Russia’s nuclear envoy Mikhail Ulyanov has blamed Israel and the United States for complicating the ongoing Iran nuclear issue, ahead of the next IAEA Board of Governors meeting. He noted that, for the first time in a decade, discussions on Iran’s nuclear file will not be under the monitoring framework of UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which recently lapsed. Ulyanov stated that the IAEA Director General will present only a report on Iran’s implementation of the Additional Safeguards Agreement, attributing this limited scope to aggressive U.S. and Israeli actions. The historic 2015 JCPOA had limited Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanction relief, but the U.S. withdrawal in 2018 and subsequent European mechanisms failed to deliver promised economic benefits. Ulyanov described the current situation as a direct consequence of these aggressive policies, further complicating Iran’s nuclear issue.

More than 20 pro-Ukraine nations have pledged to phase out Russian oil and gas from global markets to curb funding for President Vladimir Putin’s war efforts. Following the “Coalition of the Willing” summit in London, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said allies are working to “cut off financing for Russia’s war machine.” The UK and US recently sanctioned Russia’s two biggest oil companies, while the EU targeted its LNG exports. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that mounting pressure is the only way to stop the war, though no new missile supply deal was announced. U.S. President Donald Trump has declined to send Tomahawk missiles for now, while Putin warned of a “devastating” response if Russian territory is attacked. The EU will continue financial aid for Ukraine but has yet to decide on using €140 billion in frozen Russian assets.

Kirill Dmitriev, adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin, has announced that Moscow is “very close” to reaching a diplomatic settlement with Washington and Kyiv to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. Speaking to CNN after arriving in Washington for meetings with U.S. officials, Dmitriev confirmed that a planned meeting between Putin and President Donald Trump has not been canceled and will take place at a later date. He emphasized that discussions continue despite new U.S. sanctions targeting Russia’s energy sector. European diplomats indicate that the EU is preparing a new ceasefire proposal consistent with previous frameworks, keeping the U.S. as the main mediator. Dmitriev also highlighted that Ukrainian President Zelensky’s acknowledgment of frontline realities could help build a bridge between the conflicting parties. He warned that sanctions might inadvertently raise gasoline prices in the U.S.

In the span of a single week, Russian forces have taken control of ten new settlements across Ukraine’s Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia provinces, according to a statement by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on October 24. The ministry reported that during the same period, Russian troops destroyed 22 depots containing Ukrainian weapons and military equipment. Ukrainian forces attempted several airstrikes targeting Russian positions but were reportedly repelled, resulting in the loss of one Su-27 fighter jet, four cruise missiles, 18 guided aviation bombs, 15 HIMARS rockets, and 1,441 drones. Over the past three years, Russia has occupied parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson provinces, covering about 10% of Ukraine’s territory. Ukraine continues efforts to reclaim these regions, with no immediate sign of the conflict ending.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared that Russia will never yield to U.S. pressure, following sanctions imposed on state-owned oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil, along with their affiliates. The sanctions, introduced by the Trump administration, aim to cut funding for Russia’s war in Ukraine and could raise global oil prices by up to 5%. While Putin admitted the measures may cause “some damage” to Russia’s economy, he dismissed them as a failed attempt to coerce the country. He warned that any attacks on Russia using U.S.-supplied weapons to Ukraine would trigger a strong, though limited, response. Meanwhile, China and India, Russia’s largest oil buyers, are reportedly reducing imports in reaction to the sanctions. The planned Trump-Putin summit in Budapest may also be canceled, though Putin stressed he remains open to dialogue.

A day after the scheduled Putin–Trump summit was postponed, Russia carried out a large-scale nuclear exercise involving intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of striking the United States. The Kremlin released footage of military chief General Valery Gerasimov briefing President Vladimir Putin on the drill. The move comes as tensions over the Ukraine war remain high and NATO conducts its own nuclear deterrence drills. While the White House confirmed there are currently no plans for a Putin–Trump meeting, both sides stressed the need for serious preparation. Reports suggest Russia has told Washington that full control of Ukraine’s Donbas region is a condition for peace — rejecting Trump’s ceasefire proposal. Meanwhile, Russia and Ukraine exchanged heavy missile strikes overnight, causing deaths and power outages. European defense stocks rose after the meeting delay, while Ukraine urged allies for more energy aid ahead of winter to prevent a humanitarian crisis.

Just a day after the planned meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump was postponed, Moscow conducted a large-scale nuclear exercise involving intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the United States. Kremlin officials released a video briefing showing military chief General Valery Gerasimov updating Putin on the drills. This move comes amid heightened global tensions and parallel NATO nuclear deterrence exercises. The meeting’s cancellation followed recent talks between both nations’ foreign ministers, with both sides emphasizing the need for “meaningful preparations” before any summit. Sources told Reuters that Russia rejected Trump’s proposed ceasefire plan, insisting on full control over Ukraine’s Donbas region as a condition for peace. Meanwhile, Russia and Ukraine exchanged heavy missile strikes overnight, killing six civilians in Kyiv, including two children. The European defense sector saw a surge in share prices following the diplomatic uncertainty.

The anticipated meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest, intended to discuss a potential ceasefire in Ukraine, has become uncertain. The Kremlin announced on Tuesday that no specific timeline has been determined for the talks, indicating that further preparations are required. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that “significant groundwork” is necessary before any meeting can take place. U.S. media reports suggest that Washington and Moscow still differ on the terms of a ceasefire. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stated that it is “too early” to discuss detailed arrangements for the summit. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently held a phone conversation with U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, during which some disagreements reportedly surfaced. Moscow maintains that the understandings reached during the earlier Alaska summit remain valid and emphasizes the importance of implementing those agreements to ensure lasting peace in Ukraine.

Russia launched massive missile and drone attacks on Ukraine’s northern regions on Monday, severely damaging energy infrastructure and causing widespread power outages. Several areas in Chernihiv province, which receives electricity from the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, were left without power after energy facilities were hit. It remains unclear whether the Chernobyl plant itself was targeted. In nearby Slavutych, about 45 kilometers from Chernobyl, parts of the city lost electricity, though emergency systems kept water supplies running. Local authorities and emergency crews are working to restore power. Reuters could not independently verify the attacks, and Moscow has made no comment. The strikes come amid escalating assaults on Ukraine’s energy sector, while Ukraine has responded with drone attacks on Russian oil and gas facilities. Over a million people across Ukraine have faced blackouts this month due to repeated Russian attacks.

A Kremlin envoy has proposed constructing a 112-kilometer (70-mile) tunnel under the Bering Strait to connect Russia and the United States, potentially with the help of Elon Musk’s The Boring Company. The project, described as a “railway and freight connection,” aims to foster joint resource exploration and economic cooperation between the two nations. During a recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, U.S. President Donald Trump called the idea “interesting,” though Zelensky expressed his disapproval. Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, also suggested U.S.-Russia-China collaboration on Arctic hydrocarbon projects, highlighting growing opportunities as melting ice opens the region for mining and energy ventures. Dmitriev called the tunnel a “symbol of unity” and shared historic maps of a Cold War-era proposal for a similar project. The idea revives decades-old discussions of linking continents and enhancing global connectivity.

Russia has warned the United States and other foreign powers against establishing military bases in Afghanistan, emphasizing that the country should remain fully independent. Speaking in Samarkand during a CIS security and intelligence meeting, SVR Director Sergei Naryshkin stated that Afghanistan has long been a focal point of international interest, and ensuring no foreign military presence is crucial for both regional stability and the welfare of the Afghan people. Russia advocates for open, equal, and mutually beneficial dialogue and cooperation with Afghanistan, including plans for economically advantageous projects. Naryshkin called on all nations to adopt a similar approach, noting that genuine peace in Afghanistan is only possible through collective efforts. Russia had previously recognized the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and lifted restrictions on Taliban activities, paving the way for full diplomatic and economic engagement with Kabul.

Tensions are rising as Russia issues a stark warning over the U.S. decision to supply 50 Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. The European Union welcomed Washington’s move, but Moscow cautioned that such actions could trigger catastrophic consequences. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russia’s Security Council, hinted at a possible nuclear response, stressing there is no clear distinction between nuclear and conventional Tomahawks. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko echoed similar fears, claiming the move could mark the beginning of nuclear war. Meanwhile, Poland urged stronger European defenses and long-term support for Ukraine, calling inaction “irresponsible.” The U.K. announced a £600 million investment to expand drone production for Kyiv, having already supplied over 85,000 military drones. NATO members are also reportedly discussing how to treat any Russian aircraft violating allied airspace as legitimate targets, underscoring growing fears of direct confrontation between Moscow and the Western alliance.

A Ukrainian drone attack has caused widespread electricity disruption in Russia’s western Belgorod region, leaving nearly 40,000 residents without power as of Sunday evening, according to Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov. Hospitals are relying on generators to maintain essential services. The attack also injured at least three people, including a 10-year-old child. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials reported power disruptions in Lviv near the Polish border due to Russian strikes, claiming four civilians were killed. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that their operations target weapons factories and fuel infrastructure, asserting civilians are not their objective. Since autumn 2022, Russia has regularly attacked Ukraine’s energy facilities, with President Vladimir Putin previously declaring Ukraine’s energy infrastructure a strategic target following the Crimea Bridge bombing.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has strongly criticized European Union leaders for repeatedly warning that Russia may attack NATO, calling such claims “meaningless mantras.” Speaking at the annual Valdai Discussion Club meeting, he said the idea of a Russian assault on NATO is “completely unthinkable.” According to Putin, if EU leaders truly believe this, they are either incompetent or deliberately misleading their people. He advised European leaders to calm down, get proper rest, and focus on their own political, social, and financial crises instead of fueling unnecessary fears. Putin further noted that several countries, particularly Poland and the Baltic states, have long expressed concerns that a Russian victory in Ukraine could embolden Moscow to target NATO members. Russian officials, however, argue that these warnings are used as scare tactics to justify greater militarization. Putin emphasized that Europe’s leaders should stop spreading fear and concentrate on resolving domestic instability.

Russia’s air defense forces intercepted and destroyed 20 Ukrainian drones over multiple regions in one night. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the operation took place between 11:00 PM on October 2 and 7:00 AM on October 3 (Moscow time). Nine drones were shot down over the Black Sea, four in Voronezh, three in Belgorod, three in Crimea, and one in Kursk. The ministry emphasized that all drones were successfully neutralized without Russian casualties.