Ukrainian soldiers freed from Russian captivity, Xi Jinping prepares for war, Moldova holds elections - Weekend brief

Russia's war against Ukraine: Latest

News for October 19

• Drones strike Russia's Kremniy El plant in Bryansk region in the fourth such attack
• Russian army would be stronger post-war than it is now - NATO top general
• Russian drones strike Poltava region: Officials reveal aftermath

News for October 20

• Attack on Kryvyi Rih: More wounded, updates from officials
• Ukrainian partisans carry out sabotage in occupied Kherson region
• Russia admits Black Sea Fleet's escape from Crimea
• Ukraine strikes Lipetsk-2 airfield in Russia: General Staff

Ukraine returns 95 defenders from Russian captivity - Zelenskyy

Ukraine has returned 95 defenders from Russian captivity. These include soldiers of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, National Guard, Territorial Defense, border guards, and police officers, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

“Among those released from captivity today are National Guardsmen, naval forces, soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, border guards, and representatives of other security and defense units. Our men defended Mariupol, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kyiv, Kharkiv, Chernihiv, and Kherson regions. Among those freed are 69 soldiers, sergeants, and 26 officers,” the headquarters specified.

Xi Jinping calls on China's army to step up preparations for war

Chinese President Xi Jinping this week called on the military to increase its readiness for war. This statement came just days after Beijing conducted large-scale military exercises around Taiwan, reports Xinhua.

During a visit to the People's Liberation Army Missile Force Brigade, Xi Jinping said the military should comprehensively strengthen war preparations and ensure that the troops have reliable combat capabilities.

Hamas appoints new leader Khalil al-Hayya - Bloomberg

Hamas is likely to appoint Khalil al-Hayya, who resides in Qatar, as the successor to the leader Yayha Sinwar, who was killed by Israel, according to Bloomberg.

Al-Hayya delivered a televised speech on Friday, announcing that he would assume the role of leader, at least temporarily. He vowed that Israel's assassination of Sinwar would serve as motivation to continue the struggle.

Musk promised $1 million for supporting his petition - Bribing of voters suspected

Billionaire Elon Musk has promised to pay $1 million daily to a random person for supporting his petition. This event will take place until the US presidential election, and experts believe that it looks like bribing voters, states The Wall Street Journal.

American experts believe that on the eve of the presidential election, this looks like bribing voters (given the fact that Musk publicly supported candidate Donald Trump). However, they cannot agree on whether this is the case.

Moldova holds elections and EU membership referendum

Moldovan citizens are voting in presidential elections and a referendum on joining the EU. This day could mark a turning point for the country, which aims to accelerate its integration into the EU and reduce Russia’s influence.

Incumbent President Maia Sandu has garnered 39.85% of the votes (562,140), while her main competitor, pro-Russian politician Alexandr Stoianoglo, has received 27.71% (388,801). The leader of the Our Party, Renato Usatîi, currently holds 13.74% (193,865).

The second round of presidential elections in Moldova will take place in two weeks, with voting scheduled for Sunday, November 3.

Russia’s largest explosives plant hit by Ukrainian drones: Details

Drones from the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) and the Ukrainian Defense Forces have hit Russia's largest explosives manufacturing plant, located 900 km from the Ukrainian border, according to RBC-Ukraine's sources.

According to Ukrainian intelligence sources, the target was attacked by several dozen Ukrainian-made strike drones. The plant is located approximately 900 kilometers from Ukraine’s state border.

The enterprise is under sanctions by the EU and the US because the plant's products are used in Russia's war effort against Ukraine.

US to allocate $20 billion to Ukraine as part of G7 aid from Russia's assets - FT

The United States is ready to provide Ukraine with up to $20 billion, reports the Financial Times. These funds will be allocated as part of the G7 loan, which will be repaid from the profits generated by frozen Russian assets.

The newspaper noted that the loan negotiations are accelerating as Western officials want to provide funding to Kyiv by the end of the year, realizing that if presidential candidate Donald Trump wins the US election, Washington's aid to Ukraine could be cut off.