Ukraine-Russia war latest: Trump plans more deals with Putin as Zelensky praises ‘real leaders’ for backing Kyiv

WorldPolitics
17 Oct 2026 • 5:12 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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Ukraine-Russia war latest: Trump plans more deals with Putin as Zelensky praises ‘real leaders’ for backing Kyiv

Russia and the US are planning new joint initiatives in the wake of last week's agreement on diesel despite backlash from Volodymyr Zelensky.

Vladimir Putin's investment envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, has said that the two countries were discussing projects including nuclear-powered data centres.

It comes a week after Donald Trump and Putin struck a deal for Russia to supply diesel to the US and global markets in order to lower the price of the fuel.

The Ukrainian leader, who fiercely criticised the deal, took another swipe at the US president on Friday after he 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 also came after US Starlink intelligence feeds were restricted in Ukraine and President Trump claimed it was easier to deal with the Russian president than Mr Zelensky, who he wasn’t “a big fan of”.

Speaking from the Russian Energy Week conference in Moscow on Friday, Mr Dmitriev said: “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.”

Read More

Ukraine testing new ‘evacuation drone’ that rescues wounded soldiers from battlefield

Zelensky defies Trump and resumes strikes on Russian refineries after accusing US of ‘betraying’ Ukraine

What is Starlink and why is it so important for Ukraine?

Elon Musk has just shown why Trump and the US are now the enemy within

Key Points

  • Putin envoy says Russia and US are discussing more joint deals
  • Trump says he is talking to Russia and China about denuclearization
  • Order to limit Starshield for Ukraine came from inside White House - report
  • Putin says he supports Pope Leo's plea to help civilians in Oleshky
  • Putin says Russia will respond to attacks on oil
  • What is Starlink and why is it so important for Ukraine?

Macron hits out at Trump for sending 'negative signal' over diesel deal

02:00 , Harriette Boucher

Emmanuel 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 Boucher

If 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:

Image from: Ukraine-Russia war latest: Trump plans more deals with Putin as Zelensky praises ‘real leaders’ for backing Kyiv

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

00:00 , Harriette Boucher

Moldova condemns Russia after five drones crash on its territory

23:39 , Bryony Gooch

Moldova 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

23:00 , Harriette Boucher

Defence 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.

Image from: Ukraine-Russia war latest: Trump plans more deals with Putin as Zelensky praises ‘real leaders’ for backing Kyiv

Streeting ‘reassured’ by US defence secretary Ukraine’s access to Starlink restored

Putin envoy says Russia and US are discussing more joint deals

22:09 , Harriette Boucher

Russia 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

22:00 , James C. Reynolds

Volodymyr 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:

Image from: Ukraine-Russia war latest: Trump plans more deals with Putin as Zelensky praises ‘real leaders’ for backing Kyiv

Zelensky’s despair as Trump turns towards Russia

Trump is 'exacerbating and prolonging' the Ukraine war, former adviser says

21:00 , Harriette Boucher

Donald 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

20:00 , James Reynolds

Volodymyr 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

19:35 , Harriette Boucher

Donald 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

19:00 , James Reynolds

Donald 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.

Image from: Ukraine-Russia war latest: Trump plans more deals with Putin as Zelensky praises ‘real leaders’ for backing Kyiv

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

18:00 , Harriette Boucher

Russia 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

18:00 , James Reynolds

Defence 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

17:03 , Harriette Boucher

Vladimir 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

17:00 , James Reynolds

Pope Leo expresses 'deep concern' for Oleshky in call with Putin

16:56 , Harriette Boucher

Pope 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

16:20 , James Reynolds

Volodymyr 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.

Image from: Ukraine-Russia war latest: Trump plans more deals with Putin as Zelensky praises ‘real leaders’ for backing Kyiv

Zelensky defies Trump after accusing US of ‘betraying’ Ukraine

What is Starlink and why is it so important for Ukraine?

15:40 , James Reynolds

Ukrainian 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.

Image from: Ukraine-Russia war latest: Trump plans more deals with Putin as Zelensky praises ‘real leaders’ for backing Kyiv

What is Starlink and why is it so important for Ukraine?

Russian wealth fund will work with US to facilitate payments for diesel deal

15:11 , James Reynolds

The 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

15:00 , James Reynolds

The 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:

Image from: Ukraine-Russia war latest: Trump plans more deals with Putin as Zelensky praises ‘real leaders’ for backing Kyiv

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

14:20 , James Reynolds

Zelenskyy chooses not to respond, asked if Trump is scapegoating him

13:58 , James Reynolds

Zelenskyy 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

13:55 , James Reynolds

Zelenskyy 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

13:40 , James Reynolds

Romania 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.

San Marino-flagged tanker wine trader ship that caught fire in Romanian territorial waters (Reuters)

US don't prioritise Ukraine for Patriot deliveries, says Zelensky

13:40 , Daniel Keane

Zelensky 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

13:37 , Daniel Keane

Volodymyr 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

13:27 , Daniel Keane

President 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.”

 (AFP/Getty)

Donald Trump ‘considers easing restrictions on Russian shadow fleet’

13:00 , James Reynolds

Donald 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

12:19 , James Reynolds

Hungary'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.

Volodymyr Zelensky (L) and Hungary's Prime Minister Peter Magyar (AFP/Getty)

EU leaders push back on a major budget proposal, putting a deal by end of the year in doubt

12:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

European 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.

Image from: Ukraine-Russia war latest: Trump plans more deals with Putin as Zelensky praises ‘real leaders’ for backing Kyiv

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

11:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Ukrainian 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

10:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

After 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.

Image from: Ukraine-Russia war latest: Trump plans more deals with Putin as Zelensky praises ‘real leaders’ for backing Kyiv

Russians complain about broken dating apps and takeaway delays after Ukraine strikes

How the relationship between Trump and Zelensky soured

09:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Relations 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

08:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

The 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

07:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

US 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

06:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Six 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.

Image from: Ukraine-Russia war latest: Trump plans more deals with Putin as Zelensky praises ‘real leaders’ for backing Kyiv

Ukraine testing new ‘evacuation drone’ that can fly wounded soldiers to safety

Trump says Ukraine's resumption of strikes on Russian refineries is 'disgrace'

05:40 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Ukraine'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

05:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

US 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

04:13 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

The 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.

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