News Wrap: Putin pushes to boost production of weapons and supplies for Ukraine invasion

Judy Woodruff:

Russia's President Vladimir Putin is now appealing for action in the face of what he calls new serious challenges in Ukraine. He convened a new leadership committee today and pushed for faster production of weapons and supplies. Earlier, Britain's Defense Ministry reported that Russia's forces are running low on artillery ammunition.

Progressive Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives have withdrawn a letter that urged Russia — or, rather, urged direct talks with Russia on Ukraine. The letter to President Biden warned that — quote — "The alternative to diplomacy is protracted war."

Other diplomats — or Democrats complained that that stance could undercut U.S. military support for Ukraine. The White House said only Ukraine's president can decide on diplomacy.

Karine Jean-Pierre, White House Press Secretary:

We're doing this to strengthen their hand, not just on the battlefield, but, if they choose, if Ukraine chooses to negotiate. But, again, that that is up to President Zelenskyy, and he will make that decision for his country.

Judy Woodruff:

All of this comes after House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy warned that Ukraine won't get a blank check if Republicans win back control of the House.

A Russian court today rejected an appeal by Brittney Griner of her sentence for drug possession. The U.S. basketball star appeared via video link from a penal colony outside Moscow. She was sentenced in August to nine years in prison. Later, President Biden said that the U.S. is in constant contact with Russian officials, trying to get Griner out.

In the Middle East, Israeli forces battled Palestinian gunmen overnight in the occupied West Bank, killing at least five Palestinians. It happened in Nablus, where the Israelis targeted an armed group that is blamed for killing a soldier. Flames and smoke rose into the night sky in one of the fiercest crashes clashes this year. Later, crowds of Palestinians turned out for a funeral of one of the dead.

Rishi Sunak was formally installed as Britain's new prime minister today. The Conservative Party leader met with King Charles, who officially asked him to form a government.

Afterward, at his official residence. Sunak pledged to earn the public's trust following weeks of political chaos.

Rishi Sunak, British Prime Minister:

I will work day in and day out to deliver for you. This government will have integrity, professionalism, and accountability at every level.

Judy Woodruff:

Sunak is the U.K.'s third prime minister this year, and its first leader of color.

Italy's first female — or, rather, female Premier Giorgia Meloni has addressed Parliament for the first time, defending her far right politics. She pledged today to tackle economic difficulties, and she rejected claims that she would undo abortion rights laws.

Giorgia Meloni, Italian Prime Minister (through translator):

The policy of a center-right government will never restrict existing freedoms. We will see also on civil rights and abortion who was lying and who was telling the truth during the electoral campaign about what our real intentions were.

Judy Woodruff:

Meloni also vowed to continue supporting Ukraine against Russia.

A judge in Hong Kong convicted pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai of fraud today. He was already serving a 20-month sentence for promoting unauthorized protests. It's part of mainland China's ongoing crackdown on democracy activists.

Back in this country, Adidas became the latest company to cut ties with the rap star Ye, formerly Kanye West, over his antisemitic remarks. The German firm said that his statements were — quote — "unacceptable, hateful, and dangerous." Adidas had faced pressure from customers, employees and stockholders to take action.

On Wall Street, strong corporate earnings fueled another rally. General Motors, for one, reported third-quarter profits rose nearly 37 percent from a year earlier. Major stock indexes gained 1 to 2 percent. The Dow Jones industrial average was up 337 points to close at 31836. The Nasdaq rose 246 points. The S&P 500 added 61.

And former U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter has died after suffering a heart attack in Boston. He served in the Obama administration and opened military combat jobs to women while ending a ban on transgender people in the military. Ash Carter was 68 years old.

Still to come on the "NewsHour": the role that mail-in voting could play in the upcoming midterms; a woman who escaped her captor's home highlights the often ignored plight of missing Black women; a new movie tells the true story of a man who delivered beer to his friends in the middle of the Vietnam War; plus much more.