Russian invasion The negotiations

Sources: Kremlin to Escalate as Trump Weakens in the US

Donald Trump and his fellow Republicans are heading toward a major loss of power and prestige in the US midterm elections—a scenario that could have a significant impact on the war in Ukraine, reports Bloomberg.

According to sources, the Kremlin has lost faith in Trump’s ability to pressure Zelenskyy into an agreement favorable to Russia. Consequently, it is shifting its strategy toward intensifying attacks on Ukraine and increasing pressure on the country’s European allies.

In particular, the Kremlin is reportedly focusing on more extensive strikes against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure this winter, with the aim of forcing the country to capitulate.

However, a source close to the Kremlin suggests that Russia has been emboldened by its diesel deal with the US and is now seeking to convince the Trump administration that further business deals can be struck without first ending the war in Ukraine.

White House: Melania Trump to Host Meeting on Ukraine

Melania Trump is set to host a meeting concerning Russia and Ukraine, the White House announced, according to several news agencies.

"This represents an extraordinary moment in American history," the White House stated in a press release.

Melania Trump has previously been credited with helping to facilitate a humanitarian ceasefire that was recently implemented in the Ukrainian town of Oleshky.

It has not yet been disclosed who will participate in the meeting, nor when it is scheduled to take place. It has previously been announced that Ukrainian and Russian representatives are set to meet in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates, next week—on November 10–11.

Merz welcomes Zelenskyy to Berlin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Berlin. In the German capital, his agenda includes talks with both Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Zelenskyy writes in a post on X.

The meeting with Merz is expected to focus on preparations for next week’s meeting of the “coalition of the willing,” reports the German broadcaster RBB. Ukraine’s air defense and energy sector will also be discussed during the meeting, according to Zelenskyy.

The visit coincides with the opening of the annual, two-day security conference in Berlin.