[Rikbikboo]

https://news.sky.com/story/ukraine-u...plant-13454744

No meeting with Trump and Pootin so allow the use of British Stormshadows to hit inside RU oh look They got through the air defences too. Interesting

[kellyhound]

Originally Posted by Rikbikboo ↗

https://news.sky.com/story/ukraine-u...plant-13454744

No meeting with Trump and Pootin so allow the use of British Stormshadows to hit inside RU oh look They got through the air defences too Interesting

Also in Smolensk a Thermal Plant was struck by missiles and drones and a substation in Trubchevsk, Bryansk was struck by UAV's.

[kellyhound]

The Ukrainian SBU released a video showing the destruction of light aircraft the enemy has been using to intercept hostile UAV's over occupied and russian territory.

Probably the location was identified from the russian propaganda piece on the interceptors they published.

[kellyhound]

Czechia will supply Ukraine with a modern Earth observation satellite within a year, enhancing Ukraine’s ability to monitor its territory in all weather conditions and at any time of day, Czech Ministry of Transport reported on October 21.

It was presented during Czech Space Week by Czech Minister of Transport Martin Kupka, with the participation of country’s President Petr Pavel.

The satellite will be equipped with radar, optical, and radiation detection systems, enabling round-the-clock observation. Czech companies with expertise in space technology will lead the satellite’s development.

The donation, part of a broader initiative to strengthen Ukraine’s operational sovereignty, follows a Memorandum of Understanding between the Czech Ministry of Transport and the Ukrainian State Space Agency.

“The donation of the satellite is a concrete expression of our solidarity and determination to help Ukraine build its digital infrastructure and strengthen its operational sovereignty and resilience. It is an investment in its future, and thus in security and stability in Europe,” said the Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jan Lipavský.

The satellite is expected to launch within the next year, with plans for additional satellites to form a monitoring constellation, according to Czech Ministry of Transport.

The initiative is part of the Czech government’s program for Ukraine’s reconstruction, supported by the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Previously, it was reported that Ukrainian and French companies have signed a cooperation agreement to establish a constellation of small Earth-observation satellites that will give Ukraine sovereign access to space-based intelligence.

The project, presented by Transport Minister Martin Kupka with the participation of President Petr Pavel, marks the first time a country has donated such advanced space technology to Ukraine. Until now, Kyiv has relied on satellite imagery supplied from abroad, according to a statement from the Czech Transport Ministry.

The satellite will be equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR), optical and radiation detection systems, and radio frequency spectrum monitoring technology, allowing for continuous Earth observation, even at night and in adverse weather conditions, the statement said.

[kellyhound]

The EUropean Commission welcomes the adoption by EU Member States of the 19th package of sanctions against Russia. The new package of sanctions substantially increases the pressure on the Russian war economy, targeting key sectors such as energy, finance, the military industrial base, special economic zones, as well as enablers and profiteers of its war of aggression.

A total ban on Russian Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and a further clamp‑down on the shadow fleet represent the strongest sanctions yet on Russia's crucial energy sector.

Strong measures also target financial services and infrastructure (including for the first time crypto), as well as trade.

The measures also target the services sector and strengthen anti‑circumvention tools. With this package, the number of listed vessels in Russia's shadow fleet reaches a total of 557.

The 19th package contains the following key elements:

Energy measures
Ban on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) as of 1 January 2027 for long‑term contracts, and within six months as of the entry into force of the sanctions for short‑term contracts

Full transaction ban on major companies Rosneft and Gazprom Neft: The new measures eliminate the exemption for Rosneft's and Gazprom Neft's oil and gas imports into the EU.

The import of oil from third countries, such as Kazakhstan, and the transport of oil compliant with the Oil Price Cap to third countries, are exempted
the EU is also taking measures against important third country operators enabling Russia's revenue streams.

This involves sanctioning Chinese entities – two refineries and an oil trader – that are significant buyers of Russian crude oil.

Import ban on a variant of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG): This measure addresses circumvention, as some Member States report that this variant has been used to bypass existing LPG restrictions
117 additional vessel listings: With these new listings, a total of 557 vessels in Russia's shadow fleet are now listed by the EU.

They are subject to a port access ban and a ban on receiving services. the EU continues conducting outreach to flag states to ensure that ship registers do not allow these tankers to sail under their flag.

Additional sanctions are notably imposed across the shadow fleet value chain, including on Litasco Middle East DMCC, Lukoil's prominent shadow fleet enabler based in the UA, as well as on maritime registries providing false flags to shadow fleet vessels.

In addition, 2 oil trading companies in Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are added to the scope of the transaction ban.

Extension of the port infrastructure ban: This will enable the EU to list ports in third countries that are instrumental to the Russian war effort.

The new measures also include additional prohibitions on energy‑related services, such as scientific and technical services (for example, geological prospecting and mapping).

Financial measures:
Banking: 5 new banks in Russia are added to the transaction ban. No EU operator will be able to engage with any of the listed banks directly or indirectly.

Payments: new bans on Russia's payment card and fast payment system (Mir and SBP). The measures also list 4 new financial institutions in Belarus and Kazakhstan that use the Russian payments system (SPFS)

Cryptocurrencies and exchanges: the EU is imposing full‑fledged sanctions on the developer of a widely used rouble‑backed stablecoin A7A5, the Kyrgyz issuer of that coin, and a related major trading platform. For the first time, the new measures also prohibit the use of that cryptocurrency.

In addition, the sanctions directly target a cryptocurrency exchange in Paraguay that has played a key role in circumventing existing restrictions.

This step marks a significant evolution in the EU's sanctions regime. By addressing the use of stablecoins and offshore exchanges, the EU aims to close loopholes and reinforce the integrity of its financial sanctions framework.

Crypto services: EU operators are banned from providing crypto services and certain fintech services that enable Russia to develop its own financial infrastructure and possibly circumvent sanctions

Transactions: The package introduces transaction bans on 5 third‑country banks in Central Asia that support Russia's war economy and frustrate the effectiveness of our sanctions. EU operators are banned from carrying out transactions with any of those financial operators.

Trade measures:
The package expands export restrictions and bans to further disrupt and weaken Russia's military‑industrial complex.

These include: Individual sanctions (‘listings') of businesspersons and companies forming part of the Russian military‑industrial complex and operators from UAE and China producing or supplying military and dual‑use goods to Russia.

New export restrictions on additional dual‑use items and advanced technologies, including metals for the construction of weapon systems and products used in the preparation of propellants, not yet under sanctions

New export bans on items such as salts and ores, constructions materials and articles of rubber, corresponding to a value of EUR 155 million of EU exports in 2024 prices.

Anti‑circumvention measures:
This package adds 45 entities to the list of those providing direct or indirect support to Russia's military industrial complex or engaged in sanctions circumvention.

This includes 28 established in Russia and 17 in third countries (12 in China, including Hong Kong, 3 in India and 2 in Thailand)

Additional listings:
Today's package contains 69 additional listings. They are now subject to asset freezes and the prohibition to make funds and economic resources available to them, and – in the case of individuals – also to travel bans.

These listings include oligarchs, Russian energy companies, a large Russian company involved in gold production, a Russian company managing the shadow fleet, one petrochemical company and one refinery in China facilitating oil trade with Russia, a large Chinese State owned company, other legal and natural persons. the EU is reinforcing accountability of those involved in abduction, forced assimilation and indoctrination of Ukrainian children.

Therefore, today's listings include 11 additional individuals involved in such activities. In order to streamline future sanctions on persons responsible for the abduction, forced assimilation and militarised education of Ukrainian minors, the Council is also introducing a new listing criterion.

Other measures:
Measures targeting Russia's Special Economic Zones (SEZs): These zones are designed to attract foreign investment and play a critical role in driving economic growth and infrastructure development.

To make it clear that EU businesses should stay away, the package proposes a prohibition on entering into new contracts with any entity established within certain Russian SEZs.

In addition, two of these SEZs – Alabuga and Technopolis Moscow – will be subject to a ban that applies also to existing contracts. This decision – essentially forcing divestment – reflects the documented focus of these two zones on activities that contribute to the war effort.

Service bans: As part of the new measures, the EU introduces service bans blocking Russian access to advanced digital capabilities within the Union, including certain space‑based services and AI services.

In parallel, the existing targeted ban on services to the Russian government will be reinforced. A new requirement for prior authorisation will apply to any non‑prohibited services to the Russian government, ensuring that all such activities are subject to strict scrutiny and oversight.

Prohibition of re‑insurance: The new measures prohibit re‑insurance services regarding vessels and aircraft of the Russian government or Russian persons for up to five years after their sale to third countries

Russian diplomats: The new measures introduce an obligation for Russian diplomats, travelling across the EU beyond their country of accreditation, to inform the relevant EU Member State in advance.

EU Member States may impose an authorisation requirement on Russian diplomats for traveling to their territories, based on visas or residence permits issued by another state.

This measure is meant to tackle the increasingly hostile intelligence activities that support Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

Ukrainian children: the EU is reinforcing accountability of those involved in abduction, forced assimilation and indoctrination of Ukrainian children by listing 11 additional individuals.

In order to streamline future sanctions on persons responsible for the abduction, forced assimilation and militarised education of Ukrainian minors, the Council is also introducing a new listing criterion
Belarus.

The package mirrors certain trade, financial and services‑related provisions in the Belarus sanctions regime as per previous practice.

The Council also decided on five new listings related to the Belarusian military‑industrial complex and the Lukashenka regime.

[kellyhound]

Russian Armed Forces struck a wind turbine near Kramatorsk in Ukraine's Donetsk region on October 25, 2025—the third drone attack in four days, per local authorities. The assault caused major damage but no casualties.

Prior strikes targeted similar sites on October 22 and 24, sparking fires without injuries. Mayor Oleksandr Honcharenko noted the latest hit at midday, highlighting risks to the city's edges.

These attacks fit russia's ongoing efforts to cripple Ukraine's energy grid since the 2022 invasion. Ukraine's wind capacity has grown to over 1.5 gigawatts by mid-2025, up 20% from pre-war levels, but such strikes worsen blackouts and hinder green energy investments.


Last night at least 12 people, including four children, were injured in a russian drone strike on Kyiv overnight.

The attack targeted residential buildings across multiple districts, shattering windows, igniting fires, and causing widespread damage to civilian infrastructure.

No fatalities have been confirmed.

[kellyhound]

Russian Ministry of Defense:

During the past night, air defense alert systems intercepted and destroyed 100 Ukrainian aircraft-type unmanned aerial vehicles:

46 UAVs - over the territory of the Bryansk region,

12 UAVs - over the territory of the Kaluga region,

8 UAVs - over the territory of the Belgorod region,

7 UAVs - over the territory of the Krasnodar region,

6 UAVs - over the territory of the Moscow region, including four flying to Moscow,

6 UAVs - over the territory of the Oryol region,

4 UAVs - over the territory of the Ulyanovsk region,

On 3 UAVs - over the territories of the Republic of Crimea and the Republic of Mari El,

2 UAVs - over the territory of Stavropol Krai,

One UAV each - over the territories of Kursk, Smolensk and Tula regions.


Meantime vids posted online showing not all uav's were shot down. Fires and explosions broke out at the Novospaske (NS-Oil refinery plant), Tabashyno (Mari refinery), and Budyonnovsk (chemical enterprise "Stavrolen").

[kellyhound]

Vladimir Putin claims that victory in Ukraine is inevitable, and rejects any peace deal that doesn’t give him total control of the eastern part of the country, the Donbas but:

They have failed to conquer a smaller and poorer adversary despite nearly 4 years of campaigning.

Its military is severely underperforming, and Ukraine’s defenses have slowed russian’s rate of advance to a literal footpace.

They have seized 0.6% of Ukraine this year, and has lost 1,000 soldiers per day doing it.

They cannot maneuver or advance rapidly.

They’ve taken no major Ukrainian cities since 2022.

They are fighting for fields and small towns at extravagant losses that they can’t sustain.

Putin is only still in the game because of Chinese, North Korean and Iranian support.

He has convened an axis of evil and put himself at the center, strengthening them all.

Ukrainian drones have denied the russians to use tanks and mechanized vehicles at scale, forcing their forces to deploy small, dismounted infantry units consisting of 3-5 soldiers.

Most of them die in droves to advance just meters at a time

The Institute for the Study of War assesses that russian forces gained 1,420 square kilometers since July 1, 2025 — a rate of only about 13.5 square kilometers per day, well below the norm for modern mechanized warfare.

Also the russian forces averaged roughly 71 casualties per square kilometer gained in May 2025; 70 casualties per square kilometer in June 2025; 75 casualties per square kilometer in July 2025; and 68 casualties per square kilometer in August 2025.

These are horrifying numbers.

At current pace, and assuming russia doesn’t face an economic crisis and can enlist enough troops — both big “ifs” — it will not capture Donbas for at least another 3-4 years.

Their most successful effort in 2025 was recapturing Kursk (the russian oblast Ukrainian forces invaded in a surprise move in August 2024) — an operation that depended on critical support from 10,000 North Korean soldiers, an embarrassment for russia.

Until now, Putin has been able to sustain this war because of large-scale recruitment with financial incentives.

But there are signs that system is fraying.

Leaked russian government documents indicate that country suffered on average 35,000 casualties per month from January–September 2025.

Yet it is cutting down on one-time signing bonuses for new military recruits.

They may need to switch to politically unpopular compulsory mobilization of reservists, which would increase internal dissent and threaten Putin’s leadership.

This is all while Putin has mismanaged russia’s economy, which is suffering from increased war spending, inflation, labor shortages, and reductions in russia’s sovereign wealth fund.

The liquidity portion of russia’s sovereign wealth fund is down to $50.26 billion as of October 2025, down from $113 billion in 2022 — a decrease of more than 55%.

They're facing significant inflation from heavy government spending, with its key interest rate at 16.5%.

The country is facing a gasoline shortage of 13% to 20% of demand due to recent Ukrainian strikes on oil refineries, which US intelligence is supporting.

Also credit President Trump’s sanctions on russian oil companies for stripping away this major revenue source.

In short, the russian position is unsustainable in the long term, which is why it is desperate to convince the White House, the West and its own domestic population that its superiority is written, so Ukraine should just surrender now.

russia is reportedly increasing its federal spending on propaganda in the 2026 budget by 54% compared to the 2025 federal budget.

It floods social media with bots and paid commentators to push a false narrative.

They play up minuscule battlefield advances as significant wins to manipulate our perception of the facts.

The path forward should include not only economic pressure but also increased military support for Ukraine.

Written by Jack Keane, a retired four-star general, and was a former Army vice chief of staff.

[kellyhound]

Last night, Ukrainian drones attacked the swamps in Tula and the Moscow region. Power went out due to the attack.

In total, UAV's reached the Voronezh, Rostov, Tula, Lipetsk, Ryazan, Kursk and Kaluga regions.

At the same time, the russian Ministry of Defense claims to have allegedly shot down 98 targets.

[kellyhound]

Pentagon clears Tomahawk missile transfer to Ukraine, final decision up to Trump.

US defense officials say several operational issues, including training and method of deployment, under review.

The Pentagon has approved providing Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles, determining that the move would not affect US stockpiles, according to US and European officials.

The final decision, however, remains with President Donald Trump.

CNN reported on Friday that the Pentagon’s assessment was delivered to the White House earlier this month, shortly before Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington. Ukraine has requested the missiles to strike energy and infrastructure targets inside Russia.

The Tomahawk system has a range of approximately 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) and is typically launched from ships or submarines.

US defense officials said several operational issues, including training and the method of deployment, are under review.

The Pentagon’s assessment was viewed positively by several European allies, who said it removed concerns over missile availability. Plans have been drawn up to supply the systems quickly if the president authorizes the transfer.

During a working lunch with Zelenskyy at the White House, Trump said the United States “needs” the Tomahawks and does not want to “be giving away things that we need to protect our country.”

According to CNN, Trump’s position changed after a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who said the Tomahawks could reach Russian cities, including Moscow and St. Petersburg, and would negatively affect bilateral relations.

The White House and Pentagon have not commented.

Earlier, Zelenskyy said Ukraine aims to strengthen its long-range strike capability by the end of the year, saying that “global sanctions and our pinpoint precision are practically syncing up to end this war on terms fair for Ukraine.”

Meanwhile, Putin and the Kremlin repeatedly warned that the US deliveries of Tomahawk missiles to Kyiv could lead to a "serious escalation."