Ukraine
🇷🇺 The Kremlin dismissed claims of a recent Trump-Putin call as “pure fiction,” rebuking reports Trump urged Putin to avoid escalating in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesperson Peskov criticized the media’s accuracy, denying any recent Trump-Putin contact and stating no current plans for future talks exist.
🇲🇩 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.
🇺🇸 Elon Musk joined President-elect Trump’s call with Ukraine’s Zelenskiy to reaffirm Starlink support, emphasizing their alignment on future U.S.-Ukraine ties amid Trump’s cautious stance on aid. Musk’s growing political presence and Trump’s endorsement hint at Musk’s role in the administration.
🇺🇸 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.
🇰🇷 South Korean President Yoon and U.S. President-elect Trump discussed enhancing security ties and addressing shared concerns over North Korea’s involvement in Ukraine and missile threats. Trump praised South Korea’s shipbuilding prowess, hinting at collaboration to bolster U.S. industries.
🇺🇦 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.
🇺🇦 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.
🇫🇮 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.
🇺🇦 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.
🇺🇸 US reveals intel showing 8,000 North Korean troops stationed in Russia’s Kursk region - Moscow silent on direct question at UN, while US and China clash over Beijing’s alleged support for Russia’s subpar defense industry.