Ukraine Invasion: Part 59

[MagicFox]

Well, it’s thread 59.

Thanks to all regular contributors, especially those doing the daily hard work. Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

Agreed thread guidance:

A. The agreed purpose of the thread is for the sharing of information and commentary on current events

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UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

The transfer of two MIM-104 Patriot fire units from Bundeswehr reserves to Ukraine is expected to be completed in the coming days, according to the German Aid to Ukraine community, which monitors Germany’s support for Ukraine.
The delivery was announced in early August 2025, with Denmark, Lithuania, and Norway serving as the main sources of funding.

💪 During exercises in France, the only interceptor drone that successfully operated during a storm was based on Ukrainian technology, the military reported.
The test was originally planned for normal weather conditions, but when a storm began, specialists decided to continue the exercise.
The drone was developed by Alta Ares, a company that launched production of Ukrainian interceptor drones in western France. Ukrainian experts are actively involved in testing, providing assessments to ensure the solution meets the real needs of the modern battlefield.

Russia fired 270 missiles at Ukraine in October — a 46% increase from September and the highest number since 2023, AFP reported.
At the same time, Russia launched 5,298 long-range drones, which is 6% fewer than the previous month.

Denmark supports expanding the use of qualified majority voting to more political areas, including foreign policy, said Danish Minister for European Affairs Marie Bjerre.
In an interview with Telegraf, she commented on Hungary’s continued blocking of EU decisions. Bjerre noted that while discussions on changing the EU’s decision-making mechanism are ongoing, abolishing the unanimity principle remains difficult. She emphasized that Viktor Orbán’s government is blocking the opening of negotiation clusters for Ukraine’s EU accession.
“It is important for me that Hungary lifts its blockade — regardless of whether it is done by the current government or a new one. I think it is wrong that one country abuses its veto — and that is exactly what is happening now. We are studying their arguments about the reasons for the blockade. Essentially, they say it is related to the Hungarian minority in Ukraine. But Ukraine has already done a lot in this area. Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos visited the Hungarian minority in Ukraine, and if you ask their representatives, they actually support European integration,” Bjerre said.
She confirmed that EU member states are discussing a transition from unanimity to qualified majority voting. “This is one of the solutions we are considering. António Costa also mentioned this: simply switching to qualified majority voting. The Treaty on European Union itself does not require unanimity. But this step is also difficult, because in the negotiating framework under which Ukraine and Moldova became candidate countries, unanimity is a prerequisite. To change this now, unanimity is also needed,” she explained.
Bjerre said Denmark supports introducing qualified majority voting for more political decisions, particularly in foreign policy. “For example, we believe unanimity should not be required for adopting sanctions packages, because it prevents Europe from speaking with one voice. I must be frank: this is also an area in which I have personally changed my mind. I used to be skeptical about abandoning the unanimity principle because Denmark is a small country, and we did not want larger countries to simply ‘step over’ us. But today we are in a new geopolitical situation. If Europe wants to be strong, we must also become politically stronger — able to act and react with one voice,” Bjerre concluded.

Russians residing in the EU on long-term visas may face problems with banking services due to the new sanctions package.
According to media reports, Revolut has begun blocking the accounts of Russians living in EU countries on national Category D visas or awaiting residence permit extensions. On the night of November 1, customers reported that their cards and accounts were blocked after receiving termination notices. Such cases were reported in Poland, France, Germany, Spain, and other EU countries.
Revolut’s press service said these steps were taken to comply with the 19th EU sanctions package, which, according to the bank’s interpretation, allows services only for Russians with EU or EEA citizenship or a valid residence permit.
However, the Agency notes that the sanctions package does not explicitly require freezing the accounts of Russians with D visas.
The founder of the human rights project “Ark” believes Revolut’s interpretation may be a legal mistake and plans to seek clarification from the European Parliament and the European Commission, arguing that legal residence on a D visa should not preclude access to banking services. If Revolut’s interpretation is upheld, many Russians abroad could face serious difficulties.

Türkiye is ready to host the fourth round of talks between Russia and Ukraine, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said.
“Three rounds of talks between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul have yielded tangible results, including prisoner exchanges and the resumption of direct dialogue. We sincerely believe that diplomacy remains the only path to a peaceful resolution of the crisis in Ukraine. We reiterate our readiness to host the fourth round of talks and a potential leaders’ summit in Istanbul,” Fidan said at the TRT World Forum.

“The Last Prometheus of Donbas” tells the story of people who, despite relentless Russian attacks, continue working at the Kurakhove power plant—just 10 kilometers from the front line in the Donetsk region. https://t.me/United24media/36871

Russians are preparing to reopen the Mariupol Drama Theater, which they destroyed along with hundreds of civilians inside, the Mariupol City Council reported.
The opening is scheduled for December 2025. The theater, which became a symbol of one of the war’s worst crimes, is now being turned into a venue for Russian performances and concerts.
On March 16, 2022, Russian troops dropped an air bomb on the theater, where hundreds of civilians were sheltering. According to the prosecutor’s office, about 600 people were killed, though the exact number remains unknown. [Apparently they simply bulldozed over the remains and rebuilt. Sit comfortably, show-goers].

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Not much!

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

“Pokrovsk — holding. Myrnohrad — holding,” — said the Commander-in-Chief about the situation on the front line.
Syrskyi noted that in the Pokrovsk–Myrnohrad agglomeration, the Defense Forces are withstanding pressure from a multi-thousand-strong Russian grouping attempting to infiltrate the cities and cut off logistics routes.
There is no encirclement or blockade of the cities; an operation is underway to destroy and push enemy forces out of Pokrovsk.
The Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to advance and clear territory on the Dobropillia salient.

Overnight, drones attacked targets inside Russia.
Local authorities reported that in the Black Sea port city of Tuapse, “drone debris” damaged an oil tanker and a loading terminal. A fire broke out on the vessel, and the crew was evacuated.
Russian Telegram channels claim the attack struck the deep-water mooring complex “RN-Sea Terminal Tuapse” and an oil-loading pier in the area of the Southern Mole.

The self-proclaimed president of Belarus, Lukashenko, said that the Russian missile system “Oreshnik” is needed to intimidate neighboring states.
“What for? I want them (opponents abroad — ed.) to understand that we can strike if things go badly. We will sit down with Putin, make a decision and we will strike. So don’t provoke us,” he added.

Russia launched over 5,000 drones last month against cities in free Ukrainian territory — and 44,000 in total throughout 2025.

ReleaseTheDucksOfWar
[Apparently they simply bulldozed over the remains and rebuilt. Sit comfortably, show-goers].

That is beyond even the Russian standard for utterly disgusting.

Agree. Literally they are going to dance on the grave of the innocent civilians. Absolute bastards.

There will be unquiet spirits.

Alas that they will probably haunt quite the wrong people, whereas the one whose sleep they should destroy forever is safely a long way away in the Kremlin.

True, there is no justice

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-november-2-2025/

Key Takeaways

1. Russian forces continue to intensify offensive operations in and around Pokrovsk to seize the town and collapse the Ukrainian pocket. Both Ukrainian and Russian forces recently made tactical advances in the Pokrovsk area.
2. Russian forces have likely deprioritized offensive operations in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area in favor of completing the seizure of Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad. Russian assault tactics in the Pokrovsk direction are resulting in high casualty rates.
3. Ukrainian forces struck oil and electrical infrastructure in Russia on the night of November 1 to 2.
4. Belgian officials reported unidentified drone incursions near the Kleine Brogel Air Base in Belgium from October 31 to November 2.
5. Russian authorities continued attempts to shut down Russian insider source VChK-OGPU as part of a crackdown on social media sources that share insider information about the Kremlin and Russian security services.
6. Ukrainian forces recently advanced in the Dobropillya tactical area. Russian forces recently advanced in the Kupyansk and Pokrovsk directions and in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area.

Trump told journalists he wasn’t considering sending Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine - even though the Pentagon cleared it.

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/trump-says-no-tomahawks-ukraine-now-2025-11-03/

Sigh.

@notimagain at this point the unidentified drone incursions are being assessed as probably Russian by the ISW.

No doubt that some drones spotted by airfields were irresponsible hobbyists, but at this point it seems there's much more going on.

Live:Ukraine

🤡 Peskov says a meeting between Putin and Trump is “not necessary at the moment.”

“Hypothetically speaking, such a meeting is possible, but right now there is no need for it. At this stage, what’s needed is very meticulous work on the details of a settlement,” the Kremlin spokesman said.

🔹 Overnight, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) struck Russian military depots and bases in the occupied territories.

Fighters from the SBU’s “A” Special Operations Center carried out the attack using FP-2 drones, each loaded with 105 kilograms of explosives.

🇹🇷Turkey is cutting back on purchases of Russian oil due to U.S. sanctions against Rosneft and Lukoil.

The country’s largest refineries have begun increasing imports from Iraq, Kazakhstan, and other suppliers.

Notably, SOCAR Turkey Aegean Refinery — one of the biggest in the country — has bought several large shipments of non-Russian crude scheduled to arrive in December. By contrast, in September and October, nearly all of the refinery’s feedstock came from Russia.

Another major producer, Tüpraş, is also reducing imports from Russia to avoid violating upcoming EU sanctions.

🔸 Ukraine has strengthened the Patriot air defense component of its air defense network, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

“I thank Germany and personally Chancellor Friedrich Merz for this joint step to protect lives from Russian terror. We had been preparing this air defense reinforcement for some time, and now the agreements have been fulfilled,” the president stated.

According to Zelensky, Russian airstrikes remain “the main bet” of Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin in his war against Ukraine. That is why every enhancement of Ukraine’s air defenses “brings the war closer to an end.”

The president emphasized that Ukraine, together with its partners, continues to build a reliable air defense system that will guarantee security not only for Ukraine but also for its allies in the future.

He added that negotiations on further joint steps to strengthen air defense are ongoing — both at the intergovernmental level and directly with system manufacturers.

🇧🇪 Belgium has spotted “suspicious drones” that likely spied on F-16 fighter jets and ammunition depots.

According to Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken, the drones attempted to “locate F-16 aircraft, ammunition, and other critical strategic assets.”

Francken stopped short of directly accusing Russia of the recent drone incursions into Belgium but hinted there were few other plausible culprits.

He also announced that the country had launched an investigation following reports of unmanned aerial vehicles flying over the Kleine-Brogel air base.

The base is a key component of Belgium’s defense infrastructure and hosts a U.S. military presence. It currently houses Belgian F-16 fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear weapons — and will soon accommodate F-35s as well.

🔹 Russian forces attacked Pavlohrad with drones, sparking fires and killing a 55-year-old man. Among the injured is a child.

Three people were wounded in total, including an 8-year-old girl. The others are a 71-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman.

Fires broke out across the city. A residential building, several cars, a metal shelter, and a private business were damaged.

In addition, Russian troops targeted the Nikopol district with FPV drones and artillery. A 75-year-old man was injured, and a sports school, five private houses, garages, and an outbuilding were damaged. Several vehicles and a power line were also hit.

👀 Explosions reported in the temporarily occupied city of Shakhtarsk, Donetsk region.

OSINT community CyberBoroshno reports that a fuel depot was likely hit.

🔸 🇺🇸 Trump said he is “not actually” considering supplying Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles.

He added that his position could change, but for now, the answer is no.

▪️ On October 31, CNN reported, citing three sources, that the U.S. Department of Defense had given the green light for the delivery of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. The Pentagon assessed that the move would not negatively affect U.S. defense capabilities — but the final political decision rests with the president.

💥 Drones struck the Saratov Oil Refinery overnight, according to local Telegram channels.

The Saratov refinery is one of Russia’s oldest oil processing facilities. As of 2023, its annual refining capacity stood at 4.8 million tons.

Ukrainian Defense Forces have targeted the facility three times since the start of autumn — on September 16, September 20, and October 16.

🇬🇧 The United Kingdom has supplied Ukraine with a new batch of Storm Shadow cruise missiles for strikes against Russia, Bloomberg reports, citing sources.

The exact number of missiles was not disclosed. The British government has previously refrained from revealing how many Storm Shadows it has provided.

▪️ Ukraine first used Storm Shadow missiles to strike targets in Russia in November last year — missile debris was later found in the Kursk region. The attack came shortly after then-U.S. President Joe Biden authorized Ukraine to use American missiles for strikes inside Russian territory.

United 24 Media:

🤬 Nearly 1,500 strike drones, 1,170 guided aerial bombs, and over 70 missiles of various types were used by Russia to attack Ukraine over the past week, — Zelenskyy.

In October, Russia set a new record for missile launches against Ukraine — the highest in two years, The Guardian reported, citing an analysis of Ukrainian Air Force data.

According to journalists, Russia launched 270 missiles last month — a 46% increase compared to September. “This is the highest monthly figure since early 2023, when Kyiv began regularly publishing statistics,” the publication noted.

☢️ Russia has launched a nuclear cruiser near Finland’s borders, capable of carrying up to 12 Poseidon unmanned nuclear torpedoes.

At the launch ceremony in Khabarovsk, Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov said this would enable Russia “to successfully fulfill the task of ensuring the security of the Russian Federation’s maritime borders and protecting its interests in various parts of the World Ocean.”

❗️Ukraine has received new Patriot systems. “We have strengthened the Patriot component of our Ukrainian air defense,” President Zelenskyy said.

🇹🇷 Türkiye is sharply increasing oil purchases from other countries amid new sanctions against Russia, Reuters reports.

One of the country’s largest refineries, SOCAR Türkiye Aegean Refinery (STAR), owned by an Azerbaijani company, recently bought four cargoes of crude from Iraq, Kazakhstan, and other non-Russian producers for December delivery.

According to preliminary estimates, this totals between 77,000 and 129,000 barrels per day. In comparison, in September and October, almost all the oil processed at this refinery came from Russia — around 210,000 barrels per day.

🔹 “Our warehouses are full of ammunition. We produce more ammunition than France, especially mortar shells. I have offered our friends in the EU the opportunity to sign a purchase agreement and take everything we have. This would be a phenomenal contribution to European security,” Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said in an interview with Cicero.

Answering whether Serbian ammunition supplied to Europe could then be used in Ukraine, he said buyers may use it as they wish and that he is still waiting for a final answer from the EU. “We just need a long-term contract so we can plan. I have always said that Serbia is militarily neutral. But we are absolutely ready to cooperate with European armies,” he added.

🔸 The UK government has decided to transfer additional Storm Shadow cruise missiles to Ukraine, enabling Ukrainian forces to continue striking targets in Russia, according to Bloomberg.

The sources did not specify the number of missiles provided by the UK.

🔹 Chinese refiners are rejecting Russian oil after the U.S. and its allies blacklisted Moscow’s top producers and some of their customers, Bloomberg reports.

State-owned companies such as Sinopec and PetroChina have canceled several Russian cargoes following U.S. sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil. Smaller private refiners, known as “dummies,” are also avoiding Russian supplies, fearing penalties similar to those imposed on Shandong Yulong Petrochemical, which was recently sanctioned by the UK and EU.

The widely traded ESPO crude is among those affected, with prices dropping sharply. Rystad Energy estimates the buyers’ strike is hitting about 400,000 barrels per day — up to 45% of China’s oil imports from Russia.

As the world’s largest oil importer, China’s reduced purchases may benefit other suppliers, including the United States, which recently reached a trade truce with Beijing during a meeting between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping.

However, Moscow still has some outlets. Sanctioned Yulong has turned to Russian crude due to a lack of alternatives. Other refiners remain cautious, avoiding moves that could lead to similar penalties.

Rystad notes that smaller refiners are also limited by reduced import quotas after recent tax changes. This will likely prevent them from buying Russian oil until the end of the year, even if they try to bypass sanctions.

The Trump–Xi meeting, while productive on trade issues such as semiconductors and soybeans, left the fate of Russian oil unresolved.

Kyiv Independent:

⚡️Ukrainian soldiers killed in Russian missile, drone strikes on Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, military says.

Ukrainian soldiers have been killed in Russian missile and drone strikes on Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, the Ukrainian military said on Nov. 2.

On Nov. 1, Russia launched a missile and drone attack on several settlements in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, including Nikopol, Pishchansk, Pokrovsk, Marhanets, and Chervonohryhorivsk.

⚡️Ukraine receives promised Patriot air defense systems from Germany, Zelensky says.

"We have strengthened the 'Patriot' component of our Ukrainian air defense. I thank Germany and personally Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz for this joint step to protect human lives from Russian terror."

⚡️Powerful explosions reported at Shakhtarsk oil depot in Russian-occupied Donetsk Oblast.

The facility was struck shortly before 8 p.m. local time, according to footage posted to social media. The Kyiv Independent could not verify these reports at the time of publication.

⚡️Update: Ukraine's strike on Russia's Tuapse oil terminal to have 'long-term consequences,' military official says.

"This case is important and will have quite long-term consequences, because, in addition to directly damaging the technological chains involved in shipping, there will also be a reaction among seafarers, that is, companies that are directly refueled there," Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk said on Nov. 2.

"This also increases insurance premiums. And in principle, this will discourage many from entering these ports."

⚡️Trump 'not really' considering Tomahawk transfers to Ukraine, for now.

When asked on Nov. 2 by reporters if his administration is considering sending Kyiv Tomahawks, U.S. President Donald Trump responded: “No, not really… things can change but at this moment I’m not.”

⚡️ Update: Trump calls Putin ‘smart’ and ‘strong’ leader who wants to trade with US.

Trump said that both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are “smart” and “very strong leaders” who are “not to be toyed with.”

⚡️ Russian coast guard boat flying Wagner flag spotted near Estonia.

Estonia suggested that the display of a symbol of the mercenary group that rebelled against the Kremlin two years ago "confirms the fact that Russia's 'iron' system is fracturing."

⚡️ Chinese refiners start shunning Russian oil after US sanctions, Bloomberg reports.

State-owned Chinese refiners, such as Sinopec and PetroChina Co., have canceled some Russian cargos, and smaller private refiners are also holding off on purchases, according to Bloomberg.

⚡️ Finnish president suggests Trump, Zelensky could meet Putin at G20 summit in South Africa.

The Kremlin previously said that Putin is not expected to attend the event, which is scheduled to take place in Johannesburg between Nov. 22 and 23.

⚡️116 killed, 26 journalists captured since Russia's full-scale invasion began, Culture Ministry reports.

The total of 116 journalists killed also includes those who joined the military after the invasion began.

⚡️Ukraine strikes oil refinery in Russia's Saratov Oblast for 3rd time this fall, General Staff says.

The Saratov oil refinery in Russia was struck by drones on Nov. 3, according to the Astra Telegram channel, which cited open-source intelligence data.

⚡️ Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil facilities, sanctions boost profits of Western oil majors.

The coordinated impact of Ukrainian drone attacks and Western restrictions has reduced Russian oil output and exports, driving up refining margins and profits for U.S. and European competitors.

🔹 These are the indicative estimates of Russia’s combat losses as of Nov. 3, according to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Kyiv Post:

Brussels confirms formal investigation into repeated drone
incursions at Kleine-Brogel, as a military analyst tells the Kyiv Post the incident could become a “net gain for the alliance” by triggering rapid upgrades.

Trump claims Russia and China are conducting secret explosive nuclear tests, framing controversial directive as necessary response to foreign violations of global test ban norms.

Drone attacks on Russian refineries and export terminals since July have cut daily petroleum product shipments by 500,000 barrels in September from this year’s peak.

Russian troops have infiltrated nearly every part of Pokrovsk, in Donetsk region, using small infantry units.

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-november-3-2025/

Key Takeaways

1. Russian forces continue to advance in the Pokrovsk direction and appear to be operating with increasing comfort within Pokrovsk itself.
2. Ukrainian forces continue defensive efforts and counterattacks in the Pokrovsk direction.
3. Ukrainian forces have liberated a significant portion of the Russian penetration in the Dobropillya direction on the eastern flank of the Pokrovsk effort.
4. Ukrainian efforts to cut off the Russian salient east of Dobropillya are likely generating tactical effects on Russian efforts to encircle the Ukrainian pocket near Pokrovsk.
5. Russian Security Council Deputy Chairperson Dmitry Medvedev reiterated the Kremlin’s objective of taking control of all of Ukraine.
6. Ukraine’s European allies provided Ukraine with long-range missiles and air defense systems.
7. Authorities reported more unidentified drone sightings near German airports.
8. Ukrainian forces advanced near Kupyansk. Russian forces advanced in northern Kharkiv Oblast, near Siversk and Pokrovsk, and in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

Ukraine war latest: Ukraine says it halted Russian advance north of Pokrovsk

• (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2025-11-03/)* Ukrainian forces said on Nov. 3 that they stopped a Russian attempt to advance north of Pokrovsk, a key logistics hub in Donetsk Oblast, which is semi-circled by Russian forces and the site of fierce fighting. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s State Bureau of Investigation opened an investigation into a Nov. 1 Russian missile strike on a Ukrainian military base in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Troops had reportedly gathered there for an award ceremony.

Frontline situation ahead of winter — Next KI Insights monthly briefing (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-battlefield-update-frontline-situation-ahead-of-winter-next-ki-insights-monthly-briefing/)
Join an exclusive KI Insights briefing featuring expert guest Rob Lee, who will share firsthand observations from his recent trip to the front lines and provide expert analysis on the military outlook.

⚡️ Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil facilities, sanctions boost profits (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-strikes-on-russian-oil-sanctions-boost-profits-of-western-oil-majors/) of Western oil majors.
The coordinated impact of Ukrainian drone attacks and Western restrictions has reduced Russian oil output and exports, driving up refining margins and profits for U.S. and European competitors.

⚡️ Update: Drones spotted over Belgian military base for 3rd night in a row. (kyivindependent.com/drones-spotted-over-military-base-in-belgium/)
The incidents appear to be part of an espionage operation, Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken said.

⚡️ Belgian military orders to shoot down (kyivindependent.com/belgian-military-orders-to-down-drones-over-bases/) unknown drones over bases.

⚡️ Kramatorsk, Ukraine's iconic front-line rail stop (kyivindependent.com/key-train-route-to-ukraines-east-has-been-reduced-for-an-indefinite-period-due-to-safety-concerns/), closed for 'indefinite period.'
Trains that ran to Kramatorsk will now have their final destination in the city of Husarivka in Kharkiv Oblast.

[repeated] ⚡️UK supplies (kyivindependent.com/uk-supplies-ukraine-with-additional-storm-shadow-missiles-for-deep-strikes-into-russia-bloomberg-reports/) Ukraine with additional Storm Shadow missiles for deep strikes into Russia, Bloomberg reports.
An undisclosed number of missiles were delivered to replenish Ukraine's stockpiles ahead of winter, when Russia is expected to intensify its attacks, the source told Bloomberg.

⚡️Ukraine to open defense production (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-to-open-defense-production-offices-in-berlin-copenhagen-this-year-zelensky-says/) offices in Berlin, Copenhagen this year, Zelensky says.

⚡️Ukraine strikes (kyivindependent.com/drones-attack-oil-refinery-in-russias-saratov-oblast-for-3rd-time-this-fall-media-reports/) oil refinery in Russia's Saratov Oblast for 3rd time this fall, General Staff says.
The Saratov oil refinery in Russia was struck by drones on Nov. 3, according to the Astra Telegram channel, which cited open-source intelligence data.

⚡️Explosions rock Russian ammunition depot, oil refineries, petrochemical plant amid mass Ukrainian drone strike (kyivindependent.com/explosions-rock-ammunition-facility-in-occupied-luhansk-oblast-media-reports/).
Explosions were reported at a petrochemical plant in Sterlitamak, a city in Russia's Republic of Bashkortostan.

Exclusive: EU to praise Ukraine's 'remarkable commitment' to membership bid but warn of backsliding on anti-corruption in key report (kyivindependent.com/exclusive-eu-to-praise-ukraines-remarkable-commitment-to-membership-bid-but-warn-of-backsliding-on-anti-corruption-in-key-report/)
Ukraine has shown "remarkable commitment" to its bid for EU membership despite Russia's full-scale war, but must urgently reverse negative trends in the fight against corruption and step up rule of law reforms, the European Commission is expected to say in its draft enlargement report, seen by the Kyiv Independent.

⚡️Explosions rock (kyivindependent.com/explosions-rock-ammunition-facility-in-occupied-luhansk-oblast-media-reports/) ammunition facility in occupied Luhansk Oblast, sites across Russia.

⚡️ Finnish president suggests (kyivindependent.com/finnish-president-suggests-trump-zelensky-could-meet-putin-at-g20-summit/) Trump, Zelensky could meet Putin at G20 summit in South Africa.
The Kremlin previously said that Putin is not expected to attend the event, which is scheduled to take place in Johannesburg between Nov. 22 and 23.

Ukraine opens probe (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-opens-probe-after-russian-missile-strike-on-base-where-awards-ceremony-was-reportedly-held/) after Russian missile strike on base where awards ceremony was reportedly held

⚡️ Mazda becomes first automaker (https://kyivindependent.com/mazda-first-automaker-to-lose-right-to-reclaim-russian-assets/) to lose right to reclaim Russian assets after exit.
After the invasion of Ukraine, most Western and Asian car manufacturers quit Russia, selling assets to local companies for symbolic sums while securing repurchase options in case of future reentry.

⚡️116 killed, 26 journalists captured (kyivindependent.com/116-killed-26-journalists-captured-since-russias-full-scale-invasion-began-culture-ministry-reports/) since Russia's full-scale invasion began, Culture Ministry reports.
The total of 116 journalists killed also includes those who joined the military after the invasion began.

Popular Kyiv mall on lockdown as management dispute continues
(https://kyivindependent.com/popular-kyiv-mall-on-lockdown-as-management-dispute-continues/)

'He left us too soon' — Ukrainian photographer and soldier Huzenko killed in Russian strike in eastern Ukraine
(kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-photographer-and-soldier-huzenko-killed-in-russian-strike-in-eastern-ukraine/)
Kostiantyn Huzenko, 28, a Kyiv photographer who documented the war and enlisted the 35th Marine Brigade in April 2024, was killed Nov. 1 in a Russian strike in eastern Ukraine, the media outlet Ukrainer reported.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦
‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA — NOV 4, 2025
■ Engagements remain above the 7-day average, but casualties have slid below it
■ Drone losses above average; notable artillery and tank losses
■ Visually confirmed: 14 🇷🇺 : 62 🇺🇦 (62:6 w/cleanup) — 1.1× in last 30 days ↓
■ Overnight attacks: triple-digit, incl. 7 missiles; interception rate could be better
■ Double-digit 🇺🇦 strikes, but 🇷🇺 up as well

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

💪 Ukrainian forces have cleared 188 km² in the Dobropillia salient, Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi reported.
He noted that troops are being reinforced with additional units, weapons, equipment, and unmanned systems.

❗️The Ukrainian Navy struck a Russian special forces unit stationed on the Sivash drilling rig in the Black Sea.
Along with reconnaissance and surveillance equipment, an anti-tank missile system was destroyed.

Italy is preparing a new, 12th military aid package for Ukraine, Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said.

Poland will build its own “anti-drone wall” without waiting for an EU decision, Bloomberg reports.
According to the deputy defense minister, the ministry will announce investments in technologies to detect, jam, and neutralize hostile drones this month. The government expects the first new capabilities to be operational within three months, with the entire system completed in two years.
Priority will be given to national projects, while the EU system may later “complement” Poland’s efforts. The project will be financed through the EU’s SAFE defense lending program.

🇺🇸🇺🇦 U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker arrived in Ukraine for a working visit.

Germany intends to completely ban steel imports from Russia.
Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil called for an end to imports of Russian steel that continue to enter the EU despite sanctions.
He emphasized that Russian “steel slabs” processed in Europe remain outside the restrictions, which undermines confidence in the sanctions policy.
Decisions on the issue are expected at a “steel summit” convened by Chancellor Friedrich Merz on November 6.

Belarus has once again offered to send its “peacekeepers” to Ukraine.

Chinese refiners are rejecting Russian oil after the U.S. and its allies blacklisted Moscow’s top producers and some of their customers, Bloomberg reports.
State-owned companies such as Sinopec and PetroChina have canceled several Russian cargoes following U.S. sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil. Smaller private refiners, known as “dummies,” are also avoiding Russian supplies, fearing penalties similar to those imposed on Shandong Yulong Petrochemical, which was recently sanctioned by the UK and EU.
The widely traded ESPO crude is among those affected, with prices dropping sharply. Rystad Energy estimates the buyers’ strike is hitting about 400,000 barrels per day — up to 45% of China’s oil imports from Russia.
As the world’s largest oil importer, China’s reduced purchases may benefit other suppliers, including the United States, which recently reached a trade truce with Beijing during a meeting between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping.
However, Moscow still has some outlets. Sanctioned Yulong has turned to Russian crude due to a lack of alternatives. Other refiners remain cautious, avoiding moves that could lead to similar penalties.
Rystad notes that smaller refiners are also limited by reduced import quotas after recent tax changes. This will likely prevent them from buying Russian oil until the end of the year, even if they try to bypass sanctions.
The Trump–Xi meeting, while productive on trade issues such as semiconductors and soybeans, left the fate of Russian oil unresolved.

📉 Pipeline gas exports from Russia to Europe have fallen to a 50-year low — the smallest volume since the Brezhnev era, Reuters reports.
In the first 10 months of 2025, Gazprom delivered only 14.7 billion cubic meters of gas to Europe — 45% less than during the same period in 2024.
Such figures were last seen in the early 1970s, when Leonid Brezhnev negotiated the first Soviet gas supply contract with Austria. By 1975, deliveries reached 19.3 billion cubic meters, and by 1980 — after the “gas for pipes” deal with West Germany — 54.8 billion cubic meters.
Before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, pipeline exports to Europe reached 200 billion cubic meters — now reduced twelvefold.

Around 50 relatives of Indians deceived into the Russian army held a rally in Delhi, demanding the return of their loved ones and action from the government. Many had gone to Russia to study but were forced to sign military contracts in Russian.
The rally highlighted 28-year-old Sonu, whose funeral took place on October 29. Families displayed a banner with 20 photos of Indians in military uniform—all trapped in the Russian army. Some remain missing, and two have died, yet their bodies have not been recovered.

In Russia, the head of an organization for the protection of family values has been arrested in a child trafficking case. She was the guardian of a teenager from occupied Mariupol, Radio Svoboda reports.
The detainee is Irina Rudnitskaya, a clinical psychologist and chairperson of the Interregional Public Organization for the Protection of Family Values. She is responsible for 12 children aged 3 to 17.
Rudnitskaya was also the guardian of Bohdan Yermokhin, a 17-year-old Ukrainian orphan kidnapped from Mariupol. When the Russian army invaded the city, Bohdan was studying at a local metallurgical college. After the occupation, he was taken to Russia and placed under Rudnitskaya’s guardianship, even though he had a cousin living in Ukraine.
The teenager later tried to escape to Ukraine but was stopped at the border. He received a draft notice from the Russian military and recorded a message to President Zelenskyy, asking to return home. After turning 18, Yermokhin managed to leave for Ukraine.
Two other people were arrested along with Rudnitskaya — an entrepreneur from the Moscow region and a woman whose child may have been sold to another family.

📜🇺🇦 The “Ostroz Quran” — one of the most valuable monuments of the Muslim heritage in Ukraine — has been digitized.
Its uniqueness lies in the notes written in a Ukrainian dialect using Arabic script, making it an exceptional artifact in the history of Ukrainian Islam.
The 1804 manuscript, created by scribe Ibn Adam Ali Mustafa, features elegant naskh calligraphy and a combination of black text with red punctuation.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Italy is preparing its 12th package of military aid for Ukraine — country’s Ministry of Defense
Earlier, media reported that the deliveries will include ammunition and missiles for the SAMP-T air defense system to be supplied by the end of 2025.

Ukraine to produce 600–800 interceptor drones per day by the end of November — Zelensky
“Despite Russian strikes on arms factories, all production sites have resumed operations.” [a rare public mention of Russian successful strikes]

“Americans may be in for wurprises”— Russia is arming Venezuela, (www.kyivpost.com/post/63593) and one Russian parliamentarian is pushing for Moscow to supply its “state-of-art” nuclear capable Oreshnik missile system as leverage against an American attack.

⚡️Ukraine’s missile industry expands as Kyiv pursues 3,000-missile target for 2025
We are already using new missiles — Flamingo, Ruta, Neptune — and expect mass production by the end of the year. Everyone can see the results — in Ukraine and in Russia as well” — President Zelensky, speaking to Kyiv Post

Inside Ukraine’s Secret Sea-Drone Unit: Commander “Thirteen” reveals how Magura drones sank Russian ships and changed the war in the Black Sea.

Drone attacks on Russian refineries and export terminals since July have cut daily petroleum product shipments by 500,000 barrels (www.kyivpost.com/post/63526) in September from this year’s peak.

A bureaucratic “disconnect” has slashed federal funding for the kidnapped Ukrainian children (www.kyivpost.com/post/63554) project, leaving it weeks from closure, the lab director tells Kyiv Post – despite high-profile White House interest.

In his latest hardline comments on migration, German Chancellor Merz said there was “no longer any reason” for Syrians (www.kyivpost.com/post/63582) who fled their country’s brutal 13-year war to seek asylum in Germany.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

Zelensky: “Almost a third of all battles are taking place in Pokrovsk, and 50% of all glide bombs dropped are hitting the city.”
During a press briefing, the president said there are currently up to 300 Russian troops in Pokrovsk, but the enemy has made no progress there in the past two days.
Zelensky also noted that Ukraine’s military command has set dates for clearing operations in Kupiansk but will not make them public. He added that the operation in Dobropillia is ongoing.
“The Commander-in-Chief said our forces have cleared another 2–3 kilometers. Russia knows it has completely lost the initiative there, but we also understand it’s preparing for a counterattack. All signs and intercepted data indicate that,” Zelensky said.

💥 Drones attacked multiple targets across Russia overnight.
🔴In the Volgograd region, the Frolovskaya power plant was damaged.
🔴At the Sterlitamak petrochemical plant in Bashkortostan, an explosion occurred. Local authorities said a drone strike partially destroyed the water treatment facility.
🔴In Kstovo, Nizhny Novgorod region, a fire broke out near the Lukoil-Nizhny Novgorod Refinery and the Sibur-Kstovo petrochemical plant.
🔴In Rylsk, Kursk region, local officials reported a drone attack on a power substation, leaving over 16,000 residents without electricity

[yesterday's report]
💥 Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) destroyed two high-value Russian air defense assets in occupied Crimea.
The targets were a 92N6E multifunctional radar and the autonomous power system of an S-400 command post.
The strike hit the command post of a Russian S-400 Triumf air defense battalion deployed in a combat position overnight on November 2.
HUR specialists also successfully targeted an AORL-1AS airfield surveillance radar and a P-18 Terek radar operated by the Russian army.

In the Chernihiv region, a Russian drone detonated during fieldwork.
Two men, aged 32 and 21, were killed in the explosion. Another man, 52, from the Nizhyn district, was injured and taken to the hospital.
Three pieces of agricultural machinery were also damaged.

Two Territorial Defense fighters who held their positions on the front line for 165 days have been awarded the Cross of Combat Merit.
The honorees are members of the Territorial Defense Forces, Oleksandr Aliksiienko and Oleksandr Tishaiev. The first served as a rifle platoon commander, and the second as a grenadier.

In the Dnipropetrovsk region, a 65-year-old woman was killed in a Russian attack.
The enemy struck the Mykolaiv community in the Synelnykove district with a missile and a drone.
Eight more people were injured, including a 5-year-old girl who was hospitalized in critical condition and a 15-year-old boy receiving outpatient treatment.
In the Nikopol area, Russian forces attacked with FPV drones, artillery, and Grad MLRS, hitting Nikopol, Marhanets, and Pokrovske communities.
Three men — aged 43, 51, and 52 — were injured, and an ambulance was damaged in the attack.

I found his statements on the military situation in Pokrovsk and Kupiansk concerning. I can’t find any military commentators, either Ukrainian or Russian who agree with his summary of the situation?
Maryana Beziglaya, Ukrainian mp, has openly accused him of lying. I understand all leaders on both sides will paint the most positive picture possible but this is so far removed from reality? The more concerning possibility is that he actually believes this and makes decisions based on this assessment being true

Hello @Golden407
that’s an interesting assessment

Maryanna Bezukhla (whose name you didn’t even spell correctly the Ukrainian way) is quite a controversial figure isn’t she? I’m sure Zelenskyy makes his decisions in a way that he sees fit, given the situation, and these decisions may not align with other politicians’ views, let alone the one who was expelled from her position as the deputy chair of the fParliamentary Committee on National Security and Defence.

A lot of this information on the frontline situation is super confidential, why would you be surprised that you can’t find it from any military commentators?

I see lots of red flags in your post Golden407 🤔

A lot of this information on the frontline situation is super confidential, why would you be surprised that you can’t find it from any military commentators?

Exactly.

A lot of info and statements put out by both sides will at the very least vague, imprecise and even missleading for all sorts of reasons, but msinly because there's a war going on.

@Golden407 tbh I was surprised at how positive Zelenskyy's statement was since honestly, it seems bleak, including from the ISW's assessment.

It stuck out as being out of the norm because usually when things don't go well he keeps quiet, or emphasises how hard Ukrainian troops are working, but he doesn't go this far.

As far as I can see, Ukraine rarely overtly lies although it does not always correct inaccurate impressions, which can allow a mistaken picture to be drawn. This seems an actual statement rather than silently allowing mistaken deductions to be drawn.

It's hard to think of any explanation at all because the situation does seem to be dire, and normally Z just isn't one to paint sunshine when it's storming.