President Zelenskyy visited Ukrainian military personnel in the Pokrovsk direction of Donetsk region, where some of the fiercest battles are taking place. He awarded the best soldiers and emphasized the key role of drones in defense.
The European Commission, in its report on Ukraine's European integration progress, acknowledged that wartime restrictions are proportionate. Taras Kachka emphasized that Ukraine maintains an appropriate level of democracy.
President Zelenskyy visited the Pokrovsk direction, where he met with soldiers of the 25th Separate Sicheslav Airborne Brigade and presented state awards. Issues of supply, logistics, rotation, military training, drone development and digitalization, as well as the "18–24" contract program and the transition to a contract army, were discussed.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope that Ukraine would become an EU member by 2030, emphasizing the importance of quickly opening clusters. The European Commission noted Ukraine's progress but called for accelerating reforms to achieve this goal.
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos stated that Montenegro is the most advanced candidate for EU membership. This year, Montenegro, Albania, Moldova, and Ukraine have demonstrated significant progress in reforms.
President Zelenskyy and government officials reacted to the European Commission's report, calling it the best assessment result to date. Ukraine is confidently moving towards EU membership and is ready to open negotiation clusters.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with servicemen of the 1st Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine "Azov" in the Dobropillia direction. They discussed the situation at the front, needs, and scaling up drone production, and also awarded the fighters with state honors.
Ukraine is actively developing the production of its own drones to abandon Chinese DJI Mavic. The first thousands of Ukrainian drones have already been handed over to the military at the front, Forbes reports.
Ukraine lacks $750 million out of the $2 billion needed for gas imports. The European Union will allocate about 127 million euros in additional support to Ukraine for gas purchases.
The President of Ukraine met with representatives of NATO member countries, thanking them for military support and calling for strengthening joint efforts. Further military assistance, protection of the energy system, and increased sanctions pressure on Russia were discussed.
Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 151 enemy attacks, with the most intense fighting continuing in the Pokrovsk, Kostiantynivka, and Lyman directions. In the Pokrovsk direction, 57 occupiers and 11 drones were destroyed.
President Zelenskyy held a conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen regarding Ukraine's progress towards EU membership. Energy support for Ukraine and coordination of efforts to increase it were also discussed.
The Ministry of Defense is preparing new types of contracts for servicemen for a period of 1 to 5 years. They provide for increased payments, bonuses, and an expanded social package.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that there is currently no clear peace plan for settling the war. He denied information about the alleged existence of an agreed 12-point plan.
During a briefing, President Zelenskyy told journalists about the export of Ukrainian weapons and the implementation of "export capitals" projects.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that up to 30 HUR special forces are assisting the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Pokrovsk, but he does not have details of the special operation. He emphasized that the main shield in the Pokrovsk direction consists of the Airborne Assault Troops, marines, and mechanized brigades.
President Zelenskyy reported that up to 60 Russian servicemen remain in Kupyansk, and the city is being cleared. Fierce battles continue in the Pokrovsk direction, where 30% of all combat operations and 50% of KAB (guided aerial bomb) usage are concentrated.
The President congratulated the soldiers of the engineering units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on their professional holiday and presented state awards. Junior Sergeant Serhiy Bolkun received the "Cross of Military Merit" award for demining and participation in the Kursk operation.
On November 4, a "EU enlargement summit" will be held in Brussels with the participation of leaders of candidate countries, including Ukraine. The future of European integration will be discussed live at the event.
President Zelenskyy awarded Oleksandr Alikseyenko and Oleksandr Tishayev with the "Cross of Military Merit" for exceptional courage. The soldiers held positions in the Zaporizhzhia direction for 165 consecutive days.
The UK has continued to supply Ukraine with Storm Shadow cruise missiles for long-range strikes against Russia. This will provide Ukraine with supplies ahead of the winter months and increase pressure on the Kremlin.
President Zelenskyy signed Law No. 4630-IX, which regulates labor relations during martial law. The document provides for the reservation of defense industry workers, even if there are problems with military registration, sets a maximum probationary period of 45 days for such enterprises, and allows the employer to dismiss employees for failure to eliminate violations of military registration.
Germany is reclaiming its role as a military leader in Europe, having lifted financial restrictions on its defense sector. Berlin is investing hundreds of billions of pounds in state-of-the-art tanks, artillery, fighter jets, and warships.
The Czech army intends to recruit 2,250 new soldiers in 2026, which will be one of the highest figures in its history. This plan exceeds the previous record of 2006, when 2,262 people joined the army.
Turkey's largest refineries are buying more non-Russian oil due to the latest Western sanctions against Russia. SOCAR Turkey Aegean Refinery (STAR) has purchased four cargoes of crude oil from non-Russian sources, while Tupras is increasing its purchases of non-Russian grades.
Ukrainian air defense has been strengthened with Patriot systems, made possible by Germany's support. President Zelenskyy thanked Chancellor Friedrich Merz for the joint step in protection against Russian terror.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced concrete agreements with partners regarding support for Ukraine's energy sector this winter. Russia used almost 1,500 attack drones, 1,170 guided aerial bombs, and over 70 missiles in a week.
Ukrzaliznytsia joins the winter support announced by the President with the "UZ-3000" program, which will allow free travel for 3000 km. The program aims to make travel more accessible and relieve pressure on the railway during peak periods.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the provision of 100% of funds for gas imports. Ukraine is counting on EU support and is negotiating with Norway and other European countries.
President Zelenskyy announced a new winter support program "UZ-3000", which will allow every Ukrainian to travel 3000 kilometers by rail within Ukraine for free. The program is currently being developed by "Ukrzaliznytsia".
