drones attack (kyivindependent.com/drones-attack-oil-refinery-mechanical-plant-in-russia-media-reports/) oil refinery, mechanical plant in Russia, media reports.
Russian air defenses intercepted 44 Ukrainian drones overnight and into the morning of Oct. 22, according to Russia's Defense Ministry.

⚡️ Romania, Poland detain Ukrainian citizens (kyivindependent.com/romania-poland-detain-ukrainian-citizens-over-alleged-russian-backed-sabotage-plot/) over alleged Russian-backed sabotage plot.
The perpetrators were allegedly planning to set fire to the Bucharest headquarters of Nova Post, Ukraine's largest private courier service.

⚡️ (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2025-10-21/): UK ready to deploy forces to Ukraine if Trump brokers peace deal.

⚡️ Ukraine war latest live (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2025-10-21/): SBU destroys 2 Russian drone-hunting aircraft, releases video.
"This work to 'clear the way' for our long-range drones ensures uninterrupted strikes on Russian rear areas," the SBU said.

⚡️As Tomahawk pressure vanishes (kyivindependent.com/russia-escalates-strikes-on-ukraines-energy-sector-amid-waning-diplomatic-pressure-zelensky-says/), Russia escalating strikes on Ukraine's energy sector, Zelensky says.
"In Chernihiv and Sumy oblasts, restoration work is underway across all affected areas following Russian strikes on our energy infrastructure. In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, (Russian forces) even used FPV drones to target transformers," Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on Telegram.

⚡️ For the first time, Russia reportedly sends oil shipment (kyivindependent.com/russia-reportedly-sends-first-oil-shipment-to-new-georgian-refinery/) to Georgia's new refinery.
The Kulevi facility, Georgia's first full-cycle oil refinery, was launched earlier this month as part of efforts to reduce dependency on fuel imports.

⚡️ Update: Ukraine, Sweden sign letter of intent on possible deal for up to 150 Gripen jets. (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-arrives-in-sweden-to-make-defense-export-announcement/)
While the memorandum is not aimed at any immediate new donations, it includes a possibility for a major deal involving 100-150 Gripen E fighter jets, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced.
"This is the start of a long journey of 10-15 years," he added.

⚡️ SBU reveals next-gen Sea Baby (kyivindependent.com/sbu-releases-new-baby-sea-drones-confirms-it-was-used-in-an-attack-on-sea-bridge/) naval drones, confirms use in June Crimea Bridge attack.
In a video, the SBU revealed two versions of the new drone.

⚡️Son of ex-Belarusian presidential candidate killed (kyivindependent.com/ex-belarusian-presidential-candidates-son-killed-fighting-for-russia-media-reports/) fighting for Russia in Ukraine, media reports.
Ivan Uss reportedly signed a contract with the Russian army on Jan. 17 but died just weeks into his service.

⚡️ Poland hopes Ukraine knocks out Druzhba pipeline (kyivindependent.com/poland-hopes-ukraine-knocks-out-druzhba-pipeline-sikorski-taunts-hungary/) — Sikorski taunts Hungary.
"I hope your brave compatriot, Major Magyar, finally succeeds in knocking out the oil pipeline that feeds Putin's war machine and you get your oil via Croatia," Sikorski told Hungary's Szijjarto on X.

Russia’s children’s commissioner shamelessly describes kidnapping a Ukrainian child (kyivindependent.com/without-shame-russias-childrens-commissioner-casually-discusses-kidnapping-a-ukrainian-child/)
Maria Lvova-Belova — Russia’s Commissioner for Children’s Rights, wanted by the International Criminal Court for the abduction of Ukrainian children — has revealed new details about kidnapping a boy from Mariupol whom she later claimed to have adopted.
She said that Filip “did not want to go to Russia” and said that he was “annoyed by Moscow and Russia,” but she managed to re-educate him.

⚡️ Russia [...] hit a kindergarten in Kharkiv (kyivindependent.com/russian-air-strike-on-kharkiv-damages-kindergarden-kills-1-injures-at-least/).

Officials said it was likely the attack included jet-powered Geran-2 drones.

⚡️ Update: 15 injured (kyivindependent.com/russia-targets-ukrainian-cities-with-ballistic-missiles-in-mass-overnight-attack/) in Zaporizhzhia following Russian strike.
The number of injured in Zaporizhzhia is at least 15 people, Governor Ivan Fedorov said following a Russian attack overnight on Oct. 22.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
· 8h
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA — OCT 22, 2025
■ Engagements and casualties remain above average
■ Fewer equipment losses, but APV losses stay above average
■ Overnight attacks: not reported at the time of writing
■ Single-digit 🇺🇦 strikes, while 🇷🇺 ones remain below average as well

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

❗️ On October 21, 2025, the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, together with the Ground Forces, the Navy, and other divisions of the Defence Forces, struck the Bryansk Chemical Plant, the General Staff reported.
The Bryansk Chemical Plant is a key part of the aggressor’s military-industrial complex, producing gunpowder, explosives, and components for rocket fuel used in ammunition and missiles that the enemy employs to shell Ukraine.

NATO Secretary General arrives in Washington today for a meeting with Trump.
He will be in the US on October 21 and 22. Reuters sources report that Rutte’s visit comes as Europe hurries to respond to Trump’s latest diplomatic moves.

Russia is launching more and more drones into Ukraine: according to British intelligence, the occupiers launched about 5,500 attack drones in September, compared to around 4,100 in August.

Russia has sent oil to Georgia’s new Kulevi refinery for the first time, Reuters reports.
On October 6, the Kayseri tanker, part of Russia’s “shadow fleet,” delivered 105,000 tons of Siberian Light crude oil from Novorossiysk. This marks the first time Russian oil has been processed directly in Georgia rather than transiting through it.
The Kulevi refinery, launched in October, is the country’s first oil refinery. Georgia aims to reduce its dependence on fuel imports from Russia, Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Romania.
According to Reuters, Moscow is testing the use of foreign facilities to compensate for domestic refining shortages caused by sanctions and Ukrainian drone strikes. Despite the lack of diplomatic relations since 2008, the Georgian Dream government continues to expand economic cooperation with Russia.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said Ukraine could start receiving Gripen fighters within about three years.
He noted that these are the latest-generation jets, recently introduced in Sweden, and production is only now beginning.

Russians massively attacked Novhorod-Siverskyi in the Chernihiv region with Shahed drones — about 20 strikes were recorded.
According to the Chernihiv Regional Military Administration, four civilians were killed.
Preliminarily, seven people were injured, including a 10-year-old girl. One of the wounded is in serious condition. The city has suffered significant destruction.

The outgoing Czech government announced that the Czech Republic will build and donate a modern Earth observation satellite to Ukraine as a sign of support. The satellite will be capable of collecting data regardless of weather or daylight.
This demonstrates not only the technological excellence of Czech companies in one of the most demanding industries, but also our continued support for Ukraine,” the Czech Foreign Ministry stated.
According to the Ministry of Transport, the project will be launched in the coming months, with the satellite’s launch expected within a year. The Czech Republic will be the first country to provide Ukraine with this type of assistance.

🇭🇺 Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó called the EU Council’s decision to abandon Russian fossil fuels a blow and announced an appeal to the EU Court.
“Yesterday, the European Union practically eliminated Hungary’s energy security because they treat energy supply as a political and ideological issue, ignoring physical and geographical realities,” Szijjártó said.

As a result of the enemy’s night attack, 18 people were injured in the capital, including four children. Four adults and three children are currently hospitalized, while others are receiving outpatient care, said Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko.

One person was killed and five others injured in a Russian strike on a kindergarten in Kharkiv, Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported.

The firefighters extinguished the fire at the kindergarten. Forty-eight children were in the shelter at the time of the Russian drone strike, and they were all evacuated to safety. Tragically, one person was killed and six others were injured.

Last night, a russian drone hit a house in the Kyiv region, killing a family. Among the victims were Antonina, her 6-month-old niece Adelina, and her 12-year-old niece Anastasiia.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Putin has ordered nuclear exercises involving the country’s full nuclear triad — land-based, sea-based, and airborne components — according to official reports.
The drills are set to take place today.

Drones struck a Rostec explosives plant in Mordovia and a major oil hub in Dagestan, in one of Ukraine’s deepest attacks into Russian territory (https://www.kyivpost.com/post/62704) — around 1,200 km from the front lines.

US House and Senate push for the most severe sanctions (www.kyivpost.com/post/62671) as lawmakers deliver an ultimatum over Putin’s systematic policy of cultural erasure and forced deportation.

Partisans in Russia’s Leningrad region have blown up a train carrying military cargo.
A source in Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence told Kyiv Post the operation paralyzed movement along the St. Petersburg–Pskov railway — a key route supplying Russia’s war effort.

Russia’s State Duma approved a bill allowing year-round military conscription (www.kyivpost.com/post/62659) and limiting electronic draft notices to 30 days, tightening mobilization amid the war in Ukraine. [this has been in the works awhile]

Ukrainian forces carried out a raid on Russian positions in the Sumy region, killing 13 Russian soldiers (www.kyivpost.com/post/62657) and holding the area overnight to ambush incoming reinforcements.

SPECIAL PROJECT: 30 YEARS OF KYIV POST
2000 — Leading Journalist Goes Missing.
In September 2000, journalist Georgy Gongadze disappeared after exposing corruption.
Later investigations hinted at the involvement of former President Leonid Kuchma, though the case remains unresolved.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

Ukraine and its European partners are preparing a 12-point proposal to end the war along the current front line, Bloomberg reports, citing sources.
The plan includes the return of all deported Ukrainian children and a prisoner exchange once Russia agrees to a ceasefire. Ukraine would receive security guarantees, reconstruction funding, and a fast-track path to EU membership.
Sanctions against Russia would be gradually lifted, but around $300 billion in frozen reserves would be released only after Moscow agrees to contribute to Ukraine’s postwar recovery.
Moscow and Kyiv would begin talks on administering the occupied territories, though neither Ukraine nor European nations would legally recognize any occupied land as Russian.
The implementation of the plan would be overseen by a Peace Council chaired by Donald Trump. European officials may visit the U.S. this week to finalize the details.

❗️Russia has sent a letter to the United States reiterating its previous conditions for a peace deal with Ukraine, Reuters reports, citing informed sources.
In the communiqué, Moscow again demanded full control over the entire Donbas region and repeated its earlier insistence that NATO troops must not be deployed in Ukraine under any peace agreement.

❗️The current line of contact should serve as the starting point for negotiations — according to a joint statement by Zelensky and European leaders.
“We firmly support President Trump’s position on the need for an immediate ceasefire and the use of the current line of contact as a starting point for negotiations. We remain committed to the principle that international borders cannot be changed by force,” the statement reads.
It also announced the development of measures to utilize the full value of Russia’s frozen assets “so that Ukraine has the necessary resources.”

[more info]
🇷🇴🇭🇺Explosions occurred at two oil refineries linked to Russia in Hungary and Romania.
A fire broke out at the AV3 plant of the Danube Refinery Complex in Százhalombatta, Hungary.
Hungarian oil company MOL stated that the fire was not related to any operational issues at the facility. Production is gradually resuming, fuel supplies to Hungary remain uninterrupted, and the blaze has been extinguished with no reported injuries.
Meanwhile, in Romania, an explosion occurred at the Petrotel Lukoil refinery in Ploiești. One employee was injured and hospitalized. Preliminary reports indicate that the blast did not cause environmental damage or affect refinery operations.
Both incidents took place at facilities processing Russian crude oil.

In Kyiv, the number of injured has risen to 30 — including five children.
Doctors have hospitalized nine people, among them four children. The others will receive outpatient treatment.

Fucking half witted, imbeciles. What kind of fucking threat do they think these children were. Arseholes. Disgusting, despicable, pathetic excuses of human beings.

You'd think it could be a mistake, but given the bombing of Kyiv Children's Hospital - you can't.

@LlttledrummergirI it’s a message to their parents…the means to break the Ukrainians’ resolve and resistance.. they are well versed on these tactics. Putin, his KGB background… I am not shocked at all. Sadly

@Mb76 sadly I'm not shocked either. I am furious that Putin and Russia are still in a position to do this. Ukraine should have been given full support a long time ago to end this.

Trump also has a lot to answer for.

I was wondering about Zelensky's willingness to freeze the conflict along the current battle lines and it (belatedly) occurred that it might be about the optics.

Putin, it's clear even to the orange flipflop now, doesn't want a ceasefire. Zelensky, by saying he'll accept the current battle lines, looks far better than Putin on the world stage.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️US imposes sanctions (https://kyivindependent.com/us-imposes-sanctions-on-russian-oil/) on Russia's oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil; Trump cancels meeting with Putin.
The U.S. has imposed sanctions on Russia's two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, in an effort to pressure Moscow into agreeing to a ceasefire, the U.S. Treasury announced on Oct. 22.

⚡️ Zelensky arrives at EU summit (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-arrives-at-eu-summit-as-leaders-set-to-discuss-ukraine-aid-frozen-russian-assets/) as leaders set to discuss Ukraine aid, frozen Russian assets.
Zelensky is expected to brief EU leaders on the humanitarian needs of Ukrainians amid intensified Russian strikes and ongoing efforts to achieve peace.

⚡️Explosions reported near military base (https://kyivindependent.com/explosions-reported-near-military-base-in-southern-russia-blasts-rock-ammunition-plant-1-700-km-from-ukraine/) in southern Russia, blasts allegedly rock ammunition plant 1,700 km from Ukraine.
Explosions were reported near a military base just outside the southern Russian city of Stavropol late on Oct. 22, while additional blasts rocked an ammunition plant in the central city of Kopeysk, local media reported.

⚡️ Major blaze at Russia's Ryazan oil refinery (kyivindependent.com/explosions-reported-in-ryazan-russia-amid-alleged-drone-strike-on-oil-refinery/), Ukrainian drones reported in area.
A series of explosions were reported overnight on Oct. 23 in the Russian city of Ryazan.

Ukraine war latest: Russian mass attack kills civilians in Kyiv, blackouts begin as energy grid damaged (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2025-10-22/)
A large-scale missile and drone attack on energy infrastructure across Ukraine killed six people and injured at least 36 overnight on Oct. 22, according to authorities.
While, the small village of Kucheriv Yar in Donetsk Oblast has been cleared of Russian troops, the Ukrainian military announced on Oct. 22.
At the same time, An intercepted radio communication released by Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) suggests a Russian commander ordering his soldiers to shoot civilians near the embattled city of Pokrovsk. “Don’t let anyone pass on the way, anyone with large civilian bags, just f*ck them up,” a Russian commander can be heard saying in audio published by HUR on Oct. 22.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦
‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA — OCT 23, 2025
■ Engagements and casualties below the 7-day average
■ Record drone losses (previous record was set on Sep 29)
■ Visually confirmed batch: 264 🇷🇺 : 197 🇺🇦 (1.3x) - first in three weeks
■ Overnight attacks: triple-digit, all drones; decent interception rate
■ Single-digit 🇺🇦 strikes, increased 🇷🇺 strikes, 29 missiles used

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

For the first time, under direct NATO orders, the British Navy intercepted a Russian warship in its waters, — Sky News.
The operation to intercept the Russian destroyer Vice Admiral Kulakov in the North Sea involved the destroyer HMS Duncan, a Wildcat helicopter, as well as the French Navy and a Dutch NH90.

The US Treasury Department announced new sanctions against Rosneft and Lukoil over Putin’s refusal to engage in serious peace talks on Ukraine.
The list includes dozens of subsidiaries involved in oil and gas extraction, processing, and transportation across Russia.

EU countries have approved the 19th package of sanctions against Russia, which includes a ban on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas and restrictions on the shadow fleet, Reuters reports.
“We are very pleased to announce that we have just received notification from the last member state that it can now lift its reservations on the 19th package of sanctions,” the Danish presidency of the EU said.
Slovakia was the last country to object. Prime Minister Fico sought guarantees from the European Commission on energy prices and climate goals aligned with the needs of carmakers and heavy industry. A Slovak diplomat said these demands were reflected in new points added to the final communiqué of the EU leaders’ summit.
The LNG ban will take effect in two stages: short-term contracts will expire in six months, and long-term ones from January 1, 2027 — a year earlier than planned.
The package also introduces travel restrictions for Russian diplomats and adds 117 ships from Moscow’s shadow fleet, bringing the total to 558. Banks in Kazakhstan and Belarus are also sanctioned.
EU diplomatic sources told Reuters that four China-linked oil industry entities will be added to the list, including two refineries, a trading company, and an organization helping to bypass sanctions. Their names will be disclosed after formal approval.

Brent crude oil prices rose 5% after the announcement of US sanctions against Russia. Brent crude on the London ICE exchange increased by 5.1% compared to the previous close, reaching $64.45 per barrel, Bloomberg reports.

Not only Gripen fighters: Ukraine and Sweden have agreed to jointly produce air defense systems. Saab, the Swedish defense company that manufactures Gripen jets, will participate alongside the Ukrainian Defense Ministry.
Saab has joined the Build in Ukraine initiative, a program designed to attract foreign defense companies to set up production facilities in Ukraine.

The French army must be ready for a serious clash with Russia within the next three to four years, warned General Fabien Mandon, Chief of the General Staff of the French Armed Forces, in a statement to Le Figaro.
“The first task I have set for the army is to be ready for a serious confrontation in three to four years. Russia could be tempted to continue the war on our continent, and this is the main factor guiding our preparation. If it senses that we are not ready to defend ourselves, I don’t see what could stop it,” the general said during a speech before the Defense Commission.
His remarks align with recent assessments by German intelligence, which warned that Russia may be prepared to engage in a direct conflict with NATO by 2029.
According to Mandon, Moscow perceives Europe as “collectively weak” and has shown a growing “loss of restraint in the use of force.” Still, he emphasized that Europe has every reason for confidence — economically, demographically, and industrially, it far surpasses Russia.
“Russia cannot intimidate us if we truly want to defend ourselves. Increasing the military budget is crucial — even on the level of perception,” he said.
France’s draft defense budget envisions raising spending to €57.1 billion in 2026 — a 13% increase — which would bring defense expenditures to 2.2% of GDP.

The SBU showcased a new generation of sea drones, the “Sea Baby.”
These drones have already been successfully used in the Black Sea, including during the third strike on the Crimean bridge on June 3, 2025.
According to a head of SBU military counterintelligence overseeing the 13th Main Directorate of the Department of Counterintelligence Protection “Hunter,” the upgraded drones can travel over 1,500 km, carry up to 2,000 kg, have reinforced engines, and feature a modern navigation system.
Two variants were demonstrated: one with a gyro-stabilized machine-gun mount featuring auto-capture and target recognition, and another carrying a 10-round “Grad” multiple-launch rocket system.

Seven people were injured in Kyiv during a night attack by “Shaheds,” five of whom were hospitalized, Mayor Klitschko said.
A synagogue was damaged in the Podilskyi district, according to Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Moshe Azman.
The Kyiv City Military Administration reported damage to houses and a kindergarten in Podilskyi district, while debris also damaged residential buildings in the Obolonskyi and Desnianskyi districts

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson shared a photo with President Zelenskyy.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

The US has lifted a key restriction on Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles provided by allies, allowing Kyiv to strike deeper into Russian territory — The Wall Street Journal [but ....]

Trump said that the US has NOT approved Ukraine using long‑range missiles to strike deep inside Russia, calling a published story that Washington had done so “fake news.”

Security analysts have differing takes on Ukraine’s new Flamingo missile, (www.kyivpost.com/analysis/62756) but most predicted more and bigger explosions inside Russia.

Russian drone strike kills Ukrainian journalist and cameraman during frontline coverage
Ukrainian journalist Olena Hubanova and cameraman Yevhen Karmazin were killed by a Russian Lancet drone in Kramatorsk, Donetsk region.
The pair, from Freedom TV channel, had been reporting from the front lines since the early days of Russia’s full-scale invasion — exposing war crimes, telling soldiers’ stories, and helping civilians be heard.

This is how Russia wages war — not on the front line, but against innocents.
A woman aged 80, tending her livestock in Kherson region, was killed instantly when a Russian drone dropped explosives on her.
No military target. Just another civilian — erased.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

Ukrainian Air Assault Forces liberated Kucheriv Yar in the Dobropillia direction of Donetsk region.
More than 50 Russian soldiers were taken prisoner.

🇺🇸 The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee has approved three bills aimed at increasing pressure on Russia and supporting Ukraine.
🔴The first bill would designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism if it fails to return more than 19,000 abducted Ukrainian children.
🔴The second allows for the confiscation of about $5 billion in frozen Russian assets in the U.S. to be redirected toward Ukraine’s reconstruction.
🔴The third imposes sanctions on China for supporting Russia’s war — including the supply of weapons and dual-use technologies.
The bills will now move to the full U.S. Senate for consideration.

🇺🇸 Trump has canceled his meeting with Putin in Hungary.
“It just didn’t feel right. I didn’t think we were going to get where we needed to go, so I canceled it,” the U.S. president said.
Trump added that while he and Putin “always have good conversations,” they never lead to concrete results. As for sanctions, the president said he “felt the time had come.”

🇩🇪The number of Ukrainians aged 18–22 arriving in Germany has sharply increased.
According to Germany’s Interior Ministry, the weekly number of arrivals in this age group has risen from 19 in August to between 1,400 and 1,800 in October.
Since the start of the war, more than 1.29 million Ukrainians have arrived in Germany.
A similar trend is seen in Poland, where the number of young Ukrainians has increased tenfold.

🇨🇿A Czech teacher failed to overturn her conviction for denying Russia’s war crimes in Ukraine. She was sentenced to a seven-month suspended sentence.
Martina Bednařová, who justified Russia’s aggression during her lessons, was also banned from working with children for three years and ordered to complete a media literacy course. If she fails to attend the course, her suspended sentence could be replaced with actual imprisonment.
▪️In April 2022, during a lesson for eighth-graders, Bednařová called Russia’s actions in Ukraine “justified” and claimed that “nothing is happening” in Kyiv. She also told students that Ukrainian “Nazi groups” had been “destroying Russians” since 2014 and that public television was “biased.”

Leicestershire drug dealer Dylan Earl to be sentenced.

He was involved in the burning down of that Ukrainian-owned warehouse in the UK containing Starlink terminals. He also offered to pay someone he thought was a serviing British soldier for intelligence to pass to Wagner Group. He tried to get banking information of European residents and he discussed kidnapping a billionaire for extortion.

Five other people are awaiting sentencing related to the same case.

Dealer waged 'sustained terror campaign' for Russia in UK
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2pwweqllro
On Thursday, prosecutor Duncan Penny KC, said: "Earl's actions constitute a sustained campaign of terrorism and sabotage on UK soil, carried out in support of a foreign power, the Russian Federation, and its war of aggression against Ukraine."

He said Earl had "demonstrated a willingness to go to extreme lengths, including endangering lives".