Ukraine
The unofficial Telegram client called Telega, promoted in Russia, allows bypassing call blocking, but in reality, it collects users' personal data. The application runs on the infrastructure of VK and the state messenger MAX, both fully controlled by the Russian government.
Russia has adopted a bill on year-round conscription into the armed forces, which provides for medical examinations and psychological selection throughout the year. The list of persons who can receive the status of "combat veteran" has also been expanded.
The Ministry of Culture of Ukraine is updating Ukrainian fonts, said Deputy Prime Minister Tetyana Berezhnaya. A working group has been created, the results of which will be presented in the near future.
The Hungarian parliament extended the state of emergency for 180 days, until May 14, ensuring that the upcoming elections will be held under a special legal regime. This grants Prime Minister Viktor Orbán broad powers, while his Fidesz party lags behind the opposition Tisza in polls.
During a meeting with Zelenskyy in Washington, US President Donald Trump stated that his priority is to end the war. He also made it clear that he is not interested in any specific territorial outcome.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russian tactics remain unchanged – killing civilians and terrorizing with cold. He reported on restoration efforts in Chernihiv and Sumy regions after attacks on energy infrastructure.
The court fined the acting head of the district TCC 34,000 hryvnias for mobilizing the only son of a seriously ill man. If the fine is not paid within 15 days, the amount will double to 68,000 hryvnias.
Ukraine plans to introduce taxation of income from the sale of goods on digital platforms if the amount exceeds 2,000 euros per year. Bill No. 14025, which may come into force in 2026, provides that platforms will become tax agents.
The Verkhovna Rada appointed Tetiana Berezhna as Deputy Prime Minister for Humanitarian Policy of Ukraine – Minister of Culture of Ukraine. This decision was supported by 266 people's deputies. Berezhna has been acting Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine since July 28, 2025.
Ukraine is striking Russian military targets at a distance of 1,500 km or more. This has already led to 27-30% losses in the aggressor's fuel and energy infrastructure.
On October 22, warm weather up to +16 degrees is forecast in the south and west of Ukraine, while the rest of the territory will be cool, with possible frosts. Local rains will occur in Kharkiv, Luhansk, Cherkasy, Rivne regions and in the evening in Kyiv region.
The Verkhovna Rada approved the President's decree, extending general mobilization for 90 days from November 5, 2025. This decision is aimed at repelling the armed aggression of the Russian Federation and will be in effect until February 3.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders, including Merz, Macron, and Starmer, advocated for an immediate ceasefire. They propose considering the current line of contact as a starting point for negotiations, supporting Trump's position.
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted a Law approving the President's Decree on the extension of martial law. It has been extended from November 5, 2025, for 90 days.
Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko announced the filing of a motion for a pre-trial restraint against Andriy Bilous, former director of "Molodyy Teatr", who has been charged with sexual violence. The lecturer is accused of crimes under Articles 152 and 153 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
Poland has warned Russian President Vladimir Putin of possible arrest if he crosses its airspace for a summit in Hungary with Donald Trump.
The occupiers want to legalize the port stolen from Ukraine in order to officially export Ukrainian grain, metal, and building materials abroad.
Ukraine's allies are seeking to strengthen its position ahead of Trump-Putin talks, fearing a bad deal. They are preparing a support package that includes funding, weapons, and new sanctions against Russia, and plan to involve Zelenskyy in any negotiations.
The Czech Republic has offered Slovakia accelerated gas support after the EU approved a phased withdrawal from Russian gas by January 2028. Hungary and Slovakia disagreed with the plan, citing energy security risks, but the Czech Republic is ready to help.
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.