Diplomacy · Impact 2 Notable

Trump defends Russia sanctions relief, accuses Zelensky of rejecting peace

18 Oct 2026, 21:59 UTC · ≈ Washington, United States of America · confirmed by 3 outlets

Trump said Zelensky was prolonging the war and that Kyiv had little interest in peace. He said negotiations to end the four-year conflict were making "great progress" and alleged Zelensky was reluctant to reach a deal because of European financial support.

Location: ≈ Washington, United States of America · United States of America live map
Coordinates: ≈ 38.91°N 77.04°W
Reported: 18 Oct 2026, 21:59 UTC
Category: Diplomacy
Impact: 2 of 5 · Notable
Situation: Russia–Ukraine

See it on the live globe → France 24 ↗BBC News ↗Al Jazeera ↗

Russia–Ukraine right now

■ Steady

Ukraine says Starlink restored; Abu Dhabi talks expected next month amid ongoing strikes

On Saturday Ukraine said its Starlink and Starshield connection was stable again after disruptions that caused tensions with Washington, and negotiators from Ukraine, Russia and the US are expected to meet in Abu Dhabi next month. Strikes continued on both sides. On Thursday the UN said Russian attacks killed at least 14 civilians and injured 78 across Ukraine, hours after Moscow said it was ready to resume talks. Maritime analysts say nearly 50 commercial vessels have been attacked in the Black Sea in October.

Ukraine's defence minister said the Starlink and Starshield link is stable again. On Friday Zelensky said limits persisted, and US officials and Elon Musk gave conflicting accounts of who controls access.
Putin said Russia is ready to resume three-way talks on the security parameters of a final deal, not a short truce.
Romania blames Russia for a drone strike that sank the Comoros-flagged Khoryv near its waters, killing one sailor with three missing.
The White House says a localised ceasefire in Oleshky will take effect, but neither Russia nor Ukraine has confirmed it.

Updated 24 Oct 2026, 16:59 UTC · Written by Claude from the reports on this page and on the map. Check the linked sources for full details.

More from Russia–Ukraine

All 118 events in Russia–Ukraine →