Ukraine
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation, stated that a meeting between Trump and Putin in Budapest could be the beginning of the end of the Kremlin leader's illusions about an empire. This will happen if the Russian dictator recognizes reality after Trump's negotiations with Zelenskyy.
The Cabinet of Ministers adopted decisions on the protection of critical infrastructure, including the creation of the Coordination Center for Engineering Protection. The government allocated funds from the reserve fund for the protection and restoration of infrastructure in frontline regions and Ukrzaliznytsia.
The International Monetary Fund is pressuring the National Bank of Ukraine to devalue the hryvnia, which could strengthen the country's finances. NBU officials resist, citing risks to inflation and public sentiment.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that Europe's solidarity with Ukraine against Russian aggression is more important than ever before. This became clear after President Zelenskyy's negotiations at the White House and with European leaders.
On October 19, rains, in places with wet snow, and wind gusts up to 20 m/s are expected in Ukraine. The air temperature during the day will be from 4 to 13 degrees Celsius.
Ukrainian energy workers are once again restoring power lines that supply the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. This is the 42nd time since the beginning of the full-scale invasion that specialists have repaired damaged lines.
Construction and repair works remain the most sought-after on OLX, with a median price for turnkey construction at UAH 2000/m². The highest demand is observed in Kyiv, Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Lviv regions.
Traffic may be complicated at the Ustyluh-Zosin checkpoint on the border between Ukraine and Poland. From October 20 to November 30, road works will be carried out there, which will lead to the closure of the "Red Corridor" lane at the entrance to Ukraine.
During his visit to the US, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy thoroughly informed the American side about the situation at the front, Russian missile strikes, and urgent defense needs. The Ukrainian delegation held a series of meetings with representatives of defense and energy companies.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb believes that Donald Trump is the only one who can make Putin sit down at the negotiating table regarding Ukraine. Stubb emphasized that Finland will never recognize Crimea as Russian and seeks Ukraine's membership in the EU and NATO.
The plane of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin will have to bypass most of the European Union countries to arrive in Hungary for a meeting with US President Donald Trump. The route can reach up to 5 thousand km, increasing the flight time by 3 hours.
Last night, 4 UAVs attacked an electrical substation in Veshkaima, Ulyanovsk region of Russia, causing two explosions and a fire. Local residents were left without electricity, but power supply was restored by morning.
As a result of a drone attack in Poltava, a fire broke out in the finished product warehouse of a civilian enterprise, covering 1,500 square meters. Rescuers extinguished the blaze; there is no information about casualties.
Overnight, Russia attacked Ukraine with three S-300 missiles and 164 attack UAVs of various types. Air defense forces neutralized 136 drones, with 27 drone hits recorded.
During October 17, 128 combat engagements were recorded on the front. Aviation, missile forces, and artillery of the Defense Forces destroyed seven areas of concentration of enemy personnel, weapons, and military equipment.
Air Live has shown the alleged route of Vladimir Putin's plane to Budapest, where a summit with Donald Trump is planned. The 5000 km route will pass through the Caspian Sea, Iran, Turkey, the Mediterranean Sea, Montenegro, Serbia, and Hungary, which will increase the flight time by 3 hours.
Over the past day, October 17, Russia lost 1,150 servicemen and 41 artillery systems. The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 18.10.25 are estimated at 1,129,180 personnel eliminated.
The average earnings of convicts in Russia increased to 33,000 rubles in 2025, which is 125% more than in 2019. At the same time, in 73 regions, teachers receive less than the minimum wage of 22,440 rubles.
On Saturday, October 18, cloudy weather with clearings and rains are expected in Ukraine, except for the southeast. The air temperature will be 8-16°C, and wind gusts of 15-20 m/s are possible in Prykarpattia.
October 18 marks European Anti-Trafficking Day and World Menopause Day. Also celebrated today are International Archaeology Day, World Guitar Day, and International Tie Day.
Great Britain proposes to the United States to develop a peace plan for Ukraine, similar to Trump's plan for the Gaza Strip. This initiative was put forward during President Zelenskyy's phone conversation with European leaders.
US President Donald Trump refuses to provide Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles after meeting with Zelenskyy on October 17. The American leader believes that Ukraine seeks escalation and prolongation of the conflict.
European leaders, including Finnish President Alexander Stubb and European Council President António Costa, expressed full support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after his conversation with Donald Trump. They reaffirmed military, financial, and diplomatic assistance, as well as security guarantees for Ukraine.
In Zaporizhzhia, the renovated social adaptation center "Artak" has been opened, providing temporary housing and humanitarian support for internally displaced persons. The center is designed for 53 places, including for people with disabilities and the elderly, and is funded by the state budget.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump discussed ways to end the war, the transfer of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, and the participation of American companies in restoring energy infrastructure. Trump refrained from taking a clear stance on territorial concessions and does not plan to supply Tomahawks.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed his conversation with Donald Trump with European leaders and the leadership of the EU and NATO. He emphasized the importance of protecting lives and strengthening security in Europe.
Ukraine will receive the first financial proceeds from Japan from the revenues of frozen Russian assets in early 2026. This is part of the G7 countries' ERA mechanism worth $50 billion, which will go to finance the state budget expenditures.
The Kremlin is launching a program to colonize the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, replacing the local population with Russians from the deep regions of the Russian Federation. This is a legalization of population replacement and Russification, displacing locals and settling "new Russians."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the US is not against the topic of security guarantees for Ukraine, and the European side is almost ready to provide them. He emphasized the need for strong security guarantees from the US, as only they can conduct a dialogue with Russia.
The thirteenth safe underground school opened in Zaporizhzhia region, based at the Komyshuvakha Gymnasium "Dzherelo", which accommodates over 600 students. The institution is fully inclusive, equipped with a lift and Braille navigation.