Estonia
An investigation done by several Estonian media companies found that an Estonian company has been refuelling Russia’s shadow fleet of tankers. “According to analysis by Anatalii Kravtsev from the Kyiv School of Economics, at the time Rina and Zircone supplied fuel, at least 20 of those tankers showed clear signs they were part of the Russian shadow fleet.”
NATO forces shot down an unidentified drone near a southern Estonian military base, Camp Reedo. The incident took place on 17 October when two drones approached the base, and one was shot down. Authorities provided no other details.
Sweden-Ukraine
Saab is considering opening a Gripen factory in Ukraine to meet demand. Earlier, Ukraine signed a letter of intent to purchase between 100 and 150 Gripen E fighter jets. The Gripen will be the backbone of the Ukrainian air force.
Afghanistan-Pakistan
Negotiations have fallen into disrepair as the Taliban and Pakistan have ceased peace talks. The Taliban were reluctant to rein in the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) and said that they have no influence. Other reports indicate that once a deal was being prepped to be written down, Taliban negotiators backpedalled on the agreement after contacting Kabul.
South Korea-US
South Korea and the US have finalised details of a trade deal, both countries have said. Tariffs on both countries will be reduced from 25% to 15%. South Korea’s $350 billion investment in the US will include $250 billion in cash investments and nearly half of the total figure ($150 billion) will be invested in shipbuilding in the US – a key priority for the Trump administration.
Myanmar
A major ethnic rebel group in Myanmar has signed a ceasefire with the military in a deal brokered by the Chinese. Ta’ang National Liberation Army, or TNLA, signed the ceasefire agreement in Kunming, a Chinese provincial capital about 400 kilometers (250 miles) from the border with Myanmar, after TNLA lost three major strategic towns to the government after a successful military offensive.
Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa strengthened to a Category 5 storm and made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday with 185 mph (295 kph) winds, which tore roofs off buildings. Landslides, fallen trees and numerous power outages were reported. Parts of the island were expected to receive as much as 30 inches (76cm) of rain in some areas. Hurricane Melissa is the 4th-strongest hurricane in the recorded history of the Atlantic Basin, with sustained wind speeds of 180mph (290 km/h).
Japan-US
Aboard US aircraft carrier the USS George Washington on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pledged to usher in a new era of cooperation on security and trade. He heaped praise on Takaichi, a disciple of Shinzo Abe. Earlier, during a summit in Tokyo, Takaichi hailed a “golden age” of US-Japan relations. Trump said the US would be ready to assist Japan with anything and that the US is “an ally at the strongest level.”
Social media wires
Ukraine’s GRU provides another update
Definitely can’t confirm this, but the Pakistani air force is not in trouble
Feature Photo: “Myanmar Armed Forces Day 2021” – Wikimedia Commons, 2025
The Wires Brief is a daily breaking news report incorporating wire service news and social media updates. DefRep cannot verify the authenticity of social media reporters nor the accuracy of social media updates.