US president Donald Trump has signed an executive order that puts on hold a sweeping new sanctions package targeting the Russian economy, telling Congress the pause was in the "national interest".
Trump personally approved the legislation just last month, and his move to block it came just two days before a deadline set in the law itself for its implementation. Named after late South Carolina senator Lindsey Graham, it had sought to clamp down more quickly on the flow of financial resources fuelling the war against Ukraine.
Trump's unexpected decision comes a week after he stunningly said the US had agreed to purchase diesel from Russia to try to bring down global energy prices, despite that potentially hurting Ukraine in its war with Russia.
The US president also refused to say Russia's president Vladimir Putin was responsible for starting the war. When asked by reporters whether he had forgotten that it was Putin who invaded Russia's European neighbour, he suggested it was not that straightforward.
He said: “I know the details, OK, and at some point I’ll release the details. But I don’t care about anything except for one. I want that war ended.”
Read MoreUkraine testing new ‘evacuation drone’ that rescues wounded soldiers from battlefield
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Key Points
- Trump puts new Russia sanctions that he recently signed into law on hold, citing national interest
- Putin envoy says Russia and US are discussing more joint deals
- Trump says he is talking to Russia and China about denuclearization
- Putin says he supports Pope Leo's plea to help civilians in Oleshky
- Order to limit Starlink for Ukraine came from inside White House - report
- Starlink dispute spotlights Ukraine’s reliance on US
Russia says it struck Ukrainian steel plants and power infrastructure overnight
09:33 , Adam WithnallRussia's defenceministry says it has carried out a large-scale overnight attack on Ukrainian infrastructure targets, including the country's largest steelworks in the city of Kryvyi Rih.
The plant is owned by steel giant ArcelorMittal, which suspended the facility's operations in September after a series of Russian ballistic missile strikes. In a statement, the ministry said the plant supplied steel products to the Ukrainian military-industrial complex.
It said Russian forces had also hit an electricity substation in the northwestern city of Zhytomyr and another steel plant in Zaporizhzhia, a city near the front line.
A cargo vessel in the Black Sea was also hit, it said, alleging that it was delivering military cargo to Ukraine's Odesa port.
Trump refuses to blame Russia for war
09:00 , Namita SinghThe US president has placed himself at loggerheads with the UK and other allies over the conflict by refusing to say president Vladimir Putin sparked the Ukraine war.
Britain and most other Nato members have been clear in blaming and condemning the Kremlin for the Ukraine conflict, triggered by Mr Putin ordering the invasion of the neighbouring nation in 2022.
But when Donald Trump was asked whether he had forgotten that it was the Russian leader who started the war, he did not respond directly and implied it was not straightforward.
He said: “I know the details, OK, and at some point I’ll release the details.”Mr Trump added: “But I don’t care anything except for one. I want that war ended.”
His comments, as he left the White House for a campaign rally in Georgia, came after he again rounded on Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, saying he was “not a big fan” and claiming he was “more difficult to deal with than Putin”.
Mr Trump previously suggested Ukraine needed a new leader and claimed Mr Putin wanted a peace deal more.
Russian air strike on Kherson kills ambulance driver and injures almost 20
08:24 , Adam WithnallA Russian air strike on Kherson in southern Ukraine killed one person and injured 19 others, governor Oleksandr Prokudin has said.
The person killed was an ambulance driver, and one child was among the injured, Prokudin said on Telegram.
At least 1,500 troops to participate in war exercises in Poland
08:00 , Namita SinghAt least 1,500 troops from Britain, France and Germany will take part in the war exercise next month, according to The Times, alongside Polish forces.
The wargames will simulate moving troops and supplies such as food and fuel, and was agreed at a coalition of the willing summit in July.
British troops to take part in major Ukraine-facing wargame next month
07:00 , Namita SinghBritish troops are set to take part in a major wargame in Poland.
Defence secretary Wes Streeting announced that UK forces will take part in a “major exercise” while making his first visit to the US in the role.
Britain’s troops will join those from France and Germany in a drill which is aimed at ensuring Nato forces are ready to provide Ukraine with security guarantees once the war is over.
Don Beyer calls on Congress to ensure full support for Ukraine
06:00 , Namita SinghDemocratic Virginia representative Don Beyer noted on social media shortly after the announcement of the sanctions being suspended that he and others had “warned" Trump might make such a move.
The veteran congressman, who spoke out against the bill as it was debated, called on Congress to “fix this flawed law to stop Donald Trump from capitulating to Vladimir Putin and ensure that it truly supports Ukraine”.
The White House did not immediately explain how pausing the sanctions was in the national interest.
The decision was posted on the White House website late in the evening, and the notification noted that the report explaining the decision had been submitted to Congress.
Sanctions were seen as part of Graham's legacy
05:00 , Namita SinghLindsey Graham, a close ally and friend of the president, had just returned from Ukraine when he unexpectedly died in July. He had advocated for stricter US sanctions against Russia as a way of pressuring it to end its war in Ukraine.
His colleagues in Congress responded with bipartisan support after his death and president Donald Trump attached his signature to the legislation — then changed his mind on Friday.
The package had been meant to starve Russian president Vladimir Putin of the resources Moscow needs to continue its war in Ukraine after invading its neighbour more than four years ago. The bill, also drafted by senator Richard Blumenthal, had sought to sanction Russian officials, banks and a shadow fleet of tankers that keeps Russian energy moving.
It also directed Trump to impose up to 100 per cent tariffs on the top five importers of Russian oil or natural gas, with an exception for countries that import less than 15 per cent of Russia’s natural gas exports and have taken significant steps to reduce those imports.
Trump puts new Russia sanctions that he recently signed into law on hold, citing national interest
04:00 , Namita SinghPresident Donald Trump on Friday signed an executive order that puts on hold a sweeping new sanctions package targeting the Russian economy, telling Congress the pause was in the national interest.
Trump personally signed the legislation just last month and his move came just two days before a deadline set in the law itself for its implementation. Named after late South Carolina senator Lindsey Graham, it had sought to clamp down more quickly on the flow of financial resources fueling the war against Ukraine.
Trump's unexpected decision comes a week after he stunningly said the US had agreed to purchase diesel from Russia to try to bring down global energy prices, despite that potentially hurting Ukraine in its war with Russia.
An AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll published on 1 October found that Americans disapprove of the president's handling of the Iran war and blame him for higher prices. Trump's approval ratings have sunk to near-historic lows and pressure is mounting as Republicans try to hold control of both chambers of Congress after midterm elections on 3 November
Trump says Zelensky ‘not a good guy’ as Ukraine resumes strikes on Russian oil refineries
03:00 , Harriette BoucherMacron hits out at Trump for sending 'negative signal' over diesel deal
02:00 , Harriette BoucherEmmanuel Macron has said that a diesel deal struck by Donald Trump with Russia was not useful and created doubts and defiance.
Following an EU summit in Brussels on Friday, the French president said: “This decision is not good for anyone. It sends a negative signal. It a an element of division and doubt.”
Several EU leaders have hit out at the US president’s decision to relax sanctions on Russian diesel, as they also grapple with how to tackle energy prices that have soared since the Iran war.
Volodymyr Zelensky told a press conference on the sidelines of the summit: “And now we can see how cash will start flowing back into Russia through the diesel deal.
“This diesel deal will never be enough to offset the impact of the Strait of Hormuz on global markets. But it will put more money straight into Putin’s pocket to fund this war.”
Starlink dispute spotlights Ukraine’s reliance on US in intensifying battle for the skies against Putin
01:00 , Harriette BoucherIf Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy needed a reminder that Ukraine’s war with Russia may well be decided in the skies by the nation with the most advanced weaponry, then it was delivered this week – seemingly by the United States.
On the night of Oct. 13-14, 2026, the guidance system Ukraine’s military uses to blunt Russia’s aerial attacks suddenly stopped working normally. The system, called Starshield, is funded by the U.S. government and run by Elon Musk’s low Earth orbit telecommunications company Starlink, part of SpaceX. Ukraine uses the system to counter strikes and to target Russian military forces and logistics in occupied Ukrainian territory. But new speed restrictions, imposed without notice remotely by code, contributed to multiple mission failures.
Zelenskyy described the move as a “big mistake.” Others, including Musk, pointed the finger at the U.S. government. Amid the blame game, the restrictions were just as suddenly removed: By Oct. 15, Starlink services had apparently been restored to full capacity.
Read more:
Starlink dispute underscores Ukraine’s reliance on US in the battle for the skies
Watch: Moment British-made sea drones strike Russian Olympic sea port in Ukraine's Black Sea blockade
Saturday 17 October 2026 00:00 , Harriette BoucherMoldova condemns Russia after five drones crash on its territory
Friday 16 October 2026 23:39 , Bryony GoochMoldova condemned Russia on Friday after five drones identified by its authorities as Russian crashed in the country in less than 24 hours.
Moldova's pro-European government, which hopes to join the European Union by 2030, has denounced Russia's invasion of Ukraine and repeatedly criticised the incursions into its airspace. Moldova shares a border with Ukraine.
One drone last week crashed about 35 km (21 miles) from the capital Chisinau.
The five drones entered Moldovan airspace over a little more than 17 hours on Thursday and Friday. All of them crashed, mainly in the northern and eastern districts, lightly injuring one person and causing minor damage.
"These incidents pose a threat to citizens' safety and show the direct consequences for regional stability of Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine," the foreign ministry said in a statement.
The incidents have repeatedly prompted the ministry to summon Russian ambassador Oleg Ozerov to demand explanations.
President Maia Sandu regularly criticises Russian foreign policy as running counter to Moldova's interests and has declined to allow Ozerov to present his credentials although he has been stationed in Moldova for more than two years.
Russia accuses Sandu of pursuing policies hostile to Russia.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday that any improvement of ties with Moldova was possible only if Sandu's government "abandoned its policies based on Russophobia."
Streeting ‘reassured’ by US that Ukraine’s access to Starlink restored
Friday 16 October 2026 23:00 , Harriette BoucherDefence Secretary Wes Streeting has received assurances from US counterpart Pete Hegseth that satellite access to Starlink for Ukraine has been fully restored, as the UK minister quoted St Francis of Assisi in an attempt to "bring harmony" between Kyiv and Washington.
Speaking during his inaugural trip to Washington DC as Defence Secretary, Mr Streeting said Mr Hegseth confirmed the critical satellite communications network was functioning again. The root cause of the blackout remains unknown, coming during a period of heightened friction between the United States and Ukraine.
Streeting ‘reassured’ by US defence secretary Ukraine’s access to Starlink restored
Putin envoy says Russia and US are discussing more joint deals
Friday 16 October 2026 22:09 , Harriette BoucherRussia and the US are discussing a range of new joint projects including nuclear-powered data centres in the wake of last week's agreement on diesel.
Vladimir Putin's investment envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, said on Friday that the two countries were considering other forms of economic cooperation.
“We are also discussing joint projects in the field of Russian and US data centres, including with the use of small-scale nuclear power plants,” he added, without giving details.
“Naturally, progress is quite difficult; there is resistance - widespread resistance, in fact - from various quarters. Yet, as the example regarding diesel demonstrates, I believe we will soon be announcing several other significant initiatives. The ice has, in fact, begun to break,” he told the Russian Energy Week conference in Moscow.
“We are effectively implementing projects with the United States of America at this very moment, and we will continue to do so until the special military operation comes to an end.”
In full: Zelensky’s despair as Trump turns towards Russia
Friday 16 October 2026 22:00 , James C. ReynoldsVolodymyr Zelensky’s relationship with Donald Trump reached a new low on Friday after the US president repeatedly criticised the Ukrainian president and agreed new trading deals with Russia.
In a thinly veiled swipe at Trump, Zelensky thanked the “real leaders” in Europe for their backing of Ukraine, adding it was crucial to count on support from allies who had stood by his country since the beginning of the conflict.
It came after the US president announced a new diesel deal with Vladimir Putin, US Starlink intelligence feeds were restricted in Ukraine and Trump claimed it was easier to deal with the Russian president than Zelensky.
Trump also described the Ukrainian bombing of Russia oil refineries as a “disgrace”, despite the fact that Russia has been targeting Kyiv and other cities all week after the US president’s so-called “energy ceasefire”.
Speaking a European Union summit in Brussels, Zelensky said he had heard “support and only support” from his partners in Europe after relations with the US president deteriorated. He added that Putin was only playing games and his attempts to end the war were nothing more than “parody”.
Read more:
Zelensky’s despair as Trump turns towards Russia
Trump is 'exacerbating and prolonging' the Ukraine war, former adviser says
Friday 16 October 2026 21:00 , Harriette BoucherDonald Trump is “exacerbating and prolonging” the war in Ukraine, his former Russia adviser has claimed.
Fiona Hill, who worked under the president during his first term, has accused him of blaming Ukraine for domestic issues he has caused in the US, and also described him as being “unbelievably vulnerable” to Vladimir Putin.
Asked what his strategy on Ukraine was, she told Sky News: “His strategy is just about himself. Trump is worrying about the midterms, which are coming up very quickly.
“The expectation is that the Republican Party will get a trouncing because of Trump’s own failure to handle so many of the domestic issues as well as the foreign policy portfolio because he’s dragged the United States into a war with Iran, which is the main reason for skyrocketing prices of petrol and diesel.
“Trump is trying to blame Ukraine for this and say that the majority of the pricing increases is because of Ukraine’s attacks on Russian refineries.”
Recap: Zelensky takes swipe at Trump and praises ‘real leaders’ for backing Kyiv
Friday 16 October 2026 20:00 , James ReynoldsVolodymyr Zelensky praised “real leaders” for backing his country in an apparent swipe at US president Donald Trump.
The Ukrainian president said reporters it was “crucial” to count on support from allies and praised "real leaders" for backing Kyiv. "I am thankful the EU stands with us," he said.
Zelensky’s comments came after Trump said Ukraine's resumption of strikes on Russian oil refineries was a “disgrace” that would keep global energy prices elevated.
"I'm not a big fan of Zelensky," he told Newsmax. "I think they actually both would like to see it end, but I think I find Zelensky to be more difficult to deal with than Putin."
Kyiv's forces struck Russian oil refineries on Thursday, defying Trump and his “energy ceasefire”.
Trump says neither he nor Musk responsible for Ukraine loss of Starlink access
Friday 16 October 2026 19:35 , Harriette BoucherDonald Trump has said that he does not believe either either he or Elon Musk was responsible for Ukraine losing Starlink access in a way that affected its military operations against Russia.
The reduction in services provided by the satellite company interrupted communications with headquarters and caused internet speeds to drop. Reuters reported on Thursday that the White House approved the reduction in Starshield services.
Trump, speaking to reporters as he left the White House on a trip to Georgia, said neither he nor Musk was responsible for Ukraine losing Starlink access.
Any limit to Ukraine's access to the Starshield system was not imposed by the United States, Trump added. Starshield was developed by SpaceX specifically for government and national-security customers, particularly the US department of defence. Starshield uses the Starlink constellation as its backbone.
Trump also he has a good relationship with Volodymyr Zelensky, despite earlier saying he “was not a big fan” of the Ukrainian leader.
Trump could ‘ease sanctions’ on Russian shadow fleet in bid to reduce diesel prices
Friday 16 October 2026 19:00 , James ReynoldsDonald Trump is reportedly considering lifting sanctions on Russia and Iran’s so-called ‘shadow fleet’ of oil tankers in a desperate bid to bring down diesel prices ahead of the November midterm elections.
A Treasury department official told the FT the administration was considering allowing the sale of blacklisted vessels to “legitimate” operators and lifting sanctions so they could trade in the global market.
Trump ‘could ease sanctions on Russian shadow fleet’ in bid to reduce diesel prices
Russia drawing up non-negotiable 'security zone' in Ukraine along border
Friday 16 October 2026 18:00 , Harriette BoucherRussia is drawing up a “security zone” inside Ukraine along their border, which will be non-negotiable in any future talks with Kyiv, Vladimir Putin has said.
During a visit to a command post, the Russian leader said the operation was in response to Ukraine's 2024-25 incursion into Russia's western Kursk region.
“The Russian armed forces were tasked not only with expelling the enemy from our land but also with establishing a security zone in the adjacent territory. This task is being carried out successfully,” he said in televised comments.
“Our goal is to ensure the absolute security of Russias border regions for the future, and we do not plan to make this a subject for potential peace negotiations with Ukraine.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the planned security zone spanned 660 km (410 miles), of which 70 per cent was currently under Russia's control.
Streeting ‘reassured’ by US that Ukraine’s access to Starlink restored
Friday 16 October 2026 18:00 , James ReynoldsDefence Secretary Wes Streeting has received assurances from US counterpart Pete Hegseth that satellite access to Starlink for Ukraine has been fully restored, as the UK minister quoted St Francis of Assisi in an attempt to "bring harmony" between Kyiv and Washington.
Speaking during his inaugural trip to Washington DC as Defence Secretary, Mr Streeting said Mr Hegseth confirmed the critical satellite communications network was functioning again. The root cause of the blackout remains unknown, coming during a period of heightened friction between the United States and Ukraine.
Streeting ‘reassured’ by US defence secretary Ukraine’s access to Starlink restored
Putin says he supports Pope Leo's plea to help civilians in Oleshky
Friday 16 October 2026 17:03 , Harriette BoucherVladimir Putin has said he supported a Vatican initiative to help deliver supplies to civilians in the Russian-controlled Ukrainian town of Oleshky after Pope Leo raised the issue with him on Friday.
The pontiff had urged Russia’s leader to agree to a truce to allow the entry of first aid and food supplies into the town and to permit a voluntary evacuation of the civilian population.
Russia and Ukraine both accuse each other of blocking supplies to the population of the town which Ukrainian forces want to retake.
“The Vatican’s intention to help create the conditions necessary to ensure the safety of the town’s population and to organise vital supplies has been supported,” the Kremlin said in a statement.
“It has been agreed to cooperate on this matter.”
Watch: Trump says Zelensky ‘not a good guy’ as Ukraine resumes strikes on Russian oil refineries
Friday 16 October 2026 17:00 , James ReynoldsPope Leo expresses 'deep concern' for Oleshky in call with Putin
Friday 16 October 2026 16:56 , Harriette BoucherPope Leo has expressed “deep concern” over the humanitarian situation in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian town of Oleshky.
In a call with Vladimir Putin on Friday, the pontiff urged Russia’s leader for a truce to allow the entry of first aid and food supplies into the town and permit a voluntary evacuation of the civilian population.
A statement from the Holy See press office said: “During the conversation, the Holy Father expressed his deep concern about the grave humanitarian situation in the city of Oleshky, in the Kherson region, and called for a ceasefire to allow the delivery of food and medical assistance, and the voluntary and safe evacuation of the civilian population.
“Finally, the Holy Father reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment to promoting dialogue and peace.”
Catch up: Zelensky defies Trump and resumes strikes on Russian refineries
Friday 16 October 2026 16:20 , James ReynoldsVolodymyr Zelensky has declared that Kyiv is “done” supporting a ceasefire on energy targets announced by Donald Trump after it was ignored by Russia.
Trump made the surprise announcement on Sunday that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to halt attacks on energy, after which Kyiv suspended strikes on refineries while Russia continued launching air attacks across Ukraine.
"The block [on attacking refineries] is out. We're done," Mr Zelensky told the Financial Times, after Russian strikes on power stations knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of people.
Zelensky defies Trump after accusing US of ‘betraying’ Ukraine
What is Starlink and why is it so important for Ukraine?
Friday 16 October 2026 15:40 , James ReynoldsUkrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky this week accused the United States of withdrawing vital intelligence and weakening the ‘Starlink’ communications service at a crucial time in the Russian invasion, amid a burgeoning row with US president Donald Trump over strikes on Russian oil facilities.
Elon Musk’s Starshield - the military version of Starlink - has provided a lifeline to Ukraine in helping to defend against incoming attacks, as well as striking Russian targets. But Ukrainian officials on Wednesday began reporting trouble with terminals moving at speed.
The reasons for the difficulties were not immediately clear but followed another souring of relations between Trump and Ukraine, after he announced a deal to waive sanctions on Russian diesel and called for Zelensky to be replaced.
What is Starlink and why is it so important for Ukraine?
Russian wealth fund will work with US to facilitate payments for diesel deal
Friday 16 October 2026 15:11 , James ReynoldsThe US Treasury has asked Russia's sovereign wealth fund to facilitate payments around a deal between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin on the sale of Russian diesel, Putin’s investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev said.
Dmitriev told an energy conference on Friday that the Treasury had made the request to the Russian Direct Investment Fund, which he heads.
AfD leader threatens to pull German funding for Ukraine
Friday 16 October 2026 15:00 , James ReynoldsThe head of Germany’s far-right party said that Berlin should end its support for Ukraine as the country is too small to defend itself against the invading Russian forces, in an interview that will set off alarm bells and Europe more widely.
Alice Weidel, co-leader of the Alternative for Germany party (AfD), told The Economist on Thursday that continuing the war is “not in our interest” and that it would be “wrong” to continue financing what she called “an already lost war”.
“Ukraine is too small. Ukraine cannot win against Russia. It is impossible,” she said, adding: “We are about to spend over 100 billion. No other country has spent that much, and we are highly indebted. I have the interest of my country first; it's Germany first and this war is not in our interest.”
Read the full story:
AfD leader threatens to pull German funding for Ukraine
Watch: Moment British-made sea drones strike Russian Olympic sea port in Ukraine's Black Sea blockade
Friday 16 October 2026 14:20 , James ReynoldsZelenskyy chooses not to respond, asked if Trump is scapegoating him
Friday 16 October 2026 13:58 , James ReynoldsZelenskyy was also asked if Donald Trump was scapegoating him as the source of problems in the US ahead of the November midterms.
Trump’s war in Iran has been unpopular and contributed to high diesel prices, which the US leader said he was trying to bring down by announcing a deal with Russia before calling on Zelenskyy to resign.
Zelenskyy stayed silent and only looked down before saying: "That is my answer."
Zelenskyy says he has heard 'only support' from Europe over diesel deal
Friday 16 October 2026 13:55 , James ReynoldsZelenskyy was asked on Friday about reports suggesting European diplomats were anxious about his strong reaction to Donald Trump’s diesel deal.
But the Ukrainian said he has “heard support and only support” from allies in Europe.
He adds that Kyiv supported the energy ceasefire (and did claim to stop strikes for three days), but says “it all depends on Russia and they do not want this”.
Romania resumes search for seven missing sailors from drone-hit ship
Friday 16 October 2026 13:40 , James ReynoldsRomania resumed a search on Friday for seven sailors missing from a chemical tanker hit by a drone near its Black Sea coast, the latest in a series of attacks highlighting risks to commercial shipping near NATO's eastern flank.
The missing crew were among 12 sailors aboard the San Marino-flagged tanker Wine Trader, which was struck early on Thursday about a mile outside Romanian territorial waters. Five crew members were rescued, but efforts to find the others have been hampered by strong winds and rough seas.
Officials said a Black Hawk helicopter would place four rescuers aboard the vessel while a ship continued searching nearby waters.
US don't prioritise Ukraine for Patriot deliveries, says Zelensky
Friday 16 October 2026 13:40 , Daniel KeaneZelensky also says that Ukraine has not been prioritised by the US for deliveries of Patriot interceptor missiles.
It follows a CNN report which claimed that Kyiv had completely run out of the essential weapons, which are used to defend against Russian air attacks.
"It's not a gift, it's not for free," Zelenskyy says.
Zelensky expects Russian gas deal for Trump will follow
Friday 16 October 2026 13:37 , Daniel KeaneVolodymyr Zelensky said that he expects Donald Trump to also announce a deal to buy Russian gas, after the US struck an agreement with Moscow for diesel.
Speaking at a news conference on the sidelines of an EU summit in Brussels, he said that Moscow was currently not interested in peace talks in any format.
Following a media report that the US had proposed the transfer of some frozen Russian assets to a vehicle overseen by Washington in a bid to revive peace talks, Zelensky said that Ukraine could not risk any deal being struck to return the assets to Moscow.
Zelensky says Starlink access has not been fully restored
Friday 16 October 2026 13:27 , Daniel KeanePresident Volodymyr Zelensky said the operations for SpaceX's satellite communications had improved but had not yet been fully restored,.
Addressing the European parliament, he said that the disruption placed civilian lives at risk because Ukraine depends on the services to intercept Russian drones.
Zelensky added that European allies had sufficient stocks of Patriot missile interceptors to get Ukraine through the winter and added that Europeans were making "certain steps" regarding its own track in peace negotiations in Russia.
The Ukrainian leader said it was an “unpleasant surprise” to find access had been lost on Wednesday.
“We were using Starlink to intercept jet-powered Shaheds that are attacking our civilian infrastructure and are killing our families.”
Donald Trump ‘considers easing restrictions on Russian shadow fleet’
Friday 16 October 2026 13:00 , James ReynoldsDonald Trump is reportedly considering lifting sanctions on Russia and Iran’s so-called ‘shadow fleet’ of oil tankers in a desperate bid to bring down diesel prices ahead of the November midterm elections.
A Treasury department official told the FT the administration was considering allowing the sale of blacklisted vessels to “legitimate” operators and lifting sanctions so they could trade in the global market.
“These removals would not benefit the shadow fleet, but would remove those vessels from the shadow fleet for use in legitimate global commerce,” the official said.
Trump ‘could ease sanctions on Russian shadow fleet’ in bid to reduce diesel prices
Hungary and Ukraine agree to reset ties, Magyar says
Friday 16 October 2026 12:19 , James ReynoldsHungary's Prime Minister Peter Magyar said on Friday he had agreed with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at their meeting in Brussels that it was in both countries' interest to place political and economic relations on a new footing.
Hungary is ready to assist by all possible diplomatic means to reach a ceasefire and lasting peace, and Magyar assured Zelenskyy of full solidarity over the "inhuman Russian aggression" against his country, he said in a Facebook post.
EU leaders push back on a major budget proposal, putting a deal by end of the year in doubt
Friday 16 October 2026 12:00 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarEuropean Union leaders voiced strong opposition to a new proposal for the bloc’s long-term budget, raising serious doubt about whether the key spending package will be agreed by the end of the year.
“This is far too big, far too expensive,” Swedish prime minister Ulf Kristersson told reporters at an EU summit focused, in part, on trying to narrow down agreement on the seven-year budget, known as the multiannual financial framework.
“It would increase the Swedish net contribution (by) almost 60 per cent. That is simply totally unacceptable,” Kristersson said. Sweden is one of about 10 net contributing countries paying more into the EU budget than they get back in allocations.
More here.
EU leaders push back on a major budget proposal, putting a deal by end of the year in doubt
Ukrainian drones strike Russian data centre in overnight attack
Friday 16 October 2026 11:00 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarUkrainian drones have reportedly struck warehouses and a Yandex data center in Russia, according to Kyiv Independent.
Kyiv struck multiple targets across Russia's Moscow, Rostov, and Vladimir regions in an overnight attack.
The attack comes as president Volodymyr Zelensky declared that “we’re done” supporting Donald Trump's energy ceasefire and resumed strikes on Russia.
How Ukrainian strikes on data centres are upending daily life in Russia
Friday 16 October 2026 10:00 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarAfter battering Russia’s version of Amazon, Ukraine has set its sights on data centres - dealing an unlikely blow to Moscow’s dating scene.
A barrage of attacks on data centres and telecommunications infrastructure has wreaked havoc on Russian daily life, including three strikes in the past week on buildings owned by Yandex - the Russian equivalent of Google.
Yandex said its infrastructure had been damaged, causing the complete shutdown of its data centre in the Vladimir region on Sunday. On Wednesday, Kyiv’s drones struck a data centre owned by Sberbank, the country’s largest bank.
More here.
Russians complain about broken dating apps and takeaway delays after Ukraine strikes
How the relationship between Trump and Zelensky soured
Friday 16 October 2026 09:00 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarRelations between Kyiv and Washington have deteriorated in recent days following a meeting in Miami on 9 October that convened representatives from both countries as well as Europe and the World Bank.
President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, the US administration’s Middle East envoy, struck a tough tone with Ukraine in the meeting, according to a person familiar with the matter.
They told Ukrainian officials that the US was frustrated with Kyiv's continued strikes on Russian refineries despite repeated requests from Washington to stop.
The US delegation also explained Washington's decision to strike a diesel deal with Russia, saying the White House hoped it would soften Moscow's stance on peace talks.
That deal, under which Russia will supply more than 2.25 million barrels of diesel to US and global markets, has triggered a backlash from some US lawmakers, who say it will give Moscow cash to pursue its war without forcing president Vladimir Putin to make concessions to end the conflict.
In the days that followed, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and Trump criticised each other, with Zelensky calling the US decision on the Russian diesel deal "weak".
Trump in turn called for elections in Ukraine and Zelensky's ouster.
AfD leader threatens to pull German funding for Ukraine
Friday 16 October 2026 08:00 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe head of Germany’s far-right party said that Berlin should end its support for Ukraine as the country is too small to defend itself against the invading Russian forces.
Alice Weidel, co-leader of the Alternative for Germany party (AfD), told The Economist that continuing the war is “not in our interest” and that it would be “wrong” to continue financing what she called “an already lost war”.
“Ukraine is too small. Ukraine cannot win against Russia. It is impossible,” she said, adding: “We are about to spend over 100 billion. No other country has spent that much, and we are highly indebted. I have the interest of my country first; it's Germany first and this war is not in our interest.”
More here.
AfD leader threatens to pull German funding for Ukraine
Trump says Zelensky 'not a good guy' and calls for Ukraine elections
Friday 16 October 2026 07:00 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarUS president Donald Trump has criticised Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky, calling him "not a good guy".
"Zelensky's not a good guy for us to deal with," Trump told Newsmax."
He says he wants to settle, but he doesn't. I'm not a big fan of Zelensky. They've destroyed that country," Trump added.
Trump reiterated his call for an election in Ukraine. Trump criticized Zelenskyy over strikes on Russian oil refineries, arguing that the attacks were driving up energy prices.
"I think that's a disgrace. There's plenty of other targets," Trump said. "When you shoot at diesel refineries where you make, you know, diesel oil and we need that, and the world needs that, then he's not doing a good service for the world," he added.
Ukraine testing new ‘evacuation drone’ that rescues wounded soldiers
Friday 16 October 2026 06:00 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarSix propellers whir to life, lifting a huge drone above a field in Ukraine. A weighted stretcher secured to its frame simulates a wounded soldier in body armour.
Far from the front line, the demonstration offers a glimpse of a far more dangerous mission: flying into a battlefield where enemy drones and artillery can leave wounded troops stranded for weeks or months, then carrying them to safety without an evacuation crew.
The aerial medical evacuation drone was developed over the past year by Ukrainian defence technology company SkyFall.
More here.
Ukraine testing new ‘evacuation drone’ that can fly wounded soldiers to safety
Trump says Ukraine's resumption of strikes on Russian refineries is 'disgrace'
Friday 16 October 2026 05:40 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarUkraine's resumption of strikes on Russian refineries is a 'disgrace' that keeps global energy prices elevated, US president Donald Trump has said.
Ukraine struck a Russian oil refinery after president Volodymyr Zelensky declared that Kyiv was abandoning a ceasefire covering energy sites that Trump had announced, and criticised his willingness to strike deals with Moscow.
"All he's doing is making the world oil price higher. Well, I think that's a disgrace," Trump told Newsmax after Ukraine hit a Rosneft refinery southeast of Moscow which helps to supply the Russian capital.
"There are a lot of targets you can hit, but when you shoot at diesel refineries where you make, you know, diesel oil, and we need that, and the world needs that, then he's not doing a good service for the world."
Trump says he is talking to Russia and China about denuclearization
Friday 16 October 2026 05:00 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarUS president Donald Trump said Washington was holding talks with Moscow and Beijing aimed at denuclearizing the countries with the biggest stockpiles of nuclear weapons.
Russia has the most stored nuclear warheads, followed by the United States and China, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. The US outpaces Russia on its number of deployed warheads.
During an interview with Newsmax, Trump said he expects China to "catch up" with the US within the next five years.
"The whole thing is a shame, because I'd love to denuclearize if possible, but we're actually talking to Russia about that, and we're talking to China about that denuclearization," Trump told the outlet.
Order to limit Starshield for Ukraine came from inside White House - report
Friday 16 October 2026 04:13 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe order to limit a satellite system used by Ukraine for battlefield communications and drone operations came from inside the White House, two US officials and a Western official told Reuters.
The officials said leaders at the defence department received a message that the SpaceX Starshield service for the Ukrainian military needed to be slowed.
The officials did not specify who in the White House made the decision or who was responsible for implementing the order. The Pentagon is the biggest customer of Starshield, which is the military-grade version of the Starlink service.
Ukrainian officials said this week that military-grade Starlink receptors stopped working in Ukraine when mounted on fast-moving objects, interfering with the performance of Ukrainian drones that rely on them for onboard guidance systems over Ukrainian territory.
