The Financial Times reports that the US has been helping Ukraine for months to strike Russia's strategic energy facilities. The goal is to weaken the Russian economy and force the Kremlin to negotiate.
The US President is frustrated by Moscow's stalled efforts to end the full-scale war against Ukraine. Kyiv and Washington are actively discussing the transfer of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine.
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel helped the Russian army master modern combat tactics before Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2014. The defense concern Rheinmetall planned to receive a contract with the Kremlin worth about 1 billion euros.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic expressed disappointment with Russia's decision to offer a gas deal only until the end of the year, although Serbia sought a three-year contract. Vucic rejected suggestions of nationalizing NIS, controlled by Russia's Gazprom Neft, to circumvent US sanctions.
US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed the possibility of Ukraine receiving long-range Tomahawk missiles. The conversation lasted about 30 minutes, but it is unknown whether a final decision has been made.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin launched a massive attack on Ukraine while most world leaders are focused on establishing peace in the Middle East. Zelenskyy emphasized that this is a new record of Russian perfidy.
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin stated that it was not for him to judge Donald Trump's worthiness to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, but noted his efforts in resolving long-term crises. Trump thanked Putin for the comment, while the 2025 prize was awarded to María Corina Machado.
US First Lady Melania Trump announced the reunification of eight Ukrainian children with their families after Vladimir Putin responded to her letter. The letter was handed over by Donald Trump during a meeting with the Russian president in Alaska.
A trial against Petro Poroshenko for treason over coal trade with the occupied territories of Donbas has begun in Ukraine. At the same time, his former associate Oleh Hladkovsky is selling a luxury villa for $4 million.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine called the shelling a conscious demonstration of the immutability of the Kremlin's aggressive actions. He compared Russia's actions to genocide, referring to the Genocide Convention, and called for increased pressure on Moscow.
US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker stated that the US possesses weapons, the transfer of which to Ukraine could force Russia to enter negotiations. He did not specify the type of weapon, but his words came amid Ukraine's request for Tomahawk missiles.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated the need to intensify long-range sanctions against Russia. He emphasized that Ukraine's effectiveness in long-range capabilities would accelerate the achievement of peace.
Vladimir Putin met with Ilham Aliyev for the first time in a year, discussing the crash of an AZAL plane that crashed in Kazakhstan after Russian air defense operations. Putin stated that two missiles exploded a few meters from the plane, not hitting it directly.
Leading Russian industrial companies, including railways, car manufacturers, and metallurgical enterprises, are reducing working weeks or sending employees on forced leave. This is happening due to the slowdown of the military economy, stagnation of domestic demand, and declining exports.
President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine will nominate Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize if he secures a ceasefire. Zelenskyy believes that Trump seeks to end the war, while Putin fears a ceasefire.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that there is a dialogue with Trump and his team and that the American president understands that Putin is lying to him.
NATO allies are discussing more decisive measures in response to Russian provocations, including the deployment of armed drones and easing restrictions for pilots on opening fire. The goal of the negotiations is to raise the cost for Moscow for its "hybrid war" and develop clear countermeasures.
The draft federal budget of Russia for 2026–2028 envisages a redistribution of resources from social programs to the military-industrial complex and security agencies. The maintenance of the Russian dictator will become more expensive, exceeding the annual budgets of some regions.
Russian sources stated that Russia is ready to shoot down missiles that the US may transfer to Ukraine. In addition, a Russian official said that the Russians are ready to strike at the launchers.
Belgium is facing increasing pressure to allow the use of frozen Russian assets for a “reparation loan” to Ukraine. This comes after a shift in position by Berlin and other Western capitals, which now support the idea.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a telephone conversation with Vladimir Putin, emphasizing the need to intensify diplomatic initiatives to achieve a just peace in Ukraine. The leaders also discussed the situation in the Gaza Strip, bilateral relations, and energy cooperation.
Russia is actively recruiting foreign military personnel due to record losses, enlisting Cubans, North Koreans, and migrants. Up to 25,000 Cubans could fight on Russia's side, making them the largest foreign contingent.
Vladimir Putin called his decisions of February 2022 correct and timely, claiming that the strategic initiative on the front belongs to Russia. He also announced the withdrawal of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and instructed to ensure the safety of infrastructure.
US President Donald Trump believes that ending the war between Ukraine and Russia could be a more difficult task than resolving the conflict in the Middle East. He noted that 7,812 people died in Ukraine last week, which is "insane."
Talks between China and the US could radically change the global balance of power. A strategic rapprochement between Washington and Beijing would be a geopolitical catastrophe for Russia.
Russian leader's aide Yuri Ushakov stated that Vladimir Putin does not plan a phone conversation with Donald Trump on October 7. This date coincides with the Russian dictator's birthday.
On his 73rd birthday, Vladimir Putin is expanding state life extension programs, aiming to govern the country as long as medicine allows him to remain in office. He discussed with Xi Jinping the prospects of organ transplantation and the possibility of living to 150 years.
The Kremlin is increasingly concerned about a surge in crime and social destabilization due to the return of tens of thousands of soldiers and former prisoners from the front. The situation is compared to the 1990s, when veterans of the Afghan war formed gangs.
New FBI documents, released in the US, expose a large-scale corruption scheme involving Petro Poroshenko and Viktor Medvedchuk. Mykola Zlochevsky, who negotiated with Poroshenko to stop international investigations into Burisma, is also implicated.
Russia is awaiting clarification from the US regarding the possible supply of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, which theoretically can carry nuclear warheads. US President Donald Trump stated that he does not want an escalation of the war, but has "in a sense made a decision" on this issue.
