Volodymyr Zelenskyy has spoken out on Donald Trump’s plan for a compromise in his bid to end the war. It comes after Ukraine used British Storm Shadow missiles to target a chemical plant in Russia. Listen to the latest episode of Trump 100 as you scroll.
Wednesday 22 October 2025 14:31, UK
Last night, Ukraine used British Storm Shadow missiles to attack a chemical plant in Russia used in the manufacturing of munitions and explosives.
Now, the country’s General Staff of Armed Forces has outlined other targets it hit overnight.
These, it said, were part of Russia’s “military-economic capacity”:
Slovakia’s prime minister has said the country could support the European Union’s 19th sanctions package against Russia.
Robert Fico said they will likely support the package if it sees its demands are included in conclusions of a summit of the bloc’s leaders this week.
He was speaking ahead of talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and said “if we see the conclusions that we pushed through, I will go over it again this evening”.
“I will probably tell Merz that we agree with the 19th package,” he added.
The latest conclusion adds more detailed references to energy prices and the automotive sector – two of the things Fico has been pushing for.
It comes after Slovakia vetoed the new round of sanctions against Russia last week, with Austria also remaining as an obstacle.
While Volodymyr Zelenskyy is visiting Nordic countries today, Vladimir Putin has held strategic nuclear drills.
According to state news agency TASS, Putin participated via video call and the Kremlin released a video showing General Valery Gerasimov partaking in the drill.
The training included practice launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of hitting the US.
Putin has often used military drills to try and demonstrate Russia’s capabilities and NATO also conducted a nuclear deterrence exercise this month.
Authorities in Ukraine reported the Kyiv region was targeted by Russia overnight, with at least six people killed in the area.
These are some of the images of the aftermath…
Volodymyr Zelenskyy said yesterday that this would be a busy diplomatic week for Ukraine.
Following his visit to Nordic countries today, the Ukrainian leader will head to the European Council tomorrow.
The body’s president, Antonio Costa, confirmed the visit, adding: “We will discuss how to further support Ukraine as it faces Russia’s war of aggression.
“Our commitment is unwavering. Our course is clear. We will keep increasing pressure on Russia while strengthening Ukraine in pursuit of peace.”
At the meeting, the EU will discuss the latest sanctions on Russia and also the possibility of using seized Russian assets to help fund Ukraine’s war.
Plans for a meeting between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump appeared to fall apart yesterday.
But Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban has said his government is still preparing for the meeting in Budapest.
This also reflects the feeling in Moscow, which just this morning said preparations are still under way, even if it will take time (see 10:13).
“(Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter) Szijjarto is in Washington. Preparations for the peace summit are continuing. The date is still uncertain. When the time comes, we will hold it,” Orban wrote on social media.
Trump said last week he would meet Putin in Hungary soon, but then yesterday (see our 7.23 post for more) said he didn’t want a “wasted meeting”.
Orban, who is trailing in most polls ahead of next year’s elections, has been a long-time Trump ally and maintained warm relations with Moscow.
The fatal overnight attacks from Russia on Ukraine claimed at least seven lives, authorities have said.
The strikes are a regular feature of the war and have grown larger in recent months.
According to Ukraine’s air force, Russia launched 433 missiles and drones overnight – of which 349 were shot down.
The “primary target” of the attack, it said, was the Kyiv region, but other areas were also hit.
It added that the attack continued well into the morning, and was ongoing as of 10.30am UK time (see our 11.26 and 7.36 posts for more).
As we reported earlier, Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in Sweden today, and the country’s government has now confirmed his trip is to discuss a possible defence export deal (see 8.19 post).
He has now arrived in the country – after a brief stop in Norway – where Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson will join him at the factory of defence contractor Saab.
Saab is the maker of the JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet, the GlobalEye surveillance aircraft, missile systems, anti-tank infantry weapons and other equipment.
A spokesperson for the contractor said Zelenskyy’s visit shows there is strong belief in the competence and capacity that Saab has in the area of fighter planes.
Kristersson didn’t specify what exactly would be discussed, but he told public broadcaster Swedish Radio “when it comes to flying capability in the midst of the ongoing war, it is radar reconnaissance aircraft that are the major contribution”.
Our defence analyst Michael Clarke has been speaking to presenter Gareth Barlow just now about Ukraine and Russia’s recent strikes.
He outlined the Ukrainian strategy, of which the British Storm Shadows were a part.
He contrasts this to how Russia is deciding on its own targets in the war.
Watch his latest analysis here…
A Russian drone strike hit a nursery in Kharkiv overnight, according to Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“Tragically, one fatality has been confirmed,” he said.
“As of now, seven people have been injured and are receiving medical care
“All children have been evacuated and are sheltering safely.”
Many are “experiencing acute stress reactions”, he said.
“There is no – and cannot be – any justification for a drone strike on a kindergarten,” he added.
“It’s clear that Russia is growing more brazen. These attacks are a slap in the face to anyone advocating for a peaceful resolution.”
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