On October 21, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine approved an additional allocation of UAH 325 billion for defense and extended martial law until February 3, 2026. This extension is a legal measure and does not necessarily indicate when the war will end.
Missile and drone attacks were reported on Russian territory the same day, with explosions even heard in the Moscow region. In response, Russia launched heavy kamikaze drone strikes on Novhorod-Siverskyi in Chernihiv region, resulting in four civilian deaths, including children, and several injuries.
The international political situation remains tense. Scheduled negotiations between the US and Russian representatives, as well as a possible Trump-Putin summit, have been postponed indefinitely. Official statements stress the need to end the war, but the parties remain far from agreement, especially over the fate of Donbas.
European countries reiterated their support for Ukraine in a joint leaders' statement. At the same time, the EU is developing measures to use frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine. Russia criticized these initiatives and expressed concern over European mobilization efforts.
In areas occupied by Russian forces, Russia legislated the nationalization of abandoned housing. In Europe, incidents occurred at refineries in Hungary and Romania, involving facilities connected to Russian business interests.
Domestically, the Ukrainian parliament stripped MP Anna Kolisnyk of her mandate. Preparations for upcoming elections and parliamentary changes are ongoing.
