Trump (U.S. President): Zelensky will ask for Tomahawks on October 17 - Putin (Russia): Tomahawks are for show, Russia will shoot them down.
(upd9) While the situation in Ukraine worsens day by day; the West is escalating.
On the front, Russian forces literally crushed the Ukrainians with three mechanized attacks — using tanks, armored vehicles and motorcycles west of Pokrovsk in Dobropillia, and also toward the fortress cities Kostyantynivka–Druzhkivka.
Special attention is paid to the mechanized attacks because many months had passed since the Russians used tanks and armored vehicles so massively, which again signals a change of strategy.
And while the Russians in Dobropillia have routed the Ukrainians on the diplomatic front; chaos ensues.
President Trump announced that Zelensky will ask him for Tomahawks on October 17.
On October 15, NATO will announce that it will provide significant weapons to Ukraine.
NATO has also adopted a decision on rules of engagement; if Russian aircraft carry armament and fly over the airspace of a NATO state, they will be shot down.
Of course, it is one thing for NATO to say it will shoot aircraft down and another to actually carry out such an act; Russian retaliation would be shocking and fearsome.
Russia in response to all this is calm, showing composure and confidence; it is militarily mighty and, in the case of Ukraine, defensive — not attacking; it is on the right side of history.
Trump (U.S. President): Zelensky will ask for Tomahawks on October 17
The U.S. President remarked:
“President [Zelensky] is coming to see me on Friday, October 17.
And I know what he will say.
He would like to obtain a Tomahawk."
Trump also said that the United States has a large stockpile of these weapons.
According to the Kyiv Post, Zelensky will try to participate in the creation of the U.S. missile defense system “Golden Dome” during his visit to the United States.
Recently, Trump said he had essentially reached a decision to supply American cruise missiles to Ukraine, but wanted to understand how Kyiv intended to use them.
The Kremlin warned that such a move could lead to serious escalation, since Tomahawks are nuclear-capable weapons.
Putin (Russia): “Tomahawks are for show, Russia will shoot them down”
Russian President Putin dismissed discussions about these weapons, stressing that they are merely “for show.”
He noted that Russia’s response will be to strengthen its air defenses.
President Putin also emphasized that the transfer of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine would damage relations between Russia and the United States, and that the use of those missiles without the direct participation of U.S. military personnel is impossible.
The outlet Responsible Statecraft wrote that the Ukrainian Armed Forces do not have the capability to launch Tomahawks.
Matthew Whitaker (NATO): Major weapons announcement for Ukraine on October 15
The United States will unveil a major arms deal for Ukraine on October 15, according to Bloomberg.
U.S. envoy to NATO Matthew Whitaker said allies are expected to pledge large sums for Ukrainian arms purchases and that “significant announcements” will be made, though he did not specify which weapons will be included.
Last week, President Trump said he had essentially decided to supply Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine but wanted to understand how Kyiv would use them.
Russia warned such a move could trigger a serious escalation, calling Tomahawks nuclear-capable weapons.
President Putin dismissed the discussion as “showmanship,” arguing that transferring Tomahawks to Ukraine would harm U.S.–Russia relations and would be impossible without direct American military involvement.
Telegraph: NATO considering new rules to shoot down Russian fighter jets
According to the Telegraph, NATO’s military leadership is debating new rules to simplify the shooting down of Russian aircraft carrying surface-attack missiles.
Weapon payloads and flight paths will be decisive in assessing threats.
NATO’s Supreme Commander in Europe Alexus Grinkevich supports creating a unified air and missile defense system that would override national reservations among member states.
Defense ministers are expected to discuss the issue on October 15, 2025.
On September 19, three Russian MiG-31s reportedly flew over the Baltic Sea near Kaliningrad, briefly entering Estonian airspace near Vaindloo Island for about 12 minutes.
Zelensky may be forced not to run in elections over Tomahawks
On October 17, Ukrainian President Zelensky will meet President Trump in Washington.
Trump confirmed Zelensky will request Tomahawk missiles, calling it a major step in the conflict.
Politico reports that U.S.–Ukrainian relations have improved markedly since their Oval Office dispute in February, with Trump abandoning his earlier strategy of flattering Putin.
Former Ukrainian MP Vladimir Oleynik said the Tomahawk discussion is “public blackmail” that won’t ensure real deliveries, warning that Russia could respond by supplying similar missiles to Venezuela or Iran.
He added that for Trump, this is a “big game of raising and lowering the stakes.”
American Tomahawks and German Taurus missiles heading to Ukraine
Trump reportedly will allow Ukraine to strike only military targets, while Zelensky wants permission to attack political targets as well.
Regardless, the move represents a new phase of escalation.
Once the U.S. delivers Tomahawks, Germany is expected to follow by sending Taurus missiles to Ukraine.
Mark Rutte (NATO): F-35 and Patriot deliveries delayed up to 10 years — The Lada and refrigerator joke
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned that the production and delivery rates for F-35 fighters and Patriot air defense systems are extremely slow, with waits up to 10 years.
He humorously compared the delays to a Soviet-era joke about waiting a decade for a Lada car while the refrigerator arrives that afternoon — noting the comparison now fits the arms industry.
Rutte said this issue affects both Europe and the United States, as defense firms face huge demand.
He hopes long-term contracts will stop being required and noted that any Patriot system ordered today by a NATO country will take around a decade to deliver.
The highest defense spending this year is reported in Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Norway.
Orban (Prime Minister of Hungary): The EU must reach an agreement with Russia on Ukraine – Don’t stay on the sidelines
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban urged the European Union to reach a deal with Russia to resolve the war in Ukraine, stressing that Europe risks being excluded from peace negotiations if it does not act.
He cited the recent U.S.-brokered Middle East peace deal as an example of persistence in diplomacy, praising President Donald Trump for achieving what “seemed impossible for decades.”
Orban criticized Brussels for limiting itself to “symbolic statements” while the U.S. and its allies “worked patiently for peace.”
He warned that unless Europe follows a similar path and negotiates with Russia “based on its own interests,” it will be left “in the corner” as others decide the outcome.
“Persistence, and according to our own interests — back to work, Europe!” Orban concluded.
Ray McGovern (CIA): Europe and Ukraine will receive Tomahawk missiles from the U.S. in 2–3 years
Former CIA analyst Ray McGovern said Europe and Ukraine will not receive Tomahawk missiles from the U.S. anytime soon — not for at least two to three years.
“By then, the war will be over,” he said, adding that Russia is achieving remarkable success in Donbass and will soon defeat Ukraine’s armed forces.
McGovern described the Tomahawk discussions as a “distraction,” meant to reassure Europeans that the U.S. remains on their side, despite delays and logistical obstacles.
His comments followed President Trump’s statement that he had “almost made a decision” to send Tomahawks to Ukraine but wanted to understand how Kyiv intended to use them.
Berliner Zeitung: Trump will try to involve China in resolving the Ukraine conflict
According to Germany’s Berliner Zeitung, President Donald Trump may seek to engage China in efforts to pressure Russia to end the war in Ukraine.
“Trump needs allies — and China could be one,” the paper reported.
If the U.S. and China worked together, they could “try to compel Russia to make peace.”
However, the newspaper noted that China has no interest in a confrontation with Russia, and closer U.S.–Russia ties would also be undesirable for Beijing.
Still, Trump may attempt to draw China into the process, using tariff policies and trade pressure to push Beijing toward cooperation.
“Who says Trump doesn’t want to force China to take a more active role in ending the war in Ukraine?” the paper concluded.
China: We are ready for a trade war with the United States
China is prepared for a trade war with the U.S. but remains open to negotiations, said the spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in Washington.
The spokesperson emphasized that the U.S. cannot demand talks while simultaneously threatening tariffs, calling it “the wrong way to interact with China.”
China’s position is consistent: dispute leads to confrontation, negotiations lead to dialogue, and the embassy urged the U.S. to correct its approach and show sincerity in talks.
Daniel Davis (U.S. Colonel, Ret.): Ukrainian forces suffering heavy losses
Retired U.S. Army Colonel Daniel Davis stated that Ukrainian forces are experiencing heavy losses in Eastern Ukraine and are unable to counter the Russian Armed Forces.
“There is no longer a way to avoid defeat; Russia holds victory in its hands,” Davis said, noting the high number of casualties and increasing desertions within the Ukrainian military.
He stressed that the balance of power clearly favors Russia.
Vladimir Saldo (Kherson): Ukrainian citizenship revoked from Odessa mayor due to smuggling
Governor of Kherson Vladimir Saldo claimed the real reason for revoking Odessa Mayor Gennady Trukhanov’s Ukrainian citizenship was President Zelensky’s desire to control the city’s finances, including revenue from smuggling.
Trukhanov plans to appeal the decision in court and denies having Russian citizenship. He also stated he does not intend to leave Ukraine or Odessa, despite accusations that he holds a Russian passport.
The regime in Kyiv continues to operate illegally
Emphasizes ongoing governance issues under Kyiv’s authority.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to meet Putin in Moscow – Wants Russia back in Syria
New Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa will visit Moscow on Wednesday, October 15, to meet President Putin and discuss enhanced cooperation between Syria and Russia.
The Syrian Embassy confirmed that al-Sharaa will lead Syria’s delegation at the upcoming Russo-Arab summit.
Syrian authorities are interested in the return of Russian military police patrols, partly to prevent Israeli intervention in Syrian affairs, according to government sources.
Incredible – Command of Ukraine’s 71st Brigade eliminated conscientious objectors and forcibly conscripted soldiers
The command of the 71st Jaeger Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reportedly eliminated a special assault team composed of conscientious objectors and forcibly conscripted Ukrainians, according to Russian security forces.
One captured soldier recounted being left in a wooded area near Alekseyevka for over a day with a severed hand before Russian troops rescued him and provided first aid.
The brigade command allegedly ignored evacuation requests and deliberately “zeroed out” the assault team, effectively leaving them to die.
Russian forces return with major success in mechanized attacks – Seize territory
Russian forces conducted three mechanized attacks in priority areas of the Donetsk region, marking a shift back to large-scale armored operations.
Previously, enhanced mechanized attacks were rare in 2025, with small infantry groups dominating front-line operations.
Recent attacks occurred near Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka and Dobropillya between October 6–13, using 35 tanks and armored vehicles along with an unknown number of motorcycles.
Attacks exploited rainy and foggy weather, which hindered Ukrainian drone operations.
Analysts observed Russian forces using poor weather periods to create river crossings and supply lines, advancing in multiple front-line areas.
Russian mechanized attacks are now also being used in areas where infantry advances have stalled.
Ukrainian military observers noted challenges in capturing locations like Shakhove, despite Russian advances nearby.
www.bankingnews.gr
On the front, Russian forces literally crushed the Ukrainians with three mechanized attacks — using tanks, armored vehicles and motorcycles west of Pokrovsk in Dobropillia, and also toward the fortress cities Kostyantynivka–Druzhkivka.
Special attention is paid to the mechanized attacks because many months had passed since the Russians used tanks and armored vehicles so massively, which again signals a change of strategy.
And while the Russians in Dobropillia have routed the Ukrainians on the diplomatic front; chaos ensues.
President Trump announced that Zelensky will ask him for Tomahawks on October 17.
On October 15, NATO will announce that it will provide significant weapons to Ukraine.
NATO has also adopted a decision on rules of engagement; if Russian aircraft carry armament and fly over the airspace of a NATO state, they will be shot down.
Of course, it is one thing for NATO to say it will shoot aircraft down and another to actually carry out such an act; Russian retaliation would be shocking and fearsome.
Russia in response to all this is calm, showing composure and confidence; it is militarily mighty and, in the case of Ukraine, defensive — not attacking; it is on the right side of history.
Trump (U.S. President): Zelensky will ask for Tomahawks on October 17
The U.S. President remarked:
“President [Zelensky] is coming to see me on Friday, October 17.
And I know what he will say.
He would like to obtain a Tomahawk."
Trump also said that the United States has a large stockpile of these weapons.
According to the Kyiv Post, Zelensky will try to participate in the creation of the U.S. missile defense system “Golden Dome” during his visit to the United States.
Recently, Trump said he had essentially reached a decision to supply American cruise missiles to Ukraine, but wanted to understand how Kyiv intended to use them.
The Kremlin warned that such a move could lead to serious escalation, since Tomahawks are nuclear-capable weapons.
Putin (Russia): “Tomahawks are for show, Russia will shoot them down”
Russian President Putin dismissed discussions about these weapons, stressing that they are merely “for show.”
He noted that Russia’s response will be to strengthen its air defenses.
President Putin also emphasized that the transfer of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine would damage relations between Russia and the United States, and that the use of those missiles without the direct participation of U.S. military personnel is impossible.
The outlet Responsible Statecraft wrote that the Ukrainian Armed Forces do not have the capability to launch Tomahawks.
Matthew Whitaker (NATO): Major weapons announcement for Ukraine on October 15
The United States will unveil a major arms deal for Ukraine on October 15, according to Bloomberg.
U.S. envoy to NATO Matthew Whitaker said allies are expected to pledge large sums for Ukrainian arms purchases and that “significant announcements” will be made, though he did not specify which weapons will be included.
Last week, President Trump said he had essentially decided to supply Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine but wanted to understand how Kyiv would use them.
Russia warned such a move could trigger a serious escalation, calling Tomahawks nuclear-capable weapons.
President Putin dismissed the discussion as “showmanship,” arguing that transferring Tomahawks to Ukraine would harm U.S.–Russia relations and would be impossible without direct American military involvement.
Telegraph: NATO considering new rules to shoot down Russian fighter jets
According to the Telegraph, NATO’s military leadership is debating new rules to simplify the shooting down of Russian aircraft carrying surface-attack missiles.
Weapon payloads and flight paths will be decisive in assessing threats.
NATO’s Supreme Commander in Europe Alexus Grinkevich supports creating a unified air and missile defense system that would override national reservations among member states.
Defense ministers are expected to discuss the issue on October 15, 2025.
On September 19, three Russian MiG-31s reportedly flew over the Baltic Sea near Kaliningrad, briefly entering Estonian airspace near Vaindloo Island for about 12 minutes.
Zelensky may be forced not to run in elections over Tomahawks
On October 17, Ukrainian President Zelensky will meet President Trump in Washington.
Trump confirmed Zelensky will request Tomahawk missiles, calling it a major step in the conflict.
Politico reports that U.S.–Ukrainian relations have improved markedly since their Oval Office dispute in February, with Trump abandoning his earlier strategy of flattering Putin.
Former Ukrainian MP Vladimir Oleynik said the Tomahawk discussion is “public blackmail” that won’t ensure real deliveries, warning that Russia could respond by supplying similar missiles to Venezuela or Iran.
He added that for Trump, this is a “big game of raising and lowering the stakes.”
American Tomahawks and German Taurus missiles heading to Ukraine
Trump reportedly will allow Ukraine to strike only military targets, while Zelensky wants permission to attack political targets as well.
Regardless, the move represents a new phase of escalation.
Once the U.S. delivers Tomahawks, Germany is expected to follow by sending Taurus missiles to Ukraine.
Mark Rutte (NATO): F-35 and Patriot deliveries delayed up to 10 years — The Lada and refrigerator joke
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned that the production and delivery rates for F-35 fighters and Patriot air defense systems are extremely slow, with waits up to 10 years.
He humorously compared the delays to a Soviet-era joke about waiting a decade for a Lada car while the refrigerator arrives that afternoon — noting the comparison now fits the arms industry.
Rutte said this issue affects both Europe and the United States, as defense firms face huge demand.
He hopes long-term contracts will stop being required and noted that any Patriot system ordered today by a NATO country will take around a decade to deliver.
The highest defense spending this year is reported in Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Norway.
Orban (Prime Minister of Hungary): The EU must reach an agreement with Russia on Ukraine – Don’t stay on the sidelines
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban urged the European Union to reach a deal with Russia to resolve the war in Ukraine, stressing that Europe risks being excluded from peace negotiations if it does not act.
He cited the recent U.S.-brokered Middle East peace deal as an example of persistence in diplomacy, praising President Donald Trump for achieving what “seemed impossible for decades.”
Orban criticized Brussels for limiting itself to “symbolic statements” while the U.S. and its allies “worked patiently for peace.”
He warned that unless Europe follows a similar path and negotiates with Russia “based on its own interests,” it will be left “in the corner” as others decide the outcome.
“Persistence, and according to our own interests — back to work, Europe!” Orban concluded.
Ray McGovern (CIA): Europe and Ukraine will receive Tomahawk missiles from the U.S. in 2–3 years
Former CIA analyst Ray McGovern said Europe and Ukraine will not receive Tomahawk missiles from the U.S. anytime soon — not for at least two to three years.
“By then, the war will be over,” he said, adding that Russia is achieving remarkable success in Donbass and will soon defeat Ukraine’s armed forces.
McGovern described the Tomahawk discussions as a “distraction,” meant to reassure Europeans that the U.S. remains on their side, despite delays and logistical obstacles.
His comments followed President Trump’s statement that he had “almost made a decision” to send Tomahawks to Ukraine but wanted to understand how Kyiv intended to use them.
Berliner Zeitung: Trump will try to involve China in resolving the Ukraine conflict
According to Germany’s Berliner Zeitung, President Donald Trump may seek to engage China in efforts to pressure Russia to end the war in Ukraine.
“Trump needs allies — and China could be one,” the paper reported.
If the U.S. and China worked together, they could “try to compel Russia to make peace.”
However, the newspaper noted that China has no interest in a confrontation with Russia, and closer U.S.–Russia ties would also be undesirable for Beijing.
Still, Trump may attempt to draw China into the process, using tariff policies and trade pressure to push Beijing toward cooperation.
“Who says Trump doesn’t want to force China to take a more active role in ending the war in Ukraine?” the paper concluded.
China: We are ready for a trade war with the United States
China is prepared for a trade war with the U.S. but remains open to negotiations, said the spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in Washington.
The spokesperson emphasized that the U.S. cannot demand talks while simultaneously threatening tariffs, calling it “the wrong way to interact with China.”
China’s position is consistent: dispute leads to confrontation, negotiations lead to dialogue, and the embassy urged the U.S. to correct its approach and show sincerity in talks.
Daniel Davis (U.S. Colonel, Ret.): Ukrainian forces suffering heavy losses
Retired U.S. Army Colonel Daniel Davis stated that Ukrainian forces are experiencing heavy losses in Eastern Ukraine and are unable to counter the Russian Armed Forces.
“There is no longer a way to avoid defeat; Russia holds victory in its hands,” Davis said, noting the high number of casualties and increasing desertions within the Ukrainian military.
He stressed that the balance of power clearly favors Russia.
Vladimir Saldo (Kherson): Ukrainian citizenship revoked from Odessa mayor due to smuggling
Governor of Kherson Vladimir Saldo claimed the real reason for revoking Odessa Mayor Gennady Trukhanov’s Ukrainian citizenship was President Zelensky’s desire to control the city’s finances, including revenue from smuggling.
Trukhanov plans to appeal the decision in court and denies having Russian citizenship. He also stated he does not intend to leave Ukraine or Odessa, despite accusations that he holds a Russian passport.
The regime in Kyiv continues to operate illegally
Emphasizes ongoing governance issues under Kyiv’s authority.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to meet Putin in Moscow – Wants Russia back in Syria
New Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa will visit Moscow on Wednesday, October 15, to meet President Putin and discuss enhanced cooperation between Syria and Russia.
The Syrian Embassy confirmed that al-Sharaa will lead Syria’s delegation at the upcoming Russo-Arab summit.
Syrian authorities are interested in the return of Russian military police patrols, partly to prevent Israeli intervention in Syrian affairs, according to government sources.
Incredible – Command of Ukraine’s 71st Brigade eliminated conscientious objectors and forcibly conscripted soldiers
The command of the 71st Jaeger Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reportedly eliminated a special assault team composed of conscientious objectors and forcibly conscripted Ukrainians, according to Russian security forces.
One captured soldier recounted being left in a wooded area near Alekseyevka for over a day with a severed hand before Russian troops rescued him and provided first aid.
The brigade command allegedly ignored evacuation requests and deliberately “zeroed out” the assault team, effectively leaving them to die.
Russian forces return with major success in mechanized attacks – Seize territory
Russian forces conducted three mechanized attacks in priority areas of the Donetsk region, marking a shift back to large-scale armored operations.
Previously, enhanced mechanized attacks were rare in 2025, with small infantry groups dominating front-line operations.
Recent attacks occurred near Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka and Dobropillya between October 6–13, using 35 tanks and armored vehicles along with an unknown number of motorcycles.
Attacks exploited rainy and foggy weather, which hindered Ukrainian drone operations.
Analysts observed Russian forces using poor weather periods to create river crossings and supply lines, advancing in multiple front-line areas.
Russian mechanized attacks are now also being used in areas where infantry advances have stalled.
Ukrainian military observers noted challenges in capturing locations like Shakhove, despite Russian advances nearby.
www.bankingnews.gr
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