Ukraine's military has reportedly paused its strikes on Russian oil refineries until after the US midterms, following weeks of pressure from Donald Trump.
The pause could last deeper into November, sources told the Wall St Journal, and comes despite the fact that Russia continues to target energy and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine.
Ukrainian strikes targeting Russia's oil infrastructure have in part contributed to a sharp downturn in relations between Trump and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky, with the former blaming them for diesel prices hitting record highs.
Earlier, a Russian drone attack killed 14 people at the main railway station in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, hitting a platform crowded with people boarding a train, officials said.
And both Russia and Ukraine said on Thursday that demining operations around the Russian-held town of Oleshky in southern Ukraine had been completed and that an operation to bring aid and allow residents to leave was ready to begin.
Efforts have been underway for several weeks to organise a relief operation for the acutely deprived town's residents, which Russian forces seized soon after Moscow's February 2022 invasion of its smaller neighbour.
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Key Points
- At least 13 dead after Russian drone attack hits two trains in Dnipro
- Putin hails Elon Musk as ‘genius’ weeks after Starlink access slowed down for Ukraine
- Moscow airports shut as Russia claims to have intercepted 166 drones overnight
- North Korea sending workers to Russian war factories in violation of UN sanctions, report finds
- Russia attacks on energy grid amount to war crimes, UN report finds
Ukraine pauses strikes on Russian refineries after pressure from Trump – reports
04:36 , Namita SinghUkraine has halted its strikes on Russian oil refineries after pressure from US president Donald Trump, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing people with knowledge of the operations.
Ukrainian units carrying out long-range strikes were told in mid-October that the campaign against refineries was effectively on hold once missions already in motion were completed, the Journal reported.
The unofficial pause is expected to last until after the US midterm elections and potentially deeper into November, it added. Russia has meanwhile stepped up attacks on Ukrainian energy and civilian infrastructure.
The news of a pause comes amid renewed efforts to revive US-backed peace talks to end Europe's deadliest conflict since World War Two.
Relations between Trump and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky have taken a sharp downward turn in recent weeks, with Trump growing increasingly frustrated over Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure as diesel prices hit record highs.
Ukraine had refused to halt the strikes, saying its long-range drone campaign is its only viable response to years of Russian bombardment.
That prompted Trump to announce a deal to buy diesel from Moscow and waive sanctions on Moscow authorised by a bill he signed into law in September.
Russia, Ukraine say Oleshky demining operations complete, humanitarian operation to proceed
04:00 , Namita SinghRussia and Ukraine said on Thursday that demining operations around the Russian-held town of Oleshky in southern Ukraine had been completed and that an operation to bring aid and allow residents to leave was ready to begin.
Efforts have been underway for several weeks to organise a relief operation for the acutely deprived town's residents, which Russian forces seized soon after Moscow's February 2022 invasion of its smaller neighbour.
Both sides have praised US first lady Melania Trump for helping broker a truce in a town where at least one resident who escaped said those remaining feared death by starvation.
"Demining operations of routes have been completed for the humanitarian mission in Oleshky," the two sides said in virtually identical statements issued by Yana Lantratova, Russia's human rights commissioner, and Dmytro Lubinets, her Ukrainian counterpart.
"The humanitarian convoy is ready for departure."
The convoy would head for the district hospital and residents wishing to leave would be permitted to go within a specific time frame. Aid packages would then be distributed, the statements said.
The operation aims to address a crisis in a town marooned inside a war zone since 2022. But it is also part of a diplomatic dance where both sides want to show US President Donald Trump that they back his peace efforts, albeit for different reasons.
Lantratova, Russian human rights commissioner, said she was taking four journalists from the conservative US outlet Newsmax to the area. Lubinets made no reference to specific reporters.
Aid mission set to enter Oleshky as a localized Russia-Ukraine truce holds for a third day
03:00 , Dan HaygarthHumanitarian aid is poised to roll into the stricken city of Oleshky, negotiators said Thursday, as a localized ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine stretched into a third day and military units cleared landmines.
Moscow and Kyiv have observed the truce in and around the devastated southern Ukrainian city since Tuesday, but remain otherwise locked in the war that began with Russia’s full-scale invasion more than four years ago. Previous ceasefire talks either failed or the truces quickly fell apart.
“Demining of the designated routes has been completed, and the humanitarian convoy has been assembled and is ready,” ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets, who heads Ukraine's negotiating team, said Thursday. He said aid deliveries were due to begin Friday.
Elsewhere, deadly attacks continued and Ukraine's central bank warned that damage to industrial targets could push the country into a recession.
The planned six-day ceasefire around Russian-occupied Oleshky has brought a rare and welcome stillness for civilians in the nearby city of Kherson, which is held by Ukraine and has also been wracked by the war.
Russian and Ukrainian officials head to Oleshky for aid delivery
Both sides thanked Melania Trump for what the White House called her help in brokering the ceasefire so food and medical supplies can be delivered to about 2,000 people trapped in Oleshky. Pope Leo XIV also pressed for a truce.
In focus: Trump, Susie Wiles and a curious Russian connection
02:00 , Dan Haygarth
Trump, Susie Wiles and a curious Russian connection
Russia to extend diesel export ban, use quotas to fulfil US deal, sources say
01:00 , Dan HaygarthRussia will extend its diesel export ban until the end of the year while allowing some companies to ship fuel under a quota system to meet its new export commitment to the US, two people familiar with the discussions told Reuters.
Moscow and Washington agreed a diesel supply deal after Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump spoke by phone earlier this month.
The energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine announced alongside the agreement has allowed Moscow to increase fuel production. At the same time, fuel shortages earlier this year have prompted the government to maintain tight controls on oil product exports.
Watch: Putin mocked over photo with world's tallest leader
Thursday 29 October 2026 23:59 , Dan HaygarthRecap: Zelensky hails £10billion Ukraine support from Andy Burnham
Thursday 29 October 2026 23:00 , Dan HaygarthPresident Volodymyr Zelensky has hailed an additional £10billion support package from the UK to Ukraine after discussions with Andy Burnham.
The £10billion was announced on Wednesday by chancellor John Healey, who offered the economic and military support in the Budget.
Zelensky hails £10billion Ukraine support from Andy Burnham
In full: Putin says Russia is ‘ready for war’ with Europe in chilling threat
Thursday 29 October 2026 22:00 , Dan Haygarth
Putin says Russia is ‘ready for war’ with Europe in chilling threat
Reeves urges EU to seize Russian assets to pay for Ukraine's defence
Thursday 29 October 2026 21:00 , Dan HaygarthFormer UK chancellor Rachel Reeves hsa said her country and the European Union must work together to seize €210bn of Russian assets to support Ukraine this winter.
In an article for The Times, Reeves, with the former German defence minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, the former French minister for Europe Nathalie Loiseau and the former Canadian deputy prime minister and finance minister Chrystia Freeland, said that taking the frozen Russian assets would ensure Kyiv’s defence into 2029.
BREAKING: Putin says Russia is ‘ready for war’ with Europe in chilling threat
Thursday 29 October 2026 19:05 , Dan HaygarthVladimir Putin said Russia is prepared for a potential war with Europe, though it does not want one.
The Russian president said his country supports any steps aimed at restoring relations with European countries, as he commented on his phone call with the leaders of Norway and Finland.
But in a chilling threat, he said that if tensions were to escalate too far, there would be no winners.
He added that Moscow did not want the Baltic Sea to face a situation similar to that in the Strait of Hormuz.
Russia killed 19 people in one day, Zelensky says
Thursday 29 October 2026 19:00 , Gergana.KrastevaAt least 19 people have been killed in Russian attacks across Ukraine today, Volodymyr Zelensky revealed.
Another 71 people were injured, including 11 children, Dozens of those wounded are now in hospitals.
“Once again, Russia is showing its true attitude towards de-escalation and the efforts by Ukraine, the United States, Europe, and our other partners around the world to end this war and stop the killings,” the President said.
Thank you for your condolences, António. Today, Russia carried out cynical strikes that claimed the lives of 19 people. Another 71 people were injured, including 11 children. Dozens of those wounded are now in hospitals. Our medical professionals are providing care and doing… https://t.co/SjNpUogO7G
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) October 29, 2026
EU to urge partners to support Ukraine and push for tribunal
Thursday 29 October 2026 18:00 , Gergana.KrastevaEuropean Union's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said she would call on partners at the upcoming EU-Canada summit and G20 foreign ministers' meeting in Atlanta to strengthen support for Ukraine.
She would also urge to advance accountability through "The "Special Tribunal and Claims Commission".
"Russia must be accountable," she said in a post on X.
Russia’s deadly attack on the Dnipro train station is yet another brutal assault on Ukrainian civilians. It makes abundantly clear that Moscow is not interested in peace.
— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) October 29, 2026
I extend my deepest condolences to the victims and their families.
At the EU-Canada Summit and the G20…
Putin calls Elon Musk ‘genius’ weeks after Starlink access slowed down for Ukraine
Thursday 29 October 2026 17:24 , Dan HaygarthVladimir Putin hailed Elon Musk as a “genius” and said he was in contact with the tech billionaire as Russia develops its answer to his Starlink satellite internet system.
Read in full below:
Putin calls Elon Musk ‘genius’ weeks after Starlink access slowed down for Ukraine
In pictures: Game of Thrones actor visits Kyiv and sleeps in metro
Thursday 29 October 2026 17:11 , Gergana.Krasteva
Any Ukrainian attacks duding public holiday "could affect" negotiations
Thursday 29 October 2026 16:00 , Gergana.KrastevaAny large-scale attack on Russia on its National Unity Day “would affect” the outcome of the three-way negotiations with Ukraine and the US, the Kremlin has warned.
Foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov told state TV channel Vesti: “If there are any exceptionally large-scale bombardments during public mass events, then that will probably affect our mood in some way too. That's only logical.”
Russia marks the public holiday on November 4.
Earlier today, Zelensky said that he hoped that a trilateral meeting between peace negotiators would take place in Abu Dhabi between November 6 and November 10.
First pictures emerge from operations in Oleshky
Thursday 29 October 2026 15:00 , Gergana.Krasteva
Three killed and 15 injured in Russian drone strike
Thursday 29 October 2026 14:00 , Gergana.KrastevaThree people have been killed and another 15 injured after a Russian attack on the Ukrainian city of Kremenchuk.
Vitalii Diakivnych, head of the Poltava Regional Military Administration, said a drone hit an apartment building earlier today, causing a large fire.
Death toll from Dnipro train strike jumps to 14
Thursday 29 October 2026 13:30 , Gergana.Krasteva
The death toll from the Russian strike on a commuter train in Dnipro has risen to 14.
Volodymyr Zelensky described the attack - as well as two others in Ukraine - as “deliberate strikes against civilians, brazen in their cruelty”.
“Just a few hours ago, the Russians struck a residential neighborhood in Chernihiv with a drone and killed two girls,” he wrote in a post on X.
“They were only 15 years old. In Kremenchuk, a Russian Shahed struck an apartment building. Tragically, three people were killed.
“My condolences to all those who lost their loved ones. In these three attacks alone, 56 people have been reported injured, including 10 children.”
Ship sinks after sea drone attack off Bulgarian coast
Thursday 29 October 2026 13:00 , Gergana.KrastevaA Greek container ship has sunk after being struck by naval drones off the coast of NATO member Bulgaria.
Footage shared by Maritime.bg shows one of three sea drones hitting the Liberian-flagged CONTSHIP JET, loaded with 421 containers.
The attack happened as the vessel passed through Bulgaria's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) - but outside its territorial waters - en route from Haifa in Israel to Constanța in Romania.
The crew of 14 Filipinos and four Ukrainians were rescued, Contships Management said.
At least six ships have been attacked by drones off Bulgaria this month, and about two dozen seafarers are feared dead, according to government statements.
Ukraine, Russia and US could hold peace talks in Abu Dhabi next month, Zelensky says
Thursday 29 October 2026 12:00 , Shweta SharmaUkrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said he hopes peace negotiators from Ukraine, Russia and the United States will meet in Abu Dhabi between 6 and 10 November to discuss ways to end the war.
Zelensky said Kyiv wanted European countries to be involved in the negotiations, stressing the need for unity among Ukraine's allies and increased pressure on Moscow to bring an end to the conflict.
The proposed meeting comes amid renewed diplomatic efforts to negotiate an end to Russia's war in Ukraine, although a firm date for the talks has yet to be confirmed.
Putin mocked over photo with world's tallest leader
Thursday 29 October 2026 11:30 , Adam WithnallVladimir Putin met the president of Mozambique Daniel Chapo this week, after the latter travelled to Moscow for a summit involving Russia and several African nations.
The talks themselves didn’t make too many international headlines, but a picture on Chapo’s social media feed did catch the eye – at 6 ft 8 and generally considered the tallest national leader in the world, Chapo can be seen towering over a 5ft 7 Putin.
Caros compatriotas,
— Presidente Daniel Chapo (@daniel_chapo24) October 27, 2026
Estamos em Moscovo, a convite do Presidente da Federação da Rússia, Vladimir Putin, para participar na 3.ª Cimeira Rússia–África. Esta presença reflecte a importância que atribuímos ao diálogo, à cooperação e ao fortalecimento das relações entre Moçambique, a… pic.twitter.com/UhnM5IdmjI
Putin himself seems to be laughing in the image – possibly at the size mismatch between the pair – and commentators online have added their own riffs, with some digitally altering the image to make Putin even smaller, while another reimagines them as Gandalf and Frodo from the Lord of the Rings.
Why did you enlarge Putin on your photo? Here’s the original. pic.twitter.com/kOQTHb9eBE
— PhD Бля водній чіп накрився🇺🇦 (@antonohaio) October 27, 2026
Lier. Here’s the original one pic.twitter.com/9rEJ5VDHMS
— vaguepostking (@context_pov) October 27, 2026
— Jodokus (@mueslikalifat) October 27, 2026
At least 13 dead after Russian drone attack hits two trains in Dnipro
Thursday 29 October 2026 11:09 , Adam WithnallA Russian drone attack has killed 13 people at the main railway station in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, hitting a platform crowded with people boarding a train, officials said.
Ukrainian media reports indicated that two trains were struck in the attack.
The state rail company, Ukrzaliznytsia, said a jet-powered drone had hit a platform where a commuter train was preparing to depart for the nearby southern city of Zaporizhzhia.
Regional governor Oleksandr Hanzha said in a post on Telegram that at least five more people were wounded.
"Despite a warning of heightened danger, people were on the platform," Ukrzaliznytsia said, adding that rescuers were on the scene.
"Many people were killed. Lots were injured," Dnipro mayor Borys Filatov wrote on Telegram.
Ukraine urges allies to speed up air defence supplies amid Russian attacks on energy infrastructure
Thursday 29 October 2026 11:00 , Shweta SharmaGerman police arrest two suspected of planning sabotage attacks for Russia, Spiegel says
Thursday 29 October 2026 10:00 , Shweta SharmaPolice have arrested two Belarusian nationals suspected of planning sabotage attacks in southern Germany, the Munich General Prosecutor's Office said on Wednesday, with Der Spiegel magazine reporting they were working on behalf of Russia.
The suspects allegedly planned to set fire to a building or critical infrastructure facility in the Nuremberg area, the prosecutor's office told Reuters.
It added that the suspects – two men, aged 39 and 50 – had acted on behalf of a foreign government or organisation, and for payment. They have been in custody since 7 October. It did not name the country they are suspected of working for.
Moscow has repeatedly denied accusations made by Germany and others of carrying out sabotage attacks.
Der Spiegel reported that Romanian authorities are also investigating the two men for suspected involvement in an arson attack on an industrial park in the Romanian city of Brasov on the night of 14 September, the site of a defence firm making grenade launchers and ammunition.
Romanian organised crime prosecutors have said they are seeking the extradition of the two suspects apprehended in Germany and one Ukrainian detained in Poland, who were all suspected of involvement in the arson case.
kraine, Russia and US could hold peace talks in Abu Dhabi next month, Zelensky says
Thursday 29 October 2026 10:00 , Shweta SharmaUkrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said he hopes peace negotiators from Ukraine, Russia and the United States will meet in Abu Dhabi between 6 and 10 November to discuss ways to end the war.
Zelensky said Kyiv wanted European countries to be involved in the negotiations, stressing the need for unity among Ukraine's allies and increased pressure on Moscow to bring an end to the conflict.
The proposed meeting comes amid renewed diplomatic efforts to negotiate an end to Russia's war in Ukraine, although a firm date for the talks has yet to be confirmed.
Dutch pledge €500 million in military support to Ukraine
Thursday 29 October 2026 09:00 , Shweta SharmaThe Netherlands will supply Ukraine with €500 million ($556 million) in military support this winter, Dutch prime minister Rob Jetten said on Wednesday.
The support will be used to supply drones and other material to strengthen Ukraine’s defence, he said after a meeting with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky in The Hague.
Earlier on Wednesday, ahead of Zelenskiy's visit, the Dutch government announced it would give Ukraine €1.2 billion in non-military support in the next three years.
The government pledged €380 million to help reconstruction in Ukraine next year and around €410 million in both 2028 and 2029.
Part of the money will be used for funds that support Dutch companies willing to invest in the rebuilding of Ukraine, the government said.
Other support is intended for urgent repairs of Ukraine's energy infrastructure and the supply of machines to Ukrainian industry.
Inside Ukraine’s underground mission trekking through miles of gas pipes to ambush Russian troops
Thursday 29 October 2026 09:00 , Shweta SharmaUkrainian soldiers crept through underground gas pipelines to outflank the Russians in Kyiv’s latest plan to target Vladimir Putin’s forces.
President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed details of Operation Veles, conducted near Kupiansk, a city in the northeastern Kharkiv region recaptured by Ukrainian forces in late 2022, which has since remained under constant Russian pressure.
“It is a strong operation, well planned and technology-driven,” he said. “The Russians tried to use underground gas pipelines to advance past our positions. Our fighters turned this tactic against the Russians and used the underground infrastructure against the occupiers with extraordinary success.”
Ukraine drones hit Azot chemical plant in Russia
Thursday 29 October 2026 08:00 , Shweta SharmaOleshky truce holding for second day, Kyiv says
Thursday 29 October 2026 07:00 , Shweta SharmaA US-brokered local ceasefire in southern Ukraine held for a second consecutive day on Wednesday, raising hopes that humanitarian aid could reach thousands of civilians trapped in Russian-occupied territory.
An estimated 2,000 people remain stranded in Oleshky, in the Kherson region, amid severe shortages of food and medical supplies. Reports suggest some residents have been reduced to eating weeds to survive.
Human rights ombudsmen from both Russia and Ukraine confirmed that the ceasefire, which took effect early on Tuesday, remained intact.
“30 hours of the ceasefire in Oleshky have passed without a single incident,” Ukraine’s human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said.
His Russian counterpart, Yana Lantratova, issued a similar statement, saying no violations had been recorded.
Lubinets said demining operations were underway along access routes to allow the safe delivery of humanitarian supplies and the evacuation of residents wishing to leave.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said there had been “no massive attacks” on the regional capital, Kherson, since the ceasefire began.
“We’re happy even when we have two, three days for these people. You know, some ceasefire is great, you can see them in the streets,” he told reporters in The Hague.
Zelensky said the truce would be a “huge success” if the planned evacuation of civilians from Oleshky went ahead.
Putin hails Elon Musk as ‘genius’ weeks after Starlink access slowed down for Ukraine
Thursday 29 October 2026 06:00 , Shweta SharmaVladimir Putin hailed Elon Musk as a “genius” and said he was in contact with the tech billionaire as Russia develops its answer to his Starlink satellite internet system.
It comes just weeks after Ukraine, which uses a version of Starlink as a key component of drone operations and battlefield communications, complained of speed restrictions that hampered its ability to intercept Russian attack drones and forced the cancellation of some operations.
The Russian president made the remark about Mr Musk on Wednesday as he listened to a presentation by digital development minister Maksut Shadayev, who said Russia had launched more than 30 satellites as it builds its own Starlink equivalent.
Putin hails Elon Musk as ‘genius’ weeks after Starlink access slowed down for Ukraine
Russia strikes a cargo vessel in Black Sea
Thursday 29 October 2026 05:14 , Shweta SharmaRussia has struck a cargo vessel in the Black Sea allegedly used by the Ukrainian military, Russian state news agencies reported, citing the defence ministry.
The ministry claimed the vessel was being used to support Ukraine’s armed forces.
Zelensky announces joint air defence project with Netherlands
Thursday 29 October 2026 05:00 , Shweta SharmaUkrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has announced plans for a joint air defence project with the Netherlands following talks with Dutch prime minister Rob Jetten and business leaders from both countries.
The two leaders met executives from Ukrainian and Dutch companies in the defence, energy and software sectors to discuss strengthening economic and technological cooperation.
His visit came as the Netherlands is preparing a new €500 million military aid package to help Ukraine defend against air attacks.
“Our teams have been tasked with working out a specific air defence project, Bliksem. We have already started this work,” he said in a post on X.
“The amount is 500 million euros. The package being prepared now, this fall. And this is something that truly matters. In particular, for repelling Russian air attacks,” he added.
Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine is facing a critical shortage of interceptor missiles for its US-made Patriot air-defense systems.
Putin hails Elon Musk as ‘genius’ weeks after Starlink access slowed down for Ukraine
Thursday 29 October 2026 04:52 , Shweta SharmaVladimir Putin hailed Elon Musk as a “genius” and said he was in contact with the tech billionaire as Russia develops its answer to his Starlink satellite internet system.
It comes just weeks after Ukraine, which uses a version of Starlink as a key component of drone operations and battlefield communications, complained of speed restrictions that hampered its ability to intercept Russian attack drones and forced the cancellation of some operations.
The Russian president made the remark about Mr Musk on Wednesday as he listened to a presentation by digital development minister Maksut Shadayev, who said Russia had launched more than 30 satellites as it builds its own Starlink equivalent.
"Just a second, I want to point out this is just our first step. Elon Musk is a genius, he's just a real genius," said Mr Putin.
"Over 5,000 while we are only taking our first steps. But we are proud that we have begun to do this, and started to do it independently," Mr Putin said, adding that the task now was "to move from quality to quantity".
"We are in close contact with our American partners — including Mr Musk — because it is very important, in orbit, not to get in each other's way and to maintain a certain level of discipline and order," he said.
Starlink, which does not work in Russia, uses a constellation of satellites that orbit far lower than traditional geostationary communications satellites, reducing signal travel time.
