The conflict has entered a cycle of energy strikes, with Zelenskiy pledging to double down on raids against Russian oil refineries to deplete war funding. This strategy ignores a request from Donald Trump to halt the attacks to avoid driving up global energy costs; Russian refinery runs have already dropped 14%, contributing to US diesel prices exceeding $6.30 per gallon. The Russian Ministry of Defense has vowed to further intensify strikes on military and industrial sites, stating that Zelenskiy bears full personal and political responsibility for the resulting escalation.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
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EU Diplomats Defy Russian Order to Leave Kyiv After Bridge Strike
War16 days ago
Heads of foreign missions in the Ukrainian capital are refusing to vacate their posts despite warnings from the Russian Foreign Ministry that they will be solely responsible for any adverse consequences. This diplomatic defiance follows a Russian drone strike on a key bridge over the Dnipro river that occurred during a visit by the German chancellor. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy responded to the escalation by threatening to target telecom networks in Moscow after Russia struck roughly a dozen data centers and numerous warehouses across Kyiv throughout September and October.
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