October 21 saw large-scale attacks in Ukraine: Russian forces struck Pavlohrad, Chernihiv, and Kharkiv, causing damage to energy and civilian infrastructure and injuring civilians. Chernihiv was left without power and water supply was limited. Ukraine’s air defense shot down or suppressed 58 of 98 enemy drones; attacks with Iskander and S-300 missiles were also recorded.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian drone strikes in Russia halted operations at the Orenburg Gas Processing Plant and Novokuibyshevsk Oil Refinery. New US sanctions on Russia remain on hold, with a decision expected following a possible Trump-Putin summit. The European Commission reiterated its refusal to recognize Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories.
The UK announced readiness to station troops in Ukraine for training purposes if a peace deal is reached. Hungary agreed not to block the new EU sanctions package, following concessions regarding energy resources. In the US, Trump and Australian PM Albanese signed a multibillion-dollar agreement on critical minerals collaboration, aiming to reduce dependence on China.
Security concerns surround the planned Trump-Putin meeting in Budapest, with Dubai being considered as an alternative location. Russian authorities stated no mass mobilization is planned, with troop increases handled through contract recruitment.
