During a phone call, Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly demanded Ukraine cede full control of the strategically important Donetsk region to end the ongoing war. This condition was relayed to President Donald Trump by Putin, according to sources familiar with their conversation. The demand underscores Russia’s continued focus on territorial gains in eastern Ukraine. The call highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play and the potential obstacles to peace negotiations.
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Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) reported over 25,000 Russian soldiers and officers deserted from the Central Military District between late 2024 and July 2025. These desertions occurred in various forms, including abandoning positions on the battlefield and failing to return from leave. HUR attributed this to poor service conditions, supply shortages, and brutal tactics. Furthermore, HUR documented over 30 incidents involving weapons or equipment being taken during the desertions, and noted a pattern of executions of soldiers who refused to fight.
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A Russian drone strike targeted a United Nations humanitarian convoy in the Kherson region of Ukraine on Tuesday. The attack, which involved both a drone and artillery, damaged vehicles carrying aid to civilians and prompted international condemnation. An Italian official was reportedly accompanying the convoy at the time of the strike and was unharmed. European officials have called for increased pressure on Russia and full accountability for the incident, which underscores the ongoing conflict and the targeting of civilian infrastructure.
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On October 18, Russian Telegram channels reported a Ukrainian drone strike ignited a fire at the Veshkaima electrical substation in Russia’s Ulyanovsk Oblast. Social media footage purportedly showed drones hitting the 500-kv substation, owned by a Rosseti subsidiary. This attack, which follows a pattern of Ukrainian strikes targeting Russian energy infrastructure, occurred over 900 kilometers east of the Russia-Ukraine border. Earlier in October, similar attacks were reported in Russia’s Volgograd and Belgorod Oblasts.
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Before the meeting, Trump hosted Andrea Bocelli, setting a tone of hope; however, the subsequent meeting with Zelenskyy revealed differing perspectives on the war. Trump expressed a belief that Putin desires peace, while Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to a ceasefire. Trump has softened his stance, previously suggesting Ukraine could win the war, but now implying a potential acceptance of current territorial lines. Despite the meeting’s failure to secure a ceasefire, Trump remains determined to engage with Putin, suggesting a shift in his approach to the conflict.
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Following a phone call, Trump’s stance on the Ukraine war shifted once more, reflecting a pattern of changes after communication with Putin. This represents a recurring dynamic, where Putin’s influence appears to sway the U.S. president’s perspective. This shift highlights a strategic ability of Putin to impact Trump’s decision-making process. The change occurred on October 18, 2025.
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Over the past day, Russia’s military sustained significant losses, with 1,150 soldiers killed or wounded and 41 artillery systems destroyed. According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the estimated total combat losses for Russia between February 24, 2022, and October 18, 2024, include a substantial number of military personnel, tanks, armored combat vehicles, and various other types of equipment. These figures are constantly being updated, and confirmation is ongoing.
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Following a meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, Donald Trump stated Russia should be allowed to keep the Ukrainian land it has seized, advocating for a ceasefire based on current battle lines. Trump expressed his belief that this war, which he claims would not have started under his previous presidency, has gone on long enough. He also criticized the relationship between Zelenskyy and Putin, and seemed to downplay the severity of Putin’s actions. Additionally, Trump mentioned potential future meetings with Putin, and again praised Putin’s willingness to kill civilians, boasting of his “good relationship” with the Russian leader.
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During an interview, Andrii Yermak stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is prepared to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in any country globally, excluding Russia and Belarus. This willingness was expressed to Donald Trump during a recent conversation. However, the Kremlin has consistently rejected such meetings, with Putin previously indicating that he was only open to talks in Moscow. Zelenskyy also noted that Russia appears to be seeking to resume dialogue recently.
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Over the past three months, Australia’s E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft was deployed 45 times near Ukraine as part of NATO’s monitoring efforts. The aircraft provided critical surveillance, early warning, and communications support, often responding to potential threats. The missions, which included patrols over supply lines delivering aid to Ukraine, were praised by NATO officials for their valuable intelligence contributions. The Australian crew’s deployment, which is now concluding, facilitated seamless operations within NATO command and provided invaluable real-world experience. Australia’s ongoing contributions to supporting Ukraine have been significant, including $1.5 billion in military and humanitarian aid.
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John Q. Hosedrinker