US defense chief for talks in Kyiv

Live briefing from RFE/RL updates you on the latest developments on Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine, Western military aid to Kiev, the global response, and the suffering of civilians and refugees. For all of RFE/RL’s coverage of the war, click here Here.

Latest developments at a glance

• US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin arrived in Kyiv on October 21 for talks with the Ukrainian leadership in a show of support for the embattled country as Russia continued its attacks on civil and energy infrastructure.
• The possible use The use of North Korean soldiers to fight invading Russian forces in Ukraine “shows a certain weakness on Russia’s part,” says Gerry Connolly, a U.S. congressman (Democrat-Virginia) and acting president of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.
• Washington is “extremely concerned” about reports of the deployment of North Korean soldiers alongside Russian troops in Ukraine, although it has not yet been able to verify South Korea’s and Ukraine’s claims, a US spokesman said.
• Defense chiefs from the Group of Seven (G7) developed economies vowed to support Ukraine.irreversible path” on eventual NATO membership and promised continued military support “in the short and long term” as Kiev fights against Russia’s full-scale invasion.
• US Secretary of State Uzra Zeya emphasized during a visit to Kyiv: “unwavering US solidarity“With Ukraine against Moscow’s aggression and pledged to continue supporting Kiev’s efforts to combat corruption at home.”

Ukrainians are divided over the potential of Zelensky’s peace plan

Residents of two Ukrainian cities – Mykolaiv and Odessa – expressed their thoughts about President Volodymyr Zelensky’s plan to get Russia to end its war against Ukraine. The President presented it to Parliament on October 16. While some welcomed “any plan” that could end the war, others were less impressed with the proposed steps to make it happen.

Tense times for Ukraine as pressure mounts on the battlefield and beyond

Russian forces are advancing in Donbass, diplomatic pressure on Kiev is increasing and the US elections are approaching. This all adds up to one of the most difficult points for Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Read Steve Gutterman’s story Here.

The Fall of Vuhledar: What Does It Mean for Ukraine’s Beleaguered Military?

Ukraine lost the coal mining town of Vuhledar in Donbass in a months-long, relentless offensive by Russian forces. It probably doesn’t mean the complete collapse of the Ukrainian lines, but it’s definitely not a good sign. Read Mike Eckel’s report Here.

What do Ukrainians expect from Zelensky’s “victory plan”?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will present his plan for winning the war against Russia to US President Joe Biden during his visit to the United States this week. On September 19, RFE/RL asked people in two Ukrainian cities what they thought the path to peace might look like. RFE/RL Ukrainian service report.

Will Ukraine accept Russian refugees? Border residents are not happy

There was skepticism in the Ukrainian border town of Sumy when locals were asked about the government’s plans to take in refugees from Russia’s Kursk region. Officials said civilians displaced by Ukraine’s ongoing military invasion of Russia could be resettled and offered them humanitarian assistance. But one man who spoke to RFE/RL on August 16 said: “Let their country protect them. We’ve had enough of our own suffering.” Video report from RFE/RL’s Ukrainian service.

Why is Ukraine attacking Russia’s oil refineries?

Russia said it would better protect oil refineries after several were hit by Ukrainian drones. Despite US warnings against such attacks, Ukraine continues to attack the facilities and launch ever larger swarms of drones. The strikes have led to a drop in refinery production, but beyond a morale boost for Ukraine, the impact has been modest so far. Read Todd Prince’s story Here.

Interactive: Occupied, militarized Crimea

As Ukrainian leaders vow to retake all territories captured by Russia, Moscow has prepared extensive defensive measures, particularly in Crimea, a region illegally annexed in 2014. This area, now under Russian occupation, became heavily militarized with a number of air bases and army bases, making it one of the most heavily fortified areas in the war. View the interactive map from Crimea.Realities, Schemes, RFE/RL’s Ukrainian service and Central Newsroom Here.