The decree covers facilities in the energy, industrial, communications, transportation and logistics sectors. It gives the Kremlin another mechanism to pressure private companies as repeated Ukrainian attacks disrupt parts of Russia’s economy.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

Kremlin Expands Authority Over Critical Infrastructure

The Kremlin has not specified how widely the new authority will be used. Presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said some business owners were not doing enough to protect their facilities, including against drone attacks.

Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov said the measure does not constitute nationalization or transfer ownership of private companies to the state.

Instead, he described it as a mechanism allowing the government to participate temporarily in managing individual enterprises when security or recovery problems require intervention.

Manturov said the measure would be applied selectively rather than across the economy, with decisions made at the highest level.

The decree nevertheless creates a new source of pressure for companies whose facilities are repeatedly damaged or whose owners are considered too slow to strengthen defenses or restore operations.

Refinery Attacks Increase Pressure on Businesses

The policy follows months of Ukrainian drone strikes against Russian infrastructure, particularly oil refineries.

Repeated attacks have disrupted operations and increased the financial burden on companies already operating under the economic pressures created by the war.

Russian political analyst Abbas Gallyamov said the measure could pressure owners of repeatedly targeted refineries to spend more on repairs and protection despite the continuing risk of attacks.

Chris Weafer, chief executive of Macro-Advisory Ltd. Consultancy, said the Kremlin appeared to be pushing businesses to assume greater responsibility for protecting their facilities rather than relying entirely on the government.

That approach could reduce additional demands on the Russian budget. The war has already increased government spending, while Moscow has raised taxes and increased domestic borrowing as it manages its budget deficit.

However, state intervention could also create additional financial obligations if the government assumes responsibility for facilities that private companies cannot secure or repair.

Ukraine Reports Further Refinery Strikes

Ukraine’s General Staff said Tuesday that Ukrainian forces struck the Afipsky oil refinery in Russia’s Krasnodar region overnight, causing a fire.

Krasnodar Gov. Veniamin Kondratyev also reported a fire at an oil refinery in Afipsky.

A separate Ukrainian attack damaged the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in Russia’s Rostov region and halted its operations, according to Rostov Gov. Yuri Slyusar.

Ukraine’s General Staff said Afipsky had been targeted eight times in the previous year and Novoshakhtinsk four times.

The repeated attacks highlight the difficulty of protecting Russia’s large network of infrastructure. The country’s geographic scale makes comprehensive defense against drones difficult, increasing pressure on operators to strengthen security around individual facilities.

Moscow Pushes Businesses to Strengthen Defenses

Putin has called for stronger air defenses and closer coordination among military, law-enforcement and civilian authorities.

He has also urged state-owned enterprises and private companies to participate in protecting critical infrastructure.

The government has taken similar steps in other sectors. Russia has offered financial assistance to Wildberries, a major online retailer whose warehouses and sellers have been affected by Ukrainian attacks. The Finance Ministry proposed extending deadlines for tax and insurance payments for the company and its sellers.

Russian lawmakers also approved measures in May allowing the Central Bank, state-controlled Sberbank and other financial-services companies to install air-defense systems at their facilities.

The latest decree goes further by creating the possibility of temporary state management when private operators fail to adequately protect or restore critical facilities.

A New Tool for Kremlin Intervention

The decree reflects a broader shift in how Russia is managing the economic consequences of the war.

Private companies remain responsible for operating their facilities, but the government is increasingly demanding that they help absorb the security risks created by Ukrainian attacks.

The practical significance of Putin’s new authority will depend on how often it is used and which companies are subjected to state intervention.

If applied selectively, it could serve primarily as a warning to infrastructure owners to increase spending on security and repairs. If used more broadly, however, it could expand the state’s role in managing strategically important parts of Russia’s private economy.

For businesses operating critical infrastructure, the message is increasingly clear: failure to protect or restore facilities damaged by Ukrainian attacks could bring not only financial losses but also direct government intervention.

Reporting Credit: Journos News World Desk, based on reporting by The Associated Press.

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Russia’s Defense Ministry said its air defense systems intercepted 660 Ukrainian drones across a dozen regions, Crimea, and nearby maritime areas. If confirmed, the operation would rank among Ukraine’s largest drone assaults since Russia began its full-scale invasion more than four years ago.

The extensive attack underscores Ukraine’s continued strategy of using domestically developed long-range drones to pressure Russia’s military infrastructure and logistical network while attempting to weaken Moscow’s ability to sustain frontline operations.

Drone campaign targets Russian military infrastructure

Russian authorities released limited information regarding the damage caused by the overnight strikes, consistent with their practice of providing few operational details following Ukrainian attacks.

Independent Russian news outlet Astra reported that a chemical plant and a hydroelectric facility in Novomoskovsk caught fire after being struck. The report could not be independently verified, and Russian officials did not immediately confirm the incidents.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said Russian air defenses destroyed 47 drones approaching the capital. He reported no casualties or significant damage within the city.

Ukraine’s Security Service said its drones also struck Russian naval assets and air defense radar systems in Kerch, a strategically important port in Russian-controlled Crimea.

According to the agency, the operation targeted the reconnaissance and minelaying vessels Volga and Vyatka, along with the cargo-passenger ferry Petropavlovsk, claiming the attack sparked a major fire. Those claims have not been independently verified.

Zelenskyy signals intensified military pressure

The large-scale drone operation followed remarks by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who said on X that he had ordered what he described as “a 40-day influence operation” intended to increase pressure on Russia and compel Moscow to negotiate an end to the conflict after months of unsuccessful international peace efforts.

Despite ongoing hostilities, Ukraine and Russia carried out another prisoner exchange on Friday, with officials from both countries confirming that 160 prisoners of war from each side had returned home.

Zelenskyy also said recent meetings with Group of Seven leaders resulted in additional commitments of military assistance, including support pledged by U.S. President Donald Trump. According to the Ukrainian leader, the assistance is intended to strengthen Kyiv’s ability to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin into negotiations.

He also pointed to the upcoming NATO summit as another opportunity for Ukraine’s allies to expand military support.

Russian strikes continue across Ukraine

While Ukraine intensified its long-range operations, Russian attacks continued across several Ukrainian regions.

Regional authorities said Russian strikes killed three civilians and wounded at least 29 others over the previous day.

In the northeastern Kharkiv region, regional governor Oleh Syniehubov said two people were killed and seven injured as Russian forces attacked the regional capital and numerous surrounding communities.

Emergency officials also reported that a separate drone strike on central Izium on Friday morning killed one woman and injured three others.

Authorities said additional attacks in Kyiv, Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, and Sumy regions wounded at least 19 people, including a nine-year-old child. Some strikes involved powerful glide bombs and targeted civilian infrastructure, including gas stations.

Ukraine’s Air Force reported intercepting 174 of 189 Russian drones launched overnight. However, officials said four of seven Iskander-M ballistic missiles penetrated air defenses and struck multiple locations.

Ukraine monitors activity in Belarus

Ukrainian border officials said intelligence services have not detected any significant Russian military buildup near Ukraine’s northern border despite continued expansion of military infrastructure inside neighboring Belarus.

State Border Guard Service spokesperson Andrii Demchenko said intelligence units have observed Russia expanding training facilities, bases, and other military sites deeper within Belarus but have not identified any concentration of troops, equipment, or personnel close to the Ukrainian frontier.

Belarus served as a staging ground for Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, making military developments there a continuing focus for Ukrainian defense planners.

Although no immediate threat has been identified along the border, Ukrainian authorities said they continue to closely monitor Russian military activity throughout Belarus as the conflict continues.

Tags: Ukraine, Russia, Crimea, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Vladimir Putin, Drone Warfare, NATO, Belarus, Kharkiv, Moscow, Prisoner Exchange, Russia-Ukraine War

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Negotiations in Switzerland marked the third round of direct U.S.-brokered talks this year, following earlier meetings in Abu Dhabi that officials described as constructive but ultimately inconclusive. Expectations for significant breakthroughs in Geneva were low, reflecting the entrenched positions of Moscow and Kyiv.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the talks were “not easy” during a brief phone call from Kyiv with his negotiating team. He reiterated criticism that Russia is attempting to prolong negotiations while continuing its military operations—a claim he has raised repeatedly alongside European leaders.

Limited Progress on Military Issues

While political disagreements remain deep, Zelenskyy acknowledged that the discussions on military matters were “constructive.” Both sides explored mechanisms for monitoring any future ceasefire, with the involvement of U.S. personnel confirmed.

“The monitoring will definitely be carried out with participation of the American side,” Zelenskyy said in a voice message shared via a media group chat on WhatsApp.

The Russian delegation, led by Kremlin adviser Vladimir Medinsky, described the talks as “difficult but businesslike.” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that it was “too early” to assess the outcome, noting that President Vladimir Putin has been receiving regular updates on the discussions.

Ongoing Violence Amid Diplomacy

Despite the negotiations, fighting continues along the approximately 1,250-kilometer (750-mile) front line. On Tuesday, shortly after the first day of talks, Russian drones killed a woman and injured two children, aged six and 18 months, in the southern city of Zaporizhzhia, Ukrainian officials reported. Overnight, Russia launched one ballistic missile and 126 long-range drones against Ukrainian targets, according to the Ukrainian air force.

European Involvement

Zelenskyy noted that Ukrainian and U.S. envoys met with representatives from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland, underlining the importance of European participation.

“Europe’s participation in the process is indispensable,” Zelenskyy said, reflecting the continent’s concern over the broader security implications of the conflict. European leaders have stressed that Ukraine’s stability directly affects their own security and have insisted on being consulted on any peace initiatives.

Diverging Political Goals

Key political differences remain unresolved. Zelenskyy has proposed a ceasefire and a direct meeting with Putin, but Russia is insisting on a comprehensive settlement before agreeing to any truce.

Putin’s objectives, as outlined since the invasion began on February 24, 2022, include Ukraine renouncing NATO membership, significantly downsizing its military, protecting Russian language and culture, and withdrawing Ukrainian forces from the four eastern regions partially under Russian occupation. Zelenskyy has consistently rejected concessions of Ukrainian territory.

Both sides indicated that a further round of talks is planned, though the path to a negotiated settlement remains uncertain.

Source: AP News – Envoys signal no breakthrough on bridging Russia and Ukraine’s political and military differences

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President Donald Trump described the peace initiative as a “concept” still undergoing adjustments and indicated he may hold direct talks with Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy if negotiations progress. The proposal has prompted urgent international engagement, with allies seeking clarity over security guarantees, territorial implications, and Europe’s role in shaping any agreement.

Trump Says Plan Still Under Revision Amid Diplomatic Push

Speaking aboard Air Force One late Tuesday, Trump confirmed that envoy Steve Witkoff will travel to Moscow next week for high-level discussions with Putin. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, meanwhile, has been tasked with engaging Ukrainian officials following two days of talks with Russian counterparts in Abu Dhabi.

Trump said the negotiations remain challenging and rejected claims that his original 28-point framework was final. “That was not a plan — it was a concept,” he told reporters, adding that revisions were underway. The White House has not released the updated version publicly.

Trump suggested his son-in-law Jared Kushner could participate in upcoming meetings, saying momentum was building and that “people are starting to realize it’s a good deal for both parties.” The prospect of Kushner joining the process has drawn mixed responses in Washington, particularly from lawmakers wary of sidelining established diplomatic channels.

European officials reacted swiftly last week after the plan emerged, fearing the contours heavily favored Moscow and could reshape regional security without their input. Leaders across NATO capitals have held emergency consultations in recent days as they seek assurances that their interests will be incorporated.

Territorial Concessions at Center of Controversy

A key point in Trump’s proposal calls for Ukraine to relinquish the eastern Donbas region to Russia, despite Kyiv retaining control over large areas of the territory. Trump minimized concerns over territorial loss, arguing Russian forces were already advancing.

“The way it’s going, if you look, it’s just moving in one direction,” he said, suggesting Russia might seize the land in the coming months regardless of negotiations. Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War dispute that timeline, estimating it would take several years for Russia to occupy the entire region at its current rate of movement.

Zelenskyy has been engaging directly with U.S. negotiators since the plan surfaced, pressing for stronger guarantees and protections. His government has consistently rejected any settlement requiring territorial concessions and maintains that Ukrainian sovereignty must remain intact under international law.

Transcript Controversy Sparks Political Backlash

Tensions intensified after Bloomberg News released details of an October call between Witkoff and Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov. The transcript reportedly showed Witkoff coaching Moscow on how Putin should approach a conversation with Trump, prompting sharp criticism on Capitol Hill.

Trump dismissed the reported exchange as “a very standard form of negotiation.” But Republican Representative Don Bacon, a frequent critic of Trump’s Ukraine stance, said Witkoff appeared to be favoring Russia and called for his removal. The Associated Press has not independently verified the recording.

Lt. Col. Jeff Tolbert, spokesperson for Driscoll, said discussions in Abu Dhabi were “going well” and that U.S. officials remained optimistic. Witkoff, a former real estate executive turned envoy, has emerged as Trump’s primary channel to Putin during this peace effort.

New Phase of Talks Involves U.S., Europe, and Ukraine

French President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday that diplomatic efforts were “at a crucial juncture,” following separate meetings involving U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukrainian representatives in Geneva. A virtual session of European allies — described as a “coalition of the willing” — also took place, led by France and the United Kingdom.

Macron urged participants to “seize this momentum,” while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the emerging text appeared broadly acceptable to Kyiv, though discussions were far from complete. Ukrainian delegate Oleksandr Bevz cautioned that it was “very premature” to suggest agreement had been reached.

Bevz confirmed that the number of points in the draft had been reduced but denied reports that the list now contained only 19 items. He said revisions removed duplicates and sections addressing U.S.–Russia matters unrelated to Ukraine. Security guarantees for Kyiv, he added, would determine whether any deal was durable and enforceable.

Zelenskyy said Monday that progress was possible and that he planned to raise remaining “sensitive” issues directly with Trump. His adviser Rustem Umerov posted that Kyiv hopes to finalize a settlement at the earliest suitable date in November, though no timeline has been confirmed by Washington or Moscow.

Escalation on the Ground Underscores Fragile Outlook

As negotiations continued, Russia launched a large overnight barrage targeting Kyiv, killing at least seven people and striking residential areas and energy infrastructure. The attacks knocked out water, electricity, and heat in parts of the capital as winter approaches.

Mayor Vitalii Klitschko said 20 people were wounded, and images showed flames engulfing a nine-story apartment building in the Dniprovskyi district. Russia said it was responding to Ukrainian strikes on civilian targets in Russia, which Kyiv denies. A Ukrainian attack on southern Russia killed three people and damaged homes, authorities reported.

Liubov Petrivna, a 90-year-old resident whose apartment was shattered, told the Associated Press that “glass rained down” during the strike and voiced disbelief that peace talks would succeed. “No one will ever do anything about it,” she said, adding that Putin “won’t stop until he finishes us off.”

In Russia’s Krasnodar region, what officials described as one of Ukraine’s largest drone assaults wounded six people and targeted industrial sites, including an aviation repair plant and oil facilities. Russia said it intercepted 249 Ukrainian drones across multiple regions and Crimea, marking one of the most extensive attacks since the war began in February 2022.

Long Road Ahead Despite Diplomatic Activity

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow was in contact with U.S. officials and expected Washington to provide a revised draft after consultations with European and Ukrainian partners. He declined to comment on specific terms or timelines.

European leaders have repeatedly warned that any settlement will require sustained monitoring and credible enforcement to prevent future escalation. While recent talks reflect new engagement, diplomats across the region caution that the path to peace remains uncertain and potentially lengthy.

For now, the Trump administration appears determined to accelerate negotiations despite political pressure at home and ongoing hostilities on the ground. Whether the current momentum translates into a lasting agreement — or simply another phase in a protracted conflict — remains unclear.

Source: AP News – Trump says he’s sending his envoys to see Putin and Ukrainians after fine-tuning plan to end war

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Fatal Strikes in Dnipro and Kharkiv

Authorities reported that a Russian drone slammed into an apartment building in the eastern city of Dnipro while residents were sleeping. Three people were killed and several others injured, including two children. A fourth fatality occurred in Kharkiv, where a worker at an energy company died following strikes on local infrastructure. Emergency crews said several apartments in the nine-story Dnipro building were destroyed and fires broke out across multiple floors before being contained.

Nationwide Drone and Missile Barrage

Ukraine’s Air Force stated that Russia launched a total of 458 drones and 45 missiles, including 32 ballistic missiles, as part of a coordinated overnight assault. Ukrainian defense systems intercepted 406 drones and nine missiles, but 25 locations across the country were hit. Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk said power was switched off in several regions to prevent further damage as emergency crews worked to restore electricity.

Escalating Battle for Pokrovsk

Meanwhile, heavy fighting continues around the strategic eastern city of Pokrovsk, a key defensive stronghold in Ukraine’s Donetsk region. Both Kyiv and Moscow are reportedly seeking to demonstrate battlefield momentum as diplomatic pressure mounts on Washington. Russian forces claimed to have encircled Pokrovsk and nearby Myrnohrad, though Ukrainian officials did not confirm these reports. Analysts say control of Pokrovsk could significantly influence future peace negotiations and U.S. support decisions.

Putin Orders Nuclear Test Preparations

Amid the intensified fighting, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced that work has begun on President Vladimir Putin’s directive to prepare for a possible nuclear test. The order, issued earlier in the week, followed comments by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting Washington might resume atomic testing for the first time in 30 years. The move raised global concerns about a renewed arms race and the erosion of nuclear non-proliferation norms.

Energy Infrastructure Under Siege

Russian missile and drone strikes have increasingly targeted Ukraine’s energy facilities, disrupting power supplies in multiple regions. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that Saturday’s attacks were aimed at military and energy sites supporting Ukrainian forces. Ukraine’s state energy company, Centrenergo, confirmed that thermal power plants in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Donetsk regions were knocked offline again after being repaired from previous strikes.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said on X (formerly Twitter) that “several major energy facilities” were hit in Kharkiv, Kyiv, and Poltava. She called the strikes an attempt to “weaponize winter,” depriving civilians of heat and electricity. Since early 2022, both countries have escalated attacks on each other’s energy infrastructure, with Russia seeking to cripple Ukraine’s grid and Ukraine targeting Russian refineries that finance Moscow’s war effort.

Ukraine’s Counterstrikes Inside Russia

In southern Russia, authorities reported repelling a “massive” Ukrainian drone strike on energy facilities in the Volgograd region. Governor Andrei Bocharov said the attack caused power outages in parts of the northwest but no casualties. Two civilians were injured in neighboring Saratov after drone debris shattered apartment windows. Russia’s Defense Ministry said 82 Ukrainian drones were downed overnight, including eight over Volgograd.

Zelenskyy Vows to Block Russian Oil Sales

Following weeks of Ukrainian long-range strikes on Russian oil refineries, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated his pledge to cut off Moscow’s access to European oil markets. “We will find a way to ensure there is no Russian oil in Europe,” Zelenskyy told reporters after meeting with military officials. His remarks came shortly after Hungary secured a one-year exemption from recent U.S. sanctions targeting Russia’s major state-run oil firms, Rosneft and Lukoil.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a close ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump, has argued that his landlocked nation cannot replace Russian crude without triggering an economic crisis. Critics, however, say Hungary’s continued reliance on Russian oil undermines broader European efforts to isolate Moscow. The U.S. sanctions, announced last month, could affect foreign buyers in Central Europe, India, and China by exposing them to secondary penalties.

Nuclear Plant Reconnected to Grid

Separately, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant—under Russian control—has reconnected to the power grid using a second transmission line. The plant, the largest in Europe, had been running on diesel generators for a month after its last external power line was severed during clashes.

Although the facility is not producing electricity, it requires constant power to cool its reactors and prevent a potential nuclear disaster. Since Russia’s invasion began, the plant has lost external power 10 times, underscoring the ongoing risks to nuclear safety amid continued hostilities.

A War with No End in Sight

Nearly four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion, neither side shows signs of de-escalation. The recent surge in cross-border strikes highlights a war increasingly defined by infrastructure warfare, with both nations seeking to sap each other’s resources ahead of winter. Diplomatic efforts by the U.S. and European allies have so far failed to produce meaningful ceasefire talks, leaving millions of civilians facing another season of blackouts, shortages, and uncertainty.

Source: AP News – Russian strikes hit an apartment building and energy sites in Ukraine, killing 4

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Trump Frustrated by Putin’s Inaction

Speaking at the White House alongside NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Trump expressed disappointment that his discussions with Putin have failed to yield results.

“Every time I speak to Vladimir, I have good conversations and then they don’t go anywhere,” Trump said, describing his efforts to negotiate an end to the war.

Trump also confirmed that a planned meeting with Putin in Budapest has been postponed indefinitely, signaling a new low point in U.S.–Russia diplomatic engagement.

Sanctions Target Russia’s Energy Backbone

The sanctions, announced by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, aim to cut off financial lifelines fueling Moscow’s war operations.

“Putin’s refusal to end this senseless war leaves us no choice,” Bessent said. “These oil companies fund the Kremlin’s war machine.”

Rosneft and Lukoil together export roughly 3.1 million barrels of oil daily. Rosneft alone accounts for nearly half of Russia’s oil production—around 6 percent of global output—according to British government estimates.

Trump called the sanctions “tremendous,” expressing hope that they could be lifted swiftly if Russia agrees to halt its offensive. “We waited a long time. I just felt it was time,” he said.

International Reaction: UK and EU Back U.S. Move

Rutte praised Washington’s action, saying it increases pressure on the Kremlin. “You have to put pressure, and that is just what he did today,” he told reporters.

The sanctions came shortly after the United Kingdom announced a parallel package targeting Rosneft and Lukoil. UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves said there is “no place for Russian oil on global markets.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also endorsed the U.S. sanctions, saying she spoke with Bessent about “Russia’s lack of commitment to the peace process.”

“With the imminent adoption of the EU’s 19th package, this is a clear signal from both sides of the Atlantic that we will keep up collective pressure on the aggressor,” she wrote on X.

The EU’s new sanctions also include a ban on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas, part of its ongoing effort to reduce the bloc’s dependency on Russian energy.

Moscow Condemns the Measures

Russia’s embassy in London denounced the sanctions as destabilizing, warning they would drive up energy prices and threaten fuel supplies in developing nations.

“These actions will have a detrimental impact on global energy security,” the embassy said, adding that “pressure only complicates peaceful dialogue and leads to further escalation.”

Moscow maintains that the sanctions will harm Western consumers more than Russia, insisting that global oil markets will eventually adjust.

Renewed Strikes Deepen Humanitarian Toll

Hours after the White House shelved Trump’s meeting with Putin, Russia launched a new wave of missile attacks across Ukraine. At least seven people were killed, including children, according to Ukrainian authorities.

The strikes further strained efforts to resume negotiations. Trump, while condemning the attacks, said the U.S. remains open to dialogue if Moscow shows “genuine interest in peace.”

Differences Over Frontline Freeze and Ceasefire Terms

Trump has repeatedly urged a halt to hostilities along existing battle lines as a first step toward peace. “Let it be cut the way it is,” he said earlier this week. “Cut and stop at the battle line. Go home. Stop fighting, stop killing people.”

However, Russia has rejected this proposal. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated that Moscow’s stance remains unchanged, demanding that Ukrainian troops withdraw from the Donbas region before any ceasefire discussions can proceed.

NATO and Ukraine’s 12-Point Proposal

During his visit, Rutte discussed a 12-point plan developed by European NATO allies and Kyiv. The proposal calls for freezing the current front lines, returning deported children, a prisoner exchange, and the creation of a war recovery fund for Ukraine. It also includes provisions for Ukraine’s EU membership path, increased military aid, and sustained economic pressure on Moscow.

Trump praised the plan’s humanitarian elements but said progress depends entirely on Moscow’s willingness to engage.

Diplomatic Channels Narrow as Key Talks Cancelled

A preparatory meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was also shelved. The White House said the session was no longer “necessary” following a “productive” phone call earlier this week.

The cancellation adds to signs of mounting frustration in Washington over Moscow’s unwillingness to compromise.

Long-Range Weapons Dispute Sparks Tension

Trump also pushed back against a Wall Street Journal report suggesting Washington had authorized Ukrainian long-range missile strikes into Russian territory, calling it “fake news.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged the U.S. to supply long-range Tomahawk missiles, arguing that their potential deployment could pressure Moscow into serious negotiations.

Washington has not confirmed any plans to deliver such weapons but continues to supply Ukraine with advanced defense systems and intelligence support.

Allied Unity Despite Stalemate

Despite the lack of breakthrough, Western leaders remain aligned in their approach. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper called the U.S. sanctions “strongly welcome,” while European allies say transatlantic unity is key to sustaining pressure.

Trump’s administration continues to describe its strategy as a “measured balance” between economic coercion and diplomatic engagement.

For now, both Washington and Moscow remain entrenched in their positions — with sanctions tightening, talks frozen, and peace still out of reach.

Source: BBC – Trump says Putin talks ‘don’t go anywhere’ as he imposes new sanctions

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President Donald Trump has called on Ukraine and Russia to halt their fighting “where they are” and end the war immediately, following an extensive meeting at the White House with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The remarks mark a renewed shift in Trump’s position on the nearly four-year conflict and suggest a growing U.S. inclination toward pushing for a negotiated ceasefire rather than continued battlefield support.

Trump Calls for Ceasefire and “Victory on Both Sides”

After more than two hours of talks with Zelenskyy on Friday, Trump wrote on Truth Social that “enough blood has been shed,” urging both sides to “stop where they are” and let “history decide” the outcome of the war. The president later reiterated his stance during a press appearance in Florida, suggesting that territorial lines should remain where the current battlefront stands.

“You go by the battle line wherever it is — otherwise it’s too complicated,” Trump told reporters. “You stop at the battle line and both sides should go home, go to their families, stop the killing, and that should be it.”

The remarks represented another turn in Trump’s evolving position on the conflict. While he has repeatedly expressed frustration over the war’s duration, his tone toward Moscow has fluctuated — at times showing openness to helping Kyiv reclaim lost territory, and at others hinting that Ukraine might need to concede ground for peace.

Zelenskyy Responds Cautiously to Trump’s Peace Proposal

Following their meeting, Zelenskyy told reporters that he agreed on the need for a ceasefire and negotiations but avoided directly addressing whether he would accept freezing territorial lines. “The president is right — we have to stop where we are, and then to speak,” Zelenskyy said, adding that he had not yet seen Trump’s social media post.

The Ukrainian leader’s cautious remarks came amid his ongoing efforts to secure more U.S. military assistance. During the White House talks, Zelenskyy proposed a deal under which Ukraine would share its advanced drone technology with Washington in exchange for Tomahawk cruise missiles — weapons Kyiv considers crucial for striking deep into Russian positions.

U.S. Hesitation on Supplying Tomahawk Missiles

Trump, however, indicated reluctance to move forward with the missile sale, citing the need to preserve America’s own strategic reserves. “I have an obligation also to make sure that we’re completely stocked up as a country,” Trump said. “We’d much rather have them not need Tomahawks. We’d much rather have the war be over, to be honest.”

The statement marks a reversal from earlier this month, when Trump appeared more open to providing the missiles. His change in tone followed a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, after which the U.S. president announced plans to meet the Russian leader in Budapest in the coming weeks.

According to Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov, Putin warned Trump that supplying Kyiv with long-range Tomahawks “would not change the situation on the battlefield” but could cause “substantial damage” to U.S.-Russia relations.

Diplomatic Push and Political Calculations

Friday’s meeting was the fifth face-to-face encounter between Trump and Zelenskyy since Trump’s return to office in January. Administration officials said the discussions focused on both military and humanitarian aspects of the war, as well as the potential framework for peace talks involving Russia and Ukraine.

Trump hinted that he may host “double meetings” in Budapest, possibly involving both leaders but in separate sessions to ease tensions. “These two leaders do not like each other, and we want to make it comfortable for everybody,” Trump said. Zelenskyy responded that the conflict “is not about feelings” but about national survival. “They attacked us, so they are an enemy for us,” he added.

The U.S. president has long claimed he could end the war swiftly. During his 2024 campaign, Trump vowed to broker peace “within 24 hours” of returning to office. However, despite multiple diplomatic initiatives — including a summit with Putin in Alaska and meetings with European allies — no significant progress toward negotiations has materialized.

Growing Uncertainty Over Trump’s Strategy

Analysts say Trump’s latest comments reflect his balancing act between domestic political pressures and global diplomatic realities. While U.S. allies in Europe have urged Washington to maintain support for Kyiv, growing divisions within Congress have raised doubts about the sustainability of future aid packages.

Trump’s statement that “both sides should claim victory” is likely to stir debate in Western capitals, where officials worry it could embolden Russia and undermine Ukraine’s position in any future talks.

Zelenskyy continues to face mounting internal pressure as well, with Ukrainian forces enduring ongoing Russian bombardments across eastern and southern regions. Despite battlefield challenges, Kyiv remains adamant about regaining control of all territories occupied since Russia’s 2022 invasion.

Trump’s Confidence in Handling Putin

Asked whether he feared being manipulated by Putin, Trump dismissed the notion, saying he was “confident” in his ability to negotiate. “I’ve been played all my life by the best of them, and I came out really well,” he said. “I think I’m pretty good at this stuff.”

While details about the planned Budapest meeting remain unclear, diplomatic observers note that any talks between Trump and Putin could reshape U.S. involvement in the conflict — particularly if Washington shifts from a strategy of military support to one emphasizing mediation.

For now, both Kyiv and Moscow appear to be waiting to see whether Trump’s latest comments signal a formal change in U.S. policy or another phase in a complex and evolving diplomatic strategy.

Source: AP News – After Zelenskyy meeting, Trump calls on Ukraine and Russia to ‘stop where they are’ and end the war

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Published: September 26, 2025, 14:30 EDT

U.S. fighter jets intercepted four Russian aircraft flying near Alaska on Wednesday, marking the ninth such encounter in 2025, according to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). The Russian planes remained in international airspace and did not enter U.S. or Canadian sovereign territory.

Russian Planes Identified in Alaskan Airspace Zone

NORAD reported that its radar and tracking systems detected two Tu-95 long-range bombers and two Su-35 fighter jets operating within the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). The ADIZ is a buffer area extending beyond national borders where foreign aircraft are monitored for national security.

In response, NORAD scrambled nine U.S. aircraft, including an E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control plane, four F-16 fighter jets, and four KC-135 aerial refueling tankers. The U.S. aircraft successfully intercepted and visually identified the Russian formation before escorting them away from the area.

Routine Activity, No Breach of Sovereign Airspace

NORAD emphasized that the Russian flights, while frequent, are considered routine and not unusual. “These flights occur regularly and are not regarded as a threat,” the command said in a statement. The Russian aircraft did not enter American or Canadian sovereign airspace at any point.

The latest interception is the third such incident in the past month and underscores ongoing military posturing between Moscow and Washington in the Arctic region.

Rising Tensions Between NATO and Russia

The encounter near Alaska comes amid heightened NATO-Russia tensions in Europe. Earlier this month, NATO accused Moscow of violating alliance airspace after Russian drones were downed over Poland and Estonian officials reported a Russian fighter jet incursion.

In response, NATO leaders reiterated their commitment to defending allied airspace. “NATO will use all available means to protect its territory and sovereignty,” the alliance said in a statement earlier this week.

Trump’s Remarks Add Political Dimension

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has recently intensified his comments on Russia’s war in Ukraine. On Tuesday, he suggested NATO countries should shoot down Russian aircraft if they enter allied airspace. When asked if Washington would support such actions, Trump replied, “It depends on the circumstance.”

Trump also expressed confidence that Ukraine could regain all of its lost territory—a notable shift from his earlier calls for Kyiv to make concessions in negotiations with Moscow.

Diplomatic Efforts and Uncertain Dialogue

Following a recent summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Trump said he was arranging talks between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. However, the Kremlin has shown little interest in such a meeting. Instead, Russian forces have escalated their bombardment of Ukrainian cities in recent weeks.

The repeated Russian flights near Alaska, while not an immediate threat, highlight the ongoing geopolitical tensions spanning both the Arctic and Eastern Europe. NORAD has stressed that it remains prepared to respond to any potential escalation in North American airspace.

Source: AP News –Russian warplanes detected flying near Alaska for ninth time this year, US military says

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In a pointed show of support for Tehran amid escalating conflict, Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to the Kremlin on Monday — just as Israeli strikes on Iran continued and U.S.-Iran tensions deepened.

The visit, which took place in one of the Kremlin’s grand reception rooms, was more than symbolic. It was Putin’s strongest public endorsement of Iran since the recent wave of attacks began. Flanked by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and senior aide Yury Ushakov, Putin made it clear that Russia stands firmly with Iran.

“This act of aggression against Iran has no grounds and no justification,” Putin told the Iranian delegation. “We have long-standing, friendly and reliable relations with Iran, and we, for our part, are making efforts to support the Iranian people.”

He also accused the United States of being provoked by Israel into launching strikes, echoing Iran’s own claims and reinforcing Moscow’s opposition to Western military intervention.

Putin Reaches Out to World Leaders, But Timeline Unclear

Putin said he had held recent phone conversations with U.S. President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, UAE President Mohammed Al Nahyan, and Iran’s newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian.

However, no dates or details were provided about these calls. Notably, the Kremlin had just said a day earlier that no phone calls were planned between Putin and Trump following the U.S. attacks — casting some doubt on the timing or nature of those communications.

Iran Thanks Russia for Support Amid Crisis

In response, Araghchi thanked Putin for his solidarity and praised the growing ties between Moscow and Tehran.

“Russia is on the right side of history,” Araghchi said. “Our relationship has grown even closer in recent years.”

That bond has only deepened since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 — a war that Iran has supported both diplomatically and militarily. According to U.S. officials, Iran has supplied Russia with thousands of Shahed drones and short-range ballistic missiles, and even helped construct a drone factory inside Russia.

Russia and Iran: A Strategic Alliance

Beyond the battlefield, the two nations also maintain close cooperation on nuclear development.

Araghchi highlighted Russia’s longstanding role in Iran’s nuclear program, including its involvement in the ongoing talks and its operational support at the Bushehr nuclear power plant in southern Iran — the country’s only civilian nuclear facility.

Putin noted that roughly 200 Russian experts are currently stationed at the site. Interestingly, he also thanked Israel for agreeing to “ensure” their safety amid the ongoing military action — a rare diplomatic nod in a region where alliances are often anything but stable.

Moscow and Tehran Present United Front

Monday’s meeting sent a clear message: Russia and Iran remain united as pressure from the U.S. and Israel intensifies. For Putin, it’s a chance to assert Moscow’s influence in the Middle East. For Iran, it’s a lifeline as it faces attacks and international scrutiny.

And for the rest of the world, it’s yet another sign that old alliances are shifting — and new ones are taking shape in the shadow of war.

Source: CNN – In strong show of support, Putin hosts Iranian foreign minister at the Kremlin

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Russian President Vladimir Putin isn’t currently planning a call with former U.S. President Donald Trump following the recent U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, the Kremlin said Sunday. However, officials noted that if needed, a conversation “could be quickly arranged,” according to Russian state media outlet TASS.

The statement comes amid heightened global tensions after the U.S. military launched strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. While Trump has not directly commented on the strikes, the escalation has drawn swift condemnation from several of Washington’s rivals—including Russia and China.

Russia and Iran: A Growing Alliance

Russia has steadily deepened ties with Iran in recent years. In January, the two nations signed a “comprehensive partnership agreement”—a deal signaling closer strategic cooperation. However, it’s worth noting that the agreement stops short of a mutual defense pact; it doesn’t require either country to militarily defend the other if attacked.

Putin and Xi: United in Condemnation of Israel’s Strikes

Just days earlier, Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a phone call in which they sharply criticized Israel’s recent attacks on Iran. According to statements from both the Kremlin and China’s foreign ministry, the two leaders emphasized a shared concern over what they see as destabilizing actions in the region.

While neither statement directly mentioned the United States, Xi appeared to issue a pointed warning aimed at Trump, calling on “major powers” to act responsibly and “cool the situation, not the opposite.” It was a subtle, but unmistakable, signal.

The Bigger Picture

As tensions rise across the Middle East, the geopolitical lines are becoming clearer: Russia and China are positioning themselves as counterweights to U.S. influence, especially in conflicts involving Iran and Israel.

While Putin has kept direct lines of communication with Trump open in the past, the Kremlin’s current stance suggests they’re holding back—at least for now.

But in the volatile world of international diplomacy, that could change with a single phone call.

Source: CNN – Putin has “no plans” to speak to Trump after strikes, but call could be set up quickly, Kremlin says

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