United 24 Media:
🤬 Russia is involving North Korean soldiers in mine clearance in the Kursk region, — Reuters.
North Korea’s participation in mine clearance on Russian territory highlights both countries’ intention to deepen their military cooperation.
🔹 Finnish President Stubb noted that Stalin reached Berlin in four years, while Russia hasn’t even made it to Kyiv — and it won’t.
🔸 Pope Leo XIV expressed his condolences over the deaths in Ukraine caused by recent shelling.
He voiced solidarity with the victims and urged people not to grow accustomed to war and destruction.
“Let us pray together for a just and lasting peace in war-torn Ukraine,” he said.
🔹 Germany’s minister is heading to China for the first time and will also raise the topic of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
“Access to critical raw materials and reducing China’s excess production capacity in sectors such as metallurgy and electromobility are crucial for Germany’s economy and jobs,” said Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil.
He added that he would discuss Russia’s aggression against Ukraine during the visit, noting that the war affects economic stability not only in Europe but globally.
🔸 Occupied Donetsk is completely without electricity after a strike on a substation.
🔹 Streets of Kherson now have anti-drone nets stretched above them to protect civilians from Russian drones.
🔸 Orbán called fears of a possible Russian attack on Europe “ridiculous.”
He said Russia has been unable to fully occupy Ukraine for more than three years, so claims that Europe is weaker than Russia make no sense.
“With all due respect, I find it ridiculous to say that Russia will attack the EU or NATO simply because it’s not strong enough. We are much stronger than them. The European Union has over 400 million people, Russia has around 140 million. (…)
If you add up the military capabilities of the 27 EU countries, we are much stronger than Russia. The Russians have been unable to fully occupy Ukraine for more than three years. How can we in Europe claim that we are weaker than Russia?” he said on the MD MEETS podcast hosted by Matthias Döpfner, Chairman of the Board of Axel Springer.
🔹 In October, Russia’s fossil fuel exports fell to their lowest level since the start of the full-scale war — Onet reports.
According to the Center for Energy and Clean Air Research (CREA), in October 2025, Russia exported fossil fuels worth €524 million per day — 4% less than in September.
The biggest buyers were China (€5.8 billion), India (€3.1 billion), and Türkiye (€2.7 billion).
This decline has continued for the second month in a row, driven in part by the accuracy of Ukrainian deep strikes.
🔸 A railway section leading to Ukraine was damaged in Poland. Tusk admits it could have been sabotage.
In the Mazowieckie Voivodeship, a section of the railway used by trains traveling from Warsaw to the Ukrainian border (Dorohusk station) was damaged. The incident occurred on November 16.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he is not ruling out the possibility of sabotage. No one was injured, and security services are continuing their investigation.
🔹 Russia has started using fiber-optic drones with a range of up to 50 km against Ukraine, Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov told Business Insider.
Fedorov said the new Russian drones “have a real impact on the logistics of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.” He added that the Ukrainian military is already working on countermeasures, developing and testing various methods across several brigades.
“Fiber-optic drones have shown that devices immune to electronic warfare pose a significant threat to supplies and personnel,” he noted.
These drones are controlled via long coils of cable that maintain constant communication with the operator, making them nearly invulnerable to electronic warfare. At the same time, this makes them difficult to intercept. Business Insider notes that the only practical way to shoot down a fiber-optic FPV drone is with a shotgun — requiring both good reaction and luck.
Typically, fiber-optic drones have a range of 10 to 25 km. However, Russian and Ukrainian engineers are working to extend this. An October report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) stated that Russian developers had created fiber-optic FPV drones with a range of up to 50 km, though this has not been officially confirmed.
Fedorov first learned of these devices a few weeks ago when they appeared in Donbas. He said they are difficult to operate because they are heavy, affected by wind, must overcome physical obstacles, and the cable coil makes them bulky and slow. Still, he confirmed they are being used, including in the Pokrovsk area.
Drone experts told Business Insider that creating fiber-optic drones with a range over 40 km is technically possible but challenging. The cable’s weight limits the payload and reduces warhead size. Enlarging the frame decreases maneuverability and combat effectiveness.
Ukraine is adapting by developing interception systems, setting ambushes, and even attempting to cut the cables keeping the drones in the air.
“We are looking for a way to respond, and this will likely push the battlefield toward autonomous drones, which we expect to become the next stage of war,” Fedorov said.
Autonomous drones operate without pilots, relying on artificial intelligence for control and decision-making. Ukraine is actively investing in the development of these systems.
🔸 Ukraine and France have signed a major agreement to strengthen combat aviation, air defense, and other defense capabilities.
Under the deal, Ukraine will receive Rafale fighter jets, SAMP/T air defense systems, and additional defense equipment.