Pavlo Bashynskyi
Greek tanker companies are refusing to work with Russian oil companies after sanctions imposed by the administration of US President Donald Trump. This has led to a reduction in Russian oil exports and an increase in the cost of transporting Urals crude.
Over the past week, arsons and "spontaneous combustions" of electrical panels, railway relay cabinets, and other infrastructure involved in supporting aggression against Ukraine have become more frequent in Russia. Sudden fires at key nodes of Russian logistics and power supply occurred almost throughout the aggressor country.
October 26 marks the Day of Pleasant Surprises and Intersex Awareness Day, dedicated to human rights. The USA celebrates Pumpkin Day, and Ukraine celebrates Automobile and Road Workers' Day, which is observed on the last Sunday of October.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the EU is considering all options to respond to the threat from China regarding rare earth elements. China has tightened export controls on these elements and battery materials, which poses a significant risk to European industry.
Ukraine is counting on the supply of 150 JAS 39 Gripen aircraft, the first of which should appear next year. President Zelenskyy stated that these aircraft are part of Ukraine's security guarantees.
General Motors is recalling nearly 23,000 2025-2026 Chevy Equinox EV and Cadillac Optiq vehicles due to defective Continental Tire tires. The problem lies in an unsuitable rubber compound, which can lead to tread separation.
On October 26, cloudy weather with clearings is expected in Ukraine, with light and moderate rains during the day, except for the east. The temperature at night will be 1-6°C, and during the day 8-13°C, in the south up to 17°C.
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, reported that Ukraine's long-range strikes on Russia are focused on paralyzing oil production and refining, as well as on the Russian defense industry. This strategy is already showing noticeable results, in particular, Russia's almost complete exclusion from the gasoline export sector.
The Korneuburg Regional Court in Austria will consider the issue of extraditing Andriy Naumov, the former head of the Main Department of Internal Security of the SBU, to Ukraine. The SBI and the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine are actively cooperating with Austrian law enforcement agencies on this matter.
Minister of Energy Svitlana Hrynchuk stated that local authorities will make decisions on the start of the heating season. This will happen in the coming days due to the expected drop in temperature.
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that the Russians aim to cause a complete power outage in Ukraine. This is intended to create social discontent among the most vulnerable segments of the population.
US President Donald Trump said he would not name the new White House ballroom after himself, calling such reports fake news. The new premises, being built in place of the demolished East Wing, are intended for official celebrations.
Oleksandr Shtyl, Deputy Director General of the "Kyiv City Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine," stated that as of October 25, the level of atmospheric air pollution in Kyiv meets the standards. This happened despite enemy shelling of some districts of the capital, which caused fires.
The Ministry of Justice has clarified the procedure for restoring lost ownership documents, emphasizing that the loss of documents does not mean the loss of the right of ownership itself. Duplicate documents issued by a notary or an official of a local government body have the same legal force as the originals.
As a result of the night attack by Russia, two men, aged 36 and 58, died in Kyiv, both in the Desnianskyi district. The total number of injured has risen to 14 people, and residential buildings, a kindergarten, and other facilities have been damaged.
On October 26, 2025, Ukraine will switch to winter time, moving the clock hands back one hour. Psychologist Kateryna Kononova explained the impact of time change on the body and gave advice on adaptation.
The governor of Belgorod region reported damage to the dam of the Belgorod reservoir. In case of repeated damage, flooding is possible, threatening about 1,000 residents.
Law enforcement officers have opened criminal proceedings regarding the explosion at the Ovruch railway station, which claimed the lives of a female border guard and two civilians. The incident is preliminarily classified under three articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
Donald Trump plans to name the new 90,000-square-foot White House ballroom after himself. The $300 million project is funded by private donors, including major tech companies.
In Russia's Volgograd region, authorities claimed to have repelled a massive drone attack, but debris damaged the Balashovska power substation and a private building. This marks the second strike on the station, which is crucial for transmitting electricity and supplying several regions.
US President Donald Trump stated that he would discuss Russia's war against Ukraine with Chinese leader Xi Jinping at their meeting, seeking Beijing's help. The meeting is scheduled for next Thursday, October 30.
In Odesa region, seven men tried to break through the border in a BMW, but the driver lost control and the car overturned. All offenders sustained injuries of varying severity.
Zelenskyy stated that during the meeting of the "Coalition of the Willing", decisions were made to make it more difficult for dictator Putin, and these decisions are not being disclosed.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine is launching a long-term medical care project for defenders, which will last until December 31, 2026. The project provides for medical care in hospitals, communities, or at home with the participation of multidisciplinary teams.
The Cabinet of Ministers approved a draft law that will allow foreigners who fought for Ukraine to legally stay in the country for up to 6 months after their contract expires. It also provides for the inclusion of the period of military service in the period of residence and the receipt of an immigration quota for those who fought for at least 4 months or were in captivity.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced the provision of Mirage fighter jets and additional Aster anti-aircraft missiles to Ukraine. This decision was announced during a meeting of the "coalition of the willing," where strengthening military support was also discussed.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on the introduction of US sanctions against Rosneft and Lukoil, stating that "better late than never. " He thanked partners for these measures, emphasizing that Ukraine had previously fought against Russian energy on its own. The US called on Moscow to immediately end the war against Ukraine.
Ukraine's Ambassador to Poland, Vasyl Bodnar, commented on the provocative banners displayed by Polish fans at the Shakhtar and Legia match, calling them unrelated to sports. He expressed gratitude to Poland for supporting Ukrainian athletes, despite the incident.
The double-decker city bus MAN A39, donated by Berlin, will run in Kyiv on route No. 57 this weekend. It has 83 seats, 45 standing places, and is equipped for people with disabilities.
Ukraine can receive up to 150 JAS 39 Gripen E fighters within three years. These aircraft can take off from highways and can carry Meteor, IRIS-T, and Taurus missiles.