Sanae Takaichi became Japan's first female head of government, garnering 237 votes.
Vitaliy Zaichenko, Chairman of the Board of NEC "Ukrenergo", stated that heating will be turned on throughout Ukraine within 10 days, which should lead to a decrease in electricity consumption. This is due to the fact that a sharp drop in temperature has led to an increase in electricity consumption by more than 20% since the beginning of the month.
A 69-year-old woman, injured in the Russian attack on Shakhtarske on October 19, died in hospital. Doctors fought for her life, but unfortunately, they could not save her.
Russian troops again attacked the energy infrastructure of Chernihiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions, leaving a significant part of Chernihiv region without electricity. Electricity consumption remains high, so Ukrainians are urged not to turn on powerful appliances simultaneously until 10:00 PM, and for industry, restriction schedules are in effect.
As of October 21, 2025, Ukrainian farmers have sown 4,833. 9 thousand hectares of winter crops, which is 74.0% of the projected areas. Poltava and Ternopil regions have already completed sowing grain crops, and 13 regions have completed sowing winter rapeseed.
Over the past day, 202 combat engagements took place on the front line, which is 20% more than the day before. The Pokrovsk direction remains the epicenter, where 76 battles were recorded.
On the night of October 21, Russia launched two ballistic missiles, four S-300 missiles, and 98 drones at Ukraine. Air defense forces neutralized 58 enemy drones in the north, south, and east of the country.
Today marks World Reptile Day and International Nachos Day. It is also Pharmacist Day, World Iodine Deficiency Day, and Hilarion's Day.
The National Bank of Ukraine set the official dollar exchange rate at 41. 75 hryvnias, raising it for the second day in a row. The euro fell in price, and the cash dollar remained unchanged.
Over the past day, October 20, Russian invaders' losses amounted to 1,130 servicemen and 437 pieces of equipment. The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 21.10.25 are estimated at 1,132,200 personnel eliminated.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius intends to order 15 F-35A fighter jets for 2. 5 billion euros. This will supplement the 35 aircraft already ordered, which are scheduled to start arriving in 2027.
On October 21, cloudy weather with rain is forecast in Ukraine in the east. Night frosts down to -5°C are expected in the west, and daytime temperatures will reach +9…+15°C.
In the first nine months of 2025, the volume of agricultural production in Ukraine decreased by 14% compared to last year. The largest reduction was recorded in the southern and eastern regions of the country.
Spain will transfer 70 generators to Ukraine to strengthen its energy system, Andriy Sybiha announced after a meeting with José Manuel Albares. Military-technical cooperation and increased sanctions pressure on Russia were also discussed.
Italy has expressed its readiness to join NATO's PURL mechanism, which finances the purchase of American weapons for Ukraine. This step comes amid the cessation of US funding for weapons to Kyiv.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey announced preparations for a possible deployment of troops to Ukraine after a peace agreement is reached, allocating over $134 million. British military personnel will train Ukrainian soldiers away from the front line.
The European Court of Human Rights has initiated official communication in cases concerning the ban on the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people, imposed by the occupying authorities of Crimea in 2016. The purpose of the complaints is to recognize the illegality of the Mejlis ban and the systemic pressure on the Crimean Tatar people.
Dynamo Stadium named after Valeriy Lobanovskyi will now be able to host 4333 fans instead of 1800. This became possible due to additional security measures and the expansion of the shelter area.
On October 20, 2025, Ukrainian troops repelled 174 combat engagements, neutralizing 130 occupiers in the Pokrovsk direction. The enemy used two missiles, 32 airstrikes, 2249 kamikaze drones, and 2932 artillery shellings.
Due to a Russian attack on energy infrastructure, the northern part of Chernihiv region is without electricity. Temporary interruptions in water supply are possible, KP "Chernihivvodokanal" urges to stock up on drinking water.
The Cabinet of Ministers submitted draft law No. 14120 to the Verkhovna Rada, which provides for the exclusion of the Russian and Moldovan languages from the list of those protected by the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. Instead, it is proposed to add the Czech language and Hebrew.
Ukraine will launch a unified state register of individuals whose participation in gambling will be restricted by December. The PlayCity platform is looking for an IT company to develop a system aimed at protecting citizens from gambling addiction.
The US opposes the EU's plan to use frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, citing risks to market stability. This move is a setback for the EU, which has been trying to persuade G7 countries to join its initiative.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on the results of the Staff meeting, dedicated to energy and preparations for winter. The government has already secured half of the funds needed to purchase gas for the heating season.
Donald Trump stated that he discussed attacks on civilian targets in Ukraine with Vladimir Putin. According to him, most of those killed in Ukraine are soldiers, not civilians.
Two Ukrainian teenagers have been rescued from temporarily occupied territories thanks to the Bring Kids Back UA initiative. The boys, aged 18 and 20, have already reunited with their families and are starting a new life in Ukraine.
Donald Trump announced that he possesses an unknown weapon he had been working on for four years. This statement came amid discussions about a possible appeal by European leaders to Trump regarding the provision of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine.
The Patrol Police calls for vigilance after a student of a Ternopil school received messages with anti-state calls. Attackers are trying to sow distrust in the authorities and incite minors to illegal actions under the guise of "peaceful advice" and offers of "easy money."
US President Donald Trump noted that war is unpredictable, and Ukraine still has a chance to win. He added that while it is possible, he does not think it will happen.
Scandalous newcomer of Kyiv "Dynamo" Vladyslav Blenutse received gratitude from the Command of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for supporting territorial defense. Earlier, the football player transferred 700 thousand hryvnias to the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
