Two nights of Russian attacks on Kyiv, Trump's warning to Putin - Weekend brief
RBC-Ukraine collage
US President Donald Trump has set a condition for meeting with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. Kyiv has endured attacks for two nights in a row, and the situation on the front line in Pokrovsk is dire.
Read more about what happened over the weekend.
Trump sets condition for new meeting with Putin
Donald Trump told reporters that he is ready for a meeting with Vladimir Putin. According to him, he may schedule it, but only if he is confident that a peace agreement on Ukraine will be reached.
In one of his comments, the American leader also said that he intends to discuss ending the war with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump hopes that Beijing will help influence Russia's position.
At the same time, the US has prepared new sanctions against Russia in case Putin continues to drag out the war. But first, according to Reuters, Washington is waiting for Europe to take action.
Kyiv hit by Russian missiles: Damage reported in three districts
On the night of October 25, Russian forces launched a series of missile strikes on the capital. Ballistic missiles flew into the city.
As a result of Saturday's attack, damage was reported in the Desnianskyi, Dniprovskyi, and Darnytskyi districts. There were fires on the left bank of the capital. There are reports of casualties.
The following night, on October 26, the enemy attacked the capital with strike drones. As a result of the attak, houses were damaged and partially destroyed. The consequences were recorded in the Desnianskyi, Obolonskyi, and Darnytskyi districts.
By Sunday evening, it became known that the number of victims had risen to 33. In addition, three people were killed.
Ukraine to receive 150 Gripen fighter jets, first deliveries expected in 2026 - Zelenskyy
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine expects to receive 150 Gripen fighter jets, with the first aircraft set to arrive next year.
"This is a historic step, an agreement with Sweden on Gripen fighter jets, and it’s a good choice. We expect 150 such aircraft for Ukraine, and the first should arrive next year," the president wrote.
Battles for Pokrovsk
On Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the Russians had concentrated their main strike force against Pokrovsk. He confirmed that fierce fighting was continuing on the outskirts of the city and that there were Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups in the city itself.
"Right there, against Pokrovsk, the Russians have concentrated their main assault group. This involves a significant number of enemy troops. Naturally, this creates a difficult situation in Pokrovsk and all neighboring districts. There are intense battles in the city and on its approaches. Sabotage and reconnaissance groups are present in the city. Logistics is challenging," Zelenskyy said.
In the morning, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine also reported that there were about 200 Russian troops in the city.
At the same time, Zelenskyy refuted the statement by Russian generals who reported to Putin that Russian troops had allegedly surrounded Ukrainian forces in the Pokrovsk and Kupiansk areas.
Perpetual peace or use of force: Trump gives Hamas 48 hours to hand over hostages
US President Donald Trump declared that a strong peace has been established in the Middle East, one that is "everlasting". At the same time, he warned Hamas of consequences if the group fails to return the bodies of hostages, according to the president’s post on Truth Social.
Trump noted that while some of the bodies are difficult to retrieve, others could be returned immediately, yet Hamas "for some reason" is not doing so. He suggested this may be related to the group’s disarmament and hinted that Hamas has 48 hours to make its decision.
