Donald Trump said “we’ve got to get Russia done” as he addressed the Israeli parliament following the release of hostages from Gaza.
Speaking at the Knesset on Monday, the US president told his roving peace envoy Steve Witkoff “it’s time to focus on Russia” after his ceasefire deal ended the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
His comments came hours after former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev said that supplying US Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine could end badly for everyone, especially Trump.
Medvedev, an arch-hawk who has repeatedly goaded Trump on social media, said it is impossible to distinguish between Tomahawk missiles carrying nuclear warheads and conventional ones after they are launched.
Meanwhile, Russia attacked Ukraine's power grid overnight, part of an ongoing campaign to cripple Ukrainian energy infrastructure before winter.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky described his latest call with Trump as "very productive" and said he was “waiting” for the president to approve the missile supply.
Key Points
- Trump: Ukraine may get Tomahawk missiles if Putin doesn't come to the table
- Russia says its troops captured two villages in eastern Ukraine
- Moscow expresses ‘extreme concern’ over Trump’s Tomahawk missile warning
- Russia's Medvedev says supplying Tomahawks to Ukraine could end badly for everyone, including Trump
- Ukraine’s power grid targetted again by Russia
Zelensky urges allies to move faster on using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine
20:00 , Harry CockburnVolodymyr Zelensky has urged European countries to act faster on making use of frozen Russian assets to benefit Ukraine.
It comes days after Sir Keir Starmer said the UK is "ready to progress" to using the full value of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine's war effort.
In a statement last week, the UK, France and Germany said the joint action would "increase pressure" on Vladimir Putin and "bring Russia to the negotiation table".
Trump and Zelensky to discuss potential missile supply deal
19:00 , Harry CockburnMore detail has emerged about Trump and Zelensky’s Friday meeting, with the Ukrainian leader telling reporters that the two plan to discuss Ukraine's air defence and long-range strike capabilities.
Speaking to reporters in Kyiv, Zelensky said that he had shared with Trump a "vision" of how many US Tomahawk missiles Ukraine needs for its war effort against Russia and that the two leaders would discuss further details on the matter at their working lunch at the end of the week.
Zelensky has been lobbying Washington to supply the US-produced Tomahawk missiles, which have the capacity to hit Moscow, but which Ukrainian has said would only be used against military targets. Moscow has said such a move would represent a serious escalation. Trump has suggested he would consider sending the missiles to Ukraine, but has also said he may talk to Vladimir Putin about it.
EU to support special tribunal for prosecuting Russia for aggression towards Ukraine
18:00 , Harry CockburnThe European Union will provide €10m (£8.7m) to support the creation of a special tribunal aimed at prosecuting Russia for the crime of aggression, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has said.
Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv alongside Ukrainian official Andrii Sybiha, Kallas said the funding marks the bloc’s first direct financial commitment to the tribunal effort.
She also pledged an additional €6m (£5.2m) to assist Ukrainian children who have been deported to Russia and survivors of sexual violence linked to the conflict.
“The first €10m in funding to establish a special tribunal to address Russia’s crimes” has now been allocated, Kallas said, underscoring the EU’s continued backing for Ukraine as the war enters its third year.
Zelensky tells Nato that Putin 'can be forced to make peace'
17:30 , Daniel KeanePresident Volodymyr Zelensky has said he believes that Russian leader Vladimir Putin can be forced to make peace in Ukraine.
Speaking at the Nato Parliamentary Assembly, Zelensky said that the war in Ukraine remains the biggest source of global instability despite the end of the conflict in Gaza.
“Putin can be forced to make peace – like any other terrorist. Even Hamas is now preparing to release hostages. If this is possible, then Putin can also be forced to restore peace,” Zelensky said.
He went on: “Before winter, Putin hopes to use this terror to break our resistance regime. We cannot allow this.”
Two Russian citizens charged over spying in Poland
17:00 , Daniel KeaneProsecutors in Pland have charged two Russian citizens with spying for Russian intelligence and one of them for plotting to send a parcel of explosives.
European authorities have been on high alert for explosive packages since a series of explosions occurred in courier depots in Britain, Germany and near the Polish capital Warsaw in July 2024. Western officials blamed those incidents on Russia.
Moscow denies the accusations.
One of the Russians, referred to as Igor R under Polish privacy laws, was charged with participating in a plot to send a parcel bomb via courier, for which a Ukrainian citizen was also charged earlier this year.
“The parcel contained explosive devices and materials in the form of nitroglycerine, as well as hidden military-grade electric detonators and initiating devices ... The entire package constituted a so-called shaped charge bomb,” prosecutors said.
Trump and Zelensky to have 'working lunch' meeting this week
16:46 , Harry CockburnDonald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky will meet on Friday this week for a “working lunch”, the White House has confirmed.
The two leaders spoke to one another on both Saturday and Sunday as Ukraine presses for access to more US-made weapons to counter Russian attacks.
Nato chief mocks 'broken' Russian submarine
16:30 , Daniel KeaneNato chief Mark Rutte has mocked Russia over the "limping" condition of one of its submarines, in comments likely to spark anger in Moscow.
Russia's Black Sea Fleet said the diesel-powered submarine Novorossiysk had surfaced off France to comply with navigation rules in the English Channel.
Moscow rejected reports it had suffered a serious malfunction.
But Rutte, in a speech in Slovenia, said the vessel was "broken".
"Now, in effect, there is hardly any Russian naval presence in the Mediterranean left. There's a lone and broken Russian submarine limping home from patrol," he said.
"What a change from the 1984 Tom Clancy novel 'The Hunt for Red October'. Today, it seems more like the hunt for the nearest mechanic."
German chancellor urges Trump to extend Middle East influence to Ukraine war
16:00 , Daniel KeaneGerman Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed hope that Donald Trump will exercise the same influence on the war in Ukraine that he has in the Middle East, where he helped end the war in Gaza.
Speaking in Sharm El-Sheikh ahead of a summit with Trump and other global leaders to cement the Gaza truce, Merz said the meeting in Egypt showed that the end of war is possible if the international community stands together.
His comments echoed those made by Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky, who earlier said: “When peace is achieved for one part of the world, it brings more hope for peace in other regions where life is still under threat.”
Trump to welcome Zelensky to Washington on Friday - report
15:47 , Daniel KeanePresident Trump plans to welcome President Zelensky to Washington on Friday, according to a report.
Three sources told the FT that the Ukrainian president held two phone calls with his US counterpart over the weekend to discuss the US supply of Tomahawk missiles and how to end the war in Russia.
A Ukrainian delegation has also arrived in Washington for a week of discussions with US officials.
Why Donald Trump keeps rescuing Keir Starmer from international humiliation
15:30 , Daniel KeaneWith Keir Starmer facing scorn from both Israel and the US ambassador in Tel Aviv over the UK’s role in the Middle East peace process, the US president has once again come to his aid. Political editor David Maddox explains why.
Why does Trump keeps rescuing Starmer from international humiliation?
Zelensky welcomes return of hostages in Israel
15:00 , Daniel KeaneUkraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky has welcomed the return of Israeli hostages from Gaza and the end of the war in the enclave.
He wrote on X: “In Ukraine, we welcome all the efforts that have led to today’s outcome for the Middle East. The hostages have been freed, and the war in Gaza is coming to an end. This is truly an extraordinary event.
The leadership and determination of President Trump have worked, and it is important that all the necessary help has come from countries and many people who have real influence.”
He added: “We are working so that the day of peace comes for Ukraine as well.”
When peace is achieved for one part of the world, it brings more hope for peace in other regions where life is still under threat. In Ukraine, we welcome all the efforts that have led to today’s outcome for the Middle East. The hostages have been freed, and the war in Gaza is…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) October 13, 2025
Lavrov says Trump's plan is too vague on Palestinian statehood
14:30 , Daniel KeaneRussian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said that Donald Trump's plan to settle the Israeli-Palestinian conflict only dealt with Gaza, in comments that are likely to infuriate the US President.
"We have noted that Donald Trump's peace plan only addresses the Gaza Strip. It mentions statehood, but in rather general terms," Lavrov told reporters from Arab countries.
"It's imperative to flesh out these approaches, including defining what will happen in the West Bank."
His comments came as Trump addressed the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, as all Israeli hostages were released by Hamas.
Senior Ukrainian officials head to Washington for talks on defence and energy
14:00 , Daniel KeaneA Ukrainian delegation led by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko will visit Washington for talks on strengthening Kyiv's defence and energy resilience, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's chief of staff said on Monday.
Ukraine is seeking more US support for its war effort against Russia, as Kremlin forces step up strikes on energy facilities across the country.
Writing on X, Andriy Yermak said the two sides would also discuss stronger sanctions against Russia.
"The ultimate goal remains unchanged – a just and lasting peace!" he wrote.
Kremlin declines to comment after Trump floats supply of Tomahawk missiles
13:30 , Daniel KeaneKremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to offer any new comment after US President Donald Trump said again that he may agree to the supply of Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine.
Peskov reiterated Moscow's stated position that the use of such weapons would require US participation.
Earlier, former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev said supplying the missiles could end badly for everyone, especially Trump.
Moscow 'exploiting' world's focus on Middle East, Zelensky says
13:00 , Namita SinghVolodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of “exploiting” the fact that world leaders and international media were focused on the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas to ramp up its attacks on Ukraine.
He said that over the course of the last week, more than 3,100 drones, 92 missiles and around 1,360 glide bombs had been used against Ukraine.
Throughout this week, many regions of Ukraine have been under fire, and in many regions air raid sirens are now sounding again because of the threat of attack drones. Russia continues its aerial terror against our cities and communities, intensifying strikes on our energy… pic.twitter.com/OP5yhENGcS
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) October 12, 2025
In a post on X, he said: “Moscow allows itself to escalate its strikes, openly exploiting the fact that the world is focused on ensuring peace in the Middle East.
“That is precisely why no weakening of pressure can be allowed. Sanctions, tariffs, and joint actions against the buyers of Russian oil – those who finance this war – must all remain on the table.”
Russia again targets Ukraine’s power grid
12:10 , Namita SinghRussia attacked Ukraine's power grid in a major overnight operation, as part of an ongoing campaign to cripple energy infrastructure before winter.
The attack came as Moscow expressed "extreme concern" over the US potentially providing Tomahawk cruise missiles to Kyiv.
Two employees of Ukraine's largest private energy company, DTEK, were injured in Russian strikes on a substation in the region, Kyiv regional governor Mykola Kalashnyk said.
Ukraine's energy ministry said energy infrastructure was also attacked in the regions of Donetsk, Odesa and Chernihiv.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia launched "more than 3,100 drones, 92 missiles, and around 1,360 glide bombs" against Ukraine over the past week.
He also called for tighter secondary sanctions on buyers of Russian oil.
"Sanctions, tariffs, and joint actions against the buyers of Russian oil - those who finance this war - must all remain on the table," he said.
He wrote on Sunday he had a "very productive" phone call with US president Donald Trump in which they discussed strengthening Ukraine's "air defence, resilience, and long-range capabilities," along with "details related to the energy sector".
What Zelensky said when asked about Tomahawks supply to Ukraine
12:04 , Namita SinghIn an interview with Fox News channel's The Sunday Briefing after his call with the US president, Zelensky was asked whether Trump had approved the Tomahawks.
"We work on it," he said, adding: "Of course we count on such decisions, but we will see. We will see."
Later on Sunday, Trump warned Russia that he could send Ukraine long-range Tomahawk missiles if Moscow did not settle its war there soon."I might say, 'Look, if this war is not going to get settled, I'm going to send them Tomahawks'," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One as he flew to Israel ahead of a meeting to sign the Gaza ceasefire deal.
"The Tomahawk is an incredible weapon, very offensive weapon. And honestly, Russia does not need that.
He added: "I might tell them that if the war is not settled - that we may very well - we may not, but we may do it. I think it's appropriate to bring up."
Kremlin declines new comment after Trump again floats possible supply of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine
11:50 , Namita SinghKremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to offer any new comment on Monday after US president Donald Trump said again that he may agree to the supply of Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine.
Peskov reiterated Moscow's stated position that the use of such weapons would require US participation.
Earlier, former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev said supplying the missiles could end badly for everyone, especially Trump.
Russia says its troops captured two villages in eastern Ukraine
10:54 , Namita SinghRussian forces captured the village of Borivska Andriyivka in Ukraine's Kharkiv region and the village of Kulykivske in Donetsk, Russia's defence ministry said on Monday via its Telegram channel.
Russia's Medvedev hopes Trump’s Tomahawks warning is ‘empty threat’
10:37 , Namita SinghFormer Russian president Dmitry Medvedev said on Monday that supplying US Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine could end badly for everyone, especially US president Donald Trump.
Medvedev, an arch-hawk who has repeatedly goaded Trump on social media, said it is impossible to distinguish between Tomahawk missiles carrying nuclear warheads and conventional ones after they are launched - a point that President Vladimir Putin's spokesman has also made.
"How should Russia respond? Exactly!" Medvedev said on Telegram, appearing to hint that Moscow's response would be nuclear.
Trump said again on Sunday that he may offer long-range Tomahawk missiles that could be used by Kyiv if Putin does not end the war in Ukraine.
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Medvedev wrote: "One can only hope that this is another empty threat... Like sending nuclear submarines closer to Russia."
He was alluding to Trump's statement in August that he had ordered two nuclear subs to move closer to Russia in response to what he called "highly provocative" comments from Medvedev about the risk of war.
Germany's top spy says Russia won't shy away from attacking NATO
10:19 , Namita SinghThe head of Germany's foreign intelligence service BND said on Monday that Russia would not shy away from a military attack against a Nato member state.
Addressing a parliamentary hearing of leading intelligence officers, BND head Martin Jaeger said Russia's aim was to intimidate Europe to the point of paralysis and surrender.
He said nobody should rely on some estimates that Russia will be ready to attack Nato by 2029, because such a move could occur at an earlier date.
Russia denies claims about its submarine surfacing off coast near France
09:55 , Namita SinghRussia has denied a report that one of its submarines was suffering technical problems after the vessel surfaced off the coast of northern France.
NATO's Maritime Command published photographs on October 9 of what it said was a French navy frigate observing a Russian submarine operating on the surface off the coast of Brittany.
"NATO stands ready to defend our Alliance with constant vigilance and maritime awareness across the Atlantic," it posted on X, without naming the submarine.
Report:
Russia responds after claims its submarine surfaced off the coast of France
Russia's Medvedev says supplying Tomahawks to Ukraine could end badly for everyone, including Trump
09:34 , Namita SinghFormer Russian president Dmitry Medvedev said on Monday that supplying US Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine could end badly for everyone, especially US president Donald Trump.
Medvedev said it is impossible to distinguish between Tomahawk missiles carrying nuclear warheads and conventional ones after they are launched.
"How should Russia respond? Exactly!" Medvedev said on Telegram, appearing to hint that Moscow's response would be nuclear.
Pictures: Firefighters work at the site of a Russian drone strike in Ukraine
09:27 , Namita Singh
Ukrainian drones hit an oil terminal in Crimea overnight, official says
09:20 , Namita SinghUkrainian drones hit a oil terminal in the Russian-occupied Crimean peninsula overnight, a Ukrainian security official told Reuters on condition of anonymity.
The drones, launched by Ukraine's SBU intelligence service and military special forces, hit at least five reservoirs at the facility causing a large fire, according to the source.
The source said drones also hit at least two Russian electrical substations on the peninsula, which Russia took from Ukraine in 2014.
India is now lead supplier of fuel additives for Russia’s fighter jets, warns think tank
08:35 , Namita SinghIndia is now believed to be the biggest supplier of fuel additives used to enhance the capabilities of Russian fighter jets, according to a new report.
More than half a dozen Indian companies – suppliers and manufacturers based in Delhi and Mumbai – were found to have supplied nearly half of the total of Russia’s imported fuel additives in 2024, a Kyiv-based think tank has found.
Fuel additives are chemical compounds in liquid form added to aviation fuel for both commercial and military aircraft to boost their performance.
Report:
India is now lead supplier of fuel additives for Russia’s fighter jets, report says
How Melania Trump's involvement in Ukraine war shaped Trump's response
08:30 , Namita SinghMelania Trump on Friday said that she, along with her “representative” had been “working directly with President Putin’s team to ensure the safe reunification of children with their families between Russia and Ukraine,” starting with eight such children who had been “rejoined with their families” over the past 24 hours.
The work outlined by the First Lady on Friday is not the first involvement she has had in shaping the American response to Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.
Over the summer, president Donald Trump revealed that his wife had been frequently reminding him of Russia’s continuous strikes against Ukrainian civilian targets.
At one Oval Office appearance in July, he told reporters that she would routinely weigh in after he described his phone calls with Putin in positive terms.“I go home, I tell the First Lady, ‘I spoke to Vladimir today, we had a wonderful conversation.’ And she says, ‘Oh really, another city was just hit,’” he said at the time.
The first lady said her work on the fate of the kidnapped Ukrainian minors would be an “ongoing mission” and that it is an “important initiative” for her.
She added that moving forward she would be working to “optimize a transparent free-flow exchange of health-related information surrounding all children who have fallen victim to this war, and to facilitate the regular communication of children with their families until each individual returns home.
”She added that plans were underway to return more children to Ukraine from Russia “in the immediate future,” and said that Russia had further agreed to return adults who were kidnapped while they were minors but have since turned 18 in captivity.
Report:
Melania Trump reveals talks with Putin over kidnapped Ukraine children
Melania Trump reveals talking to Putin through ‘back channels’
08:15 , Namita SinghEight Ukrainian children who were kidnapped from their families and held captive in Russia have been returned to Ukraine following back-channel negotiations between Melania Trump and Russian representatives, the First Lady said on Friday.
Trump, a former model who was born in what is now Slovenia when that country was part of what was then Yugoslavia, made the stunning announcement in the Grand Foyer of the White House.
She told reporters that “much [had] unfolded” since she sent a letter in August to Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the fate of the thousands of children who have been taken to Russia after being seized by Russian forces during the invasion of Ukraine.
She said Putin had responded in writing to signal a “willingness to engage” with the First Lady “directly”, and provided her with “details regarding the Ukrainian children residing in Russia.”
“Since then, President Putin and I have had an open channel of communication regarding the welfare of these children,” she said.
Trump also told reporters that “both sides” of the talks had participated in “several back-channel meetings and calls” and had “agreed to cooperate with each other for the benefit of all people involved in this war.”
UK hosts of Ukrainian refugees hit out at ‘horrendous’ support from Home Office
08:01 , Namita SinghHosts of Ukrainian refugees say they are facing “endless bureaucracy” and “horrendous” support from the Home Office, with thousands stuck in limbo more than three years after Russia’s invasion of the country.
For Juliet Grover, the daughter of a Jewish refugee who escaped the Nazis, the decision to become a host was personal. She signed up to the “Homes for Ukraine” scheme as soon as the war began in February 2022, firmly believing that providing refuge to those in need was important.
Yet immediately she says she was struck by the difficulties facing host families, with little to zero information and advice given by the UK government.
Report:
UK hosts of Ukrainian refugees hit out at ‘horrendous’ support from Home Office
Ukraine's daily moment of remembrance endures through intensified Russian attacks
07:12 , Namita SinghEach morning at 9 o'clock, Kyiv stops for a minute.
Traffic lights turn red, and the steady beat of a metronome on loudspeakers signals 60 seconds of reflection. Cars idle in the middle of the street as drivers step out and stand with heads bowed.
Across Ukraine – in cafes, gyms, schools, on television and even on the front lines – people pause to remember those killed in Russia's full-scale invasion.
Near a growing outdoor memorial at Kyiv's Maidan Square, four friends gathered with cardboard signs that read, "Stop. Honor." Around them, flags, photos and candles for fallen service members formed a dense mosaic of grief and pride.
The four are connected by Iryna Tsybukh, a 25-year-old combat medic killed by a landmine in eastern Ukraine last year. Her death sparked a national outpouring of grief and added momentum to the daily remembrance initiative.
"Memory is not about death," said Kateryna Datsenko, a friend of the fallen medic and co-founder of Vshanuy, a civic group that promotes the daily observance.
"It's about life — what people loved, valued and thought about. Someone might have loved gardening, someone else a favorite poem. This is the kind of memory we try to preserve."
The 9am ritual began in 2022, weeks after the invasion started, as a presidential decree from Volodymyr Zelensky. It has since evolved into a shared national practice.
Public demonstrations of solidarity continue even as Russian missile and drone attacks have intensified in recent weeks, striking power facilities and cities across the country. Despite the escalation, Ukrainians still gather each morning to honor those lost in the war.
Ihor Reva, deputy head of Kyiv's military administration, said the ritual fulfills a deep social and personal need.
"This war has a price, and that price is terrible – human lives," he said. "You disconnect from everyday thoughts and simply devote that minute to remembrance. That's what I'd call it – a mindful keeping of time."
Associated Press
Ukraine strikes Russian energy grid with help from US
07:04 , Namita SinghUkraine launched a long-range strike on Russian energy facilities with the help of US intelligence, reported the Financial Times citing American and Ukrainian sources.
The US shared critical information with Kyiv to help them execute strikes on Russian infrastructure including oil refineries far beyond the frontline, said officials familiar with the attack.
Ukrainian strikes have increased energy prices in Russia, prompting it to cut diesel exports and import more fuel.
The intelligence sharing is the latest sign in the shift of ties between Ukraine and the US in recent weeks, with Donald Trump becoming increasingly frustrated with Vladimir Putin.
G7 to discuss sanctions on Russia and Ukraine aid options
06:11 , Namita SinghFinance ministers from the Group of Seven industrial democracies are expected to meet on Wednesday to discuss efforts to step up sanctions pressure on Russia that is aimed at ending Moscow's war against Ukraine.
A British government source said that chancellor Rachel Reeves wants to ensure joint action with G7 and European Union countries to cut Russia's energy revenues and access to overseas assets that comply with international law.
Among these options that G7 ministers will discuss is a European Union plan to use Russian frozen sovereign assets to back a loan of $162bn to Ukraine.
Finance chiefs gathering in Washington this week are also expected to discuss the global economy's surprising resilience in the face of Donald Trump's tariff assaults - until the US-China trade war erupted again with the US president threatening 100 per cent duties on Chinese imports and sending markets into a tailspin.
Ukraine’s power grid targetted again by Russia
05:26 , Namita SinghRussia has attacked Ukraine's power grid in a major overnight operation, as part of an ongoing campaign to cripple energy infrastructure before winter.
The incident came as Moscow expressed "extreme concern" over the United States potentially providing Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine.
Kyiv regional governor Mykola Kalashnyk said two employees of Ukraine's largest private energy company, DTEK, were injured in Russian strikes on a substation in the region.
Ukraine's energy ministry said energy infrastructure was also attacked in the regions of Donetsk, Odesa, and Chernihiv.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted that Russia has launched "more than 3,100 drones, 92 missiles, and around 1,360 glide bombs" against Ukraine over the past week, and said on X: "Russia continues its aerial terror against our cities and communities, intensifying strikes on our energy infrastructure."
He called for tighter secondary sanctions on buyers of Russian oil.
"Sanctions, tariffs, and joint actions against the buyers of Russian oil - those who finance this war - must all remain on the table," he said.
North Korea likely received help from Russia on submarines, South Korea minister says
05:16 , Namita SinghNorth Korea has likely received technical help from Russia for its submarine development, South Korean defence minister Ahn Gyu-back told parliament on Monday.
North Korea has vowed to develop submarines that can launch ballistic missiles and has test-fired such missiles from submerged platforms, but it is not clear whether Pyongyang has succeeded in mastering a launch from submarines.
It is also pursuing the development of nuclear-powered submarines.Ahn told parliament's Defence Committee hearing that it appeared true that the North was receiving "various technologies" for its submarine development.
The minister said, however, it was premature to conclude Pyongyang had test-launched a SLBM (submarine-launched ballistic missile) from a submarine.
North Korea and Russia have dramatically upgraded military cooperation in the past two years, with Pyongyang deploying more than 10,000 troops to fight in the war against Ukraine in return for economic and military technology assistance, according to South Korean intelligence assessments.
Zelensky hails ‘very productive’ call with Trump
05:09 , Namita SinghVolodymyr Zelensky described his latest call with US president Donald Trump as "very productive", and said the pair had discussed strengthening Ukraine's "air defence, resilience, and long-range capabilities", along with "details related to the energy sector".
In an interview with Fox News Channel's The Sunday Briefing after his call with the US president, Mr Zelensky was asked whether Mr Trump had approved the Tomahawks and said, "we work on it".
"I'm waiting for president to yes," Zelensky said. "Of course we count on such decisions, but we will see. We will see."
The Ukrainian president said on Friday that he was in talks with US officials about the possible provision of various long-range precision strike weapons, including Tomahawks and more ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles.
Moscow expresses ‘extreme concern’ over Trump’s Tomahawk missile warning
04:37 , Namita SinghRussia has expressed "extreme concern" over the US potentially providing Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine.
Vladimir Putin has previously suggested that the United States supplying long-range missiles to Ukraine will seriously damage relations between Moscow and Washington.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said in remarks published on Sunday that "the topic of Tomahawks is of extreme concern".
Trump, who has been frustrated by Russia in his efforts to end the war, said last week that he has "sort of made a decision" on whether to send Tomahawks to Ukraine, without elaborating.
A senior Ukrainian delegation is set to visit the US this week.
Trump: Ukraine may get Tomahawk missiles if Putin doesn't come to the table
03:03 , John BowdenDonald Trump told reporters on board Air Force One on Sunday that he is considering giving Kyiv Tomahawk cruise missiles as the war continues to drag on and the U.S. president increasingly sours on Russia’s Vladimir Putin.
Speaking as he traveled to Tel Aviv for a ceremony marking a peace deal aimed at ending the war between Israel and Hamas, Trump said: “I might say, ’Look: if this war is not going to get settled, I’m going to send them Tomahawks.’”
“The Tomahawk is an incredible weapon, very offensive weapon,” added the president. “I might tell them that if the war is not settled — that we may very well [send Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine].”
Trump added that it was a prospect he’d likely raise with the Russian leader himself, indicating that he’d use it as leverage in his own personal negotiations with Putin.
Moscow 'exploiting' world's attention on Middle East, Zelensky says
02:00 , Holly EvansVolodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of “exploiting” the fact that world leaders and international media are focused on the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas to ramp up their attacks on Ukraine.
He said that over the course of the last week, more than 3,100 drones, 92 missiles, and around 1,360 glide bombs have been used against Ukraine.
In a post on X, he said: “Moscow allows itself to escalate its strikes, openly exploiting the fact that the world is focused on ensuring peace in the Middle East.
“That is precisely why no weakening of pressure can be allowed. Sanctions, tariffs, and joint actions against the buyers of Russian oil – those who finance this war – must all remain on the table.”
Throughout this week, many regions of Ukraine have been under fire, and in many regions air raid sirens are now sounding again because of the threat of attack drones. Russia continues its aerial terror against our cities and communities, intensifying strikes on our energy… pic.twitter.com/OP5yhENGcS
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) October 12, 2025
German Airlines call for drones threatening airports to be shot down
01:00 , Holly EvansGermany’s leading airlines are demanding stronger action against rogue drones that disrupt airport operations, calling for police to be authorised to shoot down threatening unmanned aircraft, Der Spiegel reported on Saturday.
The appeal follows a spike in drone sightings near airports in Germany and across Europe, incidents that have forced temporary shutdowns and flight delays, raising concerns about aviation safety and economic losses.
“In a threatening situation, drones must be able to be shot down,” said Peter Gerber, president of the German Aviation Association and CEO of Condor Airlines. “It annoys me that the urgency of drones is only now being recognised. We’ve been pointing out the problem for ten years.”
Gerber added that each hour of flight disruption costs airlines millions, and urged the federal government to give federal police authority to stop or destroy drones that pose a threat to civilian airports.
The decision came after two consecutive disruptions at Munich International Airport on 2 and 3 October, when flight operations were suspended following multiple drone sightings in the vicinity.
UK hosts of Ukrainian refugees hit out at ‘horrendous’ support from Home Office
Monday 13 October 2025 00:00 , Holly EvansHosts of Ukrainian refugees say they are facing “endless bureaucracy” and “horrendous” support from the Home Office, with thousands stuck in limbo over three years after Russia’s invasion of the country.
For Juliet Grover, the daughter of a Jewish refugee who escaped the Nazis, the decision to become a host was personal. She signed up to the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme as soon as the war began in February 2022, firmly believing that providing refuge to those in need was important.
Yet immediately she says she was struck by the difficulties facing host families, with little to zero information and advice given by the UK government.
Read the full article here:
UK hosts of Ukrainian refugees hit out at ‘horrendous’ support from Home Office
Ukrainian refugee who fled war-torn home is now sumo’s rising star
Sunday 12 October 2025 23:00 , Holly Evans
Ukrainian refugee who fled war-torn home is now sumo’s rising star
India is now lead supplier of fuel additives for Russia’s fighter jets, Ukrainian think tank warns
Sunday 12 October 2025 22:00 , Holly EvansIndia is now believed to be the biggest supplier of fuel additives used to enhance the capabilities of Russian fighter jets, according to a new report.
More than half a dozen Indian companies – suppliers and manufacturers based in Delhi and Mumbai – were found to have supplied nearly half of the total of Russia’s imported fuel additives in 2024, a Kyiv-based think tank has found.
Fuel additives are chemical compounds in liquid form added to aviation fuel for both commercial and military aircraft to boost their performance.
Read the full article here:
India is now lead supplier of fuel additives for Russia’s fighter jets, report says
Poland charges former registry office employee with providing false identities for Russian spies
Sunday 12 October 2025 21:00 , Holly EvansA man formerly employed by Warsaw city council in its registry of births, marriages and deaths was charged with espionage for allegedly providing Russia with false identities its spies could use, Polish authorities said Thursday.
The man, identified only as Tomasz L. in line with Polish privacy laws, was indicted on charges of espionage and abuse of power, the Polish Internal Security Agency wrote in a statement on Thursday.
Authorities allege the man provided Russia with intelligence from 2017 to 2022, while he was working in the archives of the Warsaw municipality’s civil registry.
Read the full article here:
Poland charges former registry office employee with providing false identities for Russian spies
UK ready to spend frozen Russian assets to fund loan to Ukraine
Sunday 12 October 2025 20:00 , Holly EvansSir Keir Starmer has signalled his readiness to advance plans for using frozen Russian sovereign assets to support Ukraine's war effort.
His stance follows a meeting of European leaders in Copenhagen last week, where discussions centred on a "reparations loan" for Ukraine, funded by immobilised Russian assets.
Sir Keir subsequently co-signed a joint E3 statement on Friday with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron.
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UK ready to spend frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine loan
Moscow previously accused 'entire infrastructure' of NATO of supplying intelligence to Ukraine
Sunday 12 October 2025 19:00 , Holly EvansEarlier this month, Moscow said that Washington and its NATO alliance were regularly supplying intelligence to Kyiv in the war Putin launched in February 2022.
"The supply and use of the entire infrastructure of NATO and the United States to collect and transfer intelligence to Ukrainians is obvious," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters then.
On Sunday, the Financial Times quoted U.S. and Ukrainian sources and said U.S. intelligence helps Kyiv shape route planning, altitude, timing and mission decisions, enabling Ukraine's long-range, one-way attack drones to evade Russian air defences.
Melania Trump talking to Putin through ‘back channels’ about kidnapped Ukrainian children
Sunday 12 October 2025 18:00 , Holly EvansEight Ukrainian children who were kidnapped from their families and held captive in Russia have been returned to Ukraine following back-channel negotiations between Melania Trump and Russian representatives, the First Lady said on Friday.
Trump, a former model who was born in what is now Slovenia when that country was part of what was then Yugoslavia, made the stunning announcement in the Grand Foyer of the White House. She told reporters that “much [had] unfolded” since she sent a letter in August to Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the fate of the thousands of children who have been taken to Russia after being seized by Russian forces during the invasion of Ukraine.
She said Putin had responded in writing to signal a “willingness to engage” with the First Lady “directly”, and provided her with “details regarding the Ukrainian children residing in Russia.”
Read the full article here:
Melania Trump reveals talks with Putin over kidnapped Ukraine children
Moscow says 'tension escalating from all sides' on topic of Tomahawks
Sunday 12 October 2025 17:00 , Holly EvansKremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in remarks published on Sunday that "the topic of Tomahawks is of extreme concern".
He told Russian state television: "Now is really a very dramatic moment in terms of the fact that tensions are escalating from all sides."
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, said that he doubts the U.S. will provide Ukraine with Tomahawk cruise missiles.
"I think we need to calm down in this regard, he said. "Our friend Donald... sometimes he takes a more forceful approach, and then, his tactic is to let go a little and step back. Therefore, we shouldn't take this literally, as if it's going to fly tomorrow."
Zelensky discusses strengthening Kyiv's air defence with Trump in second call
Sunday 12 October 2025 16:00 , Holly EvansUkraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said he has spoken with U.S. President Donald Trump for the second time in two days, discussing strengthening of Kyiv's air defence, resilience and long-range capabilities.
"We also discussed many details related to the energy sector. President Trump is well informed about everything that is happening. We agreed to continue our dialogue, and our teams are doing their preparations," Zelensky said on X.
The Kremlin said on Sunday Russia was deeply concerned about the possibility of the U.S. supplying Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, warning that the war had reached a dramatic moment with escalation from all sides.
Trump said on Monday that before agreeing to provide Tomahawks, he would want to know what Ukraine planned to do with them because he did not want to escalate the war.
I have just spoken with @POTUS – for the second time in two days – and today’s conversation was also very productive.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) October 12, 2025
Yesterday, we agreed on a set of topics to discuss today, and we covered all the aspects of the situation: defense of life in our country, strengthening our… pic.twitter.com/ZVs0cLicIL
U.S. intelligence assisting Ukraine in targeting Russian energy sites
Sunday 12 October 2025 14:50 , Holly EvansIntelligence from the U.S. has assisted Ukraine in ramping up their long-range strikes on Russian energy sites in recent months, as President Trump hardens his stance against Vladimir Putin.
Sources told the Financial Times that Washington had been providing Kyiv with information which included details on flight paths and helping to make altitude, timing and mission decisions.
This aerial offensive has been critical in targeting Russian pipelines, energy grid, refineries and power stations.
It marks the first time the U.S. has been reported to have directly supported strikes on energy facilities deep inside Russian territory. Such action was previously discouraged by the Biden administration over concerns of escalating tensions with Moscow.
France's Macron condemns Russian strikes on Ukraine's infrastructure
Sunday 12 October 2025 14:26 , Holly EvansFrance condemns Russian strikes on Ukraine's infrastructure and is working with partners to restore essential services, President Emmanuel Macron said on his verified X account, after having spoken with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
"As the agreement reached in Gaza offers a glimmer of hope for peace in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine too must come to an end," Macron said.
"If Russia persists in its obstinate warmongering and its refusal to come to the negotiating table, it will have to pay the price," he added.
I spoke with President @ZelenskyyUa. As the agreement reached in Gaza offers a glimmer of hope for peace in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine too must come to an end.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) October 12, 2025
If Russia persists in its obstinate warmongering and its refusal to come to the negotiating table,…
Where are the frozen Russian assets that Ukraine could use for military funding?
Sunday 12 October 2025 13:30 , Alex CroftUkraine's budget and military needs for 2026 and 2027 are estimated to total around 130 billion euros.
The European Union has already poured in 174 billion euros since the war started in February 2022.
The biggest pot of ready funds available is through frozen Russian assets, most of which is held in Belgium - around 194 billion euros as of June - and outside the EU in Japan, with around 50 billion dollars, and the US, UK and Canada with lesser amounts.
Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in a joint statement on Friday they were ready to move towards using "in a co-ordinated way, the value of the immobilised Russian sovereign assets to support Ukraine's armed forces and thus bring Russia to the negotiation table".
The statement added they aimed to do this "in close co-operation with the United States".
Russia has lost 1.1m troops since invasion, Ukraine claims
Sunday 12 October 2025 12:29 , Alex CroftUkraine’s General Staff has reported that Russia has lost around 1,121,570 troops since launching its full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022.
The daily update on October 11 noted that 1,060 Russian forces were lost in the past 24 hours alone.
The report also detailed extensive equipment losses on Russia’s side, including:
- 11,247 tanks
- 23,345 armoured fighting vehicles
- 63,847 vehicles and fuel tanks
- 33,568 artillery systems
- 1,518 multiple launch rocket systems
- 1,225 air defence systems
- 427 airplanes
- 346 helicopters
- 68,766 drones
- 28 ships and boats
- 1 submarine
UK hosts of Ukrainian refugees hit out at ‘horrendous’ support from Home Office
Sunday 12 October 2025 11:28 , Alex CroftHosts of Ukrainian refugees say they are facing “endless bureaucracy” and “horrendous” support from the Home Office, with thousands stuck in limbo over three years after Russia’s invasion of the country.
For Juliet Grover, the daughter of a Jewish refugee who escaped the Nazis, the decision to become a host was personal. She signed up to the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme as soon as the war began in February 2022, firmly believing that providing refuge to those in need was important.
Yet immediately she says she was struck by the difficulties facing host families, with little to zero information and advice given by the UK government.
Holly Evans reports:
UK hosts of Ukrainian refugees hit out at ‘horrendous’ support from Home Office
Fires break out in Kyiv apartments after major Russian attack - ICYMI
Sunday 12 October 2025 10:28 , Alex CroftUS has helped Ukrainian long-range attacks on Russian energy for months - report
Sunday 12 October 2025 09:30 , Alex CroftThe US has been helping Ukraine mount long-range strikes on Russian energy facilities for months in a joint effort to weaken the economy and force President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table, the Financial Times reported on Sunday.
US intelligence has helped Kyiv strike important Russian energy assets, including oil refineries, far beyond the front line, the newspaper said, citing unnamed Ukrainian and U.S. officials familiar with the campaign.
Moscow said this month that Washington and its Nato alliance were regularly supplying intelligence to Kyiv in the war Putin launched in February 2022.
"The supply and use of the entire infrastructure of Nato and the United States to collect and transfer intelligence to Ukrainians is obvious," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters then.
The FT said US intelligence helps Kyiv shape route planning, altitude, timing and mission decisions, enabling Ukraine's long-range, one-way attack drones to evade Russian air defences.
The United States is closely involved in all stages of planning, it said, citing three people familiar with the operation. A US official was quoted as saying Ukraine selected the targets for long-range strikes and Washington then provided intelligence on the sites' vulnerabilities.
Early this month two US officials told Reuters that Washington would provide Ukraine with intelligence on long-range energy infrastructure targets in Russia, as it weighs whether to send Kyiv missiles that could be used in such strikes.
The US also asked Nato allies to provide similar support, the US officials said.
Pro-Ukrainian group sabotage Russian railway infrastructure
Sunday 12 October 2025 08:31 , Shweta SharmaA pro-Ukrainian partisan group, Atesh, has claimed responsibility for a sabotage operation targeting railway infrastructure in Russia’s Rostov Oblast, according to a post on Telegram on Saturday.
The group said its operatives destroyed a traffic control cabinet on a railway near Novocherkassk, a line reportedly used by Russian forces to transport military personnel and supplies, according to The Kyiv Independent.
The sabotage disrupted Russian supply lines, creating “a chain reaction of delays” along routes toward the southern frontline, the group claimed.
The Atesh group is known for carrying out sabotage operations in both Russian territory and areas of Ukraine under Russian occupation.
Power restored to Kyiv homes after Russian bombardment on Ukraine’s energy grid
Sunday 12 October 2025 07:31 , Shweta SharmaMore than 800,000 residents in Kyiv had their power restored on Saturday, following extensive Russian assaults on the nation's power grid that plunged vast swathes of the country into darkness.
DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy firm, confirmed on Saturday that “the main work to restore the power supply” was complete, though some localised outages persisted across the capital in the wake of Friday’s “massive” Russian attacks.
The barrage of Russian drone and missile strikes on Friday morning injured at least 20 people in Kyiv, damaged residential properties, and triggered blackouts across significant parts of Ukraine.
Prime minister Yulia Svyrydenko characterised the assault as “one of the largest concentrated strikes” against Ukraine’s vital energy infrastructure.
Russia’s Defence Ministry stated on Friday that its strikes had targeted energy facilities supplying Ukraine’s military, without specifying locations.
Power restored to Kyiv after major Russian attacks on energy grid
Russian air defence units destroy 32 Ukrainian drones overnight
Sunday 12 October 2025 07:00 , Shweta SharmaRussian air defence units destroyed 32 Ukrainian drones overnight, TASS news agency reported on Sunday, citing data from the Russian defence ministry.
Trump and Zelensky discuss Tomahawk missiles for Ukraine, report says
Sunday 12 October 2025 06:35 , Shweta SharmaPresident Donald Trump spoke with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday, discussing the possibility of supplying Tomahawk long-range cruise missiles to Ukraine, sources familiar with the call told Axios.
Tomahawks could allow Ukraine to strike deep inside Russia, including Moscow, giving Kyiv a potential bargaining tool to push Vladimir Putin toward negotiations.
Sources said no final decision has been made yet.
The conversation lasted roughly 30 minutes, one source said.
Zelensky described it as “very positive and productive.”
Zelensky also congratulated Trump on the Gaza peace deal.
He emphasised that peace would require Russia’s readiness for diplomacy, which can be achieved through strength.
A White House official confirmed the call.
Trump said earlier this week that he has “sort of made a decision” on selling Tomahawk missiles to Nato allies for potential transfer to Ukraine.
He wants clarity on how Ukraine plans to use the missiles before proceeding.
Zelensky first requested Tomahawks during the UN General Assembly last month, suggesting that simply having them could pressure Russia to negotiate.
Zelensky urges Trump to broker peace in Ukraine like he did in Gaza war
Sunday 12 October 2025 06:00 , Shweta SharmaIn his phone call with Donald Trump, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky urged his US counterpart to broker a peace deal in Ukraine as he did in the Middle East.
“If a war can be stopped in one region, then surely other wars can be stopped as well, including the Russian war,” Zelensky said, as he hailed Trump’s “outstanding” Gaza ceasefire plan.
He called for the US president to pressure the Kremlin into negotiations.
Trump has repeatedly vowed to swiftly broker a peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow, but those ambitions have stalled as Russia continues to reject calls for a ceasefire and intensifies its assaults on Ukraine.
Mr Zelensky said he informed President Trump about Russia's attacks on Ukraine’s energy system.
“I appreciate his willingness to support us," he said, praising the discussion as "very positive and productive”.
German Airlines call for drones threatening airports to be shot down
Sunday 12 October 2025 05:30 , Shweta SharmaGermany’s leading airlines are demanding stronger action against rogue drones that disrupt airport operations, calling for police to be authorised to shoot down threatening unmanned aircraft, Der Spiegel reported on Saturday.
The appeal follows a spike in drone sightings near airports in Germany and across Europe, incidents that have forced temporary shutdowns and flight delays, raising concerns about aviation safety and economic losses.
“In a threatening situation, drones must be able to be shot down,” said Peter Gerber, president of the German Aviation Association and CEO of Condor Airlines.“It annoys me that the urgency of drones is only now being recognised. We’ve been pointing out the problem for ten years.”
Gerber added that each hour of flight disruption costs airlines millions, and urged the federal government to give federal police authority to stop or destroy drones that pose a threat to civilian airports.
The decision came after two consecutive disruptions at Munich International Airport on 2 and 3 October, when flight operations were suspended following multiple drone sightings in the vicinity.
While Berlin is still working on improving nationwide drone defences, Bavaria has already taken the lead. The state’s cabinet last week approved legislation granting police powers to neutralise or destroy unidentified drones if necessary to protect public safety.
Indian student fighting for Russian Army captured by Ukraine
Sunday 12 October 2025 05:00 , Shweta SharmaUkraine has captured an Indian national who had allegedly joined the Russian Army to avoid drug charges, becoming the first known prisoner of war in Russia-Ukraine war, Kyiv claimed.
Sahil Majothi, 22, from Morbi village in India’s western state of Gujarat, went to Russia to study computer engineering two yeas ago but was falsely accused of drug charges, his mother has said.
Mr Majothi was arrested in April by the Russian police on alleged drug charges, she claimed.
A video released by the Ukrainian Army purportedly showed Mr Majothi surrendering to the forces.
Mr Majothi, who speaks fluent Russian, allegedly told the Ukrainian forces that he did not want to fight in the war but was offered to join the Russian Army to avoid imprisonment.
The Indian foreign ministry said it is investigating the case and is yet to receive any information from Ukraine.
UK jets carry out major military surveillance operation with US, Nato near Russian border
Sunday 12 October 2025 04:30 , Shweta SharmaBritain said on Saturday that two Royal Air Force aircraft flew a 12-hour mission earlier this week alongside US and Nato forces to patrol the border of Russia, amid a series of recent Russian drone and aircraft incursions into Nato airspace.
"This was a substantial joint mission with our US and Nato allies," defence minister John Healey said.
"Not only does this provide valuable intelligence to boost the operational awareness of our Armed Forces, but sends a powerful message of Nato unity to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and our adversaries," Healey added.
An RC-135 Rivet Joint electronic surveillance aircraft and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol plane flew from the Arctic region past Belarus and Ukraine on Thursday, supported by a US Air Force KC-135 refuelling aircraft.
Britain said the operation followed incursions into the airspaces of Nato countries including Poland, Romania and Estonia.
Earlier this month, European Union leaders backed plans to strengthen the bloc's defences against Russian drones.
Cuba hits out at US over charges Cuban troops are fighting in Ukraine
Sunday 12 October 2025 03:58 , Shweta SharmaCuba’s foreign ministry has rejected US allegations that Cuban soldiers are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, calling the claims “unfounded” and politically motivated.
In a statement released on Saturday, Havana revealed for the first time details of ongoing legal proceedings against Cuban nationals accused of acting as mercenaries in the war in Eastern Europe.
“In the period from 2023 to 2025, nine criminal proceedings have been presented to the Cuban courts for the crime of mercenarism, against 40 defendants,” the ministry said.
According to the statement, eight of those cases have already gone to trial – five resulted in convictions against 26 defendants, with sentences ranging from five to 14 years in prison. Three cases are still awaiting a court ruling, and one more is pending trial.
The comments came in response to a US State Department cable reported earlier this week that instructed American diplomats to lobby against an upcoming United Nations vote condemning Washington’s decades-long embargo on Cuba.
The cable alleged that between 1,000 and 5,000 Cubans are fighting in Ukraine, describing the country as “the largest contributor of foreign troops to Russia’s aggression after North Korea.”
Cuba firmly rejected that assertion.
“Cuba is not part of the armed conflict in Ukraine, nor does it participate with military personnel there, or in any other country,” the foreign ministry said.
It added that the government maintains “a policy of zero tolerance for mercenarism, trafficking in persons and the participation of its nationals in any armed confrontation in another country.”
Power restored to Kyiv homes after Russian bombardment on Ukraine’s energy grid
Sunday 12 October 2025 02:00 , Holly EvansMore than 800,000 residents in Kyiv had their power restored on Saturday, following extensive Russian assaults on the nation's power grid that plunged vast swathes of the country into darkness.
DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy firm, confirmed on Saturday that “the main work to restore the power supply” was complete, though some localised outages persisted across the capital in the wake of Friday’s “massive” Russian attacks.
The barrage of Russian drone and missile strikes on Friday morning injured at least 20 people in Kyiv, damaged residential properties, and triggered blackouts across significant parts of Ukraine.
Read the full article here:
Power restored to Kyiv after major Russian attacks on energy grid
Melania Trump talking to Putin through ‘back channels’ about kidnapped Ukrainian children
Sunday 12 October 2025 01:00 , Holly EvansEight Ukrainian children who were kidnapped from their families and held captive in Russia have been returned to Ukraine following back-channel negotiations between Melania Trump and Russian representatives, the First Lady said on Friday.
Trump, a former model who was born in what is now Slovenia when that country was part of what was then Yugoslavia, made the stunning announcement in the Grand Foyer of the White House. She told reporters that “much [had] unfolded” since she sent a letter in August to Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the fate of the thousands of children who have been taken to Russia after being seized by Russian forces during the invasion of Ukraine.
She said Putin had responded in writing to signal a “willingness to engage” with the First Lady “directly”, and provided her with “details regarding the Ukrainian children residing in Russia.”
Read the full article here:
Melania Trump reveals talks with Putin over kidnapped Ukraine children
India is now lead supplier of fuel additives for Russia’s fighter jets
Sunday 12 October 2025 00:00 , Holly EvansIndia is now believed to be the biggest supplier of fuel additives used to enhance the capabilities of Russian fighter jets, according to a new report.
More than half a dozen Indian companies – suppliers and manufacturers based in Delhi and Mumbai – were found to have supplied nearly half of the total of Russia’s imported fuel additives in 2024, a Kyiv-based think tank has found.
Fuel additives are chemical compounds in liquid form added to aviation fuel for both commercial and military aircraft to boost their performance.
Such fuel enhancers are used in Russian Su-34 and Su-35S fighter jets, which Vladimir Putin has used to attack Ukraine with cruise, supersonic and guided missiles, as well as glide bombs, the Economic Security Council of Ukraine (ESCU) told The Independent.
Read the full article here:
India is now lead supplier of fuel additives for Russia’s fighter jets, report says
UK ready to spend frozen Russian assets to fund loan to Ukraine
Saturday 11 October 2025 23:00 , Holly EvansSir Keir Starmer has signalled his readiness to advance plans for using frozen Russian sovereign assets to support Ukraine's war effort.
His stance follows a meeting of European leaders in Copenhagen last week, where discussions centred on a "reparations loan" for Ukraine, funded by immobilised Russian assets.
Sir Keir subsequently co-signed a joint E3 statement on Friday with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Read the full article here:
UK ready to spend frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine loan
Japan issues further sanctions on Russian individuals
Saturday 11 October 2025 22:00 , Holly EvansVolodymyr Zelensky has announced he has synchronized further sanctions with Japan against a list of Russian individuals who support Putin.
In a post on X, Zelensky said: “Today, we synchronized sanctions with Japan—I signed the relevant decree. The sanctions list includes CEOs and companies that generate profits for Russia’s war machine, supply weapons, critical components, and equipment.
“Since June of this year alone, we have already implemented eight sanction packages within our jurisdiction, aligning sanctions with the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, and all EU sanction packages.
“In total, 281 individuals and 633 legal entities have been included, and they are significant actors. We are also pushing for new sanction steps, in particular, the 19th EU sanction package.”
We continue our sanctions work and coordinate closely with our partners. We value that Ukrainian proposals regarding sanctions are taken into account by partners when they prepare their packages. We also always implement our partners’ sanctions within Ukrainian jurisdiction.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) October 11, 2025
In…
Russia has lost 1.1m troops since invasion, Ukraine claims
Saturday 11 October 2025 21:00 , Holly EvansUkraine’s General Staff has reported that Russia has lost around 1,121,570 troops since launching its full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022.
The daily update on October 11 noted that 1,060 Russian forces were lost in the past 24 hours alone.
The report also detailed extensive equipment losses on Russia’s side, including:
- 11,247 tanks
- 23,345 armoured fighting vehicles
- 63,847 vehicles and fuel tanks
- 33,568 artillery systems
- 1,518 multiple launch rocket systems
- 1,225 air defence systems
- 427 airplanes
- 346 helicopters
- 68,766 drones
- 28 ships and boats
- 1 submarine
Putin admits Russia shot down Azerbaijan Airlines plane, killing 38
Saturday 11 October 2025 20:00 , Holly EvansRussian President Vladimir Putin has admitted that his country’s air defences were responsible for shooting down an Azerbaijan Airlines plane that crashed in Kazakhstan on Christmas Day, killing 38.
Putin made the statement at a meeting with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliev in Tajikistan’s capital of Dushanbe on Thursday. Both men are attending a summit of the former Soviet nations.
“Of course, everything that is required in such tragic cases will be done by the Russian side on compensation and a legal assessment of all official things will be given,” Putin said.
“It is our duty, I repeat once again ... to give an objective assessment of everything that happened and to identify the true causes.”
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Ukrainian refugee who fled war-torn home is now sumo’s rising star
Saturday 11 October 2025 19:00 , Holly EvansA Ukrainian who fled his homeland following Russia's full-scale invasion has rapidly ascended to stardom in Japan's ancient sport of sumo, recently achieving a significant victory against one of its highest-ranked champions.
Danilo Yavhushyshyn, who left Ukraine three and a half years ago, now competes as Aonishiki Arata. The 21-year-old's meteoric rise culminated three months ago with a defeat of Mongolian-born Hoshoryu, one of Japan's two grand champions (yokozuna).
At a news conference on Thursday, Aonishiki, unlike some high-profile Ukrainians abroad, focused exclusively on his sporting journey.
He discussed his rigorous training, diet, learning Japanese, and his early introduction to sumo at age six in his home city of Vinnytsia, west-central Ukraine, now fully immersed in the sport's regimented world.
Read the full article here:
Ukrainian refugee who fled war-torn home is now sumo’s rising star
