On October 20, Volodymyr Zelensky made a significant statement that Ukraine is moving closer to possibly ending the war. This came after consultations with Western partners, including Donald Trump. The President emphasized that Kyiv does not plan to cede any territories, and retreat from Donbas is not being considered.
Meanwhile, Dmitry Peskov, on behalf of Russia, stated Moscow does not agree with Trump’s proposal to freeze the war at the current front line. The Russian side insists on the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Donetsk and Luhansk regions, and preparation for a meeting between Putin and Trump in Budapest has not even started yet.
Zelensky also said Russia is facing military and energy crises: over 40% of Russia’s federal budget goes to the war, with a projected deficit of $100 billion next year. Ukraine continues to receive support from the EU and US; contracts for Patriot systems are being prepared, and the European Union is making decisions on confiscating frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine.
Amid these developments, Russian forces ramp up arms production and conduct disinformation and sabotage activities in Europe. New shipping routes are emerging via the Arctic involving China, transforming the energy market. The US is expected to surpass Russia in gas exports as soon as 2025.
In the Middle East, Trump assessed the situation between Israel and Hamas, suggesting Hamas leadership might not be behind breaking the truce. He also warned the situation in Ukraine remains unpredictable—"Ukraine can still win the war," but he doubts it will happen.
The EU Council supported RepowerEU—a program to quit Russian energy imports by 2028. Negotiations on the final legal text are ongoing. Also, the EU is considering re-allocating frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine.
The day’s news also includes escalated Russian information warfare, drone attacks on European infrastructure, disruptions at EU airports, and deepened cooperation between Ukraine and Western allies against a backdrop of global political shifts.
