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Friday, January 30, 2026
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The Kyiv Independent [unofficial]
Russia’s war against Ukraine
Firefighters extinguish a fire after a Russian strike on a residential building in Kryvyi Rih on Jan. 29, 2026. The attack killed one person and injured three others. (Ukraine’s State Emergency Service / Telegram)
Trump claims Putin agreed not to strike Kyiv, other Ukrainian cities ‘for a week.’ “I personally asked President Putin not to fire on Kyiv and the cities and towns for a week,” Trump said. “And he agreed to do that.”
Ukraine repatriates bodies of 1,000 fallen soldiers. Russia confirmed that it had handed over 1,000 bodies to Ukraine under the Istanbul agreement in exchange for 38 bodies of fallen Russian soldiers, Kremlin-controlled news agency TASS reported on Jan. 29.
‘Without power, without heat’ — EU allocates over $170 million for Ukraine amid Russian attacks on energy. The funds will support protection assistance, shelter, food, cash aid, psychosocial services, and access to water and healthcare for Ukrainians affected by the attacks.
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Ukraine’s central bank cuts interest rate in first change in 10 months. The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) voted on Jan. 29 to cut its benchmark interest rate to 15%, the first change since March last year, as inflation cools and a new aid package from Europe eased pressure on the country’s finances.
Defense Ministry working with SpaceX to solve Russian use of Starlink on drones. Ukraine says it is working with SpaceX to stop Russian drones from using Starlink, after reports that satellite-connected UAVs are extending their range to strike deeper into Ukrainian territory.
Ukraine distributes boilers from Italy to support heating for up to 90,000 homes. Ukraine has distributed industrial boiler equipment delivered by Italy among communities in 10 regions as part of a broader support program aimed at strengthening the country’s heating infrastructure, Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Kuleba said on Jan. 29.
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‘They don’t consider their work heroic’ — 4 energy workers die amid Kyiv repairs following Russian attacks
As Kyiv’s repair crews scramble to keep the lights and heat on after repeated Russian strikes, the work has become punishing — and, in recent weeks, deadly.
Photo: Oleksandr Magula / AFP via Getty Images
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Ukraine war latest: ‘The enemy is likely preparing an offensive’ — Ukrainian forces report more aerial strikes in Pokrovsk sector
Russian troops have stepped up aerial bomb attacks in the Pokrovsk sector of Donetsk Oblast, which could signal preparations for an offensive, Yuliia Stepaniuk, head of communications for the 117th Separate Mechanized Brigade, told Suspilne on Jan. 29.
Photo: Marharyta Fal/Frontliner/Getty Images
International response
Germany’s Merz says Ukraine joining EU in 2027 ‘not possible.’ The comments come after President Volodymyr Zelensky set 2027 as the target date for Ukraine’s entry into the bloc.
Estonia warns Russian veterans could flood Europe after Ukraine war, urges EU entry ban. “We have close to 1 million combatants in Russia. They’re mainly criminals; they are very dangerous people,” Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said. “We have information that most of them will come to Europe after the war.”
EU plans to impose 20th sanctions package against Russia on Feb. 24, Kallas says. The European Union aims to impose a 20th sanctions package against Russia on Feb. 24, the day marking the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told reporters on Jan. 29.
China denies helping Russia produce Oreshnik missiles. The news comes after the Telegraph reported that China has sent Russia tools used to build Oreshnik warheads.
‘Repression cannot go unanswered’ — EU sanctions Iran over protest crackdown, Russia support. European foreign ministers also agreed to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, said Kaja Kallas, the EU’s chief diplomat.
Lukoil agrees to sell most of its foreign assets to US investment group. The Carlyle deal does not include Lukoil’s assets in Kazakhstan and is still subject to approval by the U.S. Treasury Department, the Russian energy giant said.
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Lukoil agrees to sell most of its foreign assets to US investment group
The Carlyle deal does not include Lukoil's assets in Kazakhstan and is still subject to approval by the U.S. Treasury Department, the Russian energy giant said.Martin Fornusek (The Kyiv Independent)
Thursday, January 29, 2026
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The Kyiv Independent [unofficial]
Russia’s war against Ukraine
A fire-stricken book lies on the ruins at the Holy Dormition Monastery after s Russian drone attack in Odesa, Ukraine, on Jan. 28, 2026. (Nina Liashonok/Ukrinform/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Russia says it’s ready for Zelensky-Putin meeting — but only if Ukraine’s president travels to Moscow. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said Moscow is prepared to ensure President Volodymyr Zelensky’s security.
SBU releases greatest hits video of 2025 drone strikes on Russian aircraft. The accompanying video features first-person-view (FPV) drone footage showing $1 billion worth of Russian aircraft being targeted.
Casualties, damage to infrastructure reported as Russia launches missiles, drones at various regions of Ukraine. Russian forces launched missile and drone attacks on several Ukrainian regions, including Kyiv and surrounding areas, overnight on Jan. 28, local authorities reported.
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Russian losses in Ukraine ‘more than any major power’ in any war since World War II, report says. The CSIS report, published Jan. 27, estimates that Russian forces have sustained nearly 1.2 million casualties — including troops killed, wounded or missing — since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion in Feb. 2022. As many as 325,000 Russian soldiers have been killed, the report found.
Ukraine targets oil depot in Russia’s Voronezh Oblast, strikes several military facilities in occupied territories, General Staff says. Ukrainian forces struck the Khokholskaya oil depot, causing a fire at the facility that ignited stored petroleum products.
Pro-Ukrainian partisans sabotage substation in Russia’s Udmurt Republic, group claims. The Atesh partisan group sabotaged an electrical substation in Russia’s Udmurt Republic, disrupting power supply to the nearby “BUMMASH” military‑industrial plant, the group claimed in a Telegram post on Jan. 28.
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Exclusive: Trump envoy negotiating Ukraine’s fate displays ‘shocking’ lack of knowledge about war, politics
A senior U.S. envoy involved in efforts to end Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine has displayed a lack of basic understanding of Ukraine’s political system and the war itself, the Kyiv Independent has learned.
Photo: Fabrice Coffrini / AFP via Getty Images
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As temperatures outside plunge, a Ukrainian pet shelter struggles to keep animals warm amid Russian attacks
Just over 30 kilometers (18 miles) from Kyiv, the Gostomel animal shelter in Hostomel, Kyiv Oblast is trying to keep more than 700 cats and dogs alive and warm.
Photo: Anna Donets / The Kyiv Independent
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‘Impossible to ban grief’ — how Russia tries and fails to hide its casualties in Ukraine
Russia has tightened control over information about its battlefield losses in Ukraine, cutting off data and closing one public loophole after another. The effort has not stopped the evidence of the dead from surfacing.
Photo: Christopher Furlong / Getty Images
Human costs of war
At least 15 killed, 37 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day. Russia launched one missile and 146 drones of various types at Ukraine overnight, Ukraine’s Air Force reported. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 103 drones, but one missile and 36 drones struck 2 locations across the country.
Why Colombian volunteers are joining war in Ukraine
International response
Spain escorts shadow fleet vessel sanctioned for carrying Russian oil, Reuters reports. The Chariot Tide, formerly known as Marabella Sun, was flying a Mozambique flag when its engine broke down on Jan. 22 in international waters within Spain’s search-and-rescue zone.
Kyiv hoping to convince IMF to delay key condition for $8.1 billion loan. Kyiv is pushing to delay a new tax on self-employed entrepreneurs until after the war has ended, as well as raise the threshold at which entrepreneurs would start paying the levy, a person in the Ukrainian government familiar with the talks told the Kyiv Independent.
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Kyiv hoping to convince IMF to delay key condition for $8.1 billion loan
Kyiv is pushing to delay a new tax on self-employed entrepreneurs until after the war has ended, as well as raise the threshold at which entrepreneurs would start paying the levy, a person in the Ukrainian government familiar with the talks told the …Luca Léry Moffat (The Kyiv Independent)
Russia offered to swap #Venezuela for #Ukraine in 2019, Trump adviser testimony
During #Trump's 1st term, #Russia signalled they'd let #US pursue interests freely in Venezuela if US let #Moscow do same in Ukraine, Trump adviser said in 2019 congressional hearing
Years before Venezuela attack, before full-scale #invasion of #Ukraine, Kremlin floated idea of giving up influence in Venezuela for control of Ukraine
kyivindependent.com/russia-off…
#TrumpIsARussianAsset #DementiaDonald #USAggression
Russia offered to 'swap' Venezuela for Ukraine in 2019, Trump adviser testimony claims
Former Trump adviser Fiona Hill's congressional testimony resurfaced after the U.S. attack on Venezuela. Hill claimed Moscow sent signals proposing a "very strange swap arrangement between Venezuela and Ukraine" based on the Monroe Doctrine.Abbey Fenbert (The Kyiv Independent)
Russia offered to swap #Venezuela for #Ukraine in 2019, Trump adviser testimony
During #Trump's first term, #Russian officials signaled they would be willing to let Washington pursue its interests freely in Venezuela if the U.S. let #Moscow do the same in Ukraine, former Trump adviser Fiona Hill said in a 2019 congressional hearing.
Years before the Venezuela attack, and before the full-scale #invasion of #Ukraine, the Kremlin in April 2019 floated the possibility of giving up its influence in Venezuela for unimpeded control of Ukraine, according to Hill , then a senior adviser to Trump.
kyivindependent.com/russia-off…
#ComradeKrasnov #DictatorTrump #TrumpIsARussianAsset #DementiaDonald #USAggression #traitor #WarCrimes
Russia offered to 'swap' Venezuela for Ukraine in 2019, Trump adviser testimony claims
Former Trump adviser Fiona Hill's congressional testimony resurfaced after the U.S. attack on Venezuela. Hill claimed Moscow sent signals proposing a "very strange swap arrangement between Venezuela and Ukraine" based on the Monroe Doctrine.Abbey Fenbert (The Kyiv Independent)
Monday, January 5, 2026
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The Kyiv Independent [unofficial]
Russia’s war against Ukraine
First responders work at the site of a Russian drone attack in Kyiv in the early hours of Jan. 5. (State Emergency Service / Telegram)
Russia targets capital and Kyiv Oblast, killing at least 2, damaging medical center. A privately owned medical center in Kyiv’s Obolonskyi district was damaged in the attack, and at least two people were injured, according to Tymur Tkachenko, who heads the Kyiv City Military Administration.
‘We don’t believe that happened’ — Trump dismisses Putin’s claim of Ukrainian attack on his residence. Russia had publicly accused Ukraine of launching 91 drones toward a residence used by Putin — a claim Putin personally conveyed to Trump during the phone call.
Russian missile parts factory in flames after Ukrainian drone attack, media report. The Energia factory in Lipetsk Oblast produces components for Russian missiles and drones, including batteries for the Iskander ballistic missile system and cruise missiles.
Ukrainian drones target Moscow, trigger airport closures, Russia says. Russian air defense systems shot down 132 Ukrainian drones overnight on Jan. 3-4, including 11 intercepted over Moscow Oblast, the Russian Defense Ministry has claimed.
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Ukraine prepared to continue fighting if diplomacy with Russia fails, Zelensky says. Kyiv is ready for “both options,” Zelensky said: the diplomatic track, or ongoing active defense against Russia. “Ukraine will never surrender,” he added.
Ukraine denies Russia’s claim of capturing town near Pokrovsk, maintains ‘control over key positions.’ “Control over key positions is maintained. The enemy is suffering significant losses in manpower and equipment,” Ukraine’s Air Assault Forces said.
Ukraine slaps sanctions on companies supplying Russia’s military industry. The new measures target 95 individuals and 70 entities, including manufacturers of communications, electronic warfare, and microelectronics for Russia’s military-industrial complex and security agencies.
Soldier injured in car explosion, classified as terror attack in Kyiv. The blast occurred as the soldier was opening the trunk of his car, the Kyiv City Prosecutor’s Office said.
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**Ukraine war latest: Ukraine denies Russia’s claim of capturing town near Pokrovsk, maintains ‘control over key positions’
**
Ukraine’s Air Assault Forces refuted on Jan. 4 Russia’s reports about the capture of the town of Rodynske in Donetsk Oblast. Ukrainian soldiers continue to hold the defense inside Rodynske and its outskirts, the military said.
Photo: Genya Savilov / AFP via Getty Images
Human cost of Russia’s war
Russian missile attack on Kharkiv kills 6 people, including 3-year-old-child, injures at least 31. The death toll has risen as rescue workers uncover the remains of more victims buried beneath the rubble of a destroyed apartment building.
Russian attacks kill 4, injure 5 in Ukraine over past day. Ukrainian forces downed 39 out of the 52 drones, including Shahed-type attack drones, launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force reported. Thirteen drones struck nine different locations, according to the statement.
General Staff: Russia has lost 1,211,530 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022.
The number includes 900 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day, the General Staff said.
Global sport reopens doors to Russia | Ukraine This Week
In other news
After US attack on Venezuela, Trump’s Greenland ambitions spark renewed alarm. “We do need Greenland, absolutely,” Trump told the Atlantic in an interview on Jan. 4, saying the island is “surrounded by Russian and Chinese ships.”
Serbia’s Russian-owned oil refinery to resume operations in mid-January, Vucic says. NIS, one of the few remaining Russian energy assets operating in Europe, was sanctioned by Washington last January as part of broader efforts to restrict Russian energy exports.
Zelensky dismisses Deineko as head of State Border Guard, names First Deputy Vavryniuk interim chief. Deineko has been appointed as an adviser to Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko. A permanent replacement to lead the State Border Guard Service will be named shortly, Zelensky said.
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Saturday, December 13, 2025
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The Kyiv Independent [unofficial]
Russia’s war against Ukraine
President Volodymyr Zelensky films an address near the entrance to the front line city of Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast on Dec.12, 2025, amid reports of successful Ukrainian counterattack in the region. (President Volodymyr Zelensky/Telegram)
‘Reality speaks for itself’ — From war-torn Kupiansk, Zelensky praises troops after reports of successful Ukrainian counterattack. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised troops in the Kupiansk direction and said battlefield gains strengthen Ukraine’s diplomatic position, as the National Guard’s 2nd Khartiia Corps reported a counterattack north of the city.
Witkoff to meet Zelensky, European leaders over the weekend to discuss US peace plan, WSJ reports. The reported meeting involving Zelensky follows news that Kyiv and its European partners handed Washington their revisions to the U.S.-proposed peace framework, with territorial concessions dominating tensions between the parties.
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Ukraine confirms drone strike on major Russian oil refinery in Yaroslavl. Russia’s Slavneft-YANOS oil refinery in Yaroslavl, one of the country’s five largest, is reportedly on fire after being struck in an overnight drone attack on Dec. 12, officials and local Telegram channels said.
Explosions reported at Russian oil refinery amid drone attack. Explosions were reported in Russia’s Saratov Oblast overnight on Dec. 13 as officials warned of a possible drone attack, with unverified local reports indicating the Saratov oil refinery had been targeted.
Ukraine strikes Russian oil facilities in Caspian Sea again, SBU source says. Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) carried out a second drone strike this week on Russia’s Vladimir Filanovsky oil production platform in the Caspian Sea, also hitting the nearby Korchagin platform, an SBU source said Dec. 12.
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Ukraine war latest: ‘No military purpose’ — Russia strikes cargo ship in Odesa Oblast
Russian forces launched a missile strike on the civilian port of Chornomorsk in Ukraine’s Odesa Oblast, damaging a cargo ship, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Dec. 12.
Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine / DSNS
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Peace plan drama — Ukraine and Europe hand US revisions as Trump grows ‘sick of meetings’
Ukraine and its European partners have handed Washington their revisions to the U.S.-proposed peace framework aimed at ending Russia’s war, the Kyiv Independent has learned.
Photo: Roberto Schmidt / Henry Nicholls – WPA Pool / Getty Images / Collage by the Kyiv Independent
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Explainer: Why Russia’s nuclear industry has escaped major sanctions
Since the start of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia has repeatedly threatened the use of atomic weapons, yet its much-prized nuclear industry has faced little in the way of meaningful sanctions.
Photo: Alexander Nemenov/AFP via Getty Images
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EU indefinitely freezes Russian assets, moving closer to financial lifeline for Ukraine
The European Union has agreed to indefinitely freeze Russian central bank reserves, moving the bloc a step closer to securing a financial lifeline to Kyiv as the war heads into its fourth year.
Photo: Thierry Monasse/Getty Images
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Ukraine world’s deadliest conflict in 2025 despite US-brokered peace talks, analysis finds
Russia’s war in Ukraine was the world’s deadliest conflict in 2025, according to a new report that tracks conflicts globally, despite U.S.-led diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the nearly four-year invasion.
Photo: Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images
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15 Ukrainians are suing US tech factories over chips in Russia’s deadly weapons
Despite years of sanctions and export controls, U.S.-made electronic components — which have unique markings and cannot be copied — continue to appear in Russian cruise missiles and drones. Investigations have repeatedly found these chips inside weapons used in some of the war’s most devastating attacks.
Photo: Anya Korzun
Russia’s air defenses have a Flamingo-sized weak spot, report suggests
Ukraine’s domestically produced cruise missiles could help deal a devastating blow to Russia’s air defense production, enabling increasingly effective long-range drone strikes against other targets inside Russia, a new report published on Dec. 12 says.
Photo: militarnyi.com
International response
Europe must prepare for war with Russia, NATO chief warns. “We must be prepared for the scale of war our grandparents and great-grandparents endured,” NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned.
Moscow files lawsuit against Euroclear as Russian assets debate continues. The Russian Central Bank said in a press release that it had sued Euroclear, the Belgian financial institution holding the vast majority of Europe’s frozen assets, in a Moscow court on Dec. 12.
In other news
SBU says it detained 3 suspected Russian agents over deadly Kyiv bombing that killed National Guard serviceman. Ukraine’s Security Service said Friday that it detained three men suspected of planting two homemade bombs that killed a National Guard serviceman and wounded four other people in Kyiv a day earlier.
‘I will come after each of you’ — Ukraine’s prosecutor general threatens critics after resignation rumors. “You don’t need to hide; I will come after each of you personally,” said Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko, responding to a wave of anonymous posts alleging he had submitted a letter of resignation.
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'I will come after each of you' — Ukraine's prosecutor general threatens critics after resignation rumors
"You don't need to hide; I will come after each of you personally," said Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko, responding to a wave of anonymous posts alleging he had submitted a letter of resignation.Tim Zadorozhnyy (The Kyiv Independent)
Friday, November 28, 2025
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The Kyiv Independent [unofficial]
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Russia’s war against Ukraine
A screenshot of footage that purports to show a drone attack on Saratov, Russia overnight on Nov. 28, 2025. (ExileNova+/Telegram)
Explosions reported in several Russian cities amid Ukrainian drone attack.
Explosions were reported in several Russian cities, including Taganrog, Novorossiysk, and Saratov, overnight on Nov. 28 amid a widespread drone attack.
Amid chaotic Ukrainian withdrawal, Russian forces reportedly execute 5 POWs in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. At least five Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) were executed by Russian soldiers amid a chaotic withdrawal near Huliaipole, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, it was reported on Nov. 27.
Putin demands Ukrainian troops withdraw before ceasefire, as Witkoff set to visit Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Nov. 27 reiterated his demand that Ukrainian forces withdraw from their current positions as a condition for a ceasefire, even as the U.S. attempts to reinvigorate peace talks.
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US to discuss Ukraine security guarantees after peace deal signed, Rubio tells allies. Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured allies during a Nov. 25 call that the U.S. plans to address security guarantees once an agreement is reached, Politico reported.
Explosion, possible drone strike reported in Grozny, Chechnya.
An explosion occurred at a military base in Grozny, Chechnya, several Telegram channels reported on Nov. 27.
Occupation authorities to send 400 Ukrainian children to Russia for mandatory ‘exchange’ program. Approximately 400 Ukrainian children will be sent to Russia from occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast for a mandatory “exchange” program by year’s end, the Center for National Resistance (CNR) reported on Nov. 27.
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Ukraine war latest live: Russia presses Huliaipole front, DeepState says situation stabilizing
A Ukrainian unit withdrew from its position near Huliaipol in an ‘uncoordinated manner,’ allowing Russian troops to penetrate the flanks of Ukrainian forces, Vladyslav Voloshyn, spokesman for the Southern Defense Forces, said on Nov. 27.
Photo: Oles Kromplias/Global Images Ukraine
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In bomb-shelter classrooms, Ukrainian university students turn to weapons engineering
The needs of the war effort and, particularly, Ukraine’s new defense industry are changing the job market for new graduates in Ukraine. Students of a techie bent are increasingly turning away from software development and toward hard engineering to deliver future weapons.
Photo: Serhii Korovayny / The Kyiv Independent
Russia’s coy game: Why Kremlin won’t commit to Trump’s peace push
Even though the original peace plan unveiled by the U.S. last week was skewed in Russia’s favor, it is not clear if Moscow would have accepted it since it still falls short of its sweeping demands.
Observers note that Moscow has never clearly signaled readiness to accept the proposals.
Photo: Andrew Harnik / Getty Images
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Opinions and insights
The light Ukraine cannot lose: Justice
“Russia’s recent attacks on Ukraine’s power infrastructure have brought rolling blackouts back to Kyiv,” writes Assistant Researcher with Human Rights Watch’s Europe and Central Asia Division, Kseniya Kvitka.
“Our food, our movement, and, more often than not, our mental health are dictated by the schedule of power outages that change depending on the scale of Russia’s latest strikes.”
Photo: Serhii Korovayny / The Kyiv Independent
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The wrong way to peace in Ukraine
“(U.S. President Donald) Trump’s yearning to win a Nobel Peace Prize – one of the most well-known vulnerabilities in the history of international relations – has led to an ill-conceived attempt at a peace settlement that, if implemented, all but ensures future conflict,” writes
American author and historian Timothy Snyder.
“Besides the basic injustice of allowing an aggressor to decide the outcome of the war it started, there are six fundamental problems with this ‘peace’ plan.”
Photo: Graeme Sloan / Bloomberg / Getty Images
International response
‘Historical precedent’ — Ukraine, UK sign license agreement for Octopus interceptor drones. Ukraine and the U.K. have signed a license agreement to produce Octopus interceptor drones, Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal announced on Nov. 27.
In other news
Ukrainian oligarchs fail to pay $3 billion fine in landmark Privatbank case.
Given two weeks to voluntarily pay the sum in a landmark ruling on Nov. 10, notorious Ukrainian oligarchs Ihor Kolomoisky and Hennadiy Boholyubov failed to make any payments before a Nov. 24 deadline, PrivatBank said in a statement.
Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan damaged after Russia’s ‘Soyuz’ launch to the International Space Station. Russia’s Roscosmos space agency reported that the launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan sustained significant damage during the Soyuz MS-28 launch to the International Space Station, according to multiple Russian media reports published on Nov. 27.
Ukrainian suspect in Nord Stream case extradited to Germany.
A Ukrainian national was extradited to Germany on Nov. 27 over suspected involvement in the 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines, Reuters reported, citing Germany’s federal prosecutor’s office.
Ukraine ex-energy chief saga drags on as political pressure stalls case, critics say. A Kyiv court delayed the appeal of the former head of Ukraine’s state-owned national power company until mid-December, a step that seems aimed at dragging out what is widely considered a politically motivated case.
Company news
The Kyiv Independent introduces a new e-store collection inspired by the history of the Ukrainian Trident. The Kyiv Independent has launched a new collection, “The Ukrainian Trident — Through History and Modernity,” designed to visualize the symbol of Ukrainian sovereignty in its diversity.
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Saturday, November 8, 2025
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The Kyiv Independent [unofficial]
From Kyiv to New York — the Kyiv Independent brings stories from democracy’s front line
Russia’s war against Ukraine
The aftermath of a Russian drone attack on a residential building in Dnipro overnight on Nov. 8, 2025. The attack killed one person and injured 11 others, including two children. (Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Governor Vladyslav Haivanenko/Telegram)
Russia launches ‘massive’ missile attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, drone attack sparks fires in Kyiv. Russia launched yet another wide-ranging attack on Ukrainian cities overnight on Nov. 8, using a combination of drone and missiles to strike targets across the country.
Drones hit key Russian petrochemical plant in Republic of Bashkortostan, Ukraine’s HUR says. HUR claims that the drone strike on Nov. 6 led to a fire in the workshop producing an additive known as agidol, used for aviation fuel.
Ukraine estimates its long-range weapon production at over $30 billion in 2026. In a closed-door briefing with journalists, Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, and Oleksandr Kamyshin, an advisor on Strategic Industries to the President’s Office, said that the current production capacity (for this year) of the Ukrainain defense industry is around $35 billion per year.
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Ukraine secures 300 million cubic meters of American LNG amid Russian attacks on gas production. Orlen will deliver three cargoes of American liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Ukraine in the first quarter of 2026.
Kremlin denies Lavrov fell out of favor with Putin after canceled Trump summit. “I will give you a brief answer: there is nothing true in these reports,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.
‘Full sanctions exemption‘ granted as Orban meets Trump in Washington to discuss Russian oil, war against Ukraine. The U.S. and Hungary are also planning to sign a “significant nuclear cooperation agreement,” Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said.
Zelensky blames ex-energy chief for grid’s failure to withstand Russian assaults amid talk of scapegoating. “He was the head of a large system, and this system was supposed to ensure the security of our energy sector. He was obliged to do this — and he did not,” the president told journalists on Nov. 7.
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Ukraine war latest: Special Forces drones hit oil depots, trains, logistic facilities in Russian-occupied Crimea
Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces (SSO) said on Nov. 7 that its long-range drones struck an oil depot and logistic facilities in the Russian-occupied peninsula of Crimea.
Photo: Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces/Telegram
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AI soldiers: How deepfakes are manipulating Ukraine’s mobilization narrative
Tears, panic, and young Ukrainian soldiers pleading for help — a new disinformation campaign using artificial intelligence (AI) to fabricate videos of Ukraine’s mobilization efforts is flooding social media platforms.
Photo: Screenshot of the account spreading AI-generated videos
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This investment fund is betting on Ukraine’s struggling farm sector
The Kyiv Independent spoke with Dan Yakub, founding partner at Diligent Capital Partners, to discuss why he and his partners launched the fund now, the opportunities they see in Ukraine’s agricultural sector amid the war, and their long-term vision for the country’s agrifood industry.
Photo: Nina Liashonok/ Ukrinform/Future Publishing via Getty Images
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Can the West win a сeasefire with Russia?
Since 2014, every ceasefire Russia has signed has ended the same way: with Russia in a stronger position, and the West scrambling to catch up when Russia decides to escalate again.
Photo: Contributor/Getty Images
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Human costs of war
Kyiv holds farewell for 28-year-old Ukrainian photographer, soldier Huzenko. A farewell ceremony was held in Kyiv on Nov. 7 for for Kostiantyn Huzenko, a photographer-turned-soldier, killed in a Russian strike on Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on Nov. 1.
Russia strikes residential building in Dnipro, killing 1, injuring 11. Russia carried out a drone attack on the city of Dnipro overnight on Nov. 8, killing one person and injuring 11 others, including two children, officials reported.
International response
Gunvor withdraws bid for Russia’s Lukoil assets after US calls it ‘Kremlin’s puppet.’ Gunvor, which is registered in Cyprus and headquartered in Switzerland, was founded in 1997 by Gennady Timchenko, a close associate of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Swedish billionaire Torbjörn Törnqvist.
Sweden has helped fund 400 drones for Ukraine’s strike campaign on Russian oil refineries. Denys Shmyhal’s announcement comes as Ukraine aims to strike deeper into Russian territory in an attempt to disrupt its logistics and grind down its war machine from a distance.
EU tightening visa rules for Russian nationals, citing security risks. The European Commission adopted stricter rules on issuing visas to Russian citizens, who will be largely banned from receiving multi-entry visas, the EU announced on Nov. 7.
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Thursday, October 23, 2025
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Russia’s war against Ukraine
Russian air strike on a kindergarten in Kharkiv on Oct. 22. (State Emergency Service of Ukraine / Telegram)
In Trump first, US sanctions Russia’s oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil after White House cancels Putin meeting. “Now is the time to stop the killing and for an immediate ceasefire,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said. “Given President Putin’s refusal to end this senseless war, Treasury is sanctioning Russia’s two largest oil companies that fund the Kremlin’s war machine.”
‘Budanov’s sanctions’ — HUR confirms Ukrainian drone strike on Dagestan oil refinery. Russian air defenses intercepted 44 Ukrainian drones overnight and into the morning of Oct. 22, including eight over Dagestan, according to Russia’s Defense Ministry. No drones were reportedly shot down over Mordovia.
Explosions reported near military base in southern Russia, blasts allegedly rock ammunition plant 1,700 km from Ukraine. Explosions were reported near a military base just outside the southern Russian city of Stavropol late on Oct. 22, and additional explosions allegedly rocked an ammunition plant in the central city of Kopeysk, local media reported.
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Intercepted radio suggests Russian commander ordered troops to shoot civilians near Pokrovsk, HUR says. Intercepted calls released by Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) suggest a Russian commander ordering his soldiers to shoot civilians near the embattled city of Pokrovsk.
SBU reveals next-gen Sea Baby naval drones, confirms use in June Crimea Bridge attack. In a video, the SBU revealed two versions of the new drones.
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War Notes
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As Zelensky set to land in Brussels, EU rushes to offset Trump’s pressure on Ukraine
EU leaders, meeting in Brussels on Oct. 23, are expected to weigh in on a wide range of measures in support of Ukraine — including whether to unlock frozen Russian Central Bank assets for Kyiv.
Photo: Nicolas Economou / NurPhoto via Getty Images
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Russian assault on Ukraine’s power grid leaves over 100,000 without power in north, east
A massive Russian attack pummeled Ukraine’s energy and port infrastructure on Oct. 22 as Moscow shows no sign of slowing down its plan to freeze out Ukrainians as winter draws closer.
Photo: Ukraine’s Energy Ministry/Telegram
Analysis: Pokrovsk on the brink as Russian troops, drones infiltrate deeper into Ukraine’s fortress city
After more than a year as the rock upon which Russia’s territorial ambitions in Donbas were broken, cracks are opening in Ukraine’s defense of Pokrovsk, and the end may finally be near.
Photo: Taras Ibragimov / Suspilne Ukraine / JSC “UA:PBC” / Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images
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One story from Ukraine
Monday to Friday, get an email with our most important story of the day
Why every call with Putin changes Trump’s Ukraine policy
Human cost of war
6 killed, 29 injured in Kyiv oblast during mass Russian overnight missile and drone attack. Explosions rocked Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities overnight on Oct. 22 as Russia launched a large-scale aerial attack against Ukraine.
Russia just hit a kindergarten in Kharkiv. Russia attacked Kharkiv with drones on Oct. 22, damaging a kindergarten and killing one person, injuring at least 10, local authorities reported.
‘Any one of us could have died’ — Russian drone attack on Kyiv damages residential buildings, injures 7. A Russian drone attack injured seven in Kyiv, damaged buildings, and set fires throughout the city late on Oct. 22.
Millions read the Kyiv Independent, but only one in 1,000 supports us financially. One membership might not seem like much, but to us, it makes a real difference. If you value our reporting, consider becoming a member — your support makes us stronger.
International response
Up to 150 Gripens — Ukraine, Sweden move toward long-term deal on Swedish jets. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Zelensky are meeting in the city of Linkoping, home to the defense company Saab, which produces Gripen fighter jets and other arms.
Opinions and insights
Editorial: Europe, it’s time to finally be brave. Start with Russian assets
“What is needed is a direct European military presence in Ukraine, with or without a ceasefire,” the editorial states. “The road to achieving a robust peace and the road to ensuring Ukraine’s (and Europe’s) security in the future are the same road.”
Photo: Brendan Smialowski / AFP via Getty Images
In other news
Poland hopes Ukraine knocks out Druzhba pipeline — Sikorski taunts Hungary.
“I hope your brave compatriot, Major Magyar, finally succeeds in knocking out the oil pipeline that feeds Putin’s war machine and you get your oil via Croatia,” Sikorski told Szijjarto on X.
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WTF is wrong with Russia?
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Today’s Ukraine Daily was brought to you by Martin Fornusek, Alexandra Brzozowski, Dominic Culverwell, Tim Zadorozhnyy, Kateryna Hodunova, Yuliia Taradiuk, Francis Farrell, and Volodymyr Ivanyshyn.
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Poland hopes Ukraine knocks out Druzhba pipeline — Sikorski taunts Hungary
"I hope your brave compatriot, Major Magyar, finally succeeds in knocking out the oil pipeline that feeds Putin's war machine and you get your oil via Croatia," Sikorski told Szijjarto on X.Martin Fornusek (The Kyiv Independent)
Putin got scared; Trump need be wary of Russian delaying tactic experts warn
Timing is NOT accidental. Conversation between #Trump & #Putin comes day before #Zelensky's visits Washington
“Putin got #scared because Trump promised to provide Tomahawks to Ukraine.
Putin decided to pretend he is ready for deal, compromise
kyivindependent.com/putin-got-…
#DementiaDonald #RussianPropaganda #disinformation #TrumpIsARussianAsset #Usefulidiot #DemetiaDon
'Putin got scared' — Trump needs to be wary of Russia's delaying tactic, Ukraine lawmaker, experts warn
The Kremlin appears to be deploying a trick already used several times this year.Chris York (The Kyiv Independent)
#EU left in the dark about #Trump-Putin meeting within its borders, questions its point
A general sense of #skepticism prevails among #European officials and diplomats over U.S. President Donald #Trump's announcement of planned #Ukraine #PeaceTalks with #Russian leader Vladimir #Putin in #Hungary.
kyivindependent.com/brussels-l…
#DementiaDonald #ComradeKrasnov #RussianPropaganda #disinformation #delays #Ukraine #StandWithUkraine #RussianInvasion #RussianAggression
EU left in the dark about Trump-Putin meeting within its borders, questions its point
BRUSSELS, Belgium — A general sense of skepticism prevails among European officials and diplomats over U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of planned Ukraine peace talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Hungary.Alexandra Brzozowski (The Kyiv Independent)
Once again, we can not believe anything this White House tells us.
#TrumpMedicalExam #DonaldTrumpLies #TrumpLiesMatter #Superman #DCU #DCEU #GirtherGate #DonaldTrumpDementia #DementiaDonald #DementiaDon
Well, get ready for 3 years 9 months of #DementiaDonald