Russo-Ukrainian war, day 1341: Ukraine liberated Sukhetske village in Donetsk Oblast

Exclusives

Trump says he won't meet Putin unless "we're going to make a deal". Trump said he would only engage in talks if there was a clear pathway to a peace agreement.

Ukraine's killer drones just hit a wall—Russia's souped-up "turtle" tanks. Russian armor is attacking in several places in Ukraine. Despite heavy losses, the Russians have a plan—and it may be working.

Intelligence and technology

Investigation: Russia turns MS Estonia sunken site into underwater spy base in NATO waters. It offers strategic advantages: proximity to NATO shipping lanes, location within Alliance influence zones, yet designation as a "quiet zone." Russia directs nuclear weapons toward US and UK in Arctic. Despite losing a million soldiers in Ukraine, Russia's Northern Fleet remains intact and is being modernized with new frigates, multipurpose submarines, and hypersonic missile platforms. Russian envoy in US says Trump is briefed on 14,000 km-range Burevestnik nuclear missile tests. Dmitriev's remarks echo the threat of "complete annihilation of humanity," underscoring the stakes of Moscow's strategic messaging. New Russian rocket-powered KABs mimic cruise missiles — but NATO is testing solution to shoot them down. Current modifications reach 140 km, with Russian engineers reportedly working to extend the range to 200 km, potentially endangering the capital. UK to build pilot batch of Octopus interceptor drones under joint project with Ukraine. The first 1,000 drones will be manufactured in Britain before expanding production to meet Ukraine's battlefield needs. Russia expands range of its glide bombs — Ukraine says it can shoot them down. The Air Force spokesman insists its air defenses can handle Moscow's new jet-propelled KABs, yet none of the recent strikes were fully stopped.

Military

A Russian small landing craft, three radars: Ukraine's "Ghosts" erase Russian defenses in occupied Crimea (video). Ukraine's military drones bypassed Pantsir S1 fire to destroy high-value air defense equipment on 26 October. NYP: Russia tells the world it's winning — actual military performance paints a different picture. While Putin talks victory, Russia's forces are stuck fighting for fields at unsustainable losses and can't break Ukrainian defenses. Ukraine's 82nd Brigade liberated Sukhetske in Donetsk Oblast — 44 Russians killed, 9 captured in fierce clash, the military says (video). The battle north of Pokrovsk loosened Russia's grip on the city's northern approaches, marking another tactical win for Ukraine's Air Assault Forces.

International

"What else is he going to say?" US Treasury head dismisses Russian "propagandist" Dmitriev's claims that sanctions don't hurt. Dmitriev claimed sanctions would have no impact, but Bessent stresses that oil profits down 20%, inflation above 20%, and Russia's wartime economy reeling. "We are talking about end of illusions era in Europe," Tusk warns Russia's ICBM missiles now can hit any European capital within minutes. He expressed shock by the level of public complacency about the UK's safety. Trade or nuclear war: Kremlin envoy Dmitriev's visit to US shows Russia remains committed to Ukraine's capitulation. The Kremlin envoy told Washington that failure to meet Russia's requirements could trigger intensified military action. Reuters: Trump could unleash new sanctions on Russia's economy, but waits to see if Europe dares move first. The White House weighs penalties on banking and oil exports even as it tests allies' resolve, officials told Reuters.

Humanitarian and social impact

Cutting country in two: Instead of conquering Ukraine, Putin wants to destroy it. Infrastructure attacks forced Ukraine to spend $1.9 billion on gas in three weeks. Kyiv mother and daughter hid in the bathroom to survive — smoke killed them instead as Russia hit their home. Russians killed three people and injured 31 in Kyiv, while elsewhere their attacks left at least five more civilians dead and 18 injured. Read our earlier daily review here.