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The Kyiv Independent [unofficial]
Russia’s war against Ukraine
A view shows aftermath of an overnight drone attack on Belgorod, Russia on Oct. 25, 2026. (AFP via Getty Images)
Ukraine strikes Russian titanium plant, facility producing missile, drone components, monitoring channels claim. Perm Krai Governor Dmitry Makhonin said at around 11 a.m. local time that 11 drones had been downed during a Ukrainian attack on the region.
Drone reportedly strikes business center in Russia’s Voronezh as fires break out across city. Reports mentioned numerous explosions across the city and thick smoke rising from several locations. Some residents told ASTRA that they had not heard air raid sirens despite the ongoing attack.
In less than 24 hours, Russia hits 4 hypermarkets belonging to one of Ukraine’s largest retail chains. Russian attacks damaged or destroyed facilities in Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, Vinnytsia, and Poltava on Oct. 24-25, according to a statement.
Trump wants ‘business with both‘ Ukraine, Russia after war ends. “Certainly, we’ll do business with Ukraine and with Russia after this war ends, I would think,” U.S. President Donald Trump.
Moscow ready to resume trilateral talks with Ukraine, US after Nov. 4, Kremlin aide says. “The next deadline is now Nov. 4, our major holiday. After that, we will be ready to resume negotiations,” Yuri Ushakov said.
Zelensky details expectations for upcoming trilateral peace talks with Russia, US. Before a meeting between Zelensky, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and U.S. President Donald Trump can take place, technical talks among the three countries’ negotiating teams must be held first, said Zelensky.
‘Putin’s paranoia’ — New air defenses appear around Russian president’s Valdai residence, analysis shows. The defensive perimeter extends to the Khotilovo military base, which serves as an alternate landing site, and a secret biological laboratory on Lisiy Island, according to RFE/RL.
Read our exclusives
News from occupied Ukraine: Former Oleshky resident warns people ‘won’t survive this winter’
This weekly update from the Kyiv Independent aims to shed light on the situation facing Ukrainians living under Russian occupation and the ever-tightening control of information imposed by the Kremlin.
Photo: Danylo Antoniuk/Anadolu via Getty Images
Human costs of war
Russian attacks kill 8, injure 51 across Ukraine over past day as drone strikes residential building in Vinnytsia. Alongside attacks on Vinnytsia, Russia launched 153 Shahed-type drones at Ukraine overnight on Oct. 25, including 92 jet-powered drones, as well as low-cost Banderol cruise missiles, the Ukrainian Air Force said.
In other news
Moscow to host 2030 International Weightlifting Championships following lifting of Olympic suspensions. The International Weightlifting Federation will be the first Olympic organization to hold a competition in Russia since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Russian-friendly Vucic concedes defeat to student protest movement in Serbian election. For almost two years, student-led demonstrations in Serbia rallied against Vucic’s right-wing incumbent Serbian Progressive Party. Protesting against alleged corruption in the government, the movement was triggered when a train station canopy in the city of Novi Sad collapsed in 2024, killing 16 people.
Bolsonaro refuses to concede as would-be Ukraine peace mediator Lula wins Brazil election. Lula had expressed the view in 2024 that Brazil should remain neutral and not interfere in Russia’s war against Ukraine, but in the years that followed had been engaging in diplomacy, including efforts to position Brazil as a potential mediator between Kyiv and Moscow.
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