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On October 10, 2025, First Lady Melania Trump announced that eight children displaced by Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine were reunited with their families following months of back-channel talks with President Vladimir Putin. The dialogue began after she sent Putin a letter via President Trump at an August summit. Both sides have cooperated to share detailed information on the children’s welfare.
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As of early November 2025, Ukrainian forces continue to defend the eastern city of Pokrovsk against a prolonged Russian offensive. Russia employs pincer movements aiming to encircle the city, but Ukraine denies full encirclement and reports ongoing counterattacks, including special forces operations. Meanwhile, Russia intensifies missile and drone strikes targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure, worsening civilian hardships ahead of winter.
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Russia has been conducting widespread cellphone internet shutdowns across dozens of regions since May 2025, citing security reasons related to Ukrainian drone attacks. These outages restrict access to banking, health monitoring, and communication services, with only government-approved websites available during blackouts. The disruptions have caused significant concern among residents about loss of information and freedom.
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Russian authorities have expanded restrictions on messaging apps, citing their use for terrorism and fraud. Snapchat, FaceTime, WhatsApp, and Roblox face bans or limitations amid ongoing internet controls aimed at curbing Ukrainian drone attacks and increasing surveillance. Disruptions impact daily life and privacy.