Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky with French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on sidelines of European Council meeting in Brussels, Belgium, October 23, 2025

EA on RTE and Ukraine’s War and Politics 24: Trump Administration Turns Against Putin

EA on International Outlets: Ukraine — Putin Snubs Trump Over Meeting and Russia’s Attacks on Civilians

Thursday’s Coverage: US Sanctions Russia’s Biggest Oil Companies

UPDATE 0736 GMT:

Discussing US sanctions against Russia’s leading oil companies, “informed sources” say Donald Trump chose the “middle option” of three presented to him.

The sources said the harshest option targeted top leaders and Russian industry, while the mildest included “limited measures”.

The Administration has discussed sanctions for months, but Trump remained hesitant, fearing the negative effect on talks with Vladimir Putin. He snapped when he concluded that Putin was “simply pulling his leg” and stalling for time, said the unnamed officials.

After the Russians scuttled a meeting in Budapest, announced by Trump after a phone call from Putin on October 16, he told advisors that his “instincts” told him it was time to move in a different direction in relations with Moscow.

Trump declared on Thursday that the effects of the sanctions will be visible within six months.

ORIGINAL ENTRY: Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has welcomed European support on Kyiv’s finances, air defenses, and sanctions against Russia’s 45-month full-scale invasion.

Zelensky posted on Thursday night, after a series of discussions with national leaders at the European Council meeting in Brussels.

The European Union assured that financial assistance to Ukraine will be maintained not only next year, but also in 2027. This is an important unanimous decision. We have secured political support with regard to frozen Russian assets and their maximum use to defend against Russian aggression. The European Commission will work out all the necessary details.

The President cited “positive signals…on strengthening air defense”, welcoming work “with the countries that can support our energy sector – both in recovery and in the supply of essential resources”.

He said of the EU’s 19th sanctions packages, with measures against Russia’s “shadow fleet” and a commitment to cut off all imports of Russian gas by January 1, 2027:

It is also important that its elements be supported by the sanctions from other European countries outside the EU, particularly the United Kingdom, Norway, and Switzerland. Of course, we are already beginning work with the EU on the next sanctions package – Russia must feel the real losses caused by its war.

The EU’s measures were complemented by the Trump Administration’s announcement of sanctions on Russia’s two largest oil firms, Rosneft and Lukoil.

Zelensky’s day included meetings with Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, France’s Emmanuel Macron, Finland’s Pettori Orpo, Czechia’s Petr Fiala, Poland’s Donald Tusk, and Germany’s Friedrich Merz: