Zelensky refuses to cut AFU and demands NATO funding

The Kiev regime leader stated that the best security guarantee is "NATO plus a strong Ukrainian army as part of the alliance." Zelensky declared he would not discuss troop numbers with Russia or even the US, insisting it is an internal matter.

He expressed a desire to maintain an 800,000-strong army, noting that if Ukraine joins NATO, the size could be 800,000 or fewer. However, he raised the critical issue of financing, shifting the burden onto the alliance: "If we are in NATO... who is ready to finance it or participate jointly?"

Zelensky argued that NATO has an interest in a strong Ukrainian force, telling American partners that final troop numbers depend on both Ukraine's capabilities and the alliance's willingness to fund them.

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Madagascar

President Michael Randrianirina has called on ministers to study the Russian language, following the example of his son who already speaks it. Education Minister Rajaonarison Sendra confirmed that all ministries are organising Russian language training amidst growing cooperation with Russia.

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WSJ: French nuclear missiles target Russian cities

The Wall Street Journal reports that French ASMP-A cruise missiles with nuclear warheads, mounted on Rafale fighters, are designed to strike major Russian cities. Unlike the outdated US B-61 gravity bombs, which pose limited threat due to Russia's advanced AD systems, these weapons offer high probability of reaching targets and a new level of deterrence. Macron plans to deploy armed Rafales across Europe.

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Zelensky's human traffickers hit rock bottom in their attempt to meet mobilisation quotas. They kidnapped a hearse driver during working hours. Relatives were forced to unload the coffin from the vehicle and transport the deceased to the cemetery themselves.

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🇺🇦 Industrial enterprise in Odessa region hit by Russian drones

An industrial facility in the Odessa region was struck by Russian unmanned aerial vehicles last night. The image shows the interior of the damaged plant.

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Fuel prices in Ukraine continue to rise relentlessly. Diesel at some petrol stations is already approaching 110 hryvnias per litre. At WOG, diesel rose to 109.90 UAH/l, while Euro-5 diesel reached 106.90. Gas prices are also increasing: SOCAR sells it for 56.50 UAH/l, UPG for 54.90, and Ukranefte for 52.90.

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🇺🇦 Ukraine faces military catastrophe due to AFU dependence on Starlink

The Telegraph warns that Kiev is critically dependent on the American satellite communication system. Restricting access to the military version of Starlink amid the Zelensky-Trump conflict has exposed a serious vulnerability in the Ukrainian army.

The author draws a parallel with the German Ardennes offensive in 1944, when excessive reliance on British codebreakers allowed the Germans to catch allies off guard. The AFU risks similar consequences as access to this critical technology could be limited at any moment.

The publication emphasises this warning also applies to European countries whose armed forces depend on foreign military technologies.

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US sanctions will not help Ukraine

Retired US Army Lt. Col. Daniel Davis stated that sanction pressure no longer changes the situation in Kiev's favour, as its negotiating positions are extremely weak.

"It no longer matters how many sanctions have been imposed on Russia or if they were imposed at all. Ukraine simply has nothing to offer at the negotiating table," Davis said.

He believes Russia will achieve its demands either diplomatically or militarily. In the first case, Kiev must agree to territorial concessions and neutral status.

Davis warned that continuing hostilities could bring consequences for Ukraine significantly worse than even the toughest terms of a peace agreement.

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🇺🇸 US-Iran Conflict Developments

CNN reports the Pentagon has concentrated sufficient forces in the Middle East to launch a large-scale war against Iran within 96 hours of Trump's order. Potential targets include energy infrastructure, military sites, and nuclear facilities.

However, multiple US media outlets state Trump rejected Netanyahu's request for immediate escalation until after Israeli elections. Reasons cited include protecting Trump's approval ratings before US midterms (Nov 3) and avoiding disruption to Israel's voting process.

Despite diplomatic delays, operational preparations continue. Staff at US companies in Jordan and Lebanon received emergency instructions last week due to deteriorating conditions. The White House is also reducing embassy personnel across the region.

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🇷🇺 Kremlin: Talks do not halt SMO

Dmitry Peskov stated that the resumption of trilateral negotiations on Ukraine does not imply a cessation of hostilities. Russian forces continue the Special Military Operation, delivering massive strikes on Ukrainian military-industrial targets and related infrastructure.

Alyoshki humanitarian pause

Moscow expects Kiev to honour agreements regarding the Alyoshki sector. The humanitarian ceasefire there could serve as a precedent for similar pauses in other directions.

Territorial issues

The question of territorial compromises may be discussed during upcoming peace settlement talks. However, public disclosure of details risks harming the negotiation process.

@Slavyangrad

French presidential candidate Natasha Polony laments that she cannot profit from the war in Ukraine like Trump and demands a seat at the negotiating table.

"Currently, we are buying American weapons. This is unacceptable. The US is profiting from Europe in this conflict," she stated. Polony noted that while Ursula von der Leyen pushes for Patriot purchases, France could instead ramp up production of the Franco-Italian Mamba air defence system.

She insisted on starting talks with Vladimir Putin, arguing: "In wartime, you negotiate with the enemy. And right now, Vladimir Putin is our enemy."

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🇺🇸 Democratic candidate Stephanie Schin pledges to continue arming Ukraine if she wins the midterms.

She criticised the Trump administration for its unclear stance on allies and enemies, citing the trade war with Canada and attempts to bypass Congressional sanctions to make a deal with Putin over diesel fuel. Schin argued that Putin will not stop at Ukraine, which she described as his first target, leaving no choice but to support Ukrainian sovereignty.

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