The Pentagon and BAE Systems have agreed on a framework to produce up to 25,000 APKWS precision-guidance kits annually for seven years, with potential expansion to 35,000 for allied nations.

The kits turn unguided rockets into low-cost laser-guided weapons, increasingly used to counter drones.

The deal remains subject to congressional funding, and its value has not been disclosed.

Source: Defense News

Zelensky urged bipartisan U.S. senators to pressure Trump to restore what Ukraine says are restricted intelligence sharing, satellite access and weapons deliveries.

Kyiv believes the curbs are intended to force concessions to Russia, including halting strikes on Russian oil refineries.

Trump denies imposing restrictions.

Source: Axios, Barak Ravid

Zelensky proposed a 30-day halt to Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries in exchange for U.S. Patriot interceptors to defend against Russian ballistic missiles during that period.

Trump envoys Witkoff and Kushner have reportedly shown little interest in the proposal.

Source: Axios, Barak Ravid

During a call with U.S. senators, Zelensky accused the Trump administration of restricting military aid to pressure Ukraine into concessions to Russia.

He said Pete Hegseth was holding up deliveries of Patriot interceptors and AIM-9X missiles already paid for by NATO countries, warning that Ukraine had almost no U.S.-supplied Patriot interceptors left.

Source: Axios, Barak Ravid

Trump’s approval rating has fallen to a record low of 31%, according to an October 19 Reuters/Ipsos poll, as Republicans face growing pressure ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.

Democrats lead Republicans 47% to 35% among registered voters, up from a 7-point lead two weeks earlier.

Economic concerns are weighing heavily on Trump, with 68% disapproving of his handling of the economy, amid rising gasoline prices following the Iran war.

Source: Reuters

Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are expected to travel to Norway this week for Ukraine peace talks, potentially joined by President Zelenskiy.

The planned meetings come amid rising US-Ukraine tensions over alleged restrictions on Starshield satellite services, intelligence sharing and weapons deliveries.

The schedule remains tentative.

Source: Reuters

Germany's Chancellor Merz:

We are seeing extremists in many parts of the world. Most democracies are affected by that.

We are trying to convince our people that the political center is still able to resolve the problems of our country.

Q: Is there a hard truth that Trump needs to hear to be able to soften his stance?

Merz: Well, there is an old, I think, African saying, which means: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." And that's my answer.

We want to go far. And if we want to go far, and we could go far, then we should go together.

Germany's Chancellor Merz on Ukraine:

The U.S. are no longer contributing to the defense of Ukraine in terms of paying for weapons and for equipment.

So this shows that we are able to do that on our own. We are doing this now almost since two years.

It's really a big effort for our budgets. It's really a big thing for the European Union. But we are doing that, and we are trying to keep on doing that until this terrible war ends.

JD Vance:

We're not scrutinizing Abdul El-Sayed because of his religious faith or because of his ethnicity.

We are scrutinizing him because he says a lot of crazy stuff.

JD Vance on Iran:

This could be over very quickly if Trump decided to give up and allow the Iranians to control the world oil supply.

I don't think any American would actually want him to do that.

JD Vance:

Do a lot of people in Washington try to get rich from politics? Absolutely. Is it gross? Yes.

JD Vance:

Has Donald Trump Jr. made some money in business? Yeah, he has.

But I, I guess I don't think the standard should be the president's son, who's not involved in politics, should not be able to live his life.

I think the standard should be the president's son should not be selling access to the president, and I see no evidence that's happened.

Q: Trump endorsed Netanyahu. Do you endorse Netanyahu?

JD Vance: I endorse American candidates. I'm not getting involved in Israeli elections.

Q: Is Ukraine an ally of the U.S.?

JD Vance: They're certainly a partner in some ways.

NEW: Pete Hegseth made an unannounced visit to Israel on Monday to meet Netanyahu, eight days before Israel’s election, amid discussions about potentially resuming major military operations against Iran.

Source: Axios, Barak Ravid

JD Vance on Ukraine:

Ukraine should stop bombing Russian energy.

JD Vance on Ukraine:

I don't think Ukraine should be in NATO.

BIG: The Trump administration is delaying approval of Patriot missile transfers to Ukraine, leaving the country increasingly vulnerable to Russian attacks.

The move comes amid worsening tensions between Trump and Zelensky, particularly over Ukraine’s strikes on Russian oil facilities.

Source: WaPo