The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported 135 combat engagements in 24 hours, 45 of which occurred in the Pokrovsk direction. Ukrainian defenders eliminated 113 occupiers and destroyed 11 drones.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with President of Finland Alexander Stubb. They discussed cooperation with partners and the current situation in diplomacy and in Ukraine.
President Zelenskyy instructed the Ministry of Finance to work out specific public needs for directing funds from frozen Russian assets. He also instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to synchronize sanctions against Russia with partners.
The heating season has begun in Ukraine, and heat has already been supplied to 13 regions. Kyiv, Poltava, and Sumy are joining the heating system, despite enemy attacks on energy facilities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the need to synchronize the 19th package of European Union sanctions in all key European countries outside the EU. He instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs to accelerate work on synchronizing sanctions against Russia.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy instructed to ensure 100% financing of gas imports, of which 70% has already been accumulated. The Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Energy are to implement agreements with Germany, Norway, Italy, the Netherlands, and the European Commission regarding the financing and supply of equipment for electricity generation.
Norway, the Netherlands, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are forming a coalition to support Ukraine's energy sector. The Netherlands will also allocate 25 million euros for energy support.
The popularity of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has fallen to 25%, a record low since the government was formed. This comes amid growing dissatisfaction with migration policy and deteriorating economic expectations in Germany.
President Zelenskyy emphasized the need to launch a controlled export program for Ukrainian weapons as early as next month. The Minister of Defense must ensure the full implementation of tasks regarding the production and supply of drones by the end of the year.
President Zelenskyy stated that the Netherlands is ready to become the first country to open a tribunal against Russian war criminals. The Dutch Foreign Minister also announced the allocation of 25 million euros to Ukraine for energy support.
As of October 21, 2025, 241 educational institutions in Kyiv have been damaged as a result of Russia's full-scale aggression, 148 of which have already been repaired. In one month, almost 20 schools and kindergartens were damaged by Russian attacks.
Ukrenergo CEO Vitaliy Zaichenko reported that the third level of protection has not been implemented at any of the company's facilities. At one of the facilities, protection level 2+ has been introduced, which involves concealing control systems underground.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Kyiv is ready for peace talks with Russia, ruling out any territorial concessions. He emphasized that negotiations could take place anywhere except Russia or Belarus.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the SBU has sufficient evidence of the Russian citizenship of the former mayor of Odesa, Hennadiy Trukhanov. Based on this, a decision was made regarding his resignation, as the head of state could not entrust the management of Odesa to a person with Russian citizenship.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that "Shaheds" have in some places become more dangerous than ballistic missiles, as all available air defense assets must be used to shoot them down. In November, Ukraine plans to reach 500-800 interceptors per day.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy explained that Gripen fighter jets are among the most useful for Ukraine due to their low cost, lower maintenance needs, and ease of mastery by pilots. These aircraft are also convenient for using a wide range of weapons that Ukraine uses.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that heating in Ukraine will officially begin on October 28. He also noted that 70% of the funds needed for gas imports have been found.
President Zelenskyy urged Donald Trump to increase pressure on Chinese leader Xi Jinping to reduce his support for Russia. He also emphasized the need for European financial support for Ukraine for two to three years.
According to the head of the foreign policy department, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine systematically counteracts Russia's attempts to regain lost positions in the international arena, preventing its election to eight governing bodies of international organizations in 2025. This is an element of pressure and an important task of Ukrainian diplomacy.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Croatia's Minister of Defense Ivan Anušić. The 14th and 15th packages of military aid were discussed, as well as the implementation of PURL and SAFE projects.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that Ukraine is in a better position after new US sanctions against the Russian oil industry. These measures, along with the EU package, weaken Russia's economy and its ability to wage war.
President Zelenskyy stated that Pokrovsk is the main target of the Russian occupiers, and fighting is ongoing directly in the city. More than 100 combat engagements have been recorded in the Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka directions.
Zelenskyy met with Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna. The parties discussed defense cooperation, drone production, long-range capabilities, and support for the Ukrainian military.
President Zelenskyy announced that at the Staff meeting, new defense needs were identified, along with tasks for working with partners on air defense supplies. The necessary systems are available from partners, so Ukrainian diplomacy must more actively prepare relevant decisions.
President Zelenskyy held a Staff meeting where tasks were set to expand the geography of long-range weapons use. Russian oil refining is already paying a tangible price for the war, and will pay an even higher one.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on the Day of Ukrainian Writing and Language, thanked Ukrainians who teach the language in the temporarily occupied territories. He emphasized that being Ukrainian means being brave.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy predicts that new US sanctions against Russian oil companies could cut oil exports by 50%, leading to Russia losing up to $5 billion monthly. He also notes the rise of anti-American rhetoric in Russian media after these sanctions were imposed.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that pressure on Russia through strikes on its military and energy facilities will force Putin to negotiate. He noted that Ukraine needs long-range missiles, but they will not have to be used immediately.
President Zelenskyy reported that the Russian army has lost 346,000 troops since the beginning of 2025, which corresponds to the number mobilized. Ukrainian intelligence revealed that Putin intended to occupy the entire Donbas by October 15.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a short ceasefire plan would be developed within 7-10 days. He expressed doubt that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin would agree to it.
