Russia Watch

Ukraine Field Report: Russian Bombs Kill Six in Sloviansk as Strikes Hit Energy Sites Across Ukraine * The Gateway Pundit * by Antonio Graceffo– www.thegatewaypundit.com

pgnewser October 19, 2026 0

Ukraine Field Report: Russian Bombs Kill Six in Sloviansk as Strikes Hit Energy Sites Across Ukraine * The Gateway Pundit * by Antonio Graceffo– www.thegatewaypundit.com
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EXCERPT:

A residential complex in Kherson Oblast after Russian airstrikes killed one person and injured 22, including children, on October 17, 2026. Photo courtesy of DSNS of Kherson region.

Russian forces targeted Ukraine’s power grid overnight into October 17 and struck residential districts in Sloviansk and Kherson with aerial bombs, killing civilians and injuring dozens.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia struck more than 15 key power generation and transmission facilities. The assault involved more than 320 Shahed-type drones launched between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., along with cruise and ballistic missiles. Ukraine’s Air Force reported downing 289 of 332 drones.

The hardest-hit areas included Lutsk, Rivne, Zhytomyr and Vinnytsia. Kharkiv, Kyiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions were also targeted.

At about 3:40 a.m. on October 17, Russian aircraft dropped FAB-250 bombs on a residential district of Sloviansk, damaging nine apartment buildings, according to police. Donetsk Oblast Military Administration head Vadym Filashkin later reported that six people were killed and 13 injured in Sloviansk that day. One person was also killed and another injured in Kramatorsk, bringing the oblast’s toll to seven dead and 14 injured.

Trump sold out Ukraine for a bad diesel deal. Every ally is watching– www.washingtonexaminer.com

pgnewser October 19, 2026 0

Trump sold out Ukraine for a bad diesel deal. Every ally is watching– www.washingtonexaminer.com
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EXCERPT:

President Donald Trump’s apparent decision to cut Ukraine’s military off from the use of a key technology that allows it to strike targets deep inside Russia is shortsighted and deeply unwise. It is yet another example of how the president’s penchant for rapid, 180-degree shifts in policy undermines America’s ability to work with allies, thereby undermining national security.

The technology at issue is Starshield, a military application of Elon Musk’s Starlink. Starshield apparently allows Ukraine’s drone operators to pilot and guide the drones over Russian airspace at high speeds. This allows the operators to avoid Russian air defenses and ensure the weapons hit their targets.

Trump admin blinks on ‘very unpopular’ push to deport 100K Ukrainians before midterms– www.rawstory.com

pgnewser October 19, 2026 0

Trump admin blinks on ‘very unpopular’ push to deport 100K Ukrainians before midterms– www.rawstory.com
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EXCERPT:

Just ahead of the midterms, the Trump administration appears to be softening one of its signature policy pledges, immigrant advocates told The Washington Post.

According to a Trump administration official who spoke with the Post on the condition of anonymity, and to the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington, the Department of Homeland Security is expected to extend Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, which shields noncitizens from certain countries from deportation, for around 100,000 Ukrainians whose protections were scheduled to expire Monday. An embassy spokeswoman said the extension is expected to last six months.

DHS did not confirm the extension. “An announcement on Ukraine’s TPS will be made at the appropriate time. Until such an announcement is made, Ukrainian individuals present in the U.S. under TPS remain under protection,” the department said in a statement.

The move follows DHS’s decision last month to let TPS remain in place for around 232,000 migrants from El Salvador. The administration never formally announced a decision, instead issuing what the Post described as a “last-minute notice.” The lack of a clear timeline has forced Salvadorans “to grapple with an uncertain future,” the Post reported. Sudanese TPS holders, also set to lose protections Monday, will keep them until further notice, DHS said.

“This is different,” said Jessica Bansal, an attorney focused on TPS litigation, speaking with the Post.

Ukrainians dying because US restricting intelligence sharing, Zelensky adviser tells BBC– www.bbc.co.uk

pgnewser October 19, 2026 0

Ukrainians dying because US restricting intelligence sharing, Zelensky adviser tells BBC– www.bbc.co.uk
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EXCERPT:

Ukrainians have died because Kyiv is still not receiving reliable US warnings of incoming Russian attacks, according to a key adviser to President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Serhii “Flash” Beskrestnov told the BBC that lives had been lost because there had not been time to warn citizens about ballistic missile strikes, saying: “It’s dangerous… I think it’s really very bad… People [have] already died.”

The adviser also said restrictions to Ukraine’s use of the Starlink internet network were ongoing.

The White House said there had been no changes to intelligence sharing with Ukraine.

Trump accuses Zelenskyy of not wanting to end the war, defends Russian sanctions waiver– www.cbsnews.com

pgnewser October 19, 2026 0

Trump accuses Zelenskyy of not wanting to end the war, defends Russian sanctions waiver– www.cbsnews.com
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EXCERPT:

President Trump said Sunday he is “in the process of negotiating Peace in the war between Russia and Ukraine,” and accused Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy of not wanting to end the war.

In a Truth Social post on Sunday, Mr. Trump criticized Zelensky for “using Diesel Refineries in Russia as a target” and alleged “he doesn’t want to end this war, and probably never did.”

“He could have made a better deal two years ago than he can now. His country is in shambles, a large portion of his land is lost, his oceans and seas are gone, and his male population is low, wounded, and/or dead,” Mr. Trump wrote.

The comments come amid a deepening rift between the Mr. Trump and Zelensky, with the U.S. president criticizing his Ukrainian counterpart for attacking Russian oil infrastructure.

 

Zelensky Says Critical U.S. Intelligence Is Flowing Again — But One Major Dispute Remains– wltreport.com

pgnewser October 19, 2026 0

Zelensky Says Critical U.S. Intelligence Is Flowing Again — But One Major Dispute Remains– wltreport.com
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EXCERPT:

The most important American intelligence channel in the Ukraine war is reportedly flowing again.

President Volodymyr Zelensky says the United States has restored the specialized warning information Ukraine uses to detect Russian ballistic-missile launches after a three-day interruption.

The restoration also exposes the bigger fight still hanging over Washington and Kyiv: whether U.S. intelligence and satellite support are being used as leverage to restrain Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s oil infrastructure.

GOP Lawmaker Calls For Investigation After Rubio Says Ukraine’s Starlink Slowdown ‘Sort Of Happened’– dailycaller.com

pgnewser October 19, 2026 0

GOP Lawmaker Calls For Investigation After Rubio Says Ukraine’s Starlink Slowdown ‘Sort Of Happened’– dailycaller.com
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EXCERPT:

Republican Ohio Rep. Mike Turner said on Sunday that Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s explanation for Ukraine’s Starlink slowdown is not good enough.

When CBS News host Margaret Brennan asked on “Face the Nation” whether “it sort of happened” was a sufficient explanation, Turner, who sits on the House Armed Services Committee, said, “Absolutely not,” and called for a congressional investigation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday that Ukraine’s use of the SpaceX satellite network remains partially restricted, Axios reported.

“Secretary Rubio said no one at the White House ordered it to be slowed down this week so that drones couldn’t use it. But effectively, that was the outcome,” Brennan said before playing Rubio’s remarks.

Rubio said “nobody ordered that Starlink speed to be slowed down. It sort of happened. But my understanding is it’s been restored.” He made the remarks Saturday evening before leaving on a trip to India, according to Axios.

“Absolutely not. I mean, this is something where there needs to be an investigation. There needs to be a congressional investigation,” Turner said.

GOP senator rebels against Trump’s ‘beyond irresponsible’ new war ‘capitulation’– www.rawstory.com

pgnewser October 19, 2026 0

GOP senator rebels against Trump’s ‘beyond irresponsible’ new war ‘capitulation’– www.rawstory.com
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EXCERPT:

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) is furious that President Donald Trump put sweeping new Russia sanctions on hold. Trump signed those sanctions into law only last month.

“Beyond irresponsible,” Tillis wrote on X Saturday. “What part of enforcing a law passed 86-11 by the Senate does the President and his advisors not understand?”

“It’s unconscionable that this administration is capitulating to a Russian dictator who illegally invaded Ukraine and butchers innocent civilians every single day,” he added.

Trump signed an executive order Friday that pauses the package. He told Congress the move was in the national interest, the Associated Press reported. The White House didn’t immediately say how, and the order came before the sanctions took effect, according to CNBC.

The law is named for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a longtime Russia hawk who died in July. It targets Russian officials, banks and the “shadow fleet” of tankers that carries Russian energy. It also tells the president to put tariffs of up to 100% on the biggest buyers of Russian oil and gas.

Bessent warns Zelenskyy to ‘be very careful’ about claims about U.S.– www.cnbc.com

pgnewser October 19, 2026 0

Bessent warns Zelenskyy to ‘be very careful’ about claims about U.S.– www.cnbc.com
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EXCERPT:

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday to “be careful” in public statements about U.S. support for Ukraine.

U.S.-provided Starlink internet was recently restricted in Ukraine, hindering the war-torn country’s ability to respond to Russian assaults. Ukraine uses Starshield, the military and government-controlled version of the commercial Starlink, to conduct military operations.

In an earlier interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Zelenskyy said he believed the U.S. government was responsible for the slowdown, and that Ukraine was “blocked” from U.S. intelligence for a period of time. Zelenskyy said Starshield-linked vehicles and drones are still being restricted in speed.

Bessent cautioned Zelenskyy about making those claims.

“President [Donald] Trump and Secretary [Marco] Rubio have categorically said that no one under the Trump administration did that, and I think it is very reckless for President Zelenskyy to make such a charge,” Bessent said on “Meet the Press.”

Congress Passed Tough Russia Sanctions, So Trump Found Section 115 – PJ Media– pjmedia.com

pgnewser October 19, 2026 0

Congress Passed Tough Russia Sanctions, So Trump Found Section 115 – PJ Media– pjmedia.com
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EXCERPT:

On September 18, President Donald Trump signed a law designed to punish Russia for continuing its war against Ukraine. The Senate had approved it 86-11. On October 16, as its major new penalties approached, Trump issued an executive order that waived much of what Congress had just enacted.

Lawmakers gave him authority in a provision they included in the statute: Section 115.

The Graham Act was meant to increase economic pressure on Moscow and its trading partners. It authorized duties as high as 500% on Russian imports and up to 100% on goods from certain countries buying Russian oil and gas. It also targeted Russian officials, banks, energy interests, and efforts to evade existing sanctions.

Section 115 permits the president to waive sanctions, restrictions, or duties under the act. Before doing so, he must send Congress a written certification, accompanied by an explanation, that the waiver serves America’s national interests. The text doesn’t require Russia to make concessions before a waiver can be issued. Congress expressly gave the president discretion.

Trump used it. Section 4 of his October 16 order waives new tariffs under Sections 112 and 113 and includes a long list of sanctions provisions. Anyone looking only at the announced diesel arrangement would miss the decision’s breadth. The order also directs trade officials to monitor Russian energy purchases and sanctions evasion, preserving the possibility of future penalties if the administration changes course.

Ukraine carries out eight attacks on DPR in past day – Military & Defense– tass.com

pgnewser October 19, 2026 0

Ukraine carries out eight attacks on DPR in past day – Military & Defense– tass.com
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EXCERPT:

DONETSK, October 19. /TASS/. The Ukrainian army carried out eight attacks on residential areas in the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) over the past day, the regional government’s department documenting Ukraine’s war crimes said in a statement.

“Eight attacks by the Ukrainian armed forces were recorded. A civilian was reported killed. Damage was confirmed to a truck, a car, and two civilian infrastructure facilities,” the statement reads.

The Ukrainian military’s attacks involved 11 projectiles.

Rubio Says Trump To Take up to 60 Days To Weigh Russia Sanctions– www.themoscowtimes.com

pgnewser October 19, 2026 0

Rubio Says Trump To Take up to 60 Days To Weigh Russia Sanctions– www.themoscowtimes.com
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EXCERPT:

The day after waiving sanctions and tariffs related to Russian exports, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday he has yet to announce a final decision on the matter as Secretary of State Marco Rubio said officials want more time to evaluate the situation.

Rubio said on Saturday that the president will use up to 60 days to assess the economic impact of Russia-related sanctions and tariffs that he waived a day earlier.

“A lot of you don’t know what my decision is yet, but we’ll figure it out, and you’ll figure it out,” Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida.

The waiver comes just weeks before November’s midterm elections, with Trump under pressure over high energy prices as war with Iran disrupts global oil supplies.

Trump signed an executive order on Friday waiving key sanctions and tariffs under the law known as the Graham Act, which he signed last month at the urging of lawmakers who want to pressure Moscow over its war in Ukraine.

‘Kristen, That’s Not True’: Scott Bessent Tussles With NBC Host On Russia Sanctions– dailycaller.com

pgnewser October 19, 2026 0

‘Kristen, That’s Not True’: Scott Bessent Tussles With NBC Host On Russia Sanctions– dailycaller.com
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EXCERPT:

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pushed back Sunday when NBC News’ Kristen Welker asked why President Donald Trump is “rewarding a dictator” by waiving Russia sanctions.

Bessent said on “Meet the Press” that no sanctions were lifted and that European countries are still paying Russia for its energy. Trump effectively waived a law that would have added more sanctions, Bessent said, and the only thing lifted was the embargo on Russian diesel.

“No one has been tougher on Russian sanctions than President Trump,” Bessent said, pointing to Trump’s sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil, Russia’s two largest energy companies.

“But you then are pushing for even tougher sanctions,” Welker countered.

Video. Russia: Huge flames and smoke rise over St Petersburg after drone strikes– www.euronews.com

pgnewser October 19, 2026 0

Video. Russia: Huge flames and smoke rise over St Petersburg after drone strikes– www.euronews.com
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Footage shared on social media showed a major blaze at a warehouse operated by Ozon, Russia‘s second-largest online retailer, which said its logistics centre had been struck. Other images showed thick smoke rising from the area of the St Petersburg Oil Terminal, while an oil refinery and depot were also reportedly hit.

St Petersburg’s governor, Alexander Beglov, confirmed that air-defence systems had been activated after a large-scale Ukrainian drone attack on the city overnight, while Leningrad Region governor Alexander Drozdenko initially reported that 126 drones had been shot down over the surrounding region. He later raised that figure to 144, with some reports putting it at 145.

The assault set the Petersburg Oil Terminal and the Ruchyi oil depot alight and struck infrastructure in several districts of the city. Beglov said one person was killed and five others were injured, while operations at Pulkovo Airport were temporarily restricted for safety reasons.

The strikes came as President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine would resume attacks on Russian oil refineries after briefly suspending them following Donald Trump’s declaration of an “energy ceasefire” on 11 October. Neither side formally confirmed the arrangement, and Zelensky accused Russia of carrying out 76 attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure over the following week, including strikes on substations in four regions that left tens of thousands of families without power.

Europe can only cover gas deficit through supplies from Russia — deputy PM – Business & Economy– tass.com

pgnewser October 19, 2026 0

Europe can only cover gas deficit through supplies from Russia — deputy PM – Business & Economy– tass.com
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MOSCOW, October 18. /TASS/. Europe will not be able to cover the gas deficit without Russian supplies, as the Strait of Hormuz is closed and the Qatari plant was shut down after attacks, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said in an interview with Vesti.

“We are sure that there is currently no way to cover the deficit, given that the Strait of Hormuz is closed and the plant in Qatar was halted as a result of March attacks. This is why, in my view, European politicians are shooting themselves in the foot if they ban supplies, including those from Russia,” Novak said.

He said that European consumers would pay the price.

Ukraine Dismisses Russia’s Latest Claimed Territorial Advances as ‘An Illusion’– www.themoscowtimes.com

pgnewser October 19, 2026 0

Ukraine Dismisses Russia’s Latest Claimed Territorial Advances as ‘An Illusion’– www.themoscowtimes.com
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EXCERPT:

Ukraine on Saturday rejected Russia‘s claim to have captured more than 1,800 square kilometers (695 square miles) of Ukrainian territory and nearly 100 settlements, including the eastern town of Dobropillia, since the beginning of September.

On Friday, the chief of Russia‘s General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, told President Vladimir Putin that Russian forces had captured 92 Ukrainian settlements and made significant territorial gains since last month.

Ukraine’s General Staff spokesman, Andriy Kovaliov, dismissed the claims.

“In fact, through their active operations, the Ukrainian Defense Forces have liberated more territory since the beginning of the fall than the enemy has managed to capture,” he said in an emailed statement.

Brennan Lawsuit Dropped

pgnewser October 16, 2026 0

Former CIA Director John Brennan will not be able to go forward with his lawsuit against the Trump administration. The lawsuit hoped to force the administration to “preserve records” for his potential defense against potential criminal charges. A Federal Judge threw out the “speculative” lawsuit.

Federal Judge Throws Out John Brennan’s ‘Speculative’ Lawsuit Against the Trump Administration › American Greatness– amgreatness.com
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EXCERPT:

A federal judge on Thursday threw out former CIA Director John Brennan’s lawsuit, which sought to compel the Trump administration to preserve records for his defense against potential criminal charges, ruling that he lacked standing.

The Department of Justice is investigating claims that Brennan and other national security officials conspired to undermine President Donald Trump.

The suit, filed in July 2026, sought to compel the Justice Department to retain investigative records so Brennan could prove any indictment against him was the result of vindictive or selective prosecution by the Trump administration.

Judge Jia Cobb, a Clinton-appointed judge, described Brennan’s allegations of political targeting as “deeply concerning,” but determined the claimed injury was “speculative” and not yet imminent, as no indictment has been filed.

Ukraine ‘Turns on’ Trump — and Zelensky Just FAILED His Churchill Moment – PJ Media– pjmedia.com

pgnewser October 16, 2026 0

Ukraine ‘Turns on’ Trump — and Zelensky Just FAILED His Churchill Moment – PJ Media– pjmedia.com
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EXCERPT:

Did you hear the one about the Ukrainian missile that blew up a Russian bot farm? Initially, the media reported widespread outages of pro-Russian, pro-Palestinian, and pro-Qatar accounts, crashing mentions of “genocide” and “Free Palestine” on social media — and killing engagement for some of your favorite podcasters:

It’s a fascinating theory. (And a comforting theory, too, if you oppose Tucker Carlson and company’s ideology.) And it’s even led to spinoff conspiracies — such as Elon Musk’s REAL motive in interfering with Ukrainian access to Starlink:

Of course! It was payback for Ukraine interfering with Elon Musk’s propaganda campaign in the closing days of the midterms!

In fact, maybe that’s why Fox News is badmouthing Ukraine:

US missiles supplied to Ukraine sold on ‘open market’ – Trump — RT World News– rt-english.com

pgnewser October 16, 2026 0

US missiles supplied to Ukraine sold on ‘open market’ – Trump — RT World News– rt-english.com
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EXCERPT:

The US president has accused Kiev of failing to account for billions of dollars in American military and financial aid

US President Donald Trump has claimed that American missiles supplied to Ukraine under his predecessor, Joe Biden, were sold on the “open market.” In an interview with Newsmax aired on Thursday, Trump questioned the whereabouts of billions of dollars in US military and financial aid to Kiev.

The president made the remarks after Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky said he felt betrayed by Trump’s unexpected decision to lift sanctions on Russian diesel exports in a bid to curb rising energy prices.

Asked by host Rob Finnerty about the Ukrainian leader’s decision to defy Trump’s demand to halt strikes on Russian energy facilities, Trump said, “Zelensky is not a good guy for us to deal with. Biden gave him billions and billions of dollars.”

Trump went on to argue that Zelensky was unwilling to resolve the conflict with Russia through diplomacy. “He says he wants to settle but he [doesn’t],” he said.

US extends sanctions waiver for Russian oil giant Lukoil until 2027– www.euronews.com

pgnewser October 16, 2026 0

US extends sanctions waiver for Russian oil giant Lukoil until 2027– www.euronews.com
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EXCERPT:

The US Treasury Department on Thursday extended a sanctions waiver for Russian oil giant Lukoil, allowing its service stations outside Russia to continue operating until April 2027.

The extension allows Lukoil-branded petrol stations in countries including the United States to continue serving customers until 24 April 2027, replacing an earlier licence due to expire later this month.

However, the latest licence maintains restrictions on the “transfer of funds to any person or account located in the Russian Federation”.

The decision comes a week after US President Donald Trump announced an agreement with Russia to supply diesel to US and global markets, prompting the Treasury to issue a temporary licence to facilitate deliveries.

The deal, as announced by Trump on social media, envisages that Moscow will release 300,000 tonnes of diesel to the US and global markets immediately, with an additional 500,000 tonnes in November and one million more after that.

The Trump-Putin diesel deal has been badly received by EU foreign ministers, who say it undermines transatlantic unity at a time when Russia intensifies its attacks on Ukraine.

Ukraine and Russia’s grain harvest under threat amid Black sea attacks– www.cnbc.com

pgnewser October 15, 2026 0

Ukraine and Russia’s grain harvest under threat amid Black sea attacks– www.cnbc.com
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EXCERPT:

A combine harvester loads mustard seeds into a tractor trailer on an agricultural field on August 25, 2026 in Sumy Oblast, Ukraine. Farmers of Sumy region continue to work in the border area, despite massive shelling from Russia.

Global Images Ukraine | Global Images Ukraine | Getty Images

Ukraine’s harvest season is moving from wheat and barley into corn, soybeans and sunflower, and farmer Oleksandr Chumak has had a strong yield so far. That should be good news.

Instead, after 11 years of growing a range of crops in the Odesa region of southern Ukraine, Chumak has had enough.

Storage facilities across both Ukraine and Russia are filled with millions of tons of produce that would normally be sent to Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa — but are instead trapped in the warring countries.

Russian drone and missile hits on Black Sea targets intensified over the summer and into fall, making it impossible to insure commercial ships. Kyiv’s retaliatory attacks mean Russian exports are now also stuck, further squeezing global supply.

‘We’re Done’: Zelenskyy Publicly Defies Trump with New Strikes, Then Insults Him– www.westernjournal.com

pgnewser October 15, 2026 0

‘We’re Done’: Zelenskyy Publicly Defies Trump with New Strikes, Then Insults Him– www.westernjournal.com
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EXCERPT:

Burning bridges and Russian oil refineries alike, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a new interview that he will no longer accept President Donald Trump’s demand that Ukraine refrain from attacking Russia’s energy sector.

On Saturday, Trump vented his anger at Ukraine’s leader for attacking Russian refineries, as well as for his criticism of a deal between the U.S. and Russia to allow Russia to sell diesel fuel.

“I suggest they get a new leader,” Trump said.

EU Weighs Schengen Visa Restrictions for Russians Amid Sabotage Fears– www.themoscowtimes.com

pgnewser October 15, 2026 0

EU Weighs Schengen Visa Restrictions for Russians Amid Sabotage Fears– www.themoscowtimes.com
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EXCERPT:

EU officials are weighing tighter visa restrictions for Russians amid growing fears of hybrid attacks and sabotage across the bloc.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola on Thursday called on Brussels to press ahead with targeted restrictions while stepping up support for Ukraine.

“We must also increase pressure on Russia, notably by making progress on targeted visa restrictions,” Metsola said at a press conference following a summit of EU leaders.

The EU executive is expected to propose “planning” targeted visa restrictions in early 2027, according to the news outlet Rapporteur. The plans are being spearheaded by Poland, Sweden and Estonia, according to Politico Europe.

France ‘can no longer finance’ Ukraine, far-right presidential frontrunner Le Pen says– www.france24.com

pgnewser October 15, 2026 0

France ‘can no longer finance’ Ukraine, far-right presidential frontrunner Le Pen says– www.france24.com
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EXCERPT:

France cannot keep financing Ukraine due to the “perilous” state of the euro zone’s second-biggest economy, far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen said on Wednesday.

“We can no longer finance Ukraine,” Le Pen told reporters in Brussels.

Read moreEU leaders head into high-stakes budget battle as elections loom

“France today is in an extremely perilous situation,” she added, referring to the country’s high deficit and weak economic growth.

Current polls predict Le Pen winning next year’s presidential vote.

Bulgarian PM summons Russian ambassador after ship sinks in Black Sea drone attack– www.bbc.co.uk

pgnewser October 13, 2026 0

Bulgarian PM summons Russian ambassador after ship sinks in Black Sea drone attack– www.bbc.co.uk
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EXCERPT:

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev has summoned the Russian ambassador after two merchant ships were struck by drones off Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast and one of them sank.

Six crew members on the Guinea-Bissau-flagged HS Dignity were rescued and 10 others are missing, according to Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov, after it went down 17 nautical miles (31km) east of the village of Krapets having sent a distress signal.

The other ship, the Ukrainian owned Chelsea-3, was hit by drones 18 nautical miles from the town of Byala and all 15 crew were rescued.

The attacks come a week after two other commercial ships were hit by sea and aerial drones in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone.

One of the ships, the Alfa Watan, sank and all 10 crew, including nine Syrians, are presumed dead.

Trump says Russian diesel deal isn’t for the US: ‘That’s a world deal’– www.washingtonexaminer.com

pgnewser October 13, 2026 0

Trump says Russian diesel deal isn’t for the US: ‘That’s a world deal’– www.washingtonexaminer.com
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EXCERPT:

President Donald Trump repeatedly suggested Tuesday that his recently brokered agreement to procure Russian diesel fuel is not meant for the United States, but for the benefit of the global market.

On Friday, Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin before announcing the deal, which would, according to Trump’s statement, “supply over 300,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel to the American and Global Marketplace, another 500,000 Tons during the month of November, and 1,000,000 Tons immediately thereafter.”

Drones hit ships in Black Sea, sinking 1, prompting rescue operations, Bulgaria says– abcnews.com

pgnewser October 13, 2026 0

Drones hit ships in Black Sea, sinking 1, prompting rescue operations, Bulgaria says– abcnews.com
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EXCERPT:

SOFIA, Bulgaria — Drones struck two ships in the Black Sea off Bulgaria on Tuesday, sinking one and prompting emergency rescue operations, Prime Minister Rumen Radev said.

Rescuers evacuated all 15 crew members from one ship, the Maltese-flagged Chelsea 3, with five receiving treatment for minor injuries, Radev said in a video posted to social media.

The crew, which included seven Ukrainian citizens and eight Azerbaijan citizens, reported the ship’s deck and hull were hit by three aerial drones.

One crew member from the sunken vessel was rescued, Radev added, without providing details about the others aboard. The strikes on the two ships occurred 18 and 17 miles (29 and 27.5 kilometers) from the Bulgarian coast.

During an emergency meeting of Bulgaria’s Security Council on Tuesday, Radev called the attacks “absolutely unacceptable” and said Bulgaria was seeking NATO and European Union assistance.

While authorities do not possess clear evidence on who was responsible for the drone attacks, “logic, as I have already stated, indicates that the result is in favor of the Russian Federation,” Radev said.

The attacks come exactly a week after sea and aerial drones attacked two other commercial vessels in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea. A Togo-flagged ship sank, while a Bulgarian ferry evacuated the 18-member crew from a Pulau-flagged vessel.

Ukraine’s military did not conduct any operations near the locations of last week’s drone strikes, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who pointed the finger at Russia.

A day earlier, a Turkish-owned cargo ship carrying corn caught fire following a drone attack and later sank in the Black Sea off the coast of Romania. Two people died and 11 crew members were rescued, Romanian authorities said.

Russia did not immediately comment on Tuesday’s incident.

Radev said he would summon the Russian ambassador to Bulgaria, Eleonora Mitrofanova, for a conversation Tuesday.