The story shaping today

The US military has restricted Ukraine’s use of Starlink internet on the battlefield, causing frontline disruptions as Russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid. President Zelensky is rebelling against US autocracy and has pledged to resume strikes on Russian oil refineries in response, raising tensions ahead of the US midterm elections. As expected the financial markets remain unsettled as inflation bites and campaign spending surges.

This weeks news briefing is dominating with a play of games Russian Roulette, high stakes poker and

What matters most

US restricts Starlink for Ukraine’s military operations

The US military has imposed new limits on Starlink’s use in Ukraine, disrupting operations and costing Kyiv a key battlefield advantage just as Russian missile strikes escalate and winter approaches. there is a game of high stakes poker being played here, Trump is trying to force Zelensky to make peace, whilst the Ukrainian leader is trying to play on the heart strings of American voters.

Zelensky pledges to restart strikes on Russian oil refineries

In an interview with the Financial Times, President Zelensky signalled Ukraine will resume drone attacks on Russian oil infrastructure, defying pressure from Washington to halt such strikes. He is literally playing politics with Ukrainian lives, playing Trump at his own game. It is no surprise that the comedian turned politician is suddenly arming himself with a plethora of podcasts and interviews.

Republicans ramp up ad spending ahead of midterms

GOP candidates have surged political ad spending, including in previously uncompetitive races, as the party seeks to seize momentum before the midterm elections. Republicans need to tune American minds away from the war in Ukraine, and the temporary ceasefire with Iran, until after November, Raiding the home of Elhan Omar has been timed to perfection. Trump hopes to spark a domestic fight, with an opponent, who gives as good as she gets. Any distraction will do, even a Russian Roulette one like.

Pope Leo XIV undergoes lung cancer surgery, recovery under way

Pope Leo XIV has had part of his right lung removed following a recent cancer diagnosis. Doctors expect a week’s hospitalisation, but his prognosis remains optimistic. The Pope’s health is a huge concern for central and eastern Europeans and is being closely watch by millions around Europe and South America.

Commercial vessels targeted in Strait of Hormuz attacks

Two ships were hit by projectiles near the Strait of Hormuz, one sinking after a fire. Iran has warned vessels to seek approval before transiting the high-risk waterway. These vessels are refusing to pay the ‘tax’ to there Iranians and putting lives in danger. Every captain knows the Strait of Hormuz is closed, so why risk it? perhaps its a game of chess, between the Israeli’s and Iranians, entrapment!

Power & Politics

President Zelensky’s relaunch of long-range strikes on Russian oil refineries marks a return to tactics that directly target Moscow’s wartime revenue. But more to the point, he’s making a statement to Trump. The US is reportedly proposing that European nations transfer some frozen Russian assets to a vehicle under Washington’s oversight, aiming to revive peace talks.

Republican campaign spending now extends into former Democratic strongholds. Trump faces bipartisan criticism for relaxing sanctions on Russian diesel exports, a move described by some senators as “a gift to our adversary.”

Markets & Money

US chip stocks plunged as investors sought safety in Treasuries, rattled by persistent inflation and concerns over AI sector debt. London’s gold market has seen renewed momentum, with global instability and uncertainty over US economic policy driving physical trades in the City. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has announced the company has caught up with major rivals in AI and pledged further large-scale investment.

Conflict & Security

In Ukraine, the sudden Starlink restrictions—now confirmed by Musk to be under US government control—have interrupted logistics and drone strike capabilities at a critical time. Russia launched a fresh barrage of missiles at Kyiv, cutting power to hundreds of thousands as the capital braces for another brutal winter. In the Middle East, maritime tensions remain high following Iranian warnings and a series of attacks on commercial shipping near the Strait of Hormuz.

Beyond the headlines

The Vatican says Pope Leo XIV is recovering well from surgery to remove part of his lung. The health scare has led some to raise questions about his long-term ability to travel and serve, but doctors are optimistic about his short-term recovery.

In Hong Kong, Vincent van Gogh’s Chestnut Trees in Blossom—unseen for more than six decades—was put on display ahead of its expected record-breaking auction in New York.

What happens next

The US and European discussions about unlocking Russian financial assets for Ukraine remain at an early stage. Political focus now turns to the midterm elections, with inflation and energy prices set to dominate campaign messaging. It is not yet clear whether Starlink limitations for Ukrainian forces will be lifted.

Worth knowing

• Zelensky has directly accused Trump of betraying Ukraine over Starlink restrictions and the recent US-Russia diesel deal.
• The Spectator reports the Green Party in the UK is facing a discrimination lawsuit from Jewish members following its new anti-Zionism policy.
• Bestselling author Sally Rooney’s books have been pulled from UK sale after her support for Palestine Action.

People & Power

• Donald Trump: Facing pressure to address high fuel prices and surging US Inflation and bipartisan criticism after suspending US sanctions on Russian diesel exports. Trump has urged Zelensky to halt strikes on Russian refineries and maintains intelligence-sharing with Kyiv, according to the Defense Department. Reports from Kyiv have suggested the USA has stopped providing advance warnings against missile attacks, which mean’s Kyiv has no air-raid sirens anymore.
• Volodymyr Zelenskyy: Announced in multiple interviews that Ukraine will be defiant and loyal to no-one. Despite the billions in aid, Zelensky is unwilling to give up on power. Zelensky described the situation as a loss of a “strong partner.” Zelensky’s only hope, bomb and create as much havoc in the oil and gas market to pressure Trump into submission.
• Elon Musk: Confirmed on X that the US government controls speed and usage limits on Starlink’s military network (Starshield) in Ukraine, with the Pentagon and President ultimately responsible. Shifting the blame down to the White House after the backlash on X.

Media Lens

Some call it product placement, but in reality, the army cadet clothes wearing President knows he must win the hearts and minds of the public to pressure Trump. These recent interviews demonstrate his will.

• Foreign Policy led with the US military’s Starlink restrictions and detailed the operational consequences for Ukraine.
• Financial Times interviewed President Zelensky about Ukraine resuming strikes on Russian oil and US efforts to use Russian assets to incentivise peace talks.
• The Spectator highlighted Zelensky’s sharp criticism of Trump over both Starlink and the US-Russia diesel deal, quoting his statement on lost partnership and expected casualties.

Dates & decisions

• 18 November: Sotheby’s New York auction of van Gogh’s Chestnut Trees in Blossom. It’s going up for sale, is it a payoff?
• Next month: US midterm elections, with Diesel prices as the centre of elections and US-Ukraine policy central campaign issues.