At the time of the video recording, Donald Trump is on a phone call with Vladimir Putin, as confirmed by both sides. Official statements about the results are expected after the conversation.
Meanwhile, according to Politico sources, a temporary ceasefire for repairs at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant may be announced soon. The ongoing Russian offensive could be the last, according to Volodymyr Zelensky, who informed MPs at a recent meeting.
Poland has decided not to allocate funds for purchasing U.S. weapons intended for Ukraine, stating that it's providing support through other means.
The military situation remains tense: on the night of October 16, Ukrainian Special Operations Forces struck the Saratov oil refinery and the Lukoil-Nizhegorodnefteorgsintez plant in Russia. The damaged L24/PI-300 gasoline hydrocleaning facility processes over 200,000 tons per year.
According to the Ukrainian military, Russia has launched a record number of Iskander and Kinzhal missiles at Ukraine, none of which were intercepted. Ukraine also suffered losses from strikes on rear training centers.
Reports indicate North Korean units are cooperating with the Russian military in Ukraine, which could significantly affect Western attitudes toward the war.
Zelensky stated Ukraine could go on the offensive with more arms supplies, with final decisions dependent on international support, especially from the United States. However, Kyrylo Budanov warned that the war may continue for years if there is no direct peace agreement.
Recent economic sanctions by the UK and US increase pressure on Russia's economy. Discussions are ongoing about a Ukraine Victory Fund financed by new China tariffs, but experts say such high tariffs are unlikely to happen soon.
India officially continues buying Russian oil, and Poland supports Ukraine though not as part of collective arms purchases.
In Odesa, changes are occurring in city governance amid reports of possible loss of citizenship by Hennadiy Trukhanov and associated legal proceedings. City Council Secretary Ihor Koval is acting mayor.
