The Russian Federation announced plans to utilize a new draft law to muster reservists for the protection of critical infrastructure, including energy and transport facilities, against escalating Ukrainian drone attacks. The initiative, announced on October 22, aims to form specialized mobile fire teams operating within their home regions, without deployment to the front lines.
The Russian Federation is enacting a series of restrictive laws, including bans on the promotion of abortion and 'child-free ideology,' alongside outlawing LGBTQ+ activism. These measures are part of a broader government strategy to address the nation's shrinking and aging population and promote 'traditional family values.'
Russia utilized guided aerial bombs, known as KABs, for the first time against civilian infrastructure in Ukraine's Odesa region on October 24, 2025. This deployment, confirmed by regional officials, represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, introducing a new long-range threat to previously 'safer' areas.
The Russian Central Bank announced a 50-basis-point cut to its key interest rate, bringing it to 16.5% from 17% on October 24, 2025. This marks the fourth consecutive reduction as the bank balances efforts to curb inflation with concerns over slowing economic growth.
Russia's Central Election Commission has accused Yevgeny Balitsky, the Moscow-appointed head of occupied Zaporizhzhia, of overstepping his authority by dismissing local election chief Galina Katyushchenko. CEC Chair Ella Pamfilova called the dismissal 'legally void' and based on 'minor technical errors,' vowing to seek its overturn by the Prosecutor General's Office.
Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) announced an operation on October 22, 2025, that reportedly killed three Russian paratroopers in Stavropol, Russia. The incident, near a military unit checkpoint, involved the 247th Guards Air Assault Regiment, a unit HUR links to war crimes in Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Thursday that the latest US sanctions, targeting major oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil, are 'serious' but will not significantly impact the Russian economy. He described the measures as an 'unfriendly act' aimed at pressure, while the US cited Russia's lack of commitment to peace in Ukraine. The sanctions, also joined by the EU, caused global oil prices to rise.
The United States has sanctioned Russia's two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, following renewed Russian attacks on Ukraine and the cancellation of a planned Trump-Putin summit in Budapest. The move aims to pressure Moscow to end the ongoing conflict.
The United States is reportedly preparing to deport Russian activist Alexander Bolokhoev, a co-founder of the Buryat independence movement 'Tusgaar Buryaad–Mongolia,' back to Russia. Bolokhoev faces potential arrest, imprisonment, torture, or death as his movement is deemed 'terrorist and extremist' by Russian authorities. He is currently held in an Oklahoma detention center.
Multiple international reports indicate Russia's economy is heading towards stagnation in 2025, with GDP growth forecasts significantly lowered. Factors cited include the Central Bank's restrictive monetary policy, a substantial decline in oil and gas revenues, and an economic structure increasingly reliant on arms production while civilian sectors contract.
Russian President Vladimir Putin oversaw large-scale drills of the country's strategic nuclear forces on October 22, 2025, involving test launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles and cruise missiles. The exercises, which included land, sea, and air components, occurred hours after U.S. President Donald Trump announced the postponement of a planned meeting with Putin in Budapest.
Russia launched extensive drone and missile strikes across Ukraine, primarily targeting energy infrastructure in late October 2025. The attacks resulted in at least six deaths and numerous injuries, with Kyiv and Chernihiv among the hardest-hit cities experiencing significant power outages and damage to residential areas.
Russian President Vladimir Putin oversaw large-scale drills of the country's strategic nuclear forces on October 22, 2025, including test launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles and cruise missiles. The exercises, designed to test the nuclear triad, occurred hours after a planned summit with U.S. President Donald Trump was put on hold.
The Russian Federation's Finance Ministry has proposed increasing the Value-Added Tax (VAT) rate from 20% to 22% starting January 1, 2026. This move, part of the 2026-2028 draft budget, aims to generate an estimated 1 trillion to 1.3 trillion rubles annually to cover surging defense and security spending amidst a strained wartime economy and a widening budget deficit.
Russian company Russneft has delivered the inaugural oil shipment to Georgia's newly operational Kulevi oil refinery. The delivery, comprising 105,340 metric tons of Siberian Light crude, occurred on October 6, marking a significant economic development between Moscow and Tbilisi despite a lack of formal diplomatic ties.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated Moscow's firm stance against an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, stating that any truce must address the 'root causes' of the conflict, which he defines as Ukraine's complete capitulation, neutrality, and recognition of Russian territorial gains. This rejection comes amidst international calls for a halt to hostilities and has stalled high-level diplomatic efforts.
Ukrainian drones launched a 'massive air attack' on Russia's Bryansk and Rostov oblasts overnight on October 21, 2025, causing limited damage and injuring two people. Russian authorities reported repelling the attacks. Concurrently, Ukraine's SBU claimed to have destroyed two Russian light aircraft used for intercepting drones at an occupied airfield.
Russian President Vladimir Putin held his first direct talks with Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Moscow on October 15, 2025, marking a significant shift in relations following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024. Discussions focused on safeguarding Russia's military presence, economic cooperation, and Syria's reconstruction efforts.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak met with a Sudanese delegation on October 20, 2025, to bolster cooperation in transport, energy, trade, agriculture, and education. The discussions built on agreements from the 8th Joint Intergovernmental Commission, aiming to deepen ties between the two nations.
Former US President Donald Trump has urged Russia and Ukraine to freeze the conflict along current battle lines, a proposal that would see Moscow retain significant Ukrainian territory. The call followed recent meetings and discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, ahead of a planned summit between Trump and Putin in Budapest. Reactions have been mixed, with Ukraine reiterating its stance against territorial concessions, while some European leaders have supported the ceasefire aspect as a starting point for negotiations.
