Ukraine

NPC Ukrenergo reported that there are no plans to apply blackout schedules in Ukraine on October 18. The power company urged people to use powerful electrical appliances from 10:00 to 16:00, when solar power plants are most productive.

Kyiv is seriously considering restoring its own nuclear weapons stockpile. Zelenskyy said that Ukraine's security could be ensured either by NATO membership or nuclear weapons.

A propaganda event to promote military professions among children will be held in occupied Luhansk. Russia is trying to foster loyalty to the occupation regime and attract teenagers to serve in the army.

The work of ARMA is not transparent due to the lack of external audit and blocking of the public council. A former official criticizes the leadership for populism and the inability to conduct a full audit this year.

Minister Sibiga said that the DPRK is not training mercenaries, but regular troops for the war in Ukraine. This threatens to escalate the conflict, so Ukraine calls on its partners to strengthen sanctions and military assistance.

Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga said that negotiations are underway with countries to hold the second Peace Summit. The success of the summit requires broad participation of like-minded countries and the Global South.

On October 18-20, Kyiv is expected to experience severe frosts from 0 to -3° at night, with daytime temperatures of 8-10° Celsius. The KCSA warns of the second level of danger and possible ice on the roads.

The number of entrepreneurs and companies in the Brovary community increased during martial law. Mayor Ihor Sapozhko reported attracting UAH 466 million in investments and creating 600 new jobs.

Norway's Foreign Minister announces a new package of energy aid to Ukraine worth 250 million euros. During his visit to Kyiv, he discussed military and energy cooperation.

A delegation of Swiss companies will arrive in Ukraine next year. Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal announces Switzerland's plans to allocate 5 billion francs for the reconstruction of Ukraine by 2036.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov met with his Norwegian counterpart Arild Gram. The parties discussed the transfer of F-16s, strengthening air defense, and Norway's ability to contribute to the financing of Ukrainian defense companies.

President Zelenskyy said that the German Chancellor could provide Ukraine with long-range weapons without authorizing strikes against russia. He reminded that Ukraine has already effectively used long-range weapons in Crimea.

The SBI has completed an investigation into the purchase of low-quality bulletproof vests worth UAH 1. 7 billion. The former Deputy Minister of Defense and other officials face up to 15 years in prison for embezzlement and obstruction of the Armed Forces.

The director of a charitable organization in Lviv organized the illegal trafficking of conscripts abroad for $15,000. He was detained while receiving a part of the money in the amount of $7,500.

The number of people with disabilities in Ukraine is growing due to the war. The authorities are working to change building codes and install lifts to ensure unimpeded access to buildings and public places.

Over 120 combat engagements took place in the frontline. The most active fighting is taking place in the Pokrovske and Kurakhove sectors, with the occupants continuing to use aviation and anti-aircraft guns.

China conducted large-scale military exercises around Taiwan, deploying 20 aircraft and 8 ships. During the 13-hour maneuvers, China also test-fired two missiles.

President Zelenskyy says North Korea is training 10,000 soldiers for a war against Ukraine. According to intelligence, North Korean officers are already training Russian soldiers in the occupied territories.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov called for financial support for the Ukrainian defense industry. He noted successes in the production of drones and invited European partners to train Ukraine's strategic reserves.

Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov presented the Victory Plan in the European Parliament. He called for the development of air defense, the lifting of restrictions on strikes against Russia, and investment in the Ukrainian defense industry.

President Zelenskyy said that the United States views Ukraine's invitation to NATO as a “red line. ” He emphasized the unfairness of this approach, stressing that words of support should be backed by actions.

A 24-year-old law student offered to help with fake admission to a Polish university for $10,000. He was detained after receiving part of the money from his “clients.

NPC Ukrenergo reports a significant increase in the share of solar energy in the overall energy balance of Ukraine. Ukrainians are asked to use powerful electrical appliances during the day due to the dependence of generation on weather conditions.

President Zelenskyy spoke about his conversation with Trump about the importance of Ukraine's membership in NATO. He emphasized that Ukraine chooses NATO over nuclear weapons to defend itself.

The head of the Kyiv RMA reported that 110 companies and 1442 stores participated in the National Cashback program. The government's initiative is aimed at supporting the national economy and local businesses in times of war.

The President of Ukraine commented on his meeting with the Hungarian Prime Minister at a meeting of the European Council. Zelenskyy presented the Victory Plan, which was supported by the majority of speakers.

Former Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Zaluzhnyi believes that the offensive in the Kursk region demonstrates the development of Ukraine's military science. He emphasized that the operation should be evaluated by professionals after it is completed.

President Zelenskyy reported positive signals from some countries on long-range weapons. He has discussed the issue with the leaders of the United States, Britain, Germany, France, and Italy, but noted that he would like more resolve from the United States.

President Zelenskyy said that 18 EU members had commented on Ukraine's Victory Plan. Most speakers supported the plan, and long-range weapons were discussed with some countries.

President Zelenskyy said that agreements with partners to protect Ukraine's critical resources are mutually beneficial. He proposed that the EU and the US conclude a special agreement to protect resources such as titanium, uranium, and lithium.