According to the US Treasury Secretary, Dmitryev's statement that US sanctions against Rosneft and Lukoil will not affect the Russian economy is untrue. As Bessent said, it is oil that finances the Russian war machine.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that Russia's economy is facing "dramatic" problems due to the war in Ukraine and new US sanctions. According to his predictions, internal troubles will only intensify Putin's aggression.
According to the Russian Foreign Minister, the prospects for a new meeting between Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump depend on Washington.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy refuted Russia's information about the encirclement of 5,000 Ukrainian servicemen in the Kupyansk and Pokrovsk directions, calling it a lie aimed at the United States. He noted that enemy activity in these directions this week was lower, and Ukrainian troops are in control of the situation.
The State Department's Bureau of Intelligence and Research expressed doubts about Putin's readiness for negotiations, while the CIA offered a more optimistic assessment. This divergence was reflected in the daily briefing for the US leader.
Russia has become a totalitarian state under the leadership of Vladimir Putin, who defends his regime from threats. The FSB accused 22 members of the Russian Anti-War Committee, including Mikhail Khodorkovsky, of preparing a coup.
Germany depends on China for 95% of the supply of these elements, and the country's government does not have a clear plan to resolve the crisis.
President Zelenskyy hopes the war will not last ten years, but Ukraine is ready to fight for another two or three years, according to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Tusk also noted that Ukraine has the right to attack Russia-related targets anywhere in Europe.
The US and Vietnam have agreed on a "mutual, fair and balanced" trade deal that includes a 20% tariff. Vietnamese airline Vietnam Airlines will purchase 50 Boeing aircraft worth over $8 billion.
The test of the Russian cruise missile took place on October 21. Russia claims that the Burevestnik allegedly covered about 14,000 km and was in the air for approximately 15 hours.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russia used almost 1,200 attack drones, over 1,360 guided aerial bombs, and more than 50 missiles against Ukraine in a week. The aftermath of the night attack in Kyiv, which resulted in the deaths of three people and injuries to dozens, including children, is still being dealt with.
Russia is trying to use Kirill Dmitriev's visit to the United States to spread pro-Kremlin narratives in the American information space. This is happening against the backdrop of US sanctions against Russian oil companies and debates about providing Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles.
October 26 marks the Day of Pleasant Surprises and Intersex Awareness Day, dedicated to human rights. The USA celebrates Pumpkin Day, and Ukraine celebrates Automobile and Road Workers' Day, which is observed on the last Sunday of October.
Putin's special envoy Kirill Dmitriev brought chocolate candies with quotes from the Russian dictator to negotiations in the USA. Among the quotes were: "Russia is a country that fears nothing" and "Russia's borders don't end anywhere."
US President Donald Trump raised tariffs on goods from Canada by 10% due to what he called "distorted advertising. " Canada released a video with excerpts from a speech by Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs, which Trump called "fake" and hostile.
Donald Trump demands that Hamas immediately return the bodies of deceased hostages, otherwise the US and other countries will take action. He also emphasized a lasting peace in the Middle East.
Putin's special envoy Kirill Dmitriev speaks in the US, declaring Russia's desire for peace and fearlessness of sanctions. Andriy Kovalenko points to Russia's refusal to cease fire and emphasizes that these statements contradict the threats of Russian propagandist Solovyov to destroy Ukrainian cities.
Former US Vice President Kamala Harris said she "might" run for the White House again in 2028. She criticized Donald Trump, calling him a "tyrant," and dismissed low current poll results.
Putin's special representative Kirill Dmitriev, during his visit to the US, outlined the main conditions for settling the war. These include security guarantees for Ukraine, the territorial issue in Russian-speaking regions, and Ukraine's neutral status.
An American scientist named a new species of butterfly after Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska, who died from a stab wound. This happened after the researcher discovered the unique hybrid properties of the insect.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the EU is considering all options to respond to the threat from China regarding rare earth elements. China has tightened export controls on these elements and battery materials, which poses a significant risk to European industry.
The Donald Trump administration has prepared additional sanctions against key sectors of the Russian economy. They will be applied if Putin continues to delay ending the war in Ukraine.
US President Donald Trump said he would not name the new White House ballroom after himself, calling such reports fake news. The new premises, being built in place of the demolished East Wing, are intended for official celebrations.
Hamas has issued a statement announcing the agreement of Palestinian factions to establish an independent committee of technocrats to govern post-war Gaza. The statement does not mention the participation of the Fatah party and requires US approval.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council, said that one should not have inflated expectations from the meeting between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump. However, according to him, China can influence Moscow's decision to cease fire.
Donald Trump plans to name the new 90,000-square-foot White House ballroom after himself. The $300 million project is funded by private donors, including major tech companies.
Putin's special envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, believes that Russia, the US, and Ukraine are close to a diplomatic solution to the war. He noted that the meeting between Trump and Putin has not been canceled and will take place later.
The Kremlin's threats of military retaliation for the possible provision of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine by the US are part of long-standing rhetorical efforts to convince the West of Russia's inevitable victory. ISW analysts note that Russia ignores the reality of minimal progress and high losses, using threats to conceal its own military weaknesses.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is now in charge of negotiations with Russia, replacing Stephen Witkoff. This explains President Trump's decision to impose tough sanctions against Russia.
Rosneft and Lukoil shares led the fall of "blue chips" on the Moscow Exchange after blocking US sanctions. In two days, the total capitalization of the companies decreased by 424 billion rubles, or $5.2 billion.
