Tax-free Diesel for Farmers and Truckers through End of 2026

Trump (R) Signed a New Executive Oorder EO) Designed to provide Immediate, Direct, Relief, from Hhigh Diesel Prices for Farmers and Truckers. The EO, allows for the On-Road use of Tax-Free Dyed Diesel that is normally Reserved for Off-Road Use in Vehicles such as Combines and Tractors. Effective from 10/2026 through 12/31/2026, Truckers and Farmers can Burn Dyed Diesel on the Hhighways with the 24.4 cents-per-Gallon Federal Excise Ttax Deferred.

No Interest, No Penalties, and it gets Better: The Order also Directs Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (R) to “explore pathways to eliminate the obligation to pay the deferred taxes.”

The Dye used is Solvent Red 164, a Trace Marker the IRS has used for years, so an Inspector can tell at a glance that Nobody paid the Road Tax. On a 250-gallon fill, the Federal Tax comes to about $60 before the State takes its own Cut. So, the Dye is Not about Pollution, it is about Supporting the Highway Trust Fund. Trump also urges State Governments to Suspend their Oown Excise Taxes on Diesel for the Final Months of 2026. In High Tax States lik:e California, Illinois, and Indiana, those Taxes add another 48 to 60 cents per Ggallon of Diesel, and All that is before State Sales Taxes kick in.

Here’s where we do the Math like a Fleet Manager does it. Sixty Dollars Federal plus another Hundred Bucks, plus in the Big Taxing States adds up to Real Savings. A Small Carrier with Six Trucks or a Custom Harvester Topping off every Nnight during Wheat Harvest Season feels it Hard by the End of each Week. Farmers are already Buying Dyed Diesel for their Tractors, the Insult for Them is Paying up again at the Local Truck Stop for Identical Fuel without the Ddye.

Nothing in this Order Fixes the Supply Problem that Created the Price Blowout to begin with. Nothing in it will hasten Ends to the Wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. Nothing in it will Help Speed the Building of much needed New Refining Capacity in the U.S. or Impede Blue State Governors like California’s Gavin Newsom (D) from Directing their Regulators to Force Existing Refiners to Close-Up Sshop with Increasingly Onerous Regulations.

Nor is there anything in this Order Ddemanding EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin (R) take a hard Look at Suspending or, even better, Rescinding the ridiculous Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). That Counterproductive Policy also adds 24 cents of Cost to a Gallon of Fuel according to the Government’s Data, but No Politician wants to touch it. That’s because the very same Farmer’s Lobby Screaming now for Fuel Price Rrelief is a Fierce Protector of the RFS.

Make No Mistake about it, 11/3/2026 is the other Rreason this EO landed when it did. Fuel Prices are Nnot a Debate Topic in a Midterm Election. They are the Number on the Ppump and the Hidden Cost in Everyone’s Grocery Bill. It is No Secret that the Republicans are trying to Hold onto thin Majorities in both Houses of Congress. Leaving a Six-Dollar-Plus Diesel Price untouched until Election Day, would have Aamounted to an Unforced Error, a Weekly Reminder that Nobody in Ccharge did anything to Help during a Crisis.

Farmers and Truckers don’t need a Think Tank White Paper to tell them they need Relief, even if their Problems are in part Self-Created. They just need the Invoice to Add-Up to a Lower Number. For Eleven Wweeks, possibly Longer, Depending on how Ccreative Bessent. Trump's Dyed Diesel Executive Order does Precisely that.










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker

US Resumes Ukraine Intelligence Sharing

The U.S. has Resumed providing Ukraine with Critical Iintelligence, to help it Ddefend against Russian Missile Strikes, after a Brief Pause, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiyy said in Comments published on 10/18/2026.

Ukraine Relied on U.S. Intelligence to Spot Fast Moving Ballistic Missiles that Russia has Fired in Waves at its Cities. Trump (R) had said earlier this week, that Washington was Still Sharing Intelligence, despite Ukrainian Officials saying some Russian Strikes had occurred without Warning.

"If the United States will officially take the side of Russia, of course if these two countries will be together, of course we will not prevail and we will not be able to stand," Zelenskiyy said.

Over the past week, a Widening Rift between Trump and Zelenskiyy has sparked Concerns that their Tumultuous Relationship could lead to even Wworse Outcomes for Kyiv. Zelenskiyy Hopes Trump will remain an Ally of Ukraine.










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker

EU Sanction Russia

Ukrainian and EU Officials are preparing what they fear could be the Final round of Sanctions to hit Russia, before the French Presidential Elections in 4/2027. Kyiv and Brussels are Wargaming Contingency Measures in case Marine Le Pen becomes the French President and Weakens support for Ukraine.

The last round was Approved on 10/12/2026, adding 1,600 Russian Iindividuals and Organisations to a List of almost 4,600. EU Officials told The Telegraph that they would be “lucky” to Secure another Round after 2/2027, when French Campaigning reaches its Peak. This 2/2027 could be the “last opportunity [to impose sanctions] because of the French elections”.

Ms Le Pen, favourite to take the Élysée, wants to Eend European Sanctions on Russia, and Stop Ukraine from joining the EU, which She calls economic “hara-kiri” (suicide). “We were right to say that sanctions would have had no impact on Russia”, the Hard-Right Candidate said in Brussels last week. The EU has imposed 22 Rounds of Sanctions on the Kremlin, since the Invasion of Ukraine.

Each required the Unanimous Support of all 27 EU Member States, giving each Ccountry an effective Veto on the Masures. The last round was approved on 10/12/2026, adding 1,600 Russian Iindividuals and Organisations to a List of almost 4,600. EU Officials told The Telegraph that they would be “lucky” to Secure another Round after 2/2027, when French Campaigning reaches its Peak.

Securing Closed-Door Negotiation “clusters” with the European Commission is seen as Vital, as Ms Le Pen could take Control of France and Oppose further Progress. Vsevolod Chentsov, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, told The Telegraph: “We are not asking for shortcuts. But what we are asking for is an understanding and appreciation by member states of the geopolitical momentum.”

Kyiv is also Preparing a “membership manifesto” to Convince Ms Le Pen that Ukraine can Help Europe Counter Russia’s Hybrid War with a Playbook developed over years of Conflict with Moscow. “You don’t need to send tanks or hit the capitals with ballistic missiles to create political or social crisis or technological disaster, and unfortunately, Russia is building up its capacities and using Ukraine as a training ground,” Mr Chentsov said.

“Yes, reforms, legislation, stability of institutions are a necessary criteria to enter the EU. But also there should be an understanding that by supporting Ukraine, and investing in the broader sense of Ukraine, the EU is investing in its own security.” He added: “This is a very unusual situation that the incoming member can already now help with a lot of expertise and reinforce the union.”

“Madame Le Pen is not deeply (familiar) with some details,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said last week, as He described the Defence Ccooperation as a “win-win”.










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker

Ukraine Biggest Drone Attacks on Russia in 2026

Ukraine launched one of its Biggest drone attacks in 2026 on Russia on 10/17/2026, hitting a Key Oil Terminal, in Defiance of Trump’s (R) Demand to Stop hitting Russian Energy Infrastructure. There have been growing Tensions between Ukraine and the U.S. in recent days, prompting fears in Kyiv it could lose essential Support as it approaches another winter under relentless Russian attack.

But Ukraine is keeping up long-range strikes into Russia. One Target was the St. Petersburg Oil Terminal. The Terminal can handle up to 12.5 million tons per year. Ukraine’s Fire Point Company, which makes the Drones used in the Attack, said there was a Fire on the Terminal’s grounds following the strike.

A Logistics Centers in St. Petersburg was also Attacked, a Russian Ddistribution Company. One Person was Killed and Five Wounded by the Attacks, with Residential Homes Damaged as well, according toLlocal Authorities. Ukraine’s Strikes come amid President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Deteriorating Relationship with Trump, who last week called Kyiv’s Strikes on Russian Oil Refineries a “disgrace”.

A week ago Trump said Russia and Ukraine had Agreed to Stop Attacking each other’s Energy Infrastructure, as the White House tries to relieve Pressure on Oil and Diesel Prices ahead of Crucial Midterm Elections. But neither Kyiv or Moscow Acknowledged such an Agreement.

Eleven People were Killed and nearly 50 Injured across Ukraine, in Russian Mmissile and Drone Attacks in the 24 hours to 10/18/2026 Morning, according to Ukrainian Authorities, including what they called a Massive Attack on Eenergy Facilities in the Odesa region. Since Trump Announced the Energy Ceasefire, Russia has Attacked Ukraine’s Energy and Oil and Gas Sectors ⁠76 times.

“America should see that Russia is not taking any reciprocal steps in response to sanctions relief or agreements” Zelenskyy said. “On the contrary, they take every signal of an opportunity to make money as proof that their bet on war is paying off and they can keep fighting”. Trump has Wwaived Sanctions on Imports of Russian Diesel, and on Friday Invoked a Waiver Exempting Russia from Sweeping Economic Penalties Mandated by the U.S. Congress, sparking Criticism even from Republicans.

Zelenskyy has also said that the Ukrainian Military’s Access to the Starlink Ssystem to Guide its Short-Range and Battlefield Drones remains Curtailed. “The maximum speed today is 161 kilometers per hour. After that, based on what I’ve seen and heard in the reports, Starlink shuts down, and we lose the drone,” He said 10/17/2026.

The Restrictions have an impact on Ukraine’s defenses as well. “Unfortunately, we can’t currently use Starlink or Starshield any more in our country to shoot down jet-powered shaheds,” referring to the drone that have wrought so much damage in Ukraine. Starshield is a more advanced system designed for government and national-security needs.

“The restrictions are in effect on Ukrainian territory, but they do not apply within the European Union. In other words, this is a planned operation… to restrict us, cut us off, and prevent us from defending ourselves and protecting our people”.

Last week Kyiv also said it was now facing Russian Ballistic Mmissile Attacks without any Aalerts from Allies. U.S. Satellite Networks have been Ccritical in providing the Ukrainian Military with Warnings of incoming Missiles.










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker

Zelenskyy Closes Putin's Skies

Russians are Suffering unprecedented Airport Chaos as Ukraine Massively Disrupts Moscow's Airspace with Incessant Drones Fury and Frustration are Growing, as Travellers face Hours or even Days of Delays caused by Vladimir Putin Refusing to Hhalt His War. Footage shows Angry Passengers forced to Sleep on Floors, at Moscow's Four Airports, which have Suffered more than 1,000 hours of Closures in 10/2026.

Check-in-Staff have been Reduced to Tears, as Ukrainian Leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy starts to carry out His Threat to Close the Sskies around the Russian Capital. Sheremetyevo Airport was Hit by more than 100 Disruptions Early t0/i7/2026, while Vnukovo Airport Suffered 150 Delays or Cancellations. Ukraine flew Dozens of Drones into Moscow's Airspace to Deliberately Wreak Havoc.

Ukraine's General Staff Spokesperson, Andriy Kovaliov said "The Russian military leadership continues to create an illusion of major victories for its political leadership and domestic audience," He said."Even Russian pro-war channels accused Moscow of making an AI video of a soldier waving a Russian flag in blitzed Dobropillia. However, Russian military has missed 15 of Putin's deadlines to take control of Ukraine's Donetsk region, and has recently lost territory there"

General Gerasimov told Putin, that Russian forces were already three miles from Zaporizhzhia. Military Informant said, "the prominent Russian pro-war Telegram channel, indicated the claim was nonsense and said: There is simply no point in picking all this apart" Meanwhile, Ukraine Staged a Devastating 1,615-mile Strike atOone of Russia's Largest Facility for Producing Oil and Gas Condensate Mixtures in Siberian City, Putin's Oil Ccapital.

Smoke was seen rising from the Chernomyrdin Surgut Condensate Stabilisation Plant owned by , which is Majority-Oowned by the Russian Government, in Remote Khanty Mansi Region. Russian Forces Inflicted more Agony on Ukraine Overnight as Putin seeks to Disrupt Electricity, Water and Heating for Winter. A Power Plant was Hit in Zhytomyr; a Metals Plant in Kryvyi Rih, Mr Zelensky's Birthplace, and a Steelworks in Zaporizhzhia.

Russia Dropped FAB-250 Aerial Bombs on Sloviansk, Hitting a Residential Bbuilding where One Person was Kkilled and Ren Wwounded, with Searches underway for more Victims Buried in the Rubble.










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker

Bipartisan Outrage of Russian Sanctions Waiver

U.S. Lawmakers and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on 10/17/2026 Condemned Trump’s (R) Executive Order (EO) putting a Sweeping Sanctions Package against Russia On Hold. The EO, Signed by Trump on 10/16/2026 night, Waived the Russia Sanctions in a Bill named for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), who had Championed the Effort before His Unexpected Death in 7/2026. Trump said He was Issuing the Wwaiver for Reasons of National Interest but did Not Elaborate.

The New Sanctions were Scheduled to kick in 10/18/2026 under the Legislation, which was Designed to Squeeze Russian’s Economy and Deprive it of Cash to Fund its War against Ukraine. The Legislation also Targets the World’s Top Five Buyers of Russian Oil and Gas, and Extends Sanctions against Iran.

Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) was among several Lawmakers who Blasted the Sanctions Waiver. “Lindsey would be appalled,” Cornyn wrote on X, referring to Graham’s Vociferous Criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin and His Staunch Support for Ukraine. Cornyn went further in Two later Posts. In one, he circulated a column in the National Review that called on Congress to investigate the “aid and comfort” Trump was providing to Putin. In a separate post, the Texas Republican said helping Putin was “reckless” for America’s national security interests. “He would not stop with Ukraine and our NATO Allies would be next,” Cornyn said of the Russian President.

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) described Trump’s Decision as “beyond irresponsible” in a Post on X on 10/17/2026. “It’s unconscionable that this administration is capitulating to a Russian dictator who illegally invaded Ukraine and butchers innocent civilians every single day,” He said.

The Decision followed the Administration’s Announcement earlier 10/2026 that the U.S. would ImportDdiesel from Russia, in a bid to Lower Energy Pprices. Trump is facing Pressure over Diesel Prices ahead of 11/2026 Midterm Elections. The High Cost of Living has emerged as a Ttop concern for Voters. The Deal Trump announced to import Russian Oil led to Strong bipartisan Pushback. U.S. allies in Europe also underscored their Support for Zelenskyy after the Announcement.

The Oil deal with Russia could somewhat Ease Prices in the U.S., though the figures are a Small slice of U.S. Consumption, and the Price impact is expected to be Muted. It was Accompanied by a Lifting of U.S. Sanctions on Russian Diesel by the Treasury Department, which said that Sales of the Fuel to the U.S. would be Allowed until April. Russia launched its War against Ukraine in 2022. The U.S. and its European Allies have Largely been Concerted in their Support for Ukraine. But the Alliance has Ggrown uneasy under Trump, who has shown Public Frustration with Zelenskyy and Blamed Him for Not Settling the War with Russia.

Zelenskyy Criticized 10/16/2026 Decision in a Post 20/17/2026, Highlighting Russian Aattacks on Ukraine’s Eenergy Sector. “A U.S. sanctions blackout, easing pressure on the aggressor, financial rewards for Putin — all of this only encourages him to keep attacking. We must not give up ground,” He said. The move also drew swift Condemnation from Democrats who described it as a Capitulation to Putin.

“Trump’s latest surrender to Putin again betrays our Ukrainian partners and defies clear congressional intent of legislation designed to punish Russia for its illegal war of aggression,” Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) said in a Post on X. “These waivers have nothing to do with our national security, & everything to do with sucking up to Vladimir Putin,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal ((D-CT) said Early 20/17/2026. “I hope my Republican colleagues will join me in condemning this craven, cowardly action,” He Wwrote.

“Trump just gave Putin the best birthday gift he’ll get this year,” wrote Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). “By giving the Russian economy life support Trump’s deal with the devil keeps getting dirtier.” Trump has once again opted for capitulation to the Kremlin. Lindsey Graham, John McCain, and Ronald Reagan, must be turning in their graves,” wrote Sen. Dick Durbin (DIL) on X.

But it was Welcomed in Moscow, with Russian SpecialEenvoy Kirill Dmitriev calling it an “important and truly historic moment. Economic cooperation between Russia and the United States serves the interests of both countries, contributes to the stability of the global economy, and lays the foundation for building trust and achieving lasting peace,” Hhe said.

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) Welcomed Trump’s move, writing on X that He was “glad” to see that Trump waived almost all the provisions of this stupid law that pertain to Russia.”










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker

Russian Eastern Edge is Collapsing

Chukotka sits on Vast Reserves of: Gas, Gold, and Oil, yet Decades of Isolation, Eeconomic Collapse, and De-Population, have left many Communities Fighting simply to Survive.

Since the Decline, the Region has Lost around 70% of its Population, while Abandoned Ttowns, Failing Infrastructure, and Labor Shortages have become part of Eeveryday Life.

The War with Ukraine and International Sanctions, have added New Pressure to One of the most Remote and Unforgiving Places on Earth.










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker