A snapshot of recent news from sources around the world on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
Political Developments
Moscow has denied reports of a phone call between U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The call allegedly occurred on Thursday, with Trump warning Putin against escalating the war in Ukraine and referencing the U.S. military presence in Europe. The Kremlin has dismissed these claims, while the alleged conversation remains unverified.
Russia is open to peace talks on the Ukraine war under U.S. President-elect Donald Trump but insists they reflect Russia’s territorial gains, according to its U.N. envoy. Trump’s criticism of Western aid to Kyiv and promises of a swift resolution have raised concerns in Ukraine and Europe about continued U.S. support.
Ukraine would prioritize security guarantees as party of any negotiation to protect against future Russian aggression. Kyiv has also long said it would not cede territory to Russia, and it’s unclear how territorial disputes would play into a potential peace deal.
The UN warns that millions of Ukrainians face a harsh winter, with damaged energy infrastructure and potential renewed attacks. The UN is seeking $500 million to provide essential aid, but the ongoing conflict and targeting of civilians pose significant challenges to humanitarian efforts.
Military Assistance to Ukraine
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the Biden administration is committed to maximizing aid to Ukraine in its final months, aiming to help Ukraine counter Russia’s invasion and strengthen its position in potential peace talks.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with his counterpart in Ukraine to offer continued support while President Biden remains in office. The officials discussed the entry of North Korean soldiers into Ukraine, which represents an escalation in Russia’s efforts.
E.U. foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in an interview on November 11 that the E.U. has delivered 980,000 artillery shells to Ukraine so far this year, well behind the bloc’s pledge to transfer 1 million shells by March 2024. Borrell added that in 2025, the E.U. expects to deliver 1.5 million shells to Ukraine.
The Pentagon is allowing several U.S. contractors to work in Ukraine to repair and maintain equipment, including F-16 jets and Patriot air defense systems. The contractors will not be working near the front lines.
Battlefield Updates
Russia launched attacks near Kupiansk, disguising troops as Ukrainian soldiers. Despite initial success, Ukrainian forces repelled the attacks.
Russia and Ukraine have engaged in significant drone attacks, with Russia claiming to have intercepted numerous Ukrainian drones targeting various regions, including Moscow. As a result, flights were disrupted at several major airports in the Russian capital.
Russia launched missile strikes at Kyiv, marking the first time in more than two months that Moscow has targeted Ukraine’s capital city with missiles. However, Russia has continued drone attacks against the capital during that time.
Russian Navy officer Valery Trankovsky, the chief of staff of the Black Sea Fleet’s 41st Missile Boat Brigade, was killed in a car bombing in Sevastopol on Wednesday. A source in Ukraine’s SBU told Reuters that the agency carried out the attack, stating that Trankovsky was suspected of ordering missile attacks on civilian targets.
A Russian film studio donated several dozen movie prop tanks and other military vehicles to the Russian Armed Forces, the studio’s director said at a meeting with President Putin this week.
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