Kyiv residents endure 12-16 hour blackouts this winter—but the darkness was avoidable. Ukraine had proven grid protection works: under former Ukrenergo chief Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, 60 concrete shelters defended critical transformers, and nearly all survived repeated Russian strikes. But this success was not replicated across Ukraine's energy sector.

On 10 November 2025, Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau exposed systematic corruption at state nuclear operator Energoatom—1,000 hours of surveillance recordings documenting officials organizing 10-15% kickbacks while zero protective shelters were built at their facilities through autumn 2024.

Simultaneously, Kudrytskyi—who had secured €1.5 billion in Western aid for grid defense—faced fraud charges over a 2018 fence project where the state lost nothing.

The political prosecution triggered a predictable response: Western donors withdrew, international funding collapsed to 5-10% of previous levels, and critical infrastructure went unprotected.

The convergence proved catastrophic. At Ukrenergo's protected sites, transformers survived Russian attacks. At Energoatom's unprotected substations and thermal plants, missiles found easy targets.

Current blackouts stem from this dual institutional failure: corruption preventing infrastructure protection, political vendetta destroying donor confidence. Ukraine built the solution, proved it worked, then officials chose kickbacks over replication—and prosecuted the executive who delivered results.

Why this matters

The combined effect of corruption and political persecution deepened Ukraine's energy crisis by shutting down the main channel of Western financial support. International aid through Ukrenergo dropped to just 5-10% of previous levels after Kudrytskyi's September 2024 dismissal—from €1.5 billion over 18 months to a trickle.

Meanwhile, zero protective shelters were built for transformers at Energoatom, thermal power plants, and regional energy companies until autumn 2024, despite Ukrenergo completing approximately 60 such structures at its own facilities by September.

Oleksandr Kharchenko, director of the Energy Industry Research Center, told Suspilne that this loss of international backing is directly responsible for the severity of current blackouts—a consequence of institutional breakdown rather than Russian missiles alone.

When protection worked—and when it didn't

The protection systems built at Ukrenergo, Ukraine's national electricity transmission system operator, and Energoatom, Ukraine’s nuclear operator, tell a tale of two radically different management systems.

Under Kudrytskyi's leadership, Ukrenergo partnered with the government's Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure to construct approximately 60 anti-drone shelters for critical transformers by September 2024. These massive concrete structures—up to 25 meters tall—were designed specifically to withstand mass Iranian Shahed drone strikes.

The effectiveness proved remarkable. According to the Verkhovna Rada's temporary investigative commission cited by Kharchenko, out of 74 protected objects built by Ukrenergo and the Agency, only one autotransformer was destroyed by a direct hit from a heavy missile. The rest survived repeated attacks.

Kudrytskyi explained to Espreso that Ukrenergo secured several billion euros in aid—significantly more than Ukraine's entire Energy Ministry obtained. Western partners trusted the company's management and saw results. Between 2020 and 2024, Ukrenergo attracted $1.5 billion in grants and loans, becoming the second-largest recipient of international aid in Ukraine after the state itself.

But outside Ukrenergo's network, the picture was bleak. At the time of Kudrytskyi's dismissal in September 2024, zero protective shelters had been built for transformers at non-Ukrenergo sites—including Energoatom facilities, thermal power plants, and regional energy companies, according to Kudrytskyi in his interview with the BBC.

Kharchenko confirmed that Energoatom didn't even begin tendering for protective construction until late summer or early autumn 2024. The unprotected Energoatom substations and open switchgears became priority targets, he explained, and current blackouts stem directly from this failure to protect key generation facilities.

The delayed protection had a simple reason, Kharchenko suggested: some officials questioned whether such expensive fortifications were necessary at all.

The $100 million corruption scheme

On 10 November 2025, Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau unveiled Operation Midas—a 15-month investigation documenting systematic corruption at Energoatom. Over 1,000 hours of surveillance recordings captured contractors openly discussing "Shlagbaum" (bar gate)—slang for the 10-15% kickbacks demanded from anyone wanting to work with the nuclear operator.

The scheme operated from a Kyiv office tied to Andrii Derkach, a former Ukrainian MP whom the US Treasury sanctioned in 2020 as "an active Russian agent" for election interference, and who now serves as a Russian senator.

Investigators identified businessman Tymur Mindich—President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's former comedy studio partner—as "Carlson," coordinating the money-laundering network.

Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko, who previously served as Energy Minister, appeared in recordings under the codename "Professor."

Mindich crossed Ukraine's border at 02:09 on 10 November—hours before NABU detectives arrived at his residence, raising immediate questions about information leaks. He's now believed to be hiding in Israel or Austria.

When asked about the $100 million NABU alleges was stolen through the Energoatom kickback scheme, Kharchenko was skeptical: "100 million—this is, well, maybe, 10%." The implication: the full corruption scale could reach $1 billion.

Political prosecution and collapsing Western trust

Between 2020 and 2024, Ukrenergo chief Kudrytskyi secured $1.5 billion for Ukrenergo from Western partners—triple what Ukraine’s entire Energy Ministry obtained. He ensured shelters were built from donor funds: "We didn't spend a single budget kopeck on those shelters that Ukrenergo built," he told Espreso.

He was dismissed in September 2024—and the money flow stopped. Western partners noticed: Two Western board members—Daniel Dobbeni and Peder Andreasen—quit Ukrenergo, calling the firing "politically motivated."

The dismissal triggered a financial crisis. While talking to Suspilne, Kharchenko explained that Ukrenergo failed to restructure its Eurobonds in coordination with Ukraine's sovereign debt restructuring, pushing the company into technical default. International lenders won't provide new credits to an entity in default, and grant-makers grew cautious.

This funding flow, built around trust for Kudrytskyi, collapsed. "When Kudrytskyi was dismissed, the main channel of Western support through Ukrenergo was effectively closed," Kharchenko explained. "We lost international support for Ukrainian energy. We've lost at least 80% of what we could have received."

The aid flow plummeted from €1.5 billion over 18 months to just 5-10% of previous capacity. Naftogaz now maintains Western trust with quality corporate governance, but can only support gas infrastructure—not the devastated electricity sector.

Kudrytskyi now faces fraud charges stemming from a 2018 fence reconstruction project. The case centers on bank guarantees that Ukrenergo properly collected when a contractor failed to complete work—a standard commercial transaction where the state suffered no losses.

The charges materialized 14 months after his dismissal, following his public criticism of infrastructure protection failures by Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko—who was exposed in the Mindich tapes under the code name "Professor" within the criminal organization, according to information from the NABU investigation and reports from lawmakers.

For international donors—whether financial institutions or government aid agencies—trust and reputation of recipients matter fundamentally.

"When these donors see corruption scandals, or political interference in corporate governance, or political cases not backed by facts and made in half a day, this creates additional obstacles," Kudrytskyi told Espreso. "We don't have time to heroically overcome obstacles we create for ourselves."

Information monopoly and presidential isolation

Kudrytskyi has been accused of failing to ensure energy security, despite having left his position 14 months earlier. The disconnect puzzled observers.

Kharchenko offered an explanation. He sees that people in Zelenskyy's circle are exclusively friendly to Halushchenko—the former Energy Minister now serving as Justice Minister. "Herman Valeriyovych knows how to communicate with people—I assure you, in person he's very pleasant, charismatic, professional, and convincing," Kharchenko said. Most people surrounding the president evidently receive information through one channel.

"I don't see the president, in the energy sphere, inviting people who broadcast any alternative thoughts and assessments, and listening to what's wrong," Kharchenko told Novyi Vidlik.

The monopolized information flow means alternative assessments of infrastructure failures and protection gaps never reach decision-makers. "When you have energy being attacked and negative things happening, and people around you point fingers at each other or say everything's fine, but it's evidently not fine—a manager in such a situation would invite an alternative viewpoint," Kharchenko said. "I don't observe this situation."

Ukraine energy crisis winter forecast: Attack, collapse, recover, repeat

Kharchenko predicted a predictable winter pattern: major Russian attack, followed by three to four days of severe disruption with 12-16-hour blackouts, then a gradual recovery until the next strike.

Three cities face the worst schedules: Kyiv, Odesa, and Kharkiv—massive consumption centers with insufficient internal generation. Kyiv and Odesa each face roughly one gigawatt power deficits. These cities will consistently endure the longest outages.

"I'm not an adherent of winter armageddon," Kudrytskyi told Espreso. "I don't think the energy system will collapse or there will be catastrophic consequences. We'll still survive the next winter. But of course, the question is the duration of outages and the degree of damage Russians can achieve to our facilities."

The strategic solution, both Kudrytskyi and Kharchenko emphasized, is accelerating distributed generation: replacing 15-20 large Soviet-era power plants vulnerable to missile strikes with hundreds of small gas, solar, and battery storage facilities scattered across Ukraine. Such a network would be exponentially harder for Russia to destroy and provide crucial regional resilience.

But distributed generation requires coordination, funding, and institutional trust—precisely what corruption and political persecution have destroyed.

The institutional breakdown

The failure wasn't technical or financial. In summer 2023, authorities identified several hundred critical infrastructure objects requiring protection—not just Ukrenergo substations, but power plants, gas infrastructure, and other essential facilities.

From summer 2023, Ukrenergo and the restoration agency built protection for Ukrenergo substations. But what happened at other facilities?

In his Espreso interview, Kudrytskyi posed the critical questions:

• Why didn't the Energy Ministry coordinate protection for all other objects at the same time Ukrenergo was building shelters?
• Why didn't it determine budget sources for such protection?
• And if there were no budget funds, why didn't it approach donors who were ready to help Ukrainian energy?

The answer emerged in November 2025 surveillance recordings: some officials were too busy organizing kickback schemes to focus on infrastructure protection.

Anti-corruption lawyer Daria Kaleniuk wrote that persecution of government critics through fabricated criminal cases had become a trend. Western board members Daniel Dobbeni and Peder Andreasen quit Ukrenergo in September 2024, calling Kudrytskyi's dismissal "politically motivated."

Now Ukrainians endure 12-16 hour blackouts at the heart of this energy crisis—not because Russia attacks, though it does, but because institutions failed to build protection systems, maintain donor trust, or prioritize infrastructure over personal enrichment.

"Any effective action against corruption is very much needed," Zelenskyy said after the NABU raids. But the damage was done. The coordination failure between protection, prosecution, and politics left Ukraine's grid more vulnerable than Russian missiles alone could have achieved.

The United Nations’ top human rights body ordered an inquiry into mass killings and sexual violence during the country’s worsening civil war.

© Marwan Ali/Associated Press

Two weeks after Hurricane Melissa wrecked western Jamaica, officials are beginning to grapple with the challenge of trying to find housing for thousands of families.

The possibility of using €140 billion of frozen Russian assets for a reparations loan to Ukraine is a unique opportunity for the state. Especially since the US has ceased military aid following Donald Trump's election. However, legal challenges in using these assets are compounded by concerns over how the money might be utilized amid the backdrop of a new corruption scandal, La Repubblica reports.

On 10 November, EU-backed anti-corruption agencies uncovered a large scheme, "Midas", involving four Ukrainian ministries and the country's top energy company. The case is especially painful to the ordinary Ukrainians, who continue to endure up to 12-hour blackouts following Russian missile attacks.

According to investigators, the perpetrators demanded kickbacks amounting to 10–15% of Energoatom contract values. Contractors had to pay to avoid blocked payments or the loss of supplier status. Timyr Mindich, one of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's closest associates, oversaw the operation of a so-called “laundromat”, where funds were stolen.

The embezzlement of state funds in the energy sector, exceeding $100 million, has raised significant concerns in Europe.

The "Midas" corruption case under Europe's scrutiny

During the Eurogroup meeting on 12 November, where instruments for financing Ukrainian resistance over the next two years were again discussed, several finance ministers repeatedly referred to this corruption case.

Moreover, the scandal in Ukraine erupted after the release of the latest European Commission report on the EU candidate countries, presented last week. It provides a clear assessment that Ukraine has made limited progress in the fight against corruption.

The report also mentions the temporary suspension in July of the independence of the anti-corruption agencies, which are currently handling the case involving the embezzlement of $100 million in state funds. These institutions, according to the report, report growing pressure from state authorities.

Some European countries believe that Russian leader Vladimir Putin will eventually win in Ukraine, according to Bundestag member Jürgen Hardt from the ruling Christian Democratic Union, UkrInform reports. This conviction persists despite Ukraine successfully defending against the attacks of the world’s largest country for 11 years. 

Ukraine has received €5.9 billion from the EU under ERA Loans and the Ukraine Facility, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced. A key feature is that part of these funds is financed from profits on frozen Russian assets.

“Today, there is an important decision in support of our country from our partners. Importantly, the ERA Loans mechanism is financed from profits from frozen Russian assets, which makes Russia pay for its aggression,” Zelenskyy said.

Ukraine aims to access €140 billion of frozen Russian assets in Europe and use them to support the war effort

According to Zelenskyy, only pressure can work to achieve peace, so efforts must be intensified to use Russian assets.

The majority of these funds are held in the Euroclear financial depository in Belgium. A decision on whether to transfer the funds to Ukraine is expected in December 2025, Politico reports. 

Previously, Zelenskyy stated that it would be a significant loss for Russia if Ukraine were to succeed in accessing €140–160 billion of frozen Russian assets.

“We are counting on a swift political decision regarding the reparations loan and full use of these funds for Ukraine’s defense. I thank President Ursula von der Leyen for her leadership and support of Ukraine,” he summarized.

ERA Loans and Ukraine Facility — financial instruments for security and reforms

Meanwhile, Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliya Svyrydenko has explained that €4.1 billion under ERA Loans is the final tranche of an €18 billion program, financed from profits on frozen Russian assets.

“This is an example of how Russia begins to pay for its crimes. At the same time, it is a signal of European solidarity and determination to support our ability to endure,” the official noted.

An additional €1.8 billion was received under the Ukraine Facility, reflecting confidence in Ukraine’s implementation of reforms and its European integration.

Military analysts and some Ukrainian commanders worry that Kyiv may be repeating the mistake of staying in an embattled city longer than it should, aiming to inflict far more casualties than it suffers.

© Tyler Hicks/The New York Times

What the government shutdown revealed about Trump’s America.

© Lawren Simmons for The New York Times

The Belgian government is in talks with the Trump administration to save birth control stranded in a warehouse, but another shipment has been incorrectly stored.

© Hilary Swift for The New York Times

Ukraine is fighting enemies both abroad and within the system. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, during meetings in Canada with his counterparts from France, Germany, and Italy, assured that all those involved in corruption schemes in Ukraine will be held accountable.

An investigation into the alleged embezzlement of $100 million from Energoatom, Ukraine's only company that operates all of the nuclear power plants, is underway. It has been revealed EU-backed anti-corruption agencies have uncovered a large-scale bribery and $100 million scheme involving four ministries. The case is especially painful to ordinary Ukrainians, who continue to endure up to 12-hour blackouts following Russian missile attacks.

The minister is visiting Canada to take part in the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting at the invitation of Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand.

The talks are expected to be dominated by Russia's escalating war in Ukraine, stalled US-led peace initiatives, and growing trade frictions within the alliance.

Ukraine is working on building the trust of its international allies 

“Those involved in corruption schemes will be brought to justice,” he emphasized.

In a high-profile corruption case involving Energoatom, Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau and Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office have detained five individuals. In total, seven members of the criminal organization have been formally charged.

The special operation to document the group’s activities lasted over 15 months, beginning in the summer of 2024. During this period, investigators collected a substantial amount of data, including thousands of hours of audio recordings.

Reports indicate that the head of the scheme is businessman Timur Mindich, who is also a co-owner of the entertainment studio Kvartal 95 and an associate of the president.

Mindich reportedly fled abroad a day before the raids, in which millions of dollars in cash were seized. This has raised suspicions that he may have been forewarned about the operation.

“I reaffirmed that those responsible for corruption will be held accountable. This is the firm position of President Zelenskyy and our government,” Sybiha claimed.

On social media, Sybiha called the meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, and the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, "productive."

Sybiha: winter defenses needed, Russian assets must be seized

He also noted that discussions covered the 20th EU sanctions package and efforts to use frozen Russian assets.

“We also focused on strengthening our air defense and energy resilience ahead of winter, including through the PURL and SAFE mechanisms,” the foreign minister added.

Sybiha thanked allies preparing new military and energy aid packages and invited his colleagues to visit Ukraine.

Rubio arrives in Niagara: talks on Ukraine and Gaza continue

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also arrived in the Niagara region of Canada to participate in the G7 foreign ministers meeting. He is expected to address questions from G7 partners regarding President Donald Trump’s initiatives to end the war in Ukraine, as well as the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

The meeting comes shortly after efforts to organize a summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump were suspended last month, Reuters reports. Officials cited that Moscow’s refusal to cease hostilities in Ukraine overshadowed the planned negotiations.

The cease-fire with Hamas has blunted the hunger faced by Gazans during the war. But aid agencies say Israeli restrictions are still hobbling their work.

© Saher Alghorra for The New York Times

Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) nations convened in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada, on 11-12 November 2025, for tense discussions on global security.

The talks are dominated by Russia's escalating war in Ukraine, stalled US-led peace initiatives, and growing trade frictions within the alliance.

The gathering comes as the G7 confronts a dual challenge: maintaining a united front against Russian aggression while navigating sharp internal divisions over US trade policies and defense spending demands.

Divisions over Ukraine and US peace efforts

The summit opened amid clear divisions on how to handle the war in Ukraine. Most G7 members have adopted a tougher line on Russia than US President Donald Trump, who has prioritized his own peace proposals. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated before the meeting that Russia's "continuing war of aggression against Ukraine" challenges global freedom and security, requiring a united G7 front.

According to a report from Euronews, European allies are particularly concerned about uncertainty over US efforts to end the war, as well as a separate US-brokered ceasefire plan in Gaza that is reportedly faltering.

The German foreign minister emphasized that his country is providing an additional €40 million to help Ukraine endure another winter, specifically to counter Russia's "targeted terror attacks on the civilian gas and heat supply." This financial support directly translates into tangible resilience, helping Kyiv maintain civilian morale and infrastructure stability—a strategic goal to prevent Russia from breaking the country's spirit.

Trade tensions and defense spending

The talks were also marked by strained relations over US trade policy. As reported by The Associated Press, President Trump's imposition of tariffs on Canadian imports has created friction with the host nation. This economic pressure is coupled with Trump's demand that NATO partners, including all G7 members except Japan, spend 5% of their GDP on defense.

The AP noted that Canada and Italy are the furthest from this goal, though Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand stated Canada plans to reach the target by 2035. In a social media post, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio framed the US position, stating the focus is on "putting the safety and security of Americans FIRST."

Indo-Pacific and critical minerals

While Ukraine and trade dominated, the ministers also addressed long-term strategic challenges, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. Kyodo News reported that Japan's new Foreign Minister, Toshimitsu Motegi, planned to "bring an Indo-Pacific perspective into G7 discussions and advance concrete cooperation."

A central part of this strategy is a G7 initiative to establish alternative supply chains for critical minerals to diversify away from China’s market dominance. This effort is a direct attempt to bolster the G7's economic and defense security by mitigating reliance on geopolitical competitors, a crucial step in the world's current volatile geopolitical situation.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Democrat of New Hampshire, said the African country has a long history of corruption. The amount paid is far more than recent annual assistance given to it.

© Tierney L. Cross/The New York Times

Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Democrat of New Hampshire, said the African country has a long history of corruption. The amount paid is far more than recent annual assistance given to it.

© Tierney L. Cross/The New York Times

Denmark has announced its 28th military aid package for Ukraine worth 1.4 billion kroner (€188 million), reinforcing support through the so-called “Danish model” and NATO’s PURL initiative to strengthen Kyiv’s combat readiness against Russia.

The new package includes 100 million kroner for continued donations through the Danish model, 372 million for the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) which secures high-demand US weapons, and over 80 million for fuel deliveries coordinated through NATO’s Support and Procurement Agency.

“With this package, we’re ensuring Ukraine decisive battlefield capabilities in the coming months,” Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said. “There’s still a great need to support Ukraine’s fight for freedom - and for other countries to contribute, for example, through the Danish model.”

Under the Danish model, Copenhagen funds Ukraine’s own defense industry directly through the Ukrainian state, allowing faster procurement of locally made weapons and equipment. Denmark has already earmarked 2.6 billion kroner from its Ukraine Fund for this purpose in 2025, and a further 1 billion annually for 2026-2027.

The PURL initiative - jointly coordinated with allies such as Sweden, Norway, and the United States - enables NATO partners to finance and deliver high-priority weapon systems. In August, the mechanism was used to supply Patriot missiles to Ukraine.

Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said the latest package aims to strengthen Ukraine’s hand both militarily and diplomatically.

“As long as Putin and Russia don’t want peace, we must ensure Ukraine is in the best possible position - on the battlefield and at the negotiating table,” he said. “This is about Ukraine’s defense, but also Europe’s continued security.”

So far, Denmark has committed about 70.8 billion kroner (€9.5 billion) in military aid to Ukraine from 2022 through 2028 via its Ukraine Fund, with 16.5 billion allocated for 2025 alone.

The European Investment Bank announced on 7 November the disbursement of €100 million ($115 million) to Ukraine, splitting the funding between business support and municipal heating infrastructure repairs, according to the bank's statement.

The financing package directs €70 million ($80.5 million) to Ukrgasbank under the €400 million ($460 million) Ukraine Economic Resilience Facility Lending Envelope. These funds will expand access to long-term loans for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and mid-caps across the country. The loan also supports investments that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency, with Ukrgasbank on-lending the money to businesses on more favorable terms.

The remaining €30 million ($34.5 million) goes to municipal district heating systems, disbursed as €15 million ($17.25 million) to Ukrgasbank and €15 million ($17.25 million) to Ukreximbank. These amounts represent the first tranches of larger EIB district heating loans totaling €50 million ($57.5 million) and €100 million ($115 million) respectively. The funds will help communities and public utilities repair and upgrade heating systems, improve energy efficiency in public buildings, and deploy renewable energy solutions.

"The disbursement of these funds ensures that support is now reaching Ukrainian businesses and municipalities at a critical time," said EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska, who oversees the bank's operations in Ukraine. "It helps keep local economic activity going and enables communities to maintain heating and essential public services during the winter."

The financing aims to reduce dependence on vulnerable centralized infrastructure and enable reconstruction of facilities damaged by Russian attacks. Municipalities will gain more independent and efficient heating systems for schools, hospitals and residential communities.

European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos noted the timing of the support: "This is now the fourth winter in which Russia tries to keep Ukrainians in the cold. We are seeing the worst attacks on energy infrastructure in this war."

"Support from the European Investment Bank is extremely important for the sustainable reconstruction of Ukraine," said Acting Chairperson of the Management Board of Ukrgasbank Rodion Morozov. "Owing to these funds, we will be able to finance businesses and communities that are restoring critical infrastructure and implementing district heating and energy-efficient solutions throughout the country."

The funding operates under the EU for Ukraine Fund and the Ukraine Investment Framework, which is part of the broader €50 billion (57.5 billion) Ukraine Facility. The European Commission provides a €1.95 billion ($2.24 billion) guarantee under the Ukraine Investment Framework for these operations.

The EIB's EU for Ukraine Fund, established in 2023, has received contributions from 16 EU member states totaling €410 million ($471.5 million). Since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, the EIB has provided €4 billion ($4.6 billion) in financing for Ukraine.

Chairman of the Management Board of Ukreximbank Viktor Ponomarenko emphasized the impact of the funding: "The first tranche of funding under the EIB's Ukraine district heating project, made possible through the steadfast support of the European Union and European Investment Bank, provides Ukrainian communities with the means to withstand the challenges of winter under continuous attacks of Russia."

The support complements recently signed EIB financing with Naftogaz Ukraine to help replenish the country's gas reserves ahead of winter, the bank reports.

The daughter of a politician, she didn’t expect to become one. But once she ran for office in 1987, there was no stopping her.

© Doug Mills/The New York Times

The R.S.F. paramilitary group, facing growing condemnation for atrocities in Darfur, said it had agreed to a cease-fire proposal, but it is not yet clear what the military will do.

© Mohamed Jamal/Reuters

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Czech Republic—Ukraine's major ally in the EU—may reduce its military assistance to Kyiv under the new government forming around presumptive Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, according to Politico.

Czechia may shift from arms to aid

In his first international interview, Filip Turek — a former MEP from the far-right Motorists party and likely to become the next foreign minister — said Prague will maintain its NATO commitments and respect for international law. But he emphasized that the government will "prioritize diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine" and "mitigate risks of conflict in Europe, shifting from military aid funded by the national budget to humanitarian support and focusing on Czech security needs."

He presented this as a shift away from direct involvement, stating the goal was to avoid escalation that might threaten Czechia’s energy supply or "economic stability."  

Turek did not announce immediate changes in Czechia’s stance on Russia, but pointed to a broader focus on sovereignty and non-intervention. He said this signaled a so-called “cautious, interest-based approach,” echoing the position of Hungarian authorities, who have expressed hope that Prague will become an ally in resisting EU efforts to maintain strong military backing for Ukraine.

Controversy follows Turek’s appointment

Politico noted that Turek’s expected appointment has already sparked domestic controversy. He has faced criticism for allegedly posting racist, sexist, and homophobic messages on Facebook. Turek denies the accusations and is pursuing legal action. Another figure from the Motorists party, Petr Macinka, tapped for the post of environment minister, has also drawn scrutiny. Macinka previously called human-caused climate change “pure propaganda.”

The Ukrainian government has approved a resolution enabling the distribution of the second tranche of financing from the European Investment Bank totaling €100 million ($106 million), the Ministry of Communities and Territorial Development reports.

"This decision allows us to launch the transfer of subsidies from the state to communities," the ministry stated.

The funds will be available for recovery projects under the Ukraine Recovery Programme III (Tranche B) and will be directed under guarantees of the Ukraine Facility financial instrument for the first time, according to the ministry.

The money will finance restoration of social and critical infrastructure damaged by Russian armed aggression. Communities will be able to repair schools, kindergartens, hospitals, and housing and communal facilities.

"This is a direct investment in the recovery and resilience of Ukrainian communities. Our priority is the most effective transformation of these resources into key social facilities: reconstruction of schools and hospitals, development of barrier-free spaces and modernization of heating systems," commented Deputy Prime Minister for Recovery — Minister of Communities and Territorial Development Oleksiy Kuleba.

"From now on, all the necessary tools are in place locally to immediately begin implementing these projects. Our strategic goal remains unchanged: through infrastructure development, we seek to preserve, multiply and unlock human capital and potential in every Ukrainian community," he explained.

The new edition of the procedure and conditions clearly regulates the application of the Ukraine Facility instrument, ensuring transparency and efficiency in the use of international partners' funds locally, the ministry added.

The total funding volume under the Ukraine Recovery Programme III amounts to €250 million ($265 million). The first tranche of €100 million ($106 million) was ratified in August 2024, the ministry reported.

Previously, Ukraine received €46.1 million ($49 million) in credit funds from the European Investment Bank for four projects supporting urban development. The Cabinet of Ministers also approved the redistribution of subsidies from the state budget to finance an additional 15 projects in nine regions of Ukraine.

The Ministry of Communities and Territorial Development has been working on a second support package for frontline communities based on requests from the territories themselves. Currently, 242 communities in ten oblasts are classified as frontline, and the first package of the support program is operational.

The ministry also reported that the expanded Unified State Project Portfolio now includes an additional 11 projects in transport, two projects and two programs in municipal infrastructure and services, and one housing program.

Prague, which supplied Ukraine with 850,000 large-caliber shells in 2025 under the so-called “Czech Initiative,” has sharply changed its position on aid to Kyiv following the election victory of the right-wing populist ANO movement led by Andrej Babiš, Politico reports.

Throughout his campaign, Babiš criticized Western military assistance to Ukraine and emphasized the need for neutrality, effectively arguing that Kyiv should be left to face Russian aggression on its own.

The end of the pro-Ukraine consensus

Filip Turek, an ultranationalist politician expected to become the next Czech foreign minister, stated that his government will uphold the country’s NATO commitments and international law but will “prioritize diplomatic efforts” to end the war and shift from military to humanitarian aid, focusing instead on “Czech security needs.”

Prague seeks “neutrality” over backing Kyiv

Turek insists that Prague’s official stance on Russia “will not change,” yet the new government plans to emphasize sovereignty and non-interference, aiming to “avoid escalation that could threaten the Czech Republic’s energy security or economic stability.”

This marks a potential pivot from Prague’s active leadership in European support for Ukraine to that of a neutral observer, or even a restraining voice within the EU.

Turek’s rhetoric echoes that of Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, whose government systematically blocks EU aid initiatives for Ukraine. Brussels officials are already referring to Prague as a potential new ally for Orbán, one that may advocate for a ceasefire rather than supporting Ukraine's victory.

Germany will increase its aid to Ukraine by an additional €3 billion next year, the German Finance Ministry confirmed Tuesday, Reuters reported, reinforcing Berlin’s role as Europe’s largest supporter of Kyiv’s defense effort.

The additional funds will raise Germany’s total planned support for Ukraine next year to about €11.5 billion.

The aid will cover artillery, drones, armored vehicles, and the replacement of two Patriot air-defense systems, according to a ministry spokesperson.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz supports the increase, which is expected to be approved in the coming weeks, a government source told Reuters.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Germany has provided roughly €40 billion in military assistance to Ukraine, second only to the United States.

“We will continue our support for as long as necessary to defend against Russia’s war of aggression,” the spokesperson said.

The United Kingdom is significantly expanding its air defence support for Ukraine, providing thousands of new interceptor drones and hundreds of missiles to help Kyiv defend its cities and energy infrastructure. UK Defence Secretary John Healey highlighted new support, including a joint program for a new "Octopus" interceptor drone, during Defence Questions in Parliament. This assistance comes as Ukraine braces for intensified Russian aerial attacks during the winter.

This new package is strategically significant as it provides Ukraine with a high-volume, cost-effective counter to Russian drone swarms, aiming to protect critical infrastructure and preserve more advanced missile interceptors for complex threats.

A new generation of interceptor drones

The centerpiece of the new support is a "first-of-its-kind joint program" for the "Octopus" interceptor drone, as reported by the UK Defence Journal. Thousands of these drones, which will be produced in the UK, are scheduled to be supplied to Ukraine on a monthly basis.

During his announcement, Defence Secretary John Healey said the support is a direct response to Russia’s intensified strikes on civilian and energy infrastructure, stating, “Putin's aerial bombardment of Ukraine is cynical, illegal and targeted at civilians.”

Expanding the missile shield

Beyond the new drone program, the UK has accelerated the delivery of other critical air defence hardware. Healey confirmed that more than 200,000 rounds of anti-aircraft ammunition and "hundreds of air-to-air missiles" have been delivered to Kyiv this autumn.

This builds on a steady flow of support throughout the year. A UK government factsheet published in September detailed provisions of additional counter-drone and air defence equipment. This includes a new system named "Gravehawk," jointly funded by the UK and Denmark, which has already been tested in Ukraine with more units to follow.

Earlier, in June, the UK committed 350 ASRAAM missiles, as reported by Euromaidan Press. Originally designed for air-to-air use, British engineers rapidly adapted the missiles to be ground-launched from the UK-developed RAVEN mobile air defence system. By June 2025, Ukraine had already operationally deployed eight Raven systems, with five more confirmed for future delivery. This £70 million package was notably financed using interest generated from frozen Russian financial assets.

A long-term strategic commitment

This latest aid is part of a sustained British commitment to Ukraine's defense. Total military financing from the UK now stands at £13.06 billion since February 2022, according to a House of Commons Library research briefing. The briefing notes that military financing for 2025 alone will be £4.5 billion.

This financial support is built upon a broader, long-term security framework. The UK was the first nation to finalize a ten-year security cooperation agreement with Ukraine on 12 January 2024, which was followed by an agreement for a 100-year partnership in January 2025, as noted in the parliamentary briefing.

Strategic implications for winter

The combination of new systems provides Ukraine with a layered air defence network. The high-volume, lower-cost "Octopus" drones, along with systems like "Gravehawk" and "Raven," are designed to intercept mass attacks by Russian Shahed-type drones.

This strategy is crucial for protecting the national energy grid ahead of winter. By using these systems to counter drones, Ukraine can preserve its more advanced and expensive missile systems, such as the US-provided Patriots, to defend against Russian ballistic and cruise missiles.

Related:

UK delivers hundreds of air defense missiles to Ukraine months ahead of schedule

UK to build pilot batch of Octopus interceptor drones under joint project with Ukraine

Ukraine will receive a new €1.8 billion payment from the European Union after meeting ten key reform requirements, according to the Council of the EU. The funds are part of the EU’s larger €50 billion Ukraine Facility, which supports the country’s recovery, reconstruction, and modernization efforts during the ongoing Russian invasion.

Brussels approves new €1.8 billion tranche for Ukraine

The Council of the EU on 4 November approved the fifth regular payment to Ukraine under the Ukraine Facility program. The disbursement, totaling more than €1.8 billion or more than $2 billion, follows Ukraine’s successful implementation of nine specific reform steps outlined for the fifth payment, as well as
"one outstanding step from the fourth disbursement."

"Payments under the Ukraine Facility are closely linked to the Ukraine Plan, which outlines Ukraine’s strategy for recovery, reconstruction and modernisation, along with a timetable for the implementation of reforms aligned with the country’s EU accession goals over the next years," the Council wrote in its press release.

The payment includes both grants and loans and is designed to reinforce Ukraine’s macro-financial stability and help sustain the functioning of its public administration, according to the Council’s official announcement.

This decision follows the European Commission’s assessment of Ukraine’s payment request on 29 September 2025, after which the Council concluded that Ukraine had satisfactorily fulfilled a number of reforms.

Reforms cover justice, energy, environment, and more

The Council stated that Ukraine has met reforms across a broad range of areas. These include the judicial system, anti-corruption efforts, financial markets, human capital development, business environment, decentralization and regional policy, the energy sector, and the management of critical raw materials. Reforms tied to the green transition and environmental protection were also among the steps recognized as fulfilled.

All these benchmarks are part of the Ukraine Plan — a comprehensive strategy for recovery, reconstruction, and reforms aligned with Ukraine’s EU accession goals. Disbursements under the Ukraine Facility are conditional on meeting the goals set in the Plan and its accompanying reform timeline.

• The Ukraine Facility entered into force on 1 March 2024 and will run through 2027. It provides up to €50 billion in total funding to Ukraine, of which up to €32 billion is earmarked to support reforms and investments under the Ukraine Plan.
• Prior to this fifth payment, the EU had already disbursed €6 billion as bridge financing, €1.89 billion in pre-financing, and four additional installments totaling approximately €4.2 billion, €4.1 billion, €3.5 billion, and €3.2 billion respectively.

 

After months of uncertainty over U.S. aid, the defense secretary pledged that Washington would keep funding programs that help address the wounds of the Vietnam War.

© Hau Dinh/Associated Press

The UK has quietly delivered a new batch of Storm Shadow cruise missiles to Ukraine, according to Bloomberg. The resupply was timed ahead of winter, with British officials fearing Russia will escalate attacks on Ukrainian civilians in the coming months.

UK sends more Storm Shadows without announcing how many

People familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that the UK government recently provided Ukraine with additional Storm Shadow missiles. The exact number of missiles remains undisclosed, and the delivery was not publicly announced. Officials described the move as a precaution, aimed at ensuring Ukraine’s long-range capabilities are maintained through winter, when the Kremlin may intensify its assault on civilian infrastructure.

Storm Shadows are British-made, air-launched cruise missiles with a range of over 250 kilometers. They use inertial and terrain-reference navigation combined with GPS and are designed to fly low and fast, making them difficult to intercept. The UK does not regularly confirm how many Storm Shadows it has provided to Ukraine.

Storm Shadow strikes inside Russia resumed recently

In October, the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces said Storm Shadow missiles were used in a large-scale strike that successfully penetrated Russian air defenses and hit a chemical plant inside Russia. That was the first confirmed use of the missile inside Russian territory since President Donald Trump returned to the White House in January.

Ukraine first launched Storm Shadows into Russia in November last year, just a day after it used US-provided ATACMS missiles for the first time. The British weapons require US targeting data to reach their full potential. 

 

One lawsuit, underway since February, has sought to compel President Trump to honor Congress’s vision for foreign aid. It still has a long way to go.

© Gulshan Khan for The New York Times

Accusing Nigeria of not doing enough to protect Christians from violence, President Trump said he had ordered the Pentagon to prepare for action.

© Anna Rose Layden for The New York Times

Canada has expedited a $10 million payment to Ukraine's energy sector as Russian strikes continue to target power infrastructure ahead of winter, the Canadian government announced.

The early disbursement is part of Canada's $70 million contribution to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, an initiative led by the Energy Community Secretariat. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said the payment will help repair critical energy infrastructure damaged by Russian attacks.

"As winter descends and Russia once again targets essential civilian infrastructure, the need for energy support is urgent," Anand said. "In response, Canada is accelerating efforts to help restore Ukraine's critical energy systems and support Ukrainians through the harsh months ahead."

The Energy Community Secretariat has allocated approximately $50 million of Canada's total contribution to procure and deliver natural gas compressors for Ukraine's Kharkiv region, according to the announcement. The equipment is needed to restore energy supply and stabilize the system before winter.

The decision to fast-track the compressor delivery comes in response to increased attacks on natural gas facilities in recent weeks.

"Canada's swift actions demonstrate our unwavering support for Ukraine's energy sector during these difficult times," said Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State for International Development. "This assistance will help Ukrainian energy companies restore essential inventory and maintain stable operations."

Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson connected energy security to national defense. "Energy security is national security," Hodgson said. "By supporting Ukraine's power systems, infrastructure, and technical capacity, we are supporting freedom, stability, and the shared security of democracies everywhere."

The funding is part of nearly $22 billion in economic, military, humanitarian, development, security, stabilization and immigration assistance Canada has provided to Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion.

Norway recently announced approximately $150 million for Ukraine's electricity and heating needs before winter, while Sweden allocated 35 million euros through the World Bank for winter assistance.

States, cities and nonprofits had sued to spare millions of low-income Americans from losing benefits starting on Saturday, after the Trump administration said it would not fund them.

© Hiroko Masuike/The New York Times

All of Jamaica’s financial defenses — insurance, bonds and credit lines — could be deployed to recover from Hurricane Melissa. Will it be enough?

© Abbie Townsend for The New York Times

Island countries understood that a day like this would come.

© Abbie Townsend for The New York Times; Yamil Lage/AFP, via Getty Images; Matias Delacroix/Associated Press; Maria Alejandra Cardona/Reuters

Roads, infrastructure and the electricity grid were battered, and over one million people, a third of the population, were directly affected by the storm the official said.

© Abbie Townsend for The New York Times

In 2021, rich countries vowed to spend more to help poor countries adapt to warming. That goal is unlikely to be met, a new report finds.

© John Wessels/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

Aid to the devastated territory has increased since the cease-fire took effect and prices have fallen. But many trucks going into Gaza are bringing food and commercial goods to sell that most people cannot afford.

© Saher Alghorra for The New York Times

As Hurricane Melissa threatens island nations across the Caribbean, many are already burdened by debt from a string of climate-fueled crises.

© Octavio Jones/Reuters

Aid to the devastated territory has increased since the cease-fire took effect and prices have fallen. But many trucks going into Gaza are bringing food and commercial goods to sell that most people cannot afford.

© Saher Alghorra for The New York Times

The Czech Republic has delivered hundreds of cogeneration units to Ukraine that can power hospitals or entire districts, Ukrinform reports. These high-efficiency systems are already being installed in Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, and other areas to support critical infrastructure amid ongoing Russian attacks on the Ukrainian power grid.

Czech tech helps secure Ukraine’s power supply

Czech Government Envoy for Ukraine’s Reconstruction Tomáš Kopečný told Ukrinform that the Czech Republic is supplying Ukraine with cogeneration units that serve as alternative energy sources. He emphasized that these are not backup generators but compact, efficient systems capable of generating both heat and electricity. Each unit produces between 500 kW and 4–5 MW of power.

“Since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, when we actually began this work, hundreds of such units have already been delivered,” Kopečný said. He added that the strongest players in the cogeneration sector are the Czech Republic, Austria, and Germany.

According to him, Czech suppliers are not only shipping the units but also establishing branches in Ukraine, training local partners, and contributing to the development of domestic manufacturing.

Czechia strengthens aid through high-tech tools and coordinated support

Alongside cogeneration units, Czechia supplies hundreds — possibly thousands — of 3D printers for use in medicine, industry, and the military.

Czech suppliers are opening branches in Ukraine, training local partners, and helping develop local production. The Czech National Development Bank now implements major Ukraine projects and has received €200 million from the European Commission to support them.

Public fundraising remains active. Campaigns like “Gift for Putin” have funded a tank, helicopter, howitzers, and long-range missiles — often within days. 

Aid to the devastated territory has increased since the cease-fire took effect and prices have fallen. But many trucks going into Gaza are bringing food and commercial goods to sell that most people cannot afford.

© Saher Alghorra for The New York Times

President Javier Milei emerged from the election with an even tighter bond with the United States and a bigger mandate to pass transformative economic plans.

© Luis Robayo/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

© Odelyn Joseph/Associated Press

A Somali hospital ward packed with gasping children shows how war, climate and mistrust of vaccines is fueling the disease’s return.

© Brian Otieno for The New York Times

President Javier Milei of Argentina has earned U.S. support, but he faces a critical legislative election at home amid voter anger over job losses and corruption scandals.

© Anita Pouchard Serra for The New York Times

Kyiv holds a strategic call. On 24 October, Ukraine's Army Commander-in-Chief General Oleksandr Syrskyi spoke with NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Alexus Grynkewich. 

They discussed the formation of new aid packages to meet the needs of Ukrainian troops amid Russia's intensified campaign of terror strikes on Ukraine's infrastructure. 

Russian troops continue terror against civilians

During the conversation, General Syrskyi detailed the current operational situation in combat zones.

He noted that Russia continues its terror against civilians, striking critical infrastructure, educational institutions, kindergartens, hospitals, and residential buildings.

“Energy facilities are the main target of Russian strikes, aimed at leaving Ukrainians without electricity, water, and heating,” Syrskyi said.

A new aid package for the Armed Forces of Ukraine is planned

Syrskyi expressed gratitude to General Grynkewich, US Secretary of War Pete Hegset, Trump, and the American people for their support and assistance to Ukraine.

This regards particularly the practical implementation of the PURL initiative, which is crucial for saving civilian lives and protecting critical infrastructure.

PURL unites NATO countries for collective armament

More than 17 NATO member states have joined the PURL initiative to jointly fund purchases of American weapons for Ukraine.

This is a significant expansion from the original six participating countries: the Netherlands, Germany, Canada, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark.

Britain hosted a meeting of European leaders to discuss bolstering support for Kyiv as winter approaches.

© Tyler Hicks/The New York Times

European leaders want to build on President Trump’s sanctions on Russia with new commitments of financial and military support for Kyiv.

© Tyler Hicks/The New York Times

EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius called on European countries to use an existing defense investment fund to support Ukraine after the US switched from providing aid to selling weapons for Ukraine. He said Europe must act through its own financial instruments and not wait for future compensation schemes.

Kubilius: EU states should direct SAFE loans to Ukraine

Speaking to Bloomberg Television on 23 October during the Berlin Global Dialogue, Kubilius said several EU countries had already told the European Commission that they are ready to use loans from the $174 billion Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program for Ukraine. The fund, created to strengthen the EU’s defense industry, could now become a vital source of support for Kyiv.

“Ukraine needs our assistance. And that’s really our obligation,” Kubilius said. He emphasized that member states should use SAFE loans specifically to aid Ukraine.

After US ends aid, Europe faces pressure to act

US President Donald Trump has not approved new assistance to Ukraine since taking office in January and shifted mid‑summer to a system in which American weapons are only supplied if paid for by other allies. Kubilius’s appeal followed this policy change, which has increased pressure on European countries to find new sources of financing for Kyiv’s war effort.

Kubilius said he hoped countries would not hold back on using SAFE funds while waiting for other solutions. He warned against “temptation to think that, OK, if reparation loan is coming, so we shall not use SAFE loans for Ukraine.”

EU struggles to unlock frozen Russian assets

At a meeting in Brussels on 23 October, EU leaders sought to overcome Belgium’s objections to a proposal to use frozen Russian central bank assets as guarantees for about $163 billion in new loans for Ukraine. Kubilius said that adopting the plan would show Russian President Vladimir Putin that “he really will not achieve anything in Ukraine.”

US President Donald Trump ruled out supplying Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles on 23 October 2025 at the White House, during a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, arguing the weapons are "too complex" for Ukrainian forces to learn quickly and stating that US personnel would not train them.

This decision draws a clear line on the advanced weaponry America is willing to provide, with the President personally refuting "fake news" reports that he had authorized long-range strikes, even as NATO allies continue to fund other US arms for Kyiv.

“A year of intense training”

When asked about providing the advanced cruise missiles, President Trump detailed the logistical and training barriers, effectively taking them off the table.

"Well, the problem with the Tomahawk that a lot of people don't know, it'll take a minimum of six months, usually a year, to learn how to use them. They're highly complex," Trump said.

He explicitly stated that the US would not take on the training mission, calling it "too far out into the future." "It takes a year of intense training to learn how to use it. And we know how to use it. And we're not going to be teaching other people."

“We're not going to do that”

The President further argued that the missile's complexity means it could only be effective with direct US involvement—a step he is unwilling to take.

"So, the only way a Tomahawk is going to be shot is if we shot it. And we're not going to do that," he stated.

“Fake story” on strike permissions

President Trump also used the press availability to forcefully deny a recent Wall Street Journal report, which he claimed falsely stated he had given Ukraine permission to strike deep into Russia.

"It's a fake story. Yeah, it's fake. Wall Street Journal is fake," he said. "...it said that I gave Ukraine permission to shoot missiles deep into Russia. I didn't do that."

He drew a distinction between US-supplied weapons and those from other countries:

"Second of all, they're not using our missiles. They're using, I think, European missiles [which] are from someplace, but they're not using ours. And what they do, I don't control that, but I do control our missiles. They're not shooting our missiles."

Alliance position vs national decisions

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who was present for the discussion, was also asked about Ukraine receiving Tomahawks. He deferred, stating the decision rests with individual members, not the alliance.

"When it comes to Tomahawks or whatever system, it's up to individual nations to decide whatever they want to supply to Ukraine. NATO doesn't take a position," Rutte said. "So I'm not going to comment on the Tomahawks..."

The International Court of Justice said Israel must work with U.N. agencies, including UNRWA, the group for Palestinian refugees, which Israel has banned.

© Piroschka Van De Wouw/Reuters

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Norway on 22 October, for talks with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, NRK reported.

Zelenskyy landed at Gardermoen Airport under strict security measures. First Lady Olena Zelenska and Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha accompanied him on the trip.

"This will be a historic meeting, absolutely," Sybiha told NRK.

Store confirmed that recent developments have shifted the focus of territorial discussions. "What has happened in recent days is that the starting point for territorial issues is the frontline. The one that exists now," the Norwegian prime minister said.

Norway announced an additional 1.5 billion kroner in aid to secure electricity and heating in Ukraine. "Norway's support for Ukraine is strong and continues. It is crucial to have close dialogue with Ukrainian authorities, so that the support meets the needs on the ground in Ukraine," Store said.

The meeting comes days after Zelenskyy's visit to Washington D.C., where he met with US President Donald Trump. Following that meeting, Trump stated that the war should end at current frontlines, with Russia largely retaining the territories it controls.

"We think they should just stop where the lines are now," Trump said, according to Reuters. He added: "It's divided up now. I think 78 % of the country is already taken by Russia."

When asked if he had asked Zelenskyy to cede the entire Donbas region to Russia, Trump answered no. "Let it be what it is."

Store emphasized the importance of a united European response. "I was in conversations with Zelenskyj after that meeting with Trump. Europeans very much support his position. This meeting is to talk further with Ukraine as part of the conversations Ukraine has with European partners," he said.

Asked whether the meeting was arranged because European leaders are uncertain about Trump and his intentions toward Putin, Støre responded: "This is an issue that is in motion, and then it is important that Europe stands together."

Zelenskyy is scheduled to travel to Sweden later Wednesday to meet with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. According to a press release from the Swedish government, they will discuss the war in Ukraine and defense cooperation.

The visit occurs as Russian attacks continue. Overnight on 22 October, six people, including two children, were killed in an attack on Kyiv.

"The massive attack continues. Please stay in shelters," Ukrainian Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk wrote on X. The attack targeted energy facilities and the power grid, carried out with both drones and missiles.

Last week in Washington, Zelenskyy sought to secure Tomahawk missiles, which have a range five times greater than the ATACMS missiles Ukraine has previously received from the US. He left without obtaining them.

After the meeting, Zelenskyy expressed confidence in US support.

"We trust the USA, and we trust that Trump wants to end this war," he said.

On 20 October, Trump said he does not believe Ukraine will win the war against Russia. "They can still win it. I don't think they will, but they can still win it," he told reporters, according to Reuters.

Trump also commented on postponing a planned summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest. "I'm not interested in a wasted meeting," Trump told journalists in the Oval Office.