Russia
🇲🇩 Moldova reported that two Russian “decoy” drones, used to distract Ukrainian air defenses, violated its airspace and crashed in Borosenii Noi and Firladeni during a Russian drone strike on Ukraine. Deputy PM Mihai Popșoi condemned the incursions, reiterating Moldova’s opposition to Russia.
🇺🇦 A Russian drone attack on Odesa injured two people and damaged buildings, including garages, residential structures, and shops, sparking fires in the area. Ukrainian emergency services released footage showing extensive damage as firefighters worked through debris overnight.
🇺🇦 Ukraine launched its largest drone strike on Moscow, targeting the Russian capital with 34 drones, injuring five and forcing flight diversions. Russia claims it downed another 50 drones over Western regions, while Ukraine downed 62 of 145 Russian drones overnight.
🇺🇸 As Biden pushes Trump to support Ukraine, Trump strikes a controversial tone, speaking to Putin and pledging a “quick end” to the war. With Republicans eyeing budget cuts and Ukraine’s future aid uncertain, this shift signals a potential pivot in U.S. foreign policy toward isolationism.
🇺🇸 The Pentagon will now allow U.S. contractors in Ukraine to repair and maintain advanced American weaponry, a move aimed at speeding up equipment readiness as Kyiv battles a resurgent Russian offensive. Contractors will work away from combat zones, aiding w complex systems like F-16s and Patriots.
🇷🇺 Putin is open to discussing Ukraine with President-elect Trump but remains firm on demands: Kyiv must abandon NATO ambitions and relinquish contested regions. While Trump claims he can end the war swiftly, Zelenskiy worries this will mean concessions.
🇺🇸 With uncertainty looming over U.S. support for Ukraine under Trump, President Biden aims to send $9 billion in military aid before leaving office. The aid package, including Javelins and artillery, is intended to strengthen Ukraine amidst its struggle against Russia’s unlawful invasion.
🇺🇸 Trump’s return could shake global oil markets as he tightens Iran sanctions, yet faces hurdles with China’s defiance. Analysts say a clampdown on Iran might boost prices, but U.S.-China trade tensions and potential easing of Russian oil sanctions could counterbalance.
🇺🇦 Facing an uncertain U.S. alliance, Ukraine appeals to Trump’s “peace through strength” vision, hoping for a balanced stance despite his push to curb U.S. aid. Zelenskiy’s outreach signals Kyiv’s pragmatism as Ukraine readies for winter battles, while analysts anticipate Trump’s swift concessions.
🇺🇸 U.S. cybersecurity chief Jen Easterly reports that while disinformation is at an all-time high, there’s no evidence it has impacted the election’s integrity. Foreign actors, particularly Russia, are accused of spreading falsehoods, such as fake voter videos in Georgia.
🇺🇦 Kyiv braces under Russian air assault as Ukrainian air defense scrambles to intercept incoming attacks. Mayor Vitali Klitschko urges residents to stay sheltered amid the latest escalation in aerial bombardments, marking another intense episode in Russia’s ongoing offensive.
🇪🇺🇰🇷 In a joint statement, the EU and South Korea demand North Korea withdraw troops supporting Russia in Ukraine, denouncing the “unlawful” arms and military aid. Meeting in Seoul, officials raised concerns over escalating military ties between Pyongyang and Moscow.
🇺🇸 American Daniel Martindale emerges in Moscow after Russian forces extract him from Ukraine, admits to spying for Kremlin since 2022. Former missionary brazenly displays US passport, seeks Russian citizenship after helping target Ukrainian infrastructure.
🇺🇦 Russia launches relentless 5-hour drone assault on Kyiv, with 71 Iranian-made Shaheds targeting multiple districts. Ukraine’s air defense downs 39, but attacks damage power lines and wound police officer as Moscow intensifies aerial campaign.
🇺🇦 Ukraine’s top general warns they’re barely containing Russia’s most powerful offensive since invasion began, as Moscow seizes 200km² in just one week. With North Korea sending troops and winter approaching, Zelenskiy desperately seeks long-range missiles.
🇭🇺 Orban declares Europe must pivot on Ukraine if Trump wins US presidency, claiming continent can’t sustain war support alone. Hungary’s pro-Putin PM, who openly backs Trump, predicts American stance will shift from war to peace - forcing EU recalculation.
🇲🇩 Pro-Western President Maia Sandu leads Moldova’s crucial runoff election with 50.28% of votes counted, amid Russian interference claims. Her EU-focused vision faces off against Stoianoglo’s East-West balancing act in this pivotal moment for the nation.
🇫🇮 Finland sets historic precedent as Russian paramilitary leader faces trial for 2014 Ukraine war crimes. Yan Petrovsky, under EU sanctions, accused of killing 22 Ukrainian soldiers while commanding Rusich unit in Luhansk.
🇲🇩 Moldova courts validate historic EU referendum despite vote-buying scandal, with razor-thin 50.35% victory. Pro-Russian forces resist as President Sandu heads to runoff, marking pivotal moment in post-Soviet nation’s Western pivot.
🇺🇦 Ukraine deploys dozens of AI-powered drone systems to counter Russian signal jamming, with one maker selling 15,000 targeting software units. These autonomous drones achieve 80% hit rates vs 30% for manual pilots, marking a major shift in modern warfare tech.