Energy
A powerful explosion occurred at an oil depot in the Iraqi city of Basra, causing a fire and leading to the deaths of two workers and injuries to several others. Crude oil supplies to world markets have not been suspended, and production at the Zubair field has not been affected.
The test of the Russian cruise missile took place on October 21. Russia claims that the Burevestnik allegedly covered about 14,000 km and was in the air for approximately 15 hours.
On October 26, electricity consumption restrictions will be applied in Ukraine from 09:00 to 22:00, turning off the power for 0. 5 to 1 queue. This is due to the consequences of massive Russian attacks on energy facilities.
On October 26, at 4:00 AM, Ukraine will switch to winter time, moving clocks back one hour. The relevant Cabinet of Ministers resolution has been in effect since 1996, despite attempts to cancel the transition.
In Ukraine, greenhouse tomatoes have been rising in price for the third week in a row due to limited supply. Currently, tomatoes are sold at UAH 80-90/kg, which is 14% more expensive than last week.
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.
Russian troops attacked a DTEK mine in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, where 496 employees were underground. This is already the seventh major attack on DTEK's coal enterprises in the last two months.
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 Donald Trump administration has prepared additional sanctions against key sectors of the Russian economy. They will be applied if Putin continues to delay ending the war in Ukraine.
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.
Former Commander-in-Chief of the Lithuanian Armed Forces Jonas Vytautas Žukas claims that Angela Merkel pressured Ukrainians regarding Crimea in 2014. This information was published in his book and caused outrage in Lithuania.
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.
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.
Astrologer Ksenia Bazylenko predicts the week of October 27 to November 2 as a period of intense energy flows, which will bring an exacerbation of conflicts and possible technical failures. Financial tensions and price increases are expected, as well as emotional outbursts in relationships.
Suburban trains from Chernihiv and Sumy regions are running with delays of up to 1. 5 hours due to voltage fluctuations in the network. In particular, train No. 6913 Nizhyn – Kyiv-Volynskyi is delayed by 40 minutes, and No. 6542 Altynivka – Neplyuieve – by 1.5 hours.
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.
Rosneft and Lukoil shares led the fall of "blue chips" on the Moscow Exchange after blocking US sanctions. In two days, the total capitalization of the companies decreased by 424 billion rubles, or $5.2 billion.
On October 23, a Ukrainian drone struck the Ryazan oil refinery, Russia's fourth-largest, halting operations at a key processing unit. This led to the shutdown of the CDU-4 crude oil primary distillation unit, which provided about a quarter of the plant's capacity.
Kirill Dmitriev, special representative of the Russian president, confirmed his visit to the United States for a long-planned meeting. He stated that the dialogue would continue despite recent unfriendly steps and US sanctions against Russian oil companies.
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.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the swift presentation of options for a reparations loan for Ukraine. European countries also agreed to continue pressure on Russia through sanctions.
India's leading buyer of Russian oil, Reliance Industries Ltd, will comply with Western sanctions against Moscow. The company has a long-term agreement to purchase almost 500,000 barrels of crude oil per day from Russian oil giant Rosneft.
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.
On October 25, power outages will be in effect in Ukraine from 07:00 to 23:00, affecting 1 to 2 queues. Restrictions will also apply to industrial consumers from 08:00 to 23:00.
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.
According to media reports, Putin plans to mobilize reservists to guard strategic infrastructure facilities in Russia that are threatened by Ukrainian drone attacks.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the provision of 5,000 new multi-purpose missiles to Ukraine to strengthen air defense before the winter period. Britain is increasing military support and pressure on the Kremlin.
Oil prices rose by 7% over the week after the US imposed sanctions against Russian oil companies, raising fears of supply disruptions. Brent and WTI quotes increased, demonstrating a shift in market sentiment from anticipating a surplus to a deficit.
China reacted to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's statement about Beijing's support for Russia's ability to continue the invasion. The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that the country advocates for a ceasefire and peace talks, upholding the principles of peace and dialogue.