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Ukraine struggles to contain Russian advance in Donetsk Oblast as US elections loom

12:27 AM

(Updated: November 5, 2024 12:00 pm)

Overstretched Ukrainian forces struggle to contain Russian advance as US elections loom

As voters in the U.S. head to the polls in presidential elections set to decisively steer the trajectory of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, the situation on the battlefield is beginning to unravel for Kyiv. After two years of brutal attritional warfare across southern and eastern Ukraine, dynamism

11:45 AM

Georgian court annuls election results at 30 precincts over secrecy violations.

While this represents only a small number of polling stations across the country, the authors of the complaint – Georgian Young Lawyers' Association – said the ruling sets a precedent for better protection of voting secrecy rights.

10:41 AM

Russian attacks across Ukraine injure 3 over past day.

Russia launched 79 Shahed-type drones and other drones overnight, as well as guided bombs and two Kh-59/69 aerial missiles.

10:25 AM

Opinion

Opinion: Handshaking Putin and hugging Lukashenko, UN head Guterres undermines the ICC

While the president of the International Criminal Court (ICC) recently expressed “high appreciation” for the United Nations’ cooperative relations during the commemoration of UN Day, a troubling incident unfolded 3,000 kilometers away from The Hague in Kazan, Russia. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, smiling and bowing his head, shook hands

10:01 AM

Russia suspected of plot to smuggle flammable parcels onto US-bound planes, media reports.

Russia may be behind the dispatches of flammable packages via cargo planes in Europe in preparations for similar operations in North America, the Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal separately reported on Nov. 4, citing undisclosed Western security officials.

9:15 AM

'Zelensky wants to drag Poland into war with Russia,' Polish deputy PM claims.

"Zelensky wants Poland to shoot missiles over Ukraine, which means he wants Poland to enter the war, which means he wants Poland to be at war with Russia," Polish Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski said.

8:42 AM

Russia's Foreign Ministry renames Europe branch to Department of European Problems.

"Changes in geopolitical realities," such as "the obvious degradation of multilateral cooperation structures in Europe," led to the renaming, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova told Russian pro-state news agency RBK.

8:14 AM

General Staff: Russia has lost 701,650 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022.

This number includes 1,260 casualties Russian forces suffered just over the past day.

7:49 AM

Thousands in Tbilisi rally again in protest of recent parliamentary elections.

Thousands of opposition supporters gathered outside Georgia's parliament on Nov. 4 for the second consecutive Monday, protesting the Oct. 26 election, which they allege was rigged with Russian assistance to favor the ruling Georgian Dream party.

6:18 AM

Ukraine to receive $600 million from World Bank under RISE Initiative.

Ukraine has signed agreements with the World Bank totaling nearly $600 million under the "Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Enterprise" (RISE) project, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced on Nov. 4.

4:21 AM

Slovak president denies all requests from citizens wanting to fight in Ukraine.

Slovak President Peter Pellegrini recently rejected all four requests from Slovak citizens wishing to join Ukraine's armed forces, Slovak media source TASR reported on Nov. 3.

2:33 AM

Despite 'unprecedented' amount of disinformation, no evidence it will directly impact outcome of election, US cybersecurity chief says.

Throughout the campaign, Russia has been accused of attempting to spread false claims on a number of topics surrounding the election, including disinformation about the candidates and election security.

Harris or Trump — Ukraine braces for best, worst-case scenarios as US elects new president

1:28 AM

US Election

Harris or Trump — Ukraine braces for best, worst-case scenarios as US elects new president

As Americans head to the polls on Nov. 5, Ukraine is nervously watching the elections being held by its top Western ally as the outcome could determine the country’s fate in its fight against Russia’s almost three-year-old full-scale invasion. The two candidates' pre-election positions on continuing to support

12:32 AM

North Korean FM meets with Putin in Moscow.

North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Nov. 4, as Choe's state visit of Russia continues.

11:28 PM

Germany to provide $217 million in humanitarian winter aid for Ukraine.

During a visit to Kyiv on Nov. 4, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock announced that the country will provide 200 million euros ($217 million) in humanitarian winter aid, as Ukraine prepares for more Russian attacks against energy infrastructure.

Ukraine, German discuss need for 'decisive response' on North Korean troop presence during Foreign Minister Baerbock's visit to Kyiv

10:04 AM

(Updated: November 4, 2024 11:03 pm)

Ukraine, German discuss need for 'decisive response' on North Korean troop presence during Foreign Minister Baerbock's visit to Kyiv.

"We are countering this brutality with our humanity and support, so that Ukrainians can not only survive the winter, but so that their country can survive," German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said upon arrival.

10:48 PM

Editorial

Editorial: When casting your vote in the US, think about Ukraine

As Americans cast their ballots in the Nov. 5 presidential election, we, the staff of the Kyiv Independent, ask voters in the “beacon of democracy” to consider once again why the iconic Statue of Liberty stands on an island in New York Harbor. It was gifted to the U.S.

Ukraine war latest: Artillery supplies from partners for Kyiv have increased, Zelensky says

10:46 PM

War update

Ukraine war latest: Artillery supplies from partners for Kyiv have increased, Zelensky says

Key developments on Nov. 4: * Artillery supplies from partners for Ukraine have increased, Zelensky says * Ukraine open to Qatar mediating energy security with Russia, says no talks currently ongoing * Number of North Korean troops in Kursk Oblast increases to 11,000, Zelensky says * 63% of Ukrainians ready to endure the

9:50 PM

Ukraine, Lithuania to produce drones, electronic warfare under new memorandum.

Under the document, Kyiv and Vilnius will jointly produce drones and parts for them, ammunition and components, and electronic warfare systems.

14 essential Kyiv Independent stories about the US presidential election

9:33 PM

US Election

14 essential Kyiv Independent stories about the US presidential election

Voting in arguably one of the most consequential elections of modern times is set to conclude on Nov. 5, as U.S. citizens will pick their country's 47th president. Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and her Republican rival Donald Trump enter the home stretch neck-and-neck, according to recent polls, with neither

9:24 PM

Number of North Korean troops in Kursk Oblast increases to 11,000, Zelensky says.

"We see an increase in the number of North Koreans, and we do not see an increase in the reaction of our partners," President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his evening address.

8:34 PM

Russia's first peace offer in 2022 was all but Ukraine's surrender, leaked documents show.

The six-page document envisioned Ukraine reducing its army to 50,000 people, five times less than the country had by 2022, and accepting the independence of the country's eastern Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, by then partly occupied by Russia.

7:56 PM

Opinion

Opinion: Gogol, the Ukrainian Kafka that Russia couldn’t claim

The question of Nikolai Gogol’s “belonging”—especially now, as Ukrainian and Russian cultures, long bound by an imperial past, are severing their ties before our eyes—remains a deeply painful issue for Ukrainians. Gogol, one of the most gifted writers ever born on Ukrainian soil, loved Ukraine profoundly as

As Russian losses in Ukraine pass 700,000, Putin runs low on non-mobilization options

7:14 PM

War analysis

As Russian losses in Ukraine pass 700,000, the Kremlin runs low on non-mobilization options

Russian losses in Ukraine have passed the 700,000 mark, according to figures released by Kyiv on Nov. 4, just 77 days after they hit 600,000, according to the same source. According to Kyiv, casualty rates among Moscow's forces have surged in recent months — October saw an average of

7:11 PM

Canada sends first NASAMS system to Ukraine.

"We expect to receive it by the end of this year," President Volodymyr Zelensky said after a call with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

6:10 PM

Russia launches nearly 10 times more Shahed drones year to year, Zelensky says.

Russia launched more than 2,000 strike drones against Ukraine in October, breaking the previous record set in September by nearly 700, according to Ukraine's General Staff.

5:08 PM

Russia grants citizenship to over 3,300 foreigners under Putin's military decree.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed in January a decree allowing foreigners who have served a year under contract in the Russian army, as well as their close relatives, to obtain Russian citizenship under a simplified procedure.

3:54 PM

Ukraine open to Qatar mediating energy security with Russia, says no talks currently ongoing.

Ukraine is not holding direct talks with Russia on an energy ceasefire but is open to a third country mediating the implementation of the peace formula, said Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine's Presidential Office, in a televised interview on Nov. 4.

2:51 PM

63% of Ukrainians ready to endure the war as long as necessary, survey shows.

A further 15% of respondents said they were willing to bear the burden of the conflict for a few more months, and 4% said they could endure it for six more months.

2:01 PM

Artillery supplies from partners for Ukraine have increased, Zelensky says.

"We are recording an increased supply of defense aid packages. The situation with artillery has improved," President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on Telegram after a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Staff.

1:39 PM

Former UK PM Johnson optimistic about Ukraine support if Trump wins.

"I cannot believe that a guy who is so passionate about his country… would want to kick off his presidency by basically allowing the Soviet Empire to be great again," Boris Johnson said in reference to Trump's "Make America Great Again" motto.

Russia attacks supermarket in Kharkiv, injures 15

1:10 AM

(Updated: November 4, 2024 1:03 pm)

Russia attacks supermarket in Kharkiv, injures 15.

The attack damaged a supermarket, multistory apartment buildings, commercial facilities, and cars.

News Feed

7:53 AM

Finnish PM criticizes reported attempts by Trump to weaken Russia sanctions bill.

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo on June 7 criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for reportedly pressuring the Senate to weaken a Russian sanctions bill.

6:50 AM

Russian agents who allegedly targeted Dnipro prosecutor with car bomb detained.

Two Russian agents were arrested by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) on June 7 after allegedly planting a car bomb targeting a Dnipro prosecutor on June 6.

5:32 AM

Kyiv Pride drone charity event takes place, faces counterprotest.

A charity event for Kyiv Pride took place on June 7 outside the Foreign Ministry building and was met with a nearby counterprotest.

2:14 AM

(Updated: June 8, 2025 4:03 am)

Chemical plant in Russia's Tula Oblast reportedly hit 2nd time in drone attack.

The Azot chemical plant in Novomoskovsk caught fire after it was reportedly targeted a second time in a drone attack overnight on June 8, independent news channel Astra reported.

1:17 AM

'I am against Ukraine's entry into the European Union,' Polish president-elect Nawrocki says.

"Ukraine must understand that other countries, including Poland, Hungary, and other European countries, also have their own interests," Polish President-elect Karol Nawrocki said.

7:46 PM

(Updated: June 7, 2025 11:20 pm)

Russia bombs Kharkiv day after deadly overnight attack, killing 2, injuring 18.

One of the bombs hit the Children's Railway, killing a 30-year-old woman who worked for Ukrainian Railways. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned Russia's relentless assaults against the city of Kharkiv.

10:29 PM

Zelensky urges US to act on Ukraine’s request to buy air defenses after deadly Kharkiv bombing.

"These Russian strikes are not 'retaliation' but acts of destruction," the president said as Russia attacked the city of Kharkiv with KAB guided bombs the evening of June 7, killing at least two people.

6:48 PM

Ukrainian drone strikes Russian Tu-22 bomber: SBU releases new footage of Operation Spiderweb.

The video shows the flight path of an FPV drone from the moment it takes off from the roof of a modular building to the moment before it strikes a Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bomber at the Belaya air base in Siberia.

6:39 PM

France to produce drones in Ukraine, minister says.

"We are going to embark on a completely unprecedented partnership where a large French car company – I won't name it because it's up to them to announce it – will join forces with a French defense SME (small to medium-sized enterprise) to equip production lines in Ukraine to be able to produce drones," French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu said.

6:17 PM

Ukraine refutes Russia’s claims of disrupting POW exchange.

"If the Russian side is now backing away from what was promised in Istanbul, it raises serious questions about the reliability and capability of their negotiating team," Ukraine's Defense Ministry said on June 7.

6:14 PM

Culture

Wondering where to start with Dostoevsky? Try his Ukrainian contemporaries instead

5:31 PM

Canada pledges $25.5 million in military aid for Ukraine, including armored vehicles.

The country pledged to provide Ukraine with almost $22 million worth of Coyote and Bison armored vehicles, as well as new equipment and ammunition supplied by Canadian companies.

4:34 PM

Six people likely trapped under rubble in Kharkiv after Russian attack.

Russian forces attacked Kharkiv with drones, missiles, and KAB guided bombs overnight on June 7, killing at least three people and injuring 22, according to Governor Oleh Syniehubov.

3:13 PM

'Putin is a murderer' — Zelensky rejects Trump's claim that Russia, Ukraine are like 'kids'.

"We are not kids with (Russian President Vladimir) Putin at the playground in the park," Zelensky said, as quoted by the TV network. "He is a murderer who came to this park to kill the kids."

1:59 PM

Ukraine used only domestic drones in Operation Spiderweb, Zelensky says.

"I wanted very much to use only what we produce and to have the separation (be) very clear," Zelensky said, as quoted by the TV network.

12:13 PM

Ukraine downs fighter jet in Russia's Kursk Oblast, Air Force says.

Ukraine launched a cross-border incursion into Kursk Oblast in August 2024. Reinforced by North Korean troops, Russia launched a push to recapture the region in early March, with Ukraine being forced to pull back from much of the initially taken territory.

12:05 PM

Russia hits Ukraine with 206 drones, 9 missiles overnight, Air Force says.

Ukraine also downed 87 Russian combat drones, while 80 drones were neutralized by electronic warfare systems or disappeared from radars, the Air Force said.

10:48 AM

Baltic states issue statement backing Ukraine’s EU, NATO membership.

They argued that Ukraine's NATO accession would “consolidate a just and lasting peace not only in Ukraine but also in all of Europe" and help uphold the rules-based international order globally.

10:16 AM

General Staff: Russia has lost 995,030 troops in Ukraine since Feb 24, 2022.

The number includes 1,120 casualties that Russian forces suffered just over the past day.

7:52 AM

Ukrainian woman, 6-year-old daughter found murdered in Belgium.

A 46-year-old Ukrainian woman and her 6-year-old daughter were found murdered on June 6 in the city of Leuven, Belgium, authorities reported.

6:08 AM

(Updated: June 7, 2025 7:18 am)

Russian attack on Kharkiv kills 3, injures 19, including 2 children.

Russian forces attacked Kharkiv with drones, missiles, and KAB guided bombs overnight on June 7, killing at least three people and injuring 19, officials said.

1:58 AM

(Updated: June 7, 2025 6:36 am)

UPDATE: Russia hits Ukraine with large-scale attack days after Operation Spiderweb.

The attack killed three first responders in Kyiv and injured civilians across the country, including cities far from the front lines in western Ukraine.

5:19 AM

Wagner Group announces withdrawal from Mali.

The Wagner mercenary group announced on June 6 that it was withdrawing its presence from Mali, ending its fight with rebel groups.

3:41 AM

Operation Spiderweb 'gave Putin a reason to bomb the hell out of them,' Trump says, following large-scale attacks on Ukrainian cities.

U.S. President Donald Trump on June 6 appeared to justify Russia's large-scale attack on Ukrainian cities launched the night before, in response to Ukraine's Operation Spiderweb.

1:47 AM

Ukraine hopes for Trump-Zelensky meeting in Canada during G7.

President Volodymyr Zelensky plans to meet U.S. President Trump during the G7 summit in Alberta on June 15–17, Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak said.

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