Information on the current losses of the Russian Federation due to sanctions as of 19.10.2026.
1. Over 31,000 construction companies were liquidated in Russia within nine months due to financial problems.
– From January to September 2026, 31,100 construction companies were liquidated in Russia. As of October 1, their total number decreased by 16,400, or 4.3% year-on-year, to 362,300.
– The construction sector is suffering from rising loan costs and falling demand due to the decline in the purchasing power of the population. The number of companies specializing in building construction saw the largest decrease, falling by 4.8% over the year to 188,100.
– The number of enterprises performing specialized construction work decreased by 4.4% to 140,400, and those in the field of engineering construction by 0.7% to 34,100.
– At the beginning of August, 30,400 construction companies were undergoing bankruptcy or liquidation procedures. The tax service suspended account operations for another 41,700 enterprises, and for 47,100, the financial risk index indicated a high probability of bankruptcy.
2. 70% of Russian coal companies will end 2026 with losses.
– About 70% of Russian coal companies may end 2026 with losses. Four years ago, only 17% of such enterprises were facing this situation. The industry, which previously contributed significant budget revenues, is experiencing a deep structural crisis.
– In the first half of 2026, losses in the coal sector reached 178.2 billion rubles. By the year’s end, the Russian Ministry of Energy expects them to increase to 300–310 billion rubles. The accumulated accounts payable in the industry amounts to 1.6–1.8 trillion rubles, and over 80 companies are already receiving subsidies.
– After losing European markets, Russian producers redirected exports to Asia, but the capacity of the Baikal-Amur and Trans-Siberian railways is insufficient to transport the necessary volumes. Meanwhile, rail tariffs are rising, and discounts for Asian buyers reduce the profitability of shipments.
– Some companies are selling coal below cost, effectively paying for the privilege of exporting it.
3. A Russian military satellite was shadowing a satellite helping Ukraine.
– The Russian military satellite “Kosmos-2612” approached the commercial radar satellite ICEYE-X36 at a distance of about 578 meters on the night of Sunday. A maneuver at an altitude of approximately 547 km may indicate an attempt to monitor the device, which assists Ukraine.
– Satellite observer Marco Langbroek recorded the maneuvers of the Russian device on September 30, as well as on October 12, 15, and 16. They indicate deliberate orbital adjustments to approach ICEYE-X36.
– The ICEYE-X36 satellite, developed by Finland, is equipped with a synthetic aperture radar (SAR), weighs about 90 kg, and is capable of capturing images at night and through clouds. These capabilities make it an important observation tool regardless of weather conditions. The approach is seen as a show of force: the Russian device demonstrates that it can potentially approach the target at any moment and pose a threat.
– The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) reminds that Russia considers commercial satellites that support Ukraine as potentially legitimate targets. In July, U.S. Space Forces had already warned about similar activities of Russian devices. The approach of a military satellite with a commercial one creates the risk of escalation in space. A possible collision could generate a large amount of debris, which would remain in orbit and threaten other space devices.
– This phenomenon is known as the Kessler effect. CSIS urges the U.S. and Europe to predetermine and clearly communicate to Moscow what the Western response would be to a possible hostile act in space.
4. Putin proposes a summit with Trump and Xi to discuss a deal on Ukraine.
– Putin proposed a trilateral summit with U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping to discuss ending the war against Ukraine on terms favorable to Moscow.
– The meeting without the participation of the Ukrainian president could take place in November on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen, China.
– Putin voiced the idea during a phone conversation with Trump on October 9. The Kremlin confirmed talks regarding a possible meeting but noted that its format and agenda have not yet been determined. Trump has not yet agreed to the summit, although he might support the initiative, aiming to fulfill his promise to end the war.
– Beijing does not object to the meeting with the American president.
– The proposal came amid closer ties between Moscow and Washington, agreements on the supply of Russian diesel fuel to the American market, and Trump’s decision to suspend the introduction of new sanctions against Russia.
– Meanwhile, the U.S. president expresses dissatisfaction with Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries and pressures Kyiv. Moscow hopes to use the negotiations to strengthen its status as a major power, while China would gain the opportunity to enhance its role as a diplomatic mediator between the U.S. and Russia.
– At the same time, such a format may cause concern in Europe and divert attention from the APEC summit agenda.
– Some observers compare the idea to a new “Yalta,” and in Taiwan, there are fears that a similar format of negotiations among major powers could also affect the future of the island.
5. Republicans accused Trump of making concessions to Putin by lifting sanctions against Russia.
– Donald Trump’s decision to suspend the sanctions law against Russia and negotiate for the supply of Russian diesel fuel is facing growing criticism within the Republican Party.
– At least 10 Republican senators and several members of the House of Representatives have opposed these moves, stating they contradict the will of Congress and aid Moscow in continuing its war against Ukraine.
– Speaker of the House Mike Johnson expressed rare dissent with the president, stating he requested White House consultations, emphasizing that Putin cannot be trusted. Republican Senator Thom Tillis also criticized Trump’s decision, stating the president could lower fuel prices through other means instead of favoring the Russian leader. According to him, the current course only benefits Putin.
– Senator John Cornyn, commenting on the lifting of sanctions, remarked, “Lindsey would be appalled,” referring to the late Senator Lindsey Graham, the bill’s author. Republican Don Bacon, in turn, stressed that concessions to Moscow do not bring the war’s end closer but prolong it. He also stated he would not support initiatives that help finance Russia’s invasion and leave Ukraine without adequate support.
– Last week, a bipartisan group of 12 senators urged Trump to reject the deal on Russian diesel fuel and ensure the sanctions law is enforced.
– Lawmakers warned that returning Russian fuel to global markets could increase Moscow’s revenues, used to finance the war, while not substantially reducing prices for Americans.
6. The US seeks to expand ties and strengthen influence in Central Asia.
– US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with foreign ministers from five Central Asian countries in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on October 19. Washington aims to expand its economic presence in the strategically important, resource-rich region and strengthen its position amid competition with Russia and China.
– Central Asia has long been under significant influence from Moscow, but the war against Ukraine and regional states’ desire to diversify foreign ties create new opportunities for the US. The Trump administration views the region as an important arena of geopolitical competition, particularly due to its reserves of critical minerals and rare earth resources.
– Along with Rubio, over 200 representatives of American business arrived in Uzbekistan. Washington is interested in expanding access to Central Asia’s natural resources and new opportunities for American companies.
– However, the visit has yet to yield significant public results. Despite closer ties with the US, Central Asian countries are not cutting off their relations with Russia, China, and Iran. Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and other nations are trying to broaden their circle of partners without becoming dependent on a single power center.
– Rubio acknowledged this strategy, noting that countries in the region aim to maintain as many international relations as possible.
7. Turkey will buy Russian diesel fuel as part of Trump’s agreements with Putin.
– Turkey plans to purchase part of the Russian diesel fuel that will be supplied to the global market under agreements between Donald Trump and Putin. This was stated by Turkey’s Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, emphasizing that the agreement is significant for the country’s energy security.
– According to the minister, Ankara agreed to purchase part of the fuel during the negotiations. He did not disclose details regarding the volumes and terms of supply. Turkey partially depends on Russian energy resources, and also receives them from Iran and Azerbaijan.
– Meanwhile, Ankara is trying to diversify supplies through agreements with the US and other partners. The agreement to supply Russian diesel fuel has drawn criticism from Ukraine, European politicians, and some Republicans in the US.
– The agreement may provide Russia with additional opportunities to sell oil products and earn income despite sanction pressures.
