In the Poltava region, rescuers extinguished fires that arose as a result of a combined Russian attack on the night of October 16. The enemy's targets were energy infrastructure and oil and gas industry facilities.
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that he does not regret the exchange of Viktor Medvedchuk for Ukrainian defenders in 2022. He emphasized that Medvedchuk was exchanged for modern heroes, and Medvedchuk himself is not valuable to Ukraine.
The Security Service of Ukraine stated that the "Spiderweb" operation, which destroyed 41 Russian military strategic aviation aircraft, was carried out exclusively by its forces. The SBU refutes FSB statements about a "foreign trace," calling them an attempt to justify failure.
The General Staff reported that North Korean units are involved in supporting Russian operations in the Sumy region. UAV operators are adjusting MLRS fire on the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that the amendments to the Russian law "On Defense" are "opening the door to hidden partial mobilization. " This is due to exorbitant losses and the need to compensate for them.
More than half of Ukrainian enterprises plan to raise salaries within the next 12 months, with the highest expectations in agriculture and large companies. At the same time, 80% of businesses indicate war as the main limiting factor for doing business and production.
Naftogaz is actively working to increase gas imports and attract additional funding for a successful heating season. The Ukrainian delegation, led by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, is negotiating in Washington, and the EBRD has already agreed to provide additional funding.
Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported a strike by an enemy combat drone on the Kyivskyi district. Preliminarily, a high-rise building was the target.
Law enforcement officers have blocked new schemes of evasion from mobilization, detaining 20 organizers who, for 3-14 thousand US dollars, offered fictitious certificates, enrollment in studies or work, as well as escape routes abroad. Among those detained are a radiologist, employees of a transport company, and a specialist from the land department of the city council.
A number of individuals involved in receiving undue benefits and abusing their official position have been detained and notified of suspicion.
At the meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine's Defense, agreements were reached on new contributions totaling at least $422 million to the PURL initiative. Also, $715 million was declared for procurement from the Ukrainian industry and additional military assistance from allies.
Natalia Boyko, Deputy Head of the Supervisory Board of NJSC Naftogaz, stated that gas consumption in Ukraine is growing daily, urging Ukrainians to review their household habits. She emphasized that the heating season will be difficult, and gas consumption has increased by 20% since the beginning of the week.
Ihor Koval, secretary of the Odesa City Council, assumed the duties of Odesa City Mayor on October 16, 2025. This happened after Hennadiy Trukhanov's Ukrainian citizenship was terminated.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed Olha Reshetylova (Kobylynska) as Ukraine's first military ombudsperson, relieving her from the position of Presidential Commissioner for the Protection of the Rights of Servicemen and Their Families. She identified the launch of the Military Ombudsperson's Office as a priority, which will ensure civilian control over the observance of the rights of all Defense Forces.
This happened due to a drop in export revenues, sanctions and limited access to capital, as well as an increase in debt servicing costs.
On October 16, 2025, the Ukrainian Defense Forces struck the Saratov Oil Refinery, one of Russia's oldest enterprises. The plant processed 4.8 million tons of oil and supplied the needs of the Russian armed forces.
Over the past day, 184 combat engagements took place at the front, almost a third of which were in the Pokrovsk direction. The enemy also intensified its activity in the Oleksandrivka and Kostiantynivka directions, launching missile and air strikes.
The National Bank of Ukraine recorded stable growth in lending in the corporate and retail segments in September 2025. The volume of gross loans to businesses increased by 17.8%, and to individuals by 24.7% year-on-year.
Since the beginning of October, 17 people involved in organizing illegal border crossings for conscripts have been exposed. The prices for such "services" ranged from 2 to 25 thousand dollars.
Politician Petro Poroshenko once again found himself in a scandal due to manipulations with aid to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, taking credit for transferring 25 electronic warfare systems to the army, which were purchased with state funds. This is not the first time Poroshenko has promoted himself on the topic of war, using collected donations or local budget funds.
In Bukovyna, border guards liquidated a scheme of illegal border crossing organized by the deputy mayor of Sokyriany. The official helped draft dodgers travel to Moldova for 7,000 dollars; weapons and ammunition were seized from him.
Minister of Defense Denys Shmyhal emphasized Ukraine's need for additional air defense systems and guided missiles during the meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine's Defense. This is due to the continuation of Russia's air terror, which in September launched more than 5,600 attack drones and 180 missiles.
