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Ukraine Invasion: Part 59

1000 replies

MagicFox · 17/10/2025 22:11

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

B. If you post a link please tell us where it leads/give a precis of the content

C. Discussion and debate is welcome, but please keep it respectful

D. Please keep on topic

OP posts:
Thread gallery
441
ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 12/11/2025 12:49

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

India’s five major refiners, which accounted for two-thirds of Russian oil imports in 2025, have stopped purchasing it for December delivery, Bloomberg reported, citing sources.
According to them, this shows that Western sanctions and trade negotiations between the US and India are beginning to significantly affect Russian oil supplies.

Chinese oil companies are following Indian firms in abandoning futures contracts for Russian oil, Reuters reports.
For instance, Yanchang Petroleum, which previously regularly purchased Russian export-grade ESPO or Sokol oil, is now seeking alternative suppliers for December through February.
Yanchang Petroleum, one of the largest inland refineries in China, can process 348,000 barrels of oil per day and imports around 26 million barrels annually.
Meanwhile, Luoyang Petrochemical, a subsidiary of oil giant Sinopec, has shut two oil distillation units for maintenance until the end of the month.
In early October, the United States imposed sanctions on a key terminal in eastern China used by Sinopec for about a fifth of its oil imports, which affected the operations of its subsidiaries.

Germany plans to increase military support for Ukraine to over €11.5 billion in 2026.
German TV channel NTV, citing the Ministry of Finance, reported that the additional funds will be used to purchase artillery, drones, and armored vehicles, as well as to replace two Patriot air-defense missile systems.
The Bundestag Budget Committee will review the final draft of the 2026 budget on November 13.

🇩🇰 Denmark has announced a new military aid package for Ukraine worth over $210 million.

🇪🇺 The European Commission has launched plans to create a new intelligence agency under President Ursula von der Leyen, aiming to better utilize information gathered by national spy services, the Financial Times reports.
The initiative is opposed by senior officials in the EU diplomatic service, which manages the European Union’s Intelligence and Situation Centre (Intcen). They fear it could duplicate Intcen’s role and put its future at risk, sources said.

Ukraine currently produces around 4 million drones annually, likely more than all NATO countries combined, Bloomberg reports.
The agency notes that the United States, for example, produces about 100,000 military drones each year.
In 2022, Ukraine had only 10 drone manufacturers. Today, there are 500, producing everything from FPV drones costing a few hundred dollars to long-range aircraft.
Bloomberg reports that the next goal for the Ukrainian drone industry is to enter NATO markets.

The situation on the front lines remains extremely tense, as Russia has deployed 150,000 troops toward Pokrovsk, Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi told the New York Post.
▫️The enemy is carrying out a strategic offensive in an attempt to break through defenses, encircle the city, and cut off supply routes.
▫️Syrskyi denied Russian media claims that Pokrovsk is under full Russian control.
▫️Since Ukraine’s counteroffensive began in September, Russia has lost about 13,000 troops, while the Ukrainian Armed Forces have liberated more than 256 square kilometers of territory.
▫️Russia’s objective is to encircle Pokrovsk and nearby towns from several directions, displace civilians, and seize the entire Donetsk region.
▫️The Ukrainian military aims to keep Russia’s mobilization rate equal to or lower than its losses: “They have been conducting active assaults for two months without any material success.”
▫️Ukraine continues to rely on drone superiority and strikes on enemy infrastructure.
▫️Despite massive pressure and vast resources, Moscow’s attempts to secure a rapid victory have failed.

🤦‍♂️ The Russian FSB reportedly foiled a HUR operation to hijack a Russian MiG-31 armed with a hypersonic Kinzhal missile.
They claimed that Ukrainian intelligence officers, allegedly led by the British, planned to use the fighter jet to target NATO’s largest airbase in Romania.
According to the story, the pilots were promised $3 million and citizenship in a Western country.

The Romanian Foreign Ministry has ridiculed Russian claims of foiling a MiG-31 hijacking operation by Ukrainians.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Cernea dismissed the Russian story as something out of a Soviet spy novel.

Renowned French orthopedic traumatologist Stefano Romano performed 14 complex surgeries in Lviv.
Romano, who also treats PSG players, focused on intricate procedures on the upper limbs. This marks his eighth visit to the city.
Over four days, he conducted 47 consultations and created individual treatment plans for each patient.

🤦‍♂️ Lavrov made several statements:
▫️ “Demilitarization” and “denazification” of Ukraine are mandatory conditions for resolving the “conflict.”
▫️ Budapest would be Russia’s preferred venue for a meeting between Putin and Trump if Washington renews its initiative.
▫️ If one of the nuclear powers conducts a nuclear test, Russia will follow suit.
▫️ It remains unclear how Britain will “cleanse” itself after the FSB exposed its role in the MiG-31 provocation.

❗️The Russian Federation attacked the Vasylkivska community in the Dnipropetrovsk region with a drone, killing a man — Regional Military Administration.
A 47-year-old man died as a result of the strike.
In Pavlohrad, fires broke out following the attack, damaging private businesses and cars.
In the Nikopol region, the Russians shelled the area with artillery and an FPV drone. The strikes hit the district center and the Pokrovska community, where a private house caught fire.

In Kharkiv, the number of victims of a Russian drone strike has risen to five, the head of the Regional Military Administration reported. Four people were hospitalized. All are receiving qualified medical care. Two others were rescued from blocked apartments by State Emergency Service workers.

ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 12/11/2025 12:55

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

The US has frozen talks with Russia on restoring diplomatic relations, (www.kyivpost.com/post/64047) canceling planned consultations as tensions grow over Moscow’s war and Washington’s new sanctions.

Russia claimed it is ready for new direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul, (www.kyivpost.com/post/64083) while NSDC Secretary Rustem Umerov arrived in Turkey to restart stalled prisoner exchange negotiations.

Trump administration pushes to weaken Ukraine resolution on Russian occupation at UN.
Two diplomatic sources told Kyiv Post that the US side is pressing for the resolution (www.kyivpost.com/post/63999) to be recast under the broader label of the “war in Ukraine,” without references to “territorial integrity” or “aggression.”

Divisions over US demands and trade friction overshadow coordination of fresh aid for Kyiv (www.kyivpost.com/post/64076) as ministers attempt to manage global unpredictability and hold the line against Russia.

A new investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) may hit Zelensky’s political standing (www.kyivpost.com/analysis/64054) amid massive power outages and the possible escape abroad of one of the suspects.

Israeli government minister Zeev Elkin has arrived in Ukraine for an official visit.

Russia has officially established a new branch of its armed forces dedicated to unmanned systems, (www.kyivpost.com/post/64093) marking the first formal recognition of drones as a separate component of its military structure.

Ukrainian forces destroyed a North Korean Type 75 multiple launch rocket system (MLRS (www.kyivpost.com/post/64034)) used by Russian troops in the Pokrovsk sector (Donetsk region).

Alice Weidel, co-leader of the Alternative for Germany, has questioned the need for her members’ travels to Russia’s Sochi, (www.kyivpost.com/post/64060) and has forbidden contact with the nuclear saber-rattling Dmitry Medvedev.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 59
ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 12/11/2025 12:59

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🪖 Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko told Western media that Ukraine is facing “huge problems” in finding new soldiers and called for lowering the draft age to 23 or 22.

🇪🇺🇺🇦 EU ministers will travel to Ukraine to discuss a plan to unblock its membership bid, Politico reports.
An informal summit of European ministers will take place in Lviv on December 10–11. Officials are expected to discuss ways to bypass Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s veto on Ukraine’s accession to the EU.
According to two unnamed officials cited by Politico, the plan is for Ukraine and Moldova to begin work on the next set of EU accession reforms without formal approval.
▪️Under EU rules, all 27 member states must approve each stage of a new country’s accession process.

A Dutch charity has donated a Yak-52 aircraft to Ukraine for use in countering drones.
The plane was delivered to Ukraine at the end of October and was purchased in the United Kingdom by the Protect Ukraine foundation.
According to Militarnyi, Yak-52 pilots can intercept drones by striking them with the aircraft’s wings or by firing directly from the cockpit — a highly risky tactic due to the lack of radar and the danger of debris from drone explosions.
The donated Yak-52 was dedicated to the late pilot Kostyantyn “Kamikadze” Oborin, who downed Shahed drones over southern Ukraine.

🇹🇷 A Turkish C-130 military aircraft has crashed on the Georgia–Azerbaijan border with 20 people on board.
The plane disappeared from radar just minutes after entering Georgian airspace without issuing a distress signal. The crash occurred in the Signagi municipality, about 5 kilometers from the Azerbaijani border.
There were 20 servicemen on board, though officials have not yet released information on the number of casualties.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev have expressed their condolences to the families of the victims.

Where’s the power?”: In response to widespread questions online, DTEK (Ukraine’s largest private energy group) released footage showing countless strikes and the destruction of thermal power plants and substations.
https://t.me/liveukraine_media/35724

In Russia, the first domestically produced AI-powered robot was unveiled and immediately collapsed drunk during the presentation. https://t.me/liveukraine_media/35726

Fallen Kherson farmer Oleksandr Hordiienko has been posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine.
After the liberation of the right bank of the Kherson region, Oleksandr personally demined hundreds of hectares of farmland. Later, to keep agricultural work going, he risked his life to save equipment and workers from shelling.
Oleksandr was killed on September 5 when a drone struck his vehicle.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 59
Ukraine Invasion: Part 59
blueshoes · 12/11/2025 13:20

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-november-11-2025/

Key Takeaways

  1. The rate of Russian advances in the Pokrovsk direction remains relatively slow, likely in part because the Russian military command continues to pursue grinding offensive operations throughout the theater.
  2. Russian forces will very likely seize Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad, but will likely take more time and suffer more casualties to do so than if the Russian military command focused more resources from elsewhere on the front in this direction.
  3. Russian forces are taking advantage of foggy weather conditions that degrade Ukrainian drone operations to intensify offensive operations in the Hulyaipole direction and other areas of eastern Ukraine.
  4. A months-long battlefield air interdiction (BAI) campaign likely facilitated recent Russian advances in the Velykomykhailivka and Hulyaipole directions.
  5. Ukrainian forces continued their long-range strike campaign against Russian oil infrastructure on the night of November 10 to 11.
  6. Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Siversk. Russian forces recently advanced near Pokrovsk and Hulyaipole.
ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 13/11/2025 09:25

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

Analysis: With all eyes on Pokrovsk, Russia drives forward in Zaporizhzhia Oblast (kyivindependent.com/analysis-with-all-eyes-on-pokrovsk-russia-drives-forward-in-zaporizhzhia-oblast/)
While Ukraine, Russia, and the world have been watching the dramatic final act of the Battle of Pokrovsk unfold, Russian gains in the eastern parts of Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts — a section of the frontline that has been dynamic but chronically overlooked — have picked up speed.

⚡️ Russian army redeploys forces near Pokrovsk (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2025-11-12/) amid reported reserve shortage, partisans say.
The newly arrived troops are reportedly being sent straight into assault operations, sometimes without even being formally registered.

⚡️Ukraine war latest live (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2025-11-12/): Humanitarian aid can no longer be delivered to Pokrovsk, Myrnohrad, military administration reports.
Only local Ukrainian military personnel are still able to provide assistance to civilians remaining in the embattled cities, according to Donetsk Oblast Governor Vadym Filashkin.

⚡️ Ukraine war latest live (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2025-11-12/): Ukrainian forces repel Russian attempt to advance toward Kostiantynivka, military says.
"The enemy's losses were significant," the 28th Separate Mechanized Brigade said.

⚡️Ukraine war latest live (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2025-11-12/): Recent Russian assault on light equipment in direction of Pokrovsk was 'partially successful,' Ukraine's military says.
Ukrainian forces destroyed five motorcycles and five cars on Nov. 11 during the defense of the city, the 7th Corps of Ukraine's Air Assault Forces reported.

⚡️ Ukraine's foreign minister meets Rubio (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-foreign-minister-rubio-discuss-sanctions-war-during-g7-summit-in-canada/), other G7 partners to push for defense, energy support.
After meeting Rubio at the G7 meeting in Canada, Sybiha praised U.S. President Donald Trump's "peace efforts and very effective energy sanctions against Russia."

⚡️ Russia, Kazakhstan sign strategic partnership (kyivindependent.com/russia-kazakhstan-sign-strategic-partnership-declaration/) declaration.
Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said the document, signed during his visit to Russia, would "open a new era in bilateral relations" between Moscow and Astana.

⚡️Congress votes to reopen (kyivindependent.com/congress-votes-to-reopen-government-after-longest-shutdown-in-us-history/) government after longest shutdown in US history.

⚡️ Explosions in Russia's Oryol Oblast following reported Ukrainian missile (kyivindependent.com/explosions-in-russias-oryol-oblast-following-reported-ukrainian-missile-and-drone-attacks/) and drone attacks.
Authorities simultaneously declared missile and drone threats in the region, according to local residents and Russian media.

⚡️ UK backchannel contacts failed to develop (https://kyivindependent.com/uk-backchannel-contacts-failed-to-develop-kremlin-says/), Kremlin says.
The comments follow reporting by the Financial Times (FT) that British national security advisor Jonathan Powell tried to open a backchannel with Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov earlier this year.

⚡️Ukraine war latest live (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2025-11-12/): Russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine's energy sector as civilian casualties remain high, UN reports.
Russian attacks killed at least 148 civilians and injured another 929 in October. The majority of casualties, around 65%, occurred in front-line regions, according to a U.N. monthly report published on Nov. 12.

South American crime groups could be learning war in Ukraine, Brazilian fighter says ()
The Kyiv Independent’s Jared Goyette sat down with Brazilian volunteer fighter Everson Neves about his experience of fighting for Ukraine and the growing concerns over South American soldiers and their possible links to organized crime.

⚡️ SBU exposes Russian agent (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-exposed-russian-agent-planing-terrorist-attacks-in-kyivs-metro-and-large-shopping-centers/) from Crimea planning terrorist attacks on Kyiv metro and malls.
A 55-year-old resident of Crimea has been charged in absentia.

⚡️Prosecutors describe (kyivindependent.com/prosecutors-describe-major-influence-peddling-network-in-ukraines-biggest-graft-case-2/) influence-peddling network in Ukraine's biggest graft case.
Suspects in a large-scale energy corruption case have allegedly manipulated senior officials as part of an extensive influence-peddling network, prosecutors said at court hearings on Nov. 11-12.
Specifically, suspects in the Energoatom corruption case have discussed who should be appointed to Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko's Cabinet and whether Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko should be appointed as ambassador to the U.S.

⚡️Two Ukrainian ministers implicated in major corruption scandal step down (kyivindependent.com/minister-implicated-suspended/).
Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko and Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk submitted their resignation on Nov. 12 amid a large-scale corruption scandal, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said.
Halushchenko is being investigated by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) as part of a large-scale corruption case into state nuclear power company Energoatom involving Timur Mindich, a close associate of Zelensky.

⚡️Suspects in Energoatom corruption scheme funded (kyivindependent.com/suspects-in-energoatom-corruption-scheme-funded-luxury-houses-for-ex-deputy-prime-minister-journalists-say/) luxury houses for ex-deputy prime minister, journalists say.
⚡️Suspects in Energoatom corruption scheme funded (kyivindependent.com/suspects-in-energoatom-corruption-scheme-funded-luxury-houses-for-ex-deputy-prime-minister-journalists-say/) luxury houses for ex-deputy prime minister, journalists say.

Zelensky to impose sanctions against close associate following large-scale corruption probe, source says (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-to-impose-sanctions-against-his-close-associate-mindich-following-large-scale-corruption-probe-sources-say/)
President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to impose sanctions against Oleksandr Tsukerman and his close associate Timur Mindich, implicated in a large-scale corruption scandal, a source in the President's Office told the Kyiv Independent.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦
‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA — NOV 13, 2025
) ■ Engagements and casualties above the 7-day average
■ Land-based equipment losses well above average; both armored and unarmored
■ Overnight attack overview has not been released at the time of writing
■ MLRS strikes above average, air strikes below it; single-digit 🇺🇦 strikes

Ukraine Invasion: Part 59
ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 13/11/2025 09:36

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

The corruption scandal in the Ukrainian government will not affect the European Union’s plans to provide financial assistance to Kyiv in the coming years, including through “reparation loans,” Finnish Deputy Prime Minister Riikka Purra said before a meeting of finance ministers in Brussels, the EP reports.
“Ukraine has problems with corruption, but it is taking measures to combat this phenomenon, so the European Union will continue to finance it in the future. Of course, corruption is a problem in Ukraine, but there are many mechanisms to fight it, and measures are being taken to counter it. I do not see any obstacle to advancing ‘reparation loans,’” Purra said.

🇺🇸 Rubio: The US has practically exhausted its options for new sanctions against Russia.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that Washington has reached the limit of sanctions pressure on Russia.
“Basically, there’s almost nothing left we can sanction. We hit their largest oil companies — that’s what everyone demanded,” he said.
Now the US will focus on enforcing sanctions and combating the shadow fleet Russia uses to circumvent restrictions.
Rubio also stated that Moscow wants the rest of Donbas and that missile strikes on Ukraine are aimed at destroying the power grid and demoralizing the population.

“We believe that if we push hard, the Russians will need a pause. But we must admit that they want a big war. They are preparing to start such a war in 2029 or 2030 — in this period, on the European continent,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“We need more pressure on Russia. Given the situation on the battlefield, we do not see that Russia wants to stop. The problem is that when we look at the Russian military industry, we see they are increasing production. And according to our estimates, they want to continue this war.
I believe we should think about how to stop them now in Ukraine. But we must also do everything to reduce their capabilities — not to give them money they still receive from energy sources, and not to give them weapons. This is a problem we need to think about,” the president said.

Peace talks with Russia this year have ended with virtually no results and have therefore been suspended, says Ukraine’s First Deputy Foreign Minister Serhiy Kyslytsya.
In a comment to The Times, he noted that throughout the summer, Kyiv focused on getting greater action from its international partners to encourage the “führer” in the bunker to meet face-to-face with Zelenskyy, but this effort was unsuccessful.

Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies launched a large investigation this week, targeting procurement abuses at Energoatom, the state-run nuclear energy giant with nearly $5 billion in annual revenue. The operation has already triggered suspensions in the Cabinet of Ministers and the dissolution of the company’s Supervisory Board.
Read full united24media.com/war-in-ukraine/operation-midas-inside-ukraines-high-profile-anti-corruption-investigation-13351

🇺🇦🏆 Ukraine took second place among U15 boys and fifth place among juniors at the World Aerobics Championships in Azerbaijan.
The team won gold in the “group” category, silver in “aerodance,” and two bronze medals in “individual exercises” and “triples.”

🕯🥀 Michiko Terada, Japanese ballet master and mother of the artistic director of the National Opera of Ukraine’s ballet troupe, has passed away.
On November 11, at the age of 87, Michiko Terada, founder of the Kyoto Ballet School, died. Her son, Nobuhiro Terada, is the artistic director of the ballet troupe of the National Opera of Ukraine.
She actively participated in cultural exchange programs between Japan and Ukraine and organized many events that helped popularize Ukrainian culture in Japan.
In 2022, she notably assisted Ukrainian refugees evacuated to Japan due to the war.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 59
ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 13/11/2025 09:40

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Zelensky held a meeting with the head of Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence Directorate (HUR), Kyrylo Budanov, and instructed him to “carry out a series of measures in the interests of Ukraine.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in response to Kyiv Post’s questions, (www.kyivpost.com/post/64131) branded border violations as “provocations” and reaffirmed a “strong commitment” to NATO defense.

Norway ruled out being the sole guarantor of a potential EU loan to Ukraine (www.kyivpost.com/post/64144) that would use frozen Russian assets, but might still contribute depending on the solution Brussels chooses.

Canada announced expanded sanctions against Russia, (www.kyivpost.com/post/64130) imposing restrictions on hundreds of shadow fleet vessels and two dozen individuals and entities.

Ukraine hit by mega-corruption scandal. (www.kyivpost.com/post/64120)
“Operation Midas” may become a serious trial for the Ukrainian political elite, as corruption contours reminiscent of a decade ago are reappearing in the eyes of society.

The French company Atreyd has delivered its new DWS-1 air defense system to Ukraine — a “drone wall” capable of intercepting Shahed drones and even guided aerial bombs.
The AI-powered system uses radar to detect incoming threats and then deploys dozens of mini-drones with small explosive charges to create an airborne barrier. One operator can manage up to 100 drones at once.
Production is already ongoing in France and Ukraine, with plans to expand to the United States.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 59
ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 13/11/2025 09:43

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

❗️There is no Russian control over Pokrovsk and no encirclement of Ukrainian troops, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi said.
He added that the Pokrovsk sector is seeing the highest number of daily Russian assaults. The occupiers are trying to exploit difficult weather conditions to advance.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Defense Forces are maintaining control over key logistics routes and destroying Russian assault groups, Syrskyi noted.
In the adjacent Ocheretyne sector, the Armed Forces have liberated more than 7 km² of territory in the Pokrovsk district over the past week.

❗️The Southern Defense Forces reported that Ukrainian units have withdrawn from the settlement of Rivnopillia in the Zaporizhzhia region to more advantageous positions.

In the city of Kostyantynivka in the Donetsk region, there are currently 4,800 people who still have the possibility to evacuate.
A representative of the Donetsk Regional Military Administration, Petlin, said volunteers are still able to enter the city using armored transport, which means civilians can evacuate.

🇺🇸🇮🇷 The United States has imposed new sanctions on Iran — and the list includes Ukrainian companies.
Washington has sanctioned 32 individuals and companies from Iran, the UAE, Turkey, China, Germany, and Ukraine for their involvement in networks supplying missile and drone technologies.
Among those targeted are Iran’s KIPAS and the Ukrainian companies GK Imperativ and Ekofera.
The goal of the sanctions is to disrupt Iran’s production of Shahed drones and missile systems.

🇳🇴 Norway may support the EU’s plan to use frozen Russian assets for Ukraine but will not tap into its sovereign wealth fund to do so, Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg said.

According to him, Norway — which is not an EU member — already makes substantial financial contributions to Ukraine and could potentially take part in the EU’s loan initiative, but it will not provide guarantees.

◾️To help move forward the stalled EU loan package for Ukraine worth €140 billion, some Norwegian lawmakers had proposed that the country’s sovereign wealth fund — the world’s largest, with assets exceeding $2 trillion — provide a guarantee covering Belgium’s potential legal liability.

blueshoes · 14/11/2025 01:22

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-november-12-2025/

Key Takeaways

  1. The situation in the Hulyaipole direction is deteriorating, although Russian forces will probably spend considerable time setting conditions for efforts to seize the settlement.
  2. Russian forces will likely attempt to isolate and encircle Hulyaipole from the northeast in accordance with a new campaign design that aims to degrade Ukrainian defenses to enable advances through infiltration tactics.
  3. Elements of three Russian combined arms armies (CAAs) are currently arrayed to either conduct or support offensive operations against Hulyaipole.
  4. Ukrainian forces will need to defend against Russian operational-level BAI and tactical-level interdiction to counter this new Russian campaign design.
  5. Russian forces will likely collapse the pocket around Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad, but the significance of seizing these towns will depend on the circumstances and conduct of the Ukrainian withdrawal.
  6. Russian milbloggers are mounting a concerted informational campaign prematurely calling the fall of Pokrovsk, likely to influence the information space.
  7. The Russian military command continues efforts to consolidate and integrate drone units into conventional military structures, but the position of the Rubikon Center for Advanced Unmanned Technologies relative to the new Unmanned Systems Forces remains unclear.
  8. The Kremlin is conducting multiple information operations against the Baltic states as it did to justify the 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, likely as part of Phase Zero conditions-setting for a possible attack on the Baltic states at some point in the future. ISW is not currently forecasting an imminent Russian attack on the Baltics.
  9. Officials reported aerial incursions in French and Lithuanian airspace.
  10. Russian forces advanced in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area and near Pokrovsk.
ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 14/11/2025 11:09

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️ Pokrovsk not encircled (kyivindependent.com/pokrovsk-is-not-captured-but-remains-russias-main-offensive-target-syrskyi/) but remains Russia’s main target, Syrskyi says.
"There is no talk of Russian control over the city of Pokrovsk," Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said.

⚡️ Ukraine war latest updates (kyivindependent.com/urkaine-war-latest-update-2025-11-13/): 'Nobody is pushing them to die for the sake of ruins,' Zelensky says of Pokrovsk defense.
Zelensky insisted any decision to withdraw from the city was down to military commanders.

⚡️ Macron to host Zelensky (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-to-visit-france-on-nov-17-to-discuss-support-with-macron/) in Paris on Nov. 17 to discuss French support.
The two leaders will discuss bilateral cooperation in the "energy, economic, and defense fields," Macron's office said.

⚡️ Amid renewed Russia threat, Germany prepares new conscription model (kyivindependent.com/germany-prepares-new-conscription-model-ahead-of-potential-draft-return-in-2026/) ahead of potential draft return in 2026.
Germany is preparing to reintroduce compulsory military service under a new model agreed by the country's main political parties.

⚡️ Merz asks Zelensky to reduce outflow (kyivindependent.com/merz-asks-zelensky-to-reduce-outflow-of-young-ukrainian-men-to-germany/) of young Ukrainian men to Germany.
Following a phone call with Zelensky, Merz said that young Ukrainian men should remain to "serve in their own country."

⚡️ Suspicious drone sightings (kyivindependent.com/drone-flies-over-key-french-ammunition-factory-for-second-time-in-recent-days/) reported at key French gunpowder factory.
An unidentified drone was sighted over a gunpowder plant in southwestern France on Nov. 12, following similar incidents just two days earlier, BFM TV reported.

EU provides Kyiv with 6 billion euros (kyivindependent.com/eu-provides-kyiv-with-6-billion-euros-to-cover-financial-needs-as-talks-on-ukraine-reparation-loan-drag-out/) to cover financial needs as talks on Ukraine reparation loan drag out
The European Commission on Nov. 13 announced that Ukraine received 5.9 billion euros from existing European initiatives. Similarly, the European Investment Bank on the same day announced over 200 million euros in new grants to support critical infrastructure, including gas, water and housing.

⚡️ Nordics, Baltics pledge $500 million arms package (kyivindependent.com/nordics-baltics-announce-500-million-arms-packe-for-ukraine/) for Ukraine under NATO-led scheme.
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden have agreed on a joint arms donation "intended to ensure air defense and support for the Ukrainian Air Force," the Danish Defense Ministry said.

⚡️ Russia plans to import 12,000 North Koreans to work in its massive Shahed drone plant (kyivindependent.com/russia-plans-to-import-12-000-north-koreans-to-work-in-its-massive-shahed-drone-plant/), HUR says.

⚡️ Zelensky to visit Greece (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-to-visit-greece-on-weekend-to-sign-energy-deal-source-says/) on weekend to sign energy deal, source says.

⚡️ Rubio says Hungary received only 1-year sanctions waiver (kyivindependent.com/rubio-confirms-hungary-received-only-1-year-sanctions-waiver-on-russian-oil-gas/) on Russian oil, gas.
Rubio also confirmed that the U.S. is not interfering in the expansion of a Hungarian nuclear power plant by a Russian company.
"We want them to be able to complete it because we want them (Hungary) to be energy independent," he said.

⚡️ Ukraine confirms use of Flamingo missiles (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-confirms-use-of-flamingo-bars-and-liutyi-missiles-in-strikes-on-crimea-zaporizhzhia-and-targets-inside-russia/) in strikes on Crimea, Zaporizhzhia, targets inside Russia.
Ukrainian Defense Forces reportedly struck "several dozen" targets.

⚡️Military releases video of Ukrainian drones striking (kyivindependent.com/video-shows-ukrainian-drones-striking-orion-drone-base-in-occupied-crimea/) 'Orion' drone base in occupied Crimea.

⚡️ Georgia's imprisoned ex-leader asks Zelensky (kyivindependent.com/georgias-imprisoned-ex-leader-asks-zelensky-for-status-of-civilian-captive-in-russia-ukraine-war/) for status of 'civilian captive' in Russia-Ukraine war.
Saakashvili requested the status "with the corresponding legal consequences," adding that "Ukrainians never abandon their own."
Kyiv has previously managed to free civilian Ukrainian captives during exchanges with Moscow.

Crime, shifting allegiances, and a Russian passport — How Odesa's longtime mayor fell from grace (kyivindependent.com/crime-shifting-allegiances-and-a-russian-passport-how-odesas-longtime-mayor-fell-from-grace/)
Hennadiy Trukhanov's day-to-day is not what it used to be. Once the all-powerful mayor is now under house arrest, his passport stripped by presidential decree. He invites the Kyiv Independent to his guest house and pleads his innocence.

⚡️ Corruption investigation reveals link (kyivindependent.com/money-man-for-mindich-energy-corruption-scheme-was-employed-by-flamingo-maker-fire-point/) between defense company Fire Point, Zelensky's associate Mindich.
A hearing on Nov. 13 uncovered startling connections to Ukraine’s Fire Point, confirming in part an earlier report by the Kyiv Independent.

Explainer: How is Ukraine’s biggest corruption scheme linked to Russia? (kyivindependent.com/explainer-how-is-ukraines-biggest-corruption-scheme-linked-to-russia/)
Suspects in a major corruption case centered around the state nuclear power monopoly Energoatom are linked to a Russian official and could have transferred money to Russia, according to audio tapes released by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU).

⚡️Zelensky imposes (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-to-impose-sanctions-against-his-close-associate-mindich-following-large-scale-corruption-probe-sources-say/) sanctions against close associates following $100 million corruption scandal.
President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree on Nov. 13 to impose sanctions against his close associate Timur Mindich and businessman Oleksandr Tsukerman.

⚡️'Not a guest house for Putin worshippers' — Controversial Russian rapper [Morgenshtern] banned from entering (kyivindependent.com/controversial-russian-rapper-banned-from-entering-lithuania-for-10-years-deemed-potential-threat-to-national-security/) Lithuania.

⚡️Russian oil terminal (kyivindependent.com/russian-oil-terminal-in-novorossiysk-on-fire-following-ukrainian-drone-strikes/) in Novorossiysk on fire following reported Ukrainian drone strikes.

⚡️Ukrainian drones strike oil refinery (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drones-strike-oil-refinery-in-russias-saratov-locals-say/) in Russia's Saratov, locals say.

⚡️'Russians are striking residential buildings' — 1 person killed, 24 injured (kyivindependent.com/russian-attack-nov-13-2025/) in Kyiv amid massive missile, drone attack.
Russia targeted the capital with cruise and ballistic missiles as well as hundreds of drones in a massive overnight attack that left apartments throughout the city in flames.
At least 11 multistory buildings were hit, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
· 2h
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA — NOV 14, 2025
■ Fewer engagements and casualties slightly below the 7-day average
■ Notable drone losses reported (13th highest); artillery and unarmored vehicle losses also well above average
■ Major overnight attacks with a good interception rate; missiles used included a 3M22 Zircon
■ Single-digit 🇺🇦 strikes, 🇷🇺 strikes below average

Ukraine Invasion: Part 59
ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 14/11/2025 11:26

UNITED24 Media Telegram

❗️Russia is preparing for a long-term war and is developing a new military-political doctrine, in which Ukraine is only one part of a broader global confrontation.
According to the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, the Kremlin has identified four key objectives:

  1. Establish total control over the Russian population and massively increase weapons production.
  2. Build a global “anti-Western axis” that includes Iran, North Korea, China, and regimes unfriendly to the West in Africa and Asia.
  3. Prepare for offensive actions in Europe.
  4. Destabilize the world by fueling conflicts, including wars in the Middle East and Africa.

Russia will continue the war because there is no room for negotiations, Peskov said.
“Kyiv’s announcement of a halt to negotiations formalized its unwillingness to continue contacts,” he stated.

“We will eat grass rather than become a Russian colony again”
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland Radosław Sikorski, in an interview with British podcast The Rest is Politics, said that Poland will be russia’s next target if Ukraine loses the war. Therefore, Warsaw is prepared to continue strengthening Poland's defense to prevent a return of russian influence.

❗️Russia wanted to scare Europeans by launching a large number of drones over EU territory, Zelenskyy said.
“This was Putin’s goal, and he achieved it. It was psychological intimidation, no doubt,” the president noted.
He added that such actions by Moscow have made Europe less willing to send new air defense systems to Ukraine.

💥 Last night, Ukraine attacked targets in Russia and the occupied territories with Flamingo missiles, the General Staff reported.
In particular, on the night of November 13, the following sites were hit:
▫️ The Marine Oil Terminal storage facility, the helicopter parking area, and UAV storage and preparation zones at the Kirovskoye airfield in occupied Crimea, as well as an air defense radar station near Yevpatoriya.
▫️ An oil depot near Berdiansk in the occupied part of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, along with the command posts of the 5th Combined Arms Army and the 127th Motorized Rifle Division of the Russians.
▫️ Several facilities within Russia, with the extent of damage currently being assessed.
In addition to Flamingo missiles, attack UAVs and jet-powered drones were also used.

A Russian Su-30SM fighter jet crashed in Karelia, according to Shot and “112.”
The incident occurred near Petrozavodsk airport. Both crew members were unable to eject and died.

😂 The Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera refused to publish an interview with Lavrov, even in abridged form.
The outlet explained its decision by saying that “the Russian Foreign Minister’s words contain questionable assertions that require fact-checking and further clarification.”

Putin is not ready for peace with Ukraine at the moment, said former head of British intelligence MI6 Richard Moore in an interview with Bloomberg.
“Our duty is to accurately convey what intelligence tells us. For example, it tells us that Putin does not intend to conclude an agreement — for him, this is not just about territory, but about domination and turning Ukraine into something like Belarus,” Moore said.

When Russian forces seize a Ukrainian city, life changes overnight. The streets fill with Russian soldiers, homes are searched, and neighbors vanish into “filtration” camps. What was once a city becomes a cage, its people living under an occupation that tries to erase who they are. [also, Ukrainian language is banned and books burned and removed from public life. Private homes and apartments of Ukrainian people who fled are seized by Russian authorities; damage to hospitals, water/electricity and blockade of aid prevents access to basic necessities]

The Russian Federation attacked a market in Chornomorsk with drones. Two people were killed, and seven more were injured, some in serious condition, the regional military administration reported.

There are already 11 people injured in the capital. Five of them, including a pregnant woman, have been hospitalized.
One man is in extremely serious condition, Mayor Klitschko said.

Thirty-four people were injured in Kyiv due to the Russian attack.

❗️ Around 430 drones and 18 missiles were used in the attack, including ballistic and aeroballistic missiles. Four people were killed, President Zelenskyy said.
He added that the Azerbaijani embassy was damaged by Iskander debris.
The main focus of the Russian attacks was the capital and the surrounding region. Strikes also hit the Kharkiv and Odesa regions. Dozens of high-rise buildings in Kyiv were damaged.

❗️“Our Patriots were on duty last night, and Ukraine, in response, successfully launched long Neptunes against Russian territory,” Zelenskyy said.
According to the president, air defense forces destroyed 14 Russian missiles overnight, including two aeroballistic and six ballistic missiles.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 59
Ukraine Invasion: Part 59
Ukraine Invasion: Part 59
Ukraine Invasion: Part 59
Ukraine Invasion: Part 59
ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 14/11/2025 11:28

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Russia’s oil revenues fell when drones disrupted refinery output (www.kyivpost.com/post/64160) — but crude exports surged anyway. With sanctions barely enforced and more tankers slipping through, KSE data shows Russia still trading well above the supposed price cap.

US Coast Guard says it shadowed the Kareliya (www.kyivpost.com/post/64192) as Western diplomats ponder whether to link the Pacific ‘flex’ to a coordinated uptick in Russian probing activities from Hawaii to Europe.

Ukraine launched a massive overnight drone attack on Novorossiysk, (www.kyivpost.com/post/64205) a key Russian port on the Black Sea, sparking a massive fire at the key Sheskharis oil terminal.

Zelensky says Ukraine faces a “very difficult” situation in Pokrovsk, (www.kyivpost.com/post/64173) vowing to support commanders’ decisions as Russian forces advance under the cover of thick fog.

A President at war cannot have friends — Zelensky said he had distanced himself from his former business partner, (www.kyivpost.com/post/64171) accused of leading a $100 million Energoatom kickback scheme that has come to light.

ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 14/11/2025 11:30

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

Late American financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein attempted to establish contact with Russian diplomats ahead of the 2018 US–Russia summit in Helsinki in order to pass them information about Trump, according to emails released by congressional investigators.
“I think you could suggest to Putin that Lavrov receive the information by speaking with me,” he wrote to former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland, who at the time headed the Council of Europe.
In the correspondence, Epstein also referenced his conversations with Vitaly Churkin — Russia’s former permanent representative to the UN, who died in 2017.
“Churkin was great. He understood Trump after our conversations. It’s not difficult. You just need to see it to understand — it’s that simple,” Epstein wrote.
The emails indicate that Jagland accepted the proposal and replied that the next day he would meet with Lavrov’s aide and suggest reaching out to Epstein. It remains unknown whether the contact ultimately took place or whether any information was actually passed on.
▪️White House Press Secretary Levytt said the emails “prove nothing except that Trump did nothing wrong.” Trump himself called the attention around Epstein’s letters “another attempt by Democrats to distract from the problems caused by the US government shutdown.”

🛢 Russia’s oil export revenues fell to $13.1 billion in October — $2.3 billion less than a year earlier.
In October and November, exports of oil products dropped to 40,000 barrels — or 2.3 million barrels per day — the lowest level since 2017.
At the same time, total exports of crude oil and oil products in October fell by 150,000 barrels, down to 7.4 million barrels per day.
The decline is linked to lower export volumes, falling energy prices, and U.S. sanctions against Russian oil companies. Another factor is the series of Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries.

🇰🇪 Kenya has stated that more than 200 of its citizens fought in Russia’s war against Ukraine.
The mercenaries were promised up to $18,000 to cover visa costs, travel, and accommodation. Among them are former members of Kenya’s security forces.
Some of the rescued citizens reported being forced to assemble drones and work with chemicals without proper training or protective equipment. Several Kenyan mercenaries are known to have been injured.
▪️Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha said on November 7 that nearly 1,436 citizens from 36 African countries are fighting on Russia’s side.

notimagain · 14/11/2025 11:30

An unidentified drone was sighted over a gunpowder plant in southwestern France on Nov. 12, following similar incidents just two days earlier, BFM TV reported.

Some comments in French media are.pointing towards this being something like a common or garden DJI drone rather then anything more sinister, possibly flown by a hobbyist not not caring about the prohibited area...the police are on the case.

Have to say like quite a few others I'm starting to find the number of claimed drone sightings here, there and everwhere is starting to stretch credibility.

AskingQuestionsAllTheTime · 14/11/2025 16:24

notimagain
Have to say like quite a few others I'm starting to find the number of claimed drone sightings here, there and everywhere is starting to stretch credibility.

It is like the "tanks" round the periphery of Heathrow, which were actually APCs and the occasional Land Rover with military personnel aboard.

blueshoes · 15/11/2025 02:41

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-november-14-2025/

Key Takeaways

  1. The Russian military command appears to be prioritizing the seizure of Pokrovsk over efforts to close the wider Ukrainian pocket in the Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad area.
  2. Russia continues to rely on North Korea for manpower to offset Russia’s labor and military personnel shortages.
  3. Ukrainian forces continue to enhance their air defense system against Russian strikes in ways that offer Europe and the United States valuable lessons.
  4. Russian forces conducted a series of drone and missile strikes against Ukraine on the night of November 13 and 14 that largely targeted Ukrainian civilian areas.
  5. Ukrainian forces conducted missile and drone strikes against Russian energy and military infrastructure on the night of November 13 to 14.
  6. Ukrainian forces advanced near Kupyansk and Borova and in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area. Russian forces advanced near Siversk and Pokrovsk.
ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 15/11/2025 11:51

notimagain · 14/11/2025 11:30

An unidentified drone was sighted over a gunpowder plant in southwestern France on Nov. 12, following similar incidents just two days earlier, BFM TV reported.

Some comments in French media are.pointing towards this being something like a common or garden DJI drone rather then anything more sinister, possibly flown by a hobbyist not not caring about the prohibited area...the police are on the case.

Have to say like quite a few others I'm starting to find the number of claimed drone sightings here, there and everwhere is starting to stretch credibility.

Edited

I imagine some of them are hobbyists but some of them seem to be taken very seriously by senior politicians in some countries.

I imagine most likely it's a mix of hobbyists and malice, but the point was made by not-particularly- alarmist broadcaster in Belgium that some people are saying that air defenses are needed more by their own country than by Ukraine, 'just look at those spy drones'. Now that probably is alarmist and rather silly, but the point is that by creating this issue at all it's moving the zeitgeist to less help for Ukraine not more. So it's a success for Russia.

Some of them must be spy drones too, at least the ISW think so and it's distinctly cautious quite often.

ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 15/11/2025 12:00

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️North Korea halves (kyivindependent.com/north-korea-halves-arms-shipments-to-russia-as-its-own-stockpiles-run-low-ukraines-intelligence-says/) shell shipments to Russia as its own stockpiles run low, Ukraine's intelligence says.
North Korean artillery supplies enabled Russia to maintain its firing rate in 2024, but this year, that support has declined markedly.

⚡️ Hungary to sue EU (kyivindependent.com/hungary-to-sue-eu-over-ban-on-russian-gas/) over ban on Russian gas.
"We do not accept this obviously unlawful solution contrary to European values," Orban said on a weekly radio show. "We are turning to the European Court of Justice."

⚡️ Ukraine begins mass production of Octopus interceptor drones (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-live-update-2025-11-14/).
The technology has already been transferred to three Ukrainian manufacturers, and eleven more will be involved in the near future.

⚡️ Azerbaijan protests to Russia (kyivindependent.com/azerbaijan-summons-russian-envoy/) over Kyiv embassy damaged in Russian missile attack.
An Iskander-type missile fell on the embassy's territory, causing an explosion that damaged its facilities and service vehicles, Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry said.

⚡️Ukrainian drone strikes force (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drone-strikes-force-saratov-oil-plant-to-suspend-primary-processing-reuters-reports/) Saratov oil plant to suspend primary processing, Reuters reports.
The Nov. 11 attack triggered explosions and a large fire at the facility, and the plant may remain offline until the end of the month, the sources said.

[reeated]
⚡️ German parliament's budget committee supports hiking Ukraine aid to 11.5 billion (kyivindependent.com/german-aid-ukraine/) euros in 2026.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius also announced that Berlin has agreed to allocate an additional 150 million euros ($175 million) in military aid to Kyiv under the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative.

⚡️Investigators seek to arrest (kyivindependent.com/investigators-seek-to-arrest-ex-deputy-prime-minister-in-mindich-corruption-case/) ex-deputy prime minister in Mindich corruption case.
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) said on Nov. 14 that it had filed a motion to arrest former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov.

Global consulting firm joins Ukraine minerals deal fund as investment advisor (kyivindependent.com/global-consulting-firm-joins-minerals-deal-fund-as-investment-advisor/)
“The participation of such a partner ensures a transparent decision-making system, adherence to international standards of management, audit and compliance, and increases the confidence of international investors in the fund,” the Economy Ministry wrote in a press statement.

Battle of Pokrovsk: How Russia broke into the city and what’s next ()
Pokrovsk, a city that held back some of Russia’s fiercest assaults for over a year, is now on the verge of falling. The Kyiv Independent’s Francis Farrell explains how the battle reached this point and what Pokrovsk’s fall could mean for the wider defense of Donetsk Oblast.

⚡️ Trump administration may deport around 80 Ukrainians (kyivindependent.com/trump-administration-may-deport-80-ukrainians-over-violations-of-us-law-envoy-says/) over 'violations of US law,' envoy says.

⚡️'First to help others' — Kyiv firefighter battles (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-rescuer-responds-to-attack-to-find-his-own-apartment-destroyed-by-russian-drone/) blaze that gutted his own family's apartment.
Serhii Vlasenko, 35, has served in Ukraine's Emergency Service for 15 years and was on duty as a shift supervisor when the attack occurred.

⚡️Russian attacks kill (kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-kill-9-injure-53-across-ukraine-over-past-day/) 9, injure 53 across Ukraine over past day.

Russian forces launched three Kinzhal ballistic missiles, as well as 135 drones against Ukraine overnight, according to Ukraine's Air Force.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
· 3h
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA — NOV 15, 2025
■ 5th highest number of engagements, but casualties remain below the 7-day average
■ Notable equipment losses, including the 8th highest drone losses
■ Overnight attacks: triple-digit, incl. 3 missiles; interception rate could be better
■ Strikes up on both sides; recent 🇺🇦 ones incl. Novorossiysk, an oil refinery in Saratov, & a fuel storage near Engels

Ukraine Invasion: Part 59
ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 15/11/2025 12:06

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Rosatom CEO Likhachev complained to IAEA Director General Grossi that several power units at the Novovoronezh Nuclear Power Plant had to be shut down following a Ukrainian drone attack.
“The night before last, about eight drones were directed toward the Novovoronezh Nuclear Power Plant. All of them were neutralized and shot down.
Debris from the downed drones damaged the switchgear, forcing the plant to reduce power,” Likhachev said.

😡 Russia plans to produce up to 120,000 KABs by 2025, including 500 long-range ones, according to the Deputy Head of Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate.
Vadym Skibitskyi notes that this is an enormous number, given that Russian troops are already dropping 200–250 such bombs daily, compared to 170 last month.
He also reported that Moscow has begun mass production of a new version of glide bombs capable of flying up to 200 km, with about 500 units of this modification expected by the end of the year. Russia is also working on increasing the range to 400 km.
The Main Intelligence Directorate predicts that Russia will produce around 70,000 long-range drones by 2025, including 30,000 Shaheds.

Lithuania is strengthening control over the transit corridor to Kaliningrad, the ELTA agency reports.
Lithuanian Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovich has approved a new procedure for monitoring Russian citizens transiting through Lithuania to the Kaliningrad region.
Under the updated rules, the State Border Guard Service, the Lithuanian Police, and the Public Security Service will coordinate transit monitoring and jointly respond to incidents. The new system is expected to improve information exchange between agencies, and joint exercises will be conducted to strengthen coordination.
“Any incident related to Kaliningrad transit will become a priority for our services. Our goal is to respond promptly to any violations or suspicious situations,” Kondratovich said.

[reported 14 Nov]
❗️The port of Novorossiysk was attacked by Ukrainian weapons, including Neptune missiles and UAVs, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported.
Damage was recorded to the facility’s infrastructure, as well as to the Sheskharis oil terminal, an S-400 air defense launcher, and a missile storage facility, leading to subsequent detonations and fire.
Sheskharis is one of the largest oil tanker transshipment complexes in southern Russia.

Europe’s officials have reacted to Ukraine’s anti-corruption operation “Midas,” which uncovered a $100 million kickback scheme tied to the country’s energy sector. In their remarks, European leaders praised Ukraine’s anti-corruption efforts, stressing that such actions are essential for maintaining Western support.

😡 As a result of a large-scale attack on Kyiv, the Institute of Otolaryngology was damaged.
Two buildings were hit. More than 150 windows were shattered.
All patients — about 90 people — were quickly moved to safer premises.
There were no injuries among patients or staff. Two people received minor superficial wounds.
The institute continues to work in the surviving buildings. Restoration is underway.

🇪🇪🤝 Estonia cancels Limp Bizkit concert due to vocalist Fred Durst’s pro-Russian views.
The band’s show, scheduled for May 31, 2026, in Tallinn, was removed from the program after Durst’s latest pro-Russian statements, including remarks supporting Russia’s military actions

🔥 Next up: The Saratov Oil Refinery has completely halted operations after drone strikes, Reuters reports.
According to the agency’s sources, the refinery controlled by Rosneft may remain shut down until the end of the month.
Sources suggest that the strikes may have damaged the plant’s primary oil distillation unit — its only one.
The Saratov Oil Refinery processed 5.8 million tonnes of oil in 2024, accounting for about 2.2% of Russia’s total refining volume.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces team won two gold medals at the 61st IAAF World Championship in Aeronautical Pentathlon.
The championship was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with about 100 athletes from 10 countries.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 59
ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 15/11/2025 12:10

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Russia has cushioned the impact of Ukraine’s deep-strike drone campaign by activating idle refinery capacity, while the total output fell only 3-6% (www.kyivpost.com/post/64235) despite hits on at least 17 major plants.

Zelensky said that the Ukrainian government has launched an audit of all state-owned enterprises.
“Today, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko presented a report. The audit of state-owned companies is already underway, and its results will be handed over to law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies,” Zelensky stated. “The government must ensure they receive full support — and that’s exactly what I expect.”

Rubio suggests US has exhausted its options against the Kremlin, but a leading analyst tells Kyiv Post (www.kyivpost.com/post/64258) the administration still holds significant untapped economic weapons.

Georgia’s speaker unleashes a fierce attack on Ukraine (www.kyivpost.com/post/64229) and Western diplomats, accusing them of fabricating claims about Saakashvili’s health and using his case to pressure and destabilize Georgia.

In Kyiv, the head of Ukraine’s “Garant” political party, Valerii Tokar, was detained for accepting a $160,000 bribe. He promised a parliamentary mandate and fake party employment in return. Tokar faces up to 12 years in prison and asset confiscation.

Citigroup’s stock climbed after Putin authorized Renaissance Capital to acquire 100% of Citibank’s Russian subsidiary, (www.kyivpost.com/post/64220) a deal requiring special approval under Moscow’s restrictions.

🎙️New episode of OFF THE RECORD is now live.
Mriya Aid President Lesya Granger joins Natalka Cmoc to talk about demining Ukraine, working under fire, and the courage of those clearing a path to recovery.
Watch now: www.kyivpost.com/videos/64252

ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 15/11/2025 12:12

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) has blown up a railway line in Russia’s Far East.
The operation was carried out yesterday near the village of Sosnovka in the Khabarovsk region — about 25 km from the Russian–Chinese border.
The explosion on the Trans-Siberian Railway derailed a freight train and damaged the tracks, blocking cargo movement along the line.
▪️The Trans-Siberian Railway is a key Russian transport artery connecting Moscow with Vladivostok. It is used to move weapons and ammunition, including supplies originating from North Korea.

🇵🇱🇧🇾 Poland will reopen two border checkpoints with Belarus.
These are the “Bobrowniki–Bierastavitsa” and “Kuźnica–Bruzgi” crossings. They had been closed for many years due to security incidents and political tensions in relations with Minsk.
The decision was made under pressure from businesses and transport companies. Polish officials also noted a decrease in hostile activity along the border.

🇭🇺 Hungary will direct its share of the European Peace Facility to support Lebanon instead of Ukraine.
Through this fund, the European Union finances weapons for the Ukrainian army, but Hungary does not support this initiative.
Budapest will therefore allocate its €1.5 million share to support Lebanon’s armed forces.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó explained that peace in the Middle East is a national security interest for Hungary, and he considers Lebanon’s stability “the key to achieving it.”

🇪🇺 Europeans have named the war in Ukraine as the biggest challenge facing the EU, according to a Eurobarometer survey.
When asked about the future priorities of EU policy, respondents most frequently mentioned:
🔴security and defense — 34%
🔴irregular migration — 32%
🔴the war in Ukraine — 27%
Although Ukraine ranked third among long-term priorities, Europeans consider it the most urgent and defining challenge for the EU today.

Russia launched three Kinzhal missiles and 135 drones at Ukraine overnight.
The Air Force reports shooting down two aero-ballistic missiles and 91 UAVs in the north, south, and east of the country.
One more missile and 41 attack drones hit 13 locations. Regions are reporting the following consequences:
🔴Dnipropetrovsk region. Dnipro was targeted by drones — fires broke out, private businesses and cars were damaged. In the Nikopol district, a 65-year-old man was killed, and in the Synelnykove district a 52-year-old resident was injured.
🔴Kherson region. A 63-year-old man was killed late Friday evening in a drone strike on Kherson.
🔴Chernihiv region. Russia struck Semenivka and two other communities with Geran, Lancet, and Molniya drones — homes, cars, administrative buildings, and farm structures were damaged.
🔴Kyiv. A woman injured in the November 14 attack died in hospital this morning, bringing the death toll from that strike to seven.

notimagain · 15/11/2025 13:00

ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 15/11/2025 11:51

I imagine some of them are hobbyists but some of them seem to be taken very seriously by senior politicians in some countries.

I imagine most likely it's a mix of hobbyists and malice, but the point was made by not-particularly- alarmist broadcaster in Belgium that some people are saying that air defenses are needed more by their own country than by Ukraine, 'just look at those spy drones'. Now that probably is alarmist and rather silly, but the point is that by creating this issue at all it's moving the zeitgeist to less help for Ukraine not more. So it's a success for Russia.

Some of them must be spy drones too, at least the ISW think so and it's distinctly cautious quite often.

You could well be right, and I'm all for improving defences, air and otherwise..so if the politicians can stir up interest, fine.

OTOH there are definitely vested interests such as those in the drone defence industry who will be keen on pushing the idea that europe is being overun by Russian assets sat on the boundary of every airfield hoovering up intelligence using drones.

Frankly I'm not buying all of what's being claimed.

PerkingFaintly · 15/11/2025 14:18

Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) has blown up a railway line in Russia’s Far East.
The operation was carried out yesterday near the village of Sosnovka in the Khabarovsk region — about 25 km from the Russian–Chinese border.
The explosion on the Trans-Siberian Railway derailed a freight train and damaged the tracks, blocking cargo movement along the line.
▪️The Trans-Siberian Railway is a key Russian transport artery connecting Moscow with Vladivostok. It is used to move weapons and ammunition, including supplies originating from North Korea.

Good good.

Though I seem to remember from WW2 reading that bombing railway lines was of limited use unless you could do so in a place/way that made the track difficult to repair.

I'd be pleased to hear this thread's experts' opinions on this.

(Obviously I understand that sometimes there's a particular shipment one wishes to destroy/obstruct.)

notimagain · 15/11/2025 14:38

There was a operation known as the "Transportation Plan" executed in the run up to D-Day which was meant to knock out a lot of the French railway system (to stop German's using the same to rush forward reinforcements).

Basically it was found (as you suggest) that it was pretty easy to replace track, so targetting had to switch to trains themselves (resulting in lots of French deaths)..

Might be easier with modern ordnance but not easy.

PerkingFaintly · 15/11/2025 14:58

Thanks, @notimagain , that's interesting to know.

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