US President Donald Trump has waived several sanctions against Russia, drawing criticism from US lawmakers and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The sanctions were approved by Congress and signed into law in September. Trump said suspending some measures was in the US national interest.   Zelensky called the decision unfortunate and said the sanctions could have put pressure on Russia to end the war. He also reported Russian attacks on 15 Ukrainian energy facilities, causing power cuts. At least nine people were killed and around 60 injured in Russian strikes across Ukraine over 24 hours, Ukrainian authorities said.  

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said military access to SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet had not been fully restored after restrictions disrupted drone operations and air-defence capabilities. The speed limits reportedly affected terminals moving above 100 mph, hampering Ukraine’s ability to intercept Russian drones. Zelenskyy described the development as a “dangerous and unpleasant surprise” amid strained relations with US President Donald Trump. Reports suggested the restriction order originated within the White House, though responsibility remains disputed. During talks in Brussels, Zelenskyy also requested €70 billion in additional European Union funding for Ukraine’s defence in 2027. (PC: Reuters)

Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev has praised US President Donald Trump’s decision to waive certain new sanctions and tariffs targeting Russia, calling it a “truly historic moment.” On October 16, Trump signed an executive order suspending measures under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, citing US national interests. The legislation aimed to increase economic pressure on Moscow over its war in Ukraine and potentially penalise countries purchasing Russian energy. Dmitriev argued that the measures could have harmed the US economy and global markets. The decision has raised concerns among Ukraine’s European allies. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump has urged Saudi Arabia to accept Israel’s offer of assistance against Yemen’s Houthi rebels amid escalating regional hostilities. Speaking to reporters at the White House on October 16, Trump described Israel’s support as “very helpful” and expressed confidence that Riyadh would welcome the assistance. He also suggested that Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords, which promote normalisation between Israel and Arab countries, could be more achievable than ever. However, Saudi Arabia has maintained that normalising relations with Israel requires a clear pathway towards Palestinian statehood. The developments could significantly influence Middle Eastern security and diplomacy. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump has waived key sanctions and tariffs targeting Russia and countries purchasing Russian oil and gas, just one day before the measures were due to take effect on October 18, 2026. The decision offers temporary relief to India and China, major importers of Russian energy, from potential US tariffs of up to 100% on their exports. Trump justified the waiver by citing American national interests amid concerns over rising energy prices. The measures were part of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. However, Washington retains the authority to reinstate the tariffs. (PC: India Today)

A controversy over a beef-cooking event near a Hindu temple at Jagannath University in Dhaka, Bangladesh, escalated into a dispute over religious sensitivities and campus regulations. On October 12, Hindu students objected to a beef khichuri gathering held near the campus temple. Allegations also emerged that temple bricks were used to construct a temporary cooking stove; organisers later removed them and apologised for the misunderstanding. The university initially restricted animal slaughter on campus but subsequently clarified its position. On October 16, students held a beef feast in protest, with university officials monitoring the event. The administration urged mutual respect and communal harmony. 

US President Donald Trump urged newly appointed White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia to reconsider her position on October 16, 2026, following intense scrutiny of her professional credentials and debut press briefing. Trump said the media had treated her unfairly and suggested the demanding role might not suit her. The controversy intensified after Zacharia acknowledged that she had graduated from Pepperdine University’s law school but had not passed the bar examination required to practise law in California. A White House official subsequently confirmed she was leaving the position after just five days, making her tenure exceptionally brief. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump has waived several sanctions, restrictions and tariffs targeting Russia and countries purchasing Russian oil and gas under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The decision, announced on October 16, came just before the measures were due to take effect on October 18. The law authorised tariffs of up to 100% on goods from major buyers of Russian energy, including India and China. Trump justified the waiver by citing US national interests. However, his administration retains the authority to reinstate these measures. The move has drawn criticism from lawmakers concerned about Russia’s war in Ukraine. (PC: Reuters)

Katie Zacharia, US President Donald Trump’s new White House press secretary, was reportedly fired on Friday after less than a week in the role. According to three people familiar with the matter who spoke to The New York Times, her brief tenure followed a difficult press briefing and controversy over whether she had overstated her legal qualifications. Neither the White House nor Zacharia responded to requests for comment. Trump told reporters he had urged her to reconsider taking the position, questioning whether she needed the job. He recalled telling her, “Honestly, if I were you, I’d reconsider,” and asking, “Katie, do you need this? I don’t think you need this.” (PC: X)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has defended renewed strikes on Russian oil refineries after US President Donald Trump called them a “disgrace” and criticised Kyiv’s approach to peace negotiations. Speaking at an EU summit in Brussels, Zelensky said he was defending Ukraine’s interests and warned that the US-Russia diesel deal could lead to further agreements benefiting Moscow. Trump accused Zelensky of raising global oil prices and said he was harder to deal with than Russian President Vladimir Putin. Meanwhile, EU leaders discussed Ukraine’s funding and winter defence needs. Zelensky said the war would cost €155 billion next year, with at least €70 billion needed from Europe for defence and weapons. (PC: X)