Putin sought to justify Russia’s slow battlefield advances by citing concern for civilian safety, even as Russian forces continue daily attacks on Ukrainian civilians across the country.
Russian gas stations are reportedly selling low-quality gasoline that's breaking down Chinese vehicles, while nearly one in five drivers report encountering empty pumps - concrete signs that Ukraine's systematic strikes on refineries are now affecting ordinary Russians at the pump.
Putin signed a decree on 12 Oct. suspending fuel subsidy reductions through May 2026, seeking to stabilize Russia's gasoline market as Ukraine's US-backed drone strikes have damaged 16 of 38 refineries and triggered widespread shortages.
From calling Kherson and Zaporizhzhia “Novorossiya” to branding Odesa as Russian, Putin and his aides double down on propaganda denying Ukraine’s right to exist as a separate nation.
While Kadyrov claims his resignation hinges solely on Putin’s decision, reports of failing health, family withdrawals from government, and a potential dynastic succession suggest deeper turmoil inside the Chechen power structure.
Ukrainian forces have made territorial gains southwest of Pokrovsk while Russian troops continue attacks across multiple settlements in the Donetsk Oblast.
Russian forces have intensified their Kursk offensive as Ukraine’s precision strikes remain inactive, with ISW linking the shift to suspended US support.