On October 23, the political day was marked by significant events: Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized dialogue over war while hostilities continued, and responded to new US and EU sanctions. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on the potential supply of long-range missiles to Ukraine and thanked Europe for its support.
In Donbas, a Lancet drone strike killed two journalists from the "Freedom" TV channel and injured another. It was also reported that at least five civilians were shot dead by Russian forces in Zvanivka, Donetsk region.
In Russia, near Stavropol, an explosion killed at least three Russian paratroopers, with responsibility claimed by the Caucasus Liberation Movement.
Ukraine's Armed Forces attacked the Ryazan oil refinery and an ammunition depot in Russia's Belgorod region. Power supply was restored at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant following repair of a power line.
The Budapest summit is postponed according to Putin, and new sanctions targeting Russia's oil and energy sectors are not expected to be highly impactful, though analysts observe a recession in Russia's economy.
China has opposed unilateral US sanctions on Russia, while some Chinese and Indian companies are scaling back purchases of Russian oil after the latest restrictions. Meanwhile, Spain has joined a US arms supply program for Ukraine.
The EU's 19th sanctions package bans Russian LNG supplies, restricts crypto operations, and imposes new bans on Russian banks. Shares of major Russian energy companies and banks fell after the US sanctions.
Zelenskyy urged further support for Ukraine and clarified that Tomahawk missiles cannot be transferred without US approval, but dialogue on arms supplies continues.
