The Kyiv Independent [unofficial]
Russia’s war against Ukraine
An aerial view taken with a drone shows damaged and destroyed buildings on Oct. 23, 2026 in Lyman, Donetsk Oblast. (Vlada Liberova/Libkos/Getty Images)
Trilateral peace talks with Russia, US negotiators to begin in November, Zelensky says. The peace discussions will begin at the technical level with negotiation teams, Zelensky said. If those efforts prove productive, then meetings between Zelensky, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and U.S. President Donald Trump will be held.
Rubio reveals theory on Russia’s war against Ukraine ahead of next US peace push. “People keep talking about it’s a war in Ukraine. … It’s about one region of the country,” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.
Ukraine confirms Oleshky ceasefire mediated by Melania Trump between Russia, Ukraine. The move comes amid increased attention to the worsening humanitarian crisis in the city, which over the past weeks has gained international attention, including from Pope Leo XIV.
270 Ukrainians return home from Russian captivity in latest swap. The exchange, the first in two months, also saw 270 Russian prisoners of war returned to Russia from Ukrainian captivity.
Trump vows to fix Ukraine’s Starlink problems if they continue, may call Musk. “If there’s a problem, I will get it straightened out,” U.S. President Donald Trump said.
Ukraine to end automatic 100% mobilization exemptions for critical industries, Prime Minister says. Companies will still be able to request higher exemption quotas if needed to maintain operations, while the government plans to introduce a new system allowing full exemptions for businesses that help recruit employees for military service.
Ukrainian forces strike Oryol electronics plant, drone attacks triggers shutdown of Moscow airports. Restrictions were placed on incoming and outgoing flights in Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo, and Zhukovsky airports, Russian civilian aviation authority Rosaviatsiya reported.
Moldova expels Russian diplomat after Russian Geran drone falls near family homes. “Russia’s war keeps putting Moldovan lives at risk,” President Maia Sandu said, calling it Russia’s “latest dangerous act.”
Civilian cargo ship sinks off coast of Romania after Russian drone strike, authorities say. One person was confirmed dead and three others were missing from the 13-member crew, according to Romanian President Nicusor Dan.
Read our exclusives
Exclusive: The next Russia deal Trump may be weighing after diesel
The U.S. has not sanctioned Russia’s fertilizer industry or banned imports of Russian fertilizers. But any potential agreement could provide sanctions relief for vessels, companies, banks, and individuals linked to the industry, one senior Ukrainian official said.
Photo: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Analysis: Ukraine, Russia set stage for climax of Battle of Donbas
Net Russian territorial gains have largely flatlined despite consistently heavy casualties, while Ukrainian forces also managed to conduct two successful counterattacking operations, each carrying strategic importance.
Photo: Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images
Analysis: Ukraine’s Starshield access is still crippled, and no one is taking the blame
Ukraine’s Starshield terminals were still experiencing severe problems on Oct. 23, multiple Ukrainian officials told the Kyiv Independent, raising questions as to whether the U.S. government is actually in control of a piece of vital national security infrastructure, or whether, as multiple American government officials have claimed, control ultimately rests with Musk and SpaceX.
Photo: inn Gomez / Getty Images
Inside Austria’s network of Ukrainian fugitives, Russian elites, and political connections
Austria has increasingly come under scrutiny for providing refuge to individuals wanted in connection with corruption cases in Ukraine, as well as Russian officials and oligarchs. Meanwhile, several senior Austrian officials have maintained close ties to Russia, with some having worked for the Kremlin. These connections have raised questions about the country’s commitment to the rule of law.
Photo: Roland Schlager/APA/AFP via Getty Images
Human costs of war
Russian daytime attack on Chernihiv civilian businesses kills 1, injures at least 25. Chernihiv City Council said two private businesses were targeted in the Russian attack but provided no further details.
Energy facilities across Ukraine targeted as Russian attacks kill at least 8, injure 67 over past day. Ukrainian private energy company DTEK said one of its thermal power plants had halted generation following a Russian attack.
Ukrainian media identifies Russian officers responsible for blockade, starvation of occupied Oleshky. Ukrainian media outlet Slidstvo.info established the presence of the 217th Guards Airborne Regiment, together with its commander, Georgy Yanchev.
Opinions and insights
Inside the legal design of America’s Russia sanctions U-turn
“What stands out is the license design, which does far more for Moscow than for the Americans it was meant to help. Unlike earlier licenses, which lasted 30 days and covered only cargoes already at sea, GL 135 covers Russian diesel sold anywhere in the world until April 2027, giving Russian exporters six months to supply both existing and new buyers,” writes Ieva Miyares, an independent financial consultant.
Photo: Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images
International response
First tanker with Russian diesel under Trump deal heads to US, Reuters reports. The tanker Agioi Fanendes is delivering the first cargo as part of a deal announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on Oct. 9 to purchase Russian diesel.
How EU ships are still able to carry Trump’s Russian diesel despite so many sanctions. A ship called the Agioi Fanendes, which had just left Russia’s Baltic Sea port of Primorsk, was carrying 40,000 metric tons to New York and had been traveling westwards through the Baltic Sea ever since.
US lawmakers demand answers from Elon Musk over Ukraine Starlink restrictions. In a public letter, Democratic Senators and Representatives listed five questions concerning Starlink restrictions impacting Ukrainian forces, addressed to Musk. The demand comes as Ukrainian forces continue to experience severe problems operating Starlink military systems.
Ukraine receives 50,000 rounds of ammunition for F-16 cannons from Denmark. First delivered to Ukraine in 2024, the U.S.-made jets have become a key part of the country’s defenses against Russian attacks on its rear areas, particularly jet-powered drones.
Austria expels 4 Russian diplomats, Moscow vows response. Three members of the Russian Embassy, as well as a Russian delegate at the OSCE responsible for military security and arms control, “carried out activities incompatible with their diplomatic status,” Austria’s Foreign Ministry said.
How Trump is pushing Ukraine away from the US
In other news
Kremlin-seized German company Metro AG transfers 1 billion rubles to Russian military without approval. Metro AG responded, saying it did not approve the donations. On Sept. 28, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree placing the Russian subsidiary of Metro AG under the Kremlin’s control.
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