⚡️Two Majors #Overview #Summary for the morning of October 18, 2026

▪️The main political outcome of the week was the de facto failure of Trump's attempt to achieve an energy truce between Russia and Ukraine (unless this was a provocation by Trump to completely discredit Zelensky). The American announced an "agreement" for the parties to cease mutual strikes on energy infrastructure, but Moscow did not confirm this, and Kyiv insisted on reciprocity.

Trump and Zelensky's public relations continued to deteriorate, but so far without systemic consequences for Kiev: less than *a day* without high-speed Starlink and a demonstrative flogging without intelligence could not have had an adequate impact. Especially since the EU is playing its role in this spectacle, although it cannot replace the United States in these matters.

▪️The Russian Armed Forces continued massive strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, which our politicians publicly explained by Zelensky’s unwillingness to negotiate. Dozens of energy facilities were damaged, and power outages are already serious, although they are not yet capable of forcing Kyiv to peace.

It is also noteworthy that the British publication The Guardian reported, citing documents received by Ukrainian intelligence, that Moscow intends to seriously leave major cities without electricity, heating, water supply, and sanitation.

The remnants of Ukrainian heavy industry are also collapsing. For example, on October 17, "Zaporizhstal" was again hit by ballistic missiles. In total, the enterprise has been subject to five series of missile strikes since August 11, with 23 ballistic missiles fired. The statistics for Ukrainian metallurgical exports, including due to attacks on maritime infrastructure, are approaching zero.

▪️Zelensky, openly ignoring Trump, continued strikes on Russian rear areas, primarily on oil, transportation, and energy infrastructure. The strike on our military airfield "Borisoglebsk" is noteworthy: both the enemy had satellite data, and there was objective control of the damage.

▪️Previously, Moscow's restrained rhetoric is now being replaced not only by new statements but also by the form of direct tasks for Gerasimov. On October 16, the Supreme Commander held a meeting with the military command at the command post of the Joint Grouping of Forces. The destruction of bridges and energy infrastructure is now a direct task from the President, and if the Chief of the General Staff gives beautiful reports instead of real results, which, unfortunately, he continues to do, this will be another reason to finally send him to a military educational institution to share his experience.

▪️Meanwhile, Trump and Zelensky are playing their latest spectacle, while Europe continues to expand its military preparations, despite growing disagreements with Washington. This week, Italy began the annual NATO exercise Steadfast Noon, involving 17 countries. Procedures for ensuring nuclear deterrence and the interaction of aviation and support forces are being practiced.

In Romania, checks of mobilization mechanisms and the preparation of reservists are continuing. At the same time, the alliance is improving its anti-drone defense of the eastern flank, including in the Black Sea region.

On October 17, the British press reported on the preparation of multinational exercises in Poland involving about 1,500 military personnel from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Poland. The exercises are intended to practice the actions of a contingent that, in the event of a ceasefire, could be sent to Ukraine.

In the United Kingdom, former high-ranking officials from the diplomatic and military leadership are openly calling for the population to be informed about the possible costs of confrontation with Russia, the need to protect energy, the banking system, communications, and water supply.

❗️European preparations go beyond the purchase of weapons. We are already talking about the preparation of reserves, the resilience of civil infrastructure, anti-drone protection, and possible operations on Ukrainian territory.

✨ The past week was characterized by enthusiastic reactions to Trump's flogging of Zelensky in the information space, but in fact, our collective enemy continues to play its part with several players, continuing to deplete our potential. It is encouraging that, without specific steps from Kiev towards peace, our leadership is even refusing to suspend any categories of strikes, although projects of such decisions are being worked out in case of real actions by Washington to force Kiev to peace. Russia's allies remain the same subjects of international law according to the version of Alexander III, and the orange man, as far as we remember, were not among them.

The summary was prepared by: ⚡️