Tonight, the enemy attacked Ukraine's logistics infrastructure, hitting a traction substation of Ukrzaliznytsia in Chernihiv region and port facilities. There were no casualties, train traffic was ensured by backup diesel locomotives, and fires in the ports were localized.
The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reports that Russian and Belarusian athletes who visited the occupied territories of Ukraine continue to participate in international competitions under a neutral status. Among them are Elena Kirillova, Alsu Minazova, Alina Harnasko, Yana Sotieva, Regina Shaidullina, and Anastasia Romanova.
During the night, Russia launched three ballistic missiles and 60 drones at Ukraine. 38 drones were neutralized, but ballistic missiles and 20 drones hit 12 locations.
Brent crude futures fell to $61. 05 a barrel, and US West Texas Intermediate crude to $57.3. This decline marks the third consecutive weekly drop, driven by concerns about a global supply surplus and slowing economic growth due to US-China trade tensions.
The National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine has become a member of the Federation of European Academies of Medicine (FEAM). This opens up new opportunities for the integration of Ukrainian medical science into the European research space.
The National Bank of Ukraine set the official dollar exchange rate for October 20 at 41. 73 hryvnias. In the cash market, the dollar rose by 10 kopecks, trading at 41.95 hryvnias.
Over the past day, October 19, the Defense Forces of Ukraine eliminated 890 Russian occupiers. The total enemy losses in the war amounted to 1,131,070 people, and 398 UAVs were also destroyed.
US Vice President J. D. Vance stated that the Trump administration will continue to work for peace in Ukraine for as long as it takes. He also noted that Trump has not yet made a final decision regarding providing Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles.
The number of multi-center clinical trials in the Russian Federation has decreased 20-fold since 2021, cutting off Russians from innovative drugs. This applies to drugs for HIV, oncology, and other diseases, as Moscow does not recognize the results of international research without local participation.
On October 20, cloudy weather with moderate rains is expected in Ukraine, except for the west. Daytime air temperatures will range from +6° to +10° depending on the region.
Germany's Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) has updated its guide, recognizing war as a real threat. Recommendations include stocking up on food for 3-10 days and advice on disinformation.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially announced a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin in November in Budapest. Active diplomatic preparations are underway for the summit, where ways to end the war in Ukraine will be discussed.
Donald Trump stated that he never discussed with Volodymyr Zelenskyy the possible transfer of Donbas to Russia. The US President believes that the parties should stop at the current lines and return home.
Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson called on European countries to prepare for war to ensure peace and security on the continent. He emphasized the need for a change in mindset and readiness for new challenges, stressing that support for Ukraine in Sweden is extremely high.
Farmers in Odesa region have completed the harvest of early grains, yielding 3. 7 million tons of grain. This ensures the food security of the region, despite the unprecedented drought.
The Lithuanian Armed Forces have received the first UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters ordered from the United States in 2020. These helicopters will enhance the tactical mobility and combat support of the country's ground forces.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that President Zelenskyy should not be pressured regarding territorial concessions, but instead, Russia should be pressured to end its aggression. This was his response to Donald Trump's calls for Ukraine to accept Moscow's terms.
Since the beginning of October 19, 151 combat engagements have taken place on the Russian-Ukrainian front. The most active battles are ongoing in the Pokrovsk, Oleksandrivka, and Kostiantynivka directions, where all assaults have been repelled.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine reports that Russia plans to increase propaganda spending by 54% in 2026. This comes against the backdrop of cuts in military spending and funding for state programs, including healthcare.
On October 17, Donald Trump urged Volodymyr Zelenskyy to agree to Moscow's terms to end the war, citing Putin's threats to "destroy" Ukraine. Trump insisted on handing over control of Donbas and reiterated the Kremlin's arguments.
Ukrenergo announced the introduction of power restriction schedules for industrial consumers throughout Ukraine on October 20 from 06:00 to 22:00. This is due to the consequences of missile strikes on energy infrastructure.
Russian forces have concentrated for a large-scale combined strike on Ukraine, which could occur within 48-72 hours. The main target will likely be energy and gas infrastructure.
Forecaster Natalka Didenko predicts the coldest days on October 19-20 with frosts and rains. However, starting from Tuesday, a gradual increase in temperature to +10…+14 °C is expected, and even higher in the south and west.
On October 19, Russian troops attacked the Kherson region with artillery and drones. As a result of the shelling, a 71-year-old man was killed, and four more people were injured.
Donald Trump believes that Vladimir Putin will not stop the war without obtaining Ukrainian territories, claiming that he has already gained some land. Putin sees the war as his “historic mission” and may agree to return Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions in exchange for full control over Donetsk region.
Astrologer Ksenia Bazylenko told what each zodiac sign can expect on October 20-27.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged Donald Trump to increase pressure on Putin and expressed readiness to join their upcoming summit in Budapest. He remains optimistic despite the US not providing the requested weapons.
Former Minister of Culture Mykola Tochitsky has become Ukraine's Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe. He will promote the return of Ukrainian children and the creation of mechanisms for Russia's accountability for aggression.
A charity match was held in Spain to support the "Black Winter Group" warriors from the HUR's "Timur Special Unit". The national team of Spanish friends of Ukraine and a team of Ukrainian veterans took part.
Ukrainian forces are repelling massive assaults in Donetsk and Kharkiv regions, having repelled 76 combat engagements in the past day as of 4:00 PM on October 19, 2025. Russian forces are actively using aviation and artillery, attempting to break through Ukrainian defenses.
