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Ukraine war latest: Ukraine reportedly uses ATACMS on Russian territory for first time; Zelensky presents resilience plan

10:31 PM

War update

Ukraine war latest: Ukraine reportedly uses ATACMS on Russian territory for first time; Zelensky presents resilience plan.

Key developments on Nov. 19: * Ukraine used ATACMS on Russian territory for first time, according to Moscow, media * Russia claims to capture village near Kurakhove, Kyiv hasn't confirmed * Putin approves Russia's updated nuclear doctrine * Over 50,000 Ukrainian recruits have received training in UK * Denmark to provide over $137 million

Ukrainians optimistic about Trump feel a mix of Biden fatigue and hope for change

10:19 PM

Donald Trump

Ukrainians optimistic about Trump feel a mix of Biden fatigue and hope for change

Despite warnings from some analysts ahead of the U.S. elections that a win by the Republican nominee Donald Trump could become a “worst-case scenario” for Ukraine, the mood in Kyiv after his victory was far more mixed. Some Ukrainians are optimistic that the president-elect could improve Kyiv’s standing

9:39 PM

South Korea has not participated in Czech shell initiative for Ukraine, official says.

South Korea did not provide artillery shells of its own production, nor did it make financial contributions to the purchase of shells from other countries under the Czech initiative to purchase ammunition for Ukraine from third countries.

Deputy energy minister: How Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has endured over 1,000 attacks in 1,000 days of full-scale war

9:12 PM

Opinion

Deputy energy minister: How Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has endured over 1,000 attacks in 1,000 days of full-scale war

Over nearly 1,000 days of full-scale war, Russia has attacked Ukraine’s energy system more than 1,000 times. Despite this relentless onslaught, Ukrainian power engineers have achieved a historic feat: maintaining energy supply stability by repeatedly repairing equipment, sometimes three or four times after consecutive strikes. This remarkable

8:49 PM

'Ukraine deserves to make next year a year of peace' — Zelensky addresses European Parliament.

"A thousand days of war is a tremendous challenge. Ukraine deserves to make next year a year of peace," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

8:43 PM

Photos

From Bucha to Kursk: 1,000 days of Russia’s full-scale war (PHOTOS)

One thousand days ago, at 4 a.m. Kyiv time, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the deadliest military conflict in Europe since World War II. For 1,000 days, Ukraine has been defending against the Russian military, well-equipped and superior in numbers of weapons and people deployed. Each

1,000 days of full-scale war: Reflections from the Kyiv Independent team

7:13 PM

Opinion

1,000 days of full-scale war: Reflections from the Kyiv Independent team

As we mark 1,000 days since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, members of the Kyiv Independent’s staff have paused to reflect. These reflections offer a glimpse into the profound impact of war — not only on a nation’s struggle for survival but on those who bear

Gen. Hodges on Ukraine's use of ATACMS in Russia's Kursk Oblast

7:08 PM

Video

Gen Hodges on Ukraine's use of ATACMS in Russia's Kursk Oblast.

The Kyiv Independent sat down with retired U.S. Lieutenant General Ben Hodges to discuss the reports that U.S. President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine to use long-range ATACMS missiles for strikes inside Russia.

6:24 PM

German opposition criticizes Scholz for refusing to transfer Taurus missiles to Ukraine.

"The chancellor is once again putting party interests above the interests of Germany's foreign and security policy," Florian Hahn, a member of the German opposition CDU/CSU bloc, said.

5:55 PM

Denmark to provide over $137 million for Ukrainian defense industry.

Denmark will allocate 130 million euros ($137.5 million) for the development of the Ukrainian defense industry, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced on Nov. 19 during a joint press briefing with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky

Updated: Georgian police disperse protesters in Tbilisi, 16 detained

9:15 AM

(Updated: November 19, 2024 4:04 pm)

Updated: Georgian police disperse protesters in Tbilisi, 16 detained.

Georgian police dispersed a protest in Tbilisi demanding new elections on the eve of Nov. 18, but organizers promised a quick resumption elsewhere.

3:59 PM

'Putin is playing with our fears' — German FM on Russia's updated nuclear doctrine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin seeks to intimidate the West by expanding the conditions for using nuclear weapons in Russia’s updated nuclear doctrine, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said on Nov. 19.

3:54 PM

Ukraine state-owned enterprises weekly — Issue 154

Editor’s Note: This is issue 154 of Ukrainian State-Owned Enterprises Weekly, covering events from Oct. 24-Nov. 17, 2024. The Kyiv Independent is reposting it with permission. Energy sector Ukraine’s energy infrastructure under attack, first in almost three months; power outage schedules are back. On Nov. 17, Ukraine’s

3:35 PM

Ukraine readies to start 1st cluster of EU accession talks in early 2025, Zelensky says.

Ukraine is preparing to begin the first cluster of accession talks with the EU in early 2025, President Volodymyr Zelensky told Ukrainian lawmakers on Nov. 19.

3:21 PM

EU ready to step up support for Ukraine if US reduces aid, Polish FM says.

"Strengthening Europe’s defense capabilities must go hand in hand with maintaining the United States’ commitment to enhancing our security," Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said.

3:13 PM

MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak: Developments in Ukraine’s parliament on economic reforms, international obligations — Issue 82

Editor’s note: This is issue 82 of Ukrainian lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak’s weekly “Ukrainian Economy in Brief” newsletter, covering events from Nov. 11-14, 2024. The digest highlights steps taken in the Ukrainian parliament related to business, economics, and international financial programs. The Kyiv Independent is republishing with permission. Dear

3:02 PM

Ukraine's parliament approves state budget for 2025.

The state expects to get Hr 2 trillion ($48.2 billion) in revenues, while expenditures are planned at Hr 3.6 trillion ($86.8 billion).

2:49 PM

Over 50,000 Ukrainian recruits have received training in UK.

"Kosovo, Romania, and Estonia are the latest nations to join this global effort, standing united for freedom and resilience," the U.K. Defense Ministry said on X.

Better late than never: Israeli companies finally reach out to Ukraine to help fight Iranian drones

2:49 PM

Defense tech

Better late than never: Israeli companies finally reach out to Ukraine to help fight Iranian drones

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in the Israeli investigative outlet Shomrim. The Kyiv Independent is republishing it with permission. After Israeli officials earlier ignored Ukrainian warnings and offers to help counter the threat of Iranian drones, the tides appear to be turning as Israel faces increased drone

Severed internet cables raise suspicion of sabotage in Baltic Sea

12:32 PM

(Updated: November 19, 2024 2:42 pm)

Severed internet cables raise suspicion of sabotage in Baltic Sea.

Telecom cables linking two Nordic countries with Germany and Lithuania were cut on the bottom of the Baltic Sea, raising suspicion of sabotage, various media outlets reported on Nov. 18.

2:03 PM

Russia's FSB reports detentions over Crimea car bombing.

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) on Nov. 19 announced the detention of two residents of Russian-occupied Crimea in connection with a car bombing in Sevastopol on Nov. 13 that killed Russian Navy officer Valery Trankovsky.

1:37 PM

Ukraine aims to produce 30,000 long-range drones, 3,000 missiles, Zelensky says.

The president also set the task of creating 3,000 cruise missiles and drone-missile hybrids and finding an effective countermeasure to Russian Shahed-type drones.

1:27 PM

Russian attack against Kharkiv injures 9.

Russia launched an attack against the Kyivskyi district of Kharkiv on Nov. 19, injuring nine people, officials reported.

1:12 PM

Long-range strikes can help push Russia toward peace, US official says.

"The weapons President Biden authorized Ukraine to use will give it more capabilities to defend itself and, hopefully, make the Russian Federation understand that using force to seize Ukrainian territory will not succeed," U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Brian A. Nichols said in an interview.

12:54 PM

Russia claims to capture village near Kurakhove, Kyiv hasn't confirmed.

If confirmed, this will be the latest village that the Russian forces took in their attempt to encircle Kurakhove by driving their forces towards Konstiantynopil with a north-south pincer movement.

11:58 AM

Zelensky presents resilience plan: 'Ukraine may need to outlive someone in Moscow to achieve all the goals'.

The individual points were focused on the country's unity, front-line situation, arms, finances, energy, security, communities, human capital, cultural sovereignty, and veterans, lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak said on his Telegram channel.

11:50 AM

Duda accuses Scholz of sidelining Trump in Ukraine peace efforts.

Polish President Andrzej Duda accused German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Nov. 18 of undermining U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s potential role in Ukraine peace negotiations to rebuild Germany’s ties with Russia.

11:35 AM

Russian attacks against Ukraine kill 25, injure 79 over past day.

Russian forces launched a ballistic missile attack against the port city of Odesa on Nov. 18, killing at least 10 people and injuring 55.

10:41 AM

Putin approves Russia's updated nuclear doctrine.

The revised doctrine outlines scenarios that could justify a nuclear strike. It implies that this could include "aggression against the Russian Federation and its allies by a non-nuclear state with the support of a nuclear state" and large-scale non-nuclear attacks, such as those carried out with drones.

10:27 AM

West marks 1,000 days of Russia’s full-scale war with solidarity with Ukraine.

"In 2022, Russia thought its full-scale invasion would end in days. 1,000 days later, Ukraine bravely resists. On the battlefield. And against criminal attacks on civilian targets," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.

Russian drone hits dormitory in Sumy Oblast, killing 10, injuring 13, including children

7:39 AM

(Updated: November 19, 2024 9:52 am)

Russian drone hits dormitory in Sumy Oblast, killing 10, injuring 13, including children.

Ten people were killed in the attack, including one child, officials reported. Three more people may remain trapped under the rubble.

9:31 AM

Ukraine strikes Russian ammunition depot in Bryansk Oblast, military says.

Ukrainian forces struck a Russian arsenal in Karachev in Bryansk Oblast overnight on Nov. 19, the military said.

News Feed

11:09 AM

(Updated: November 21, 2024 5:12 pm)

Intercontinental Ballistic Missile

Russia reportedly launches intercontinental ballistic missile against Ukraine — what we know so far

If confirmed, it would be the first time the Kremlin has used such a weapon in an attack on Ukraine.

5:11 PM

Ukraine first country to face intercontinental ballistic missile use, Ukraine's Stratcom agency claims.

Ukraine is the first country in the world against which an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) has been used, Ukraine's Center for Strategic Communications (Stratcom) said on Nov. 21.

4:22 PM

Nikki Haley slams Trump's top intelligence pick Gabbard, calls her 'Russian sympathizer.'

Speaking on her podcast Nikki Haley Live, the ex-South South Carolina governor slammed Tulsi Gabbard’s past statements and actions, particularly her criticism of NATO and her remarks about Russia’s "legitimate security concerns" regarding Ukraine’s potential NATO membership.

3:44 PM

Russian ICBM strike would be 'clear escalation,' EU says.

"While we're assessing the full facts, it's obvious that such (an) attack would mark yet another clear escalation from the side of (Russian President Vladimir Putin," EU foreign affairs spokesperson Peter Stano said, according to AFP.

3:03 PM

Ukraine '95% ready' to resume flights but needs adequate air defenses, minister says.

Ukraine is "95%" ready to resume commercial flights, but the key remaining factor is to ensure the safety of passengers, Communities and Territories Development Minister Oleksii Kuleba said on Nov. 21.

2:14 PM

(Updated: November 21, 2024 2:49 pm)

'Putin is using Ukraine as testing ground,' Zelensky says after reported ICBM strike.

"Today (on Nov. 21), it was a new Russian missile. Its speed and altitude suggest intercontinental ballistic capabilities. Investigations are ongoing," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

11:13 AM

(Updated: November 21, 2024 2:21 pm)

Updated: Russian attack on Kryvyi Rih injures 26, damages residential buildings.

Russia launched an attack against the city of Kryvyi Rih in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on Nov. 21, injuring at least 26 people, officials said.

1:40 PM

Merkel describes Trump as 'fascinated by Putin' in her memoir.

"(Donald Trump) saw everything from the point of view of a property developer, which is what he was before he came into politics. Every plot of land could only be sold once, and if he didn't get it, someone else would," Angela Merkel says in her memoir.

1:17 PM

Parliament passes bill allowing first-time deserters to return to military service.

The contracts of these soldiers will continue to be valid if they decide to return to their units.

12:37 PM

Ukrainian UAVs reportedly strike Russian border regions, industrial facility hit.

The airport in the city of Volgograd, lying northeast of Rostov Oblast, temporarily suspended operations due to safety concerns, the Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) reported.

12:14 PM

Hungary deploys air defenses near Ukraine, cites war escalation after US allows strikes in Russia.

Hungarian Defense Minister Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky ordered the deployment of air defense systems in the country's northeastern regions, saying that "the war has entered its most dangerous phase."

8:57 AM

(Updated: November 21, 2024 10:56 am)

Russia uses ICBM against Ukraine for the first time as missiles hit Dnipro, Air Force says.

Russian forces launched a large-missile missile attack on Ukraine, reportedly lifting Tu-95 bombers and MiG-31K Kinzhal carriers and attacking the city of Dnipro early on Nov. 21.

10:51 AM

Russian troops suspected of executing Ukrainian POWs in Kursk Oblast, ombudsman says.

Russian forces are suspected of summarily executing Ukrainian prisoners of war (POW) in Russia's Kursk Oblast, Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets reported on Nov. 20.

9:57 AM

Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant faces 2nd blackout of the week after Russian attacks.

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is on the verge of a blackout after Russian shelling of power lines left the plant connected to only one line, the Energy Ministry reported on Nov 21.

9:33 AM

Belarusian who fought for Ukraine extradited from Vietnam to Belarus.

Vasil Verameichyk now faces the prospect of imprisonment, as the Kalinouski Regiment was recently declared a terrorist organization by the Supreme Court of Belarus.

8:10 AM

General Staff: Russia has lost 727,250 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022.

This number includes 1,510 casualties Russian forces suffered just over the past day.

5:49 AM

Russia, North Korea agree to increase charter flights following trade discussions, media reports.

Russia’s state-owned TASS news agency reported that the two countries had agreed to boost charter flights. The agreement was confirmed by Russia’s Ministry of Natural Resources, which noted that between January and September, over 5,000 tourists traveled between the two countries.

4:30 AM

SBU exposes corruption scheme by two Ukrainian army logistics officers.

The scheme is believed to have defrauded the state of Hr 27.3 million ($662,000), which was funneled through a network of shell companies. If convicted, the accused face up to six years in prison.

2:00 AM

UK defense secretary does not confirm Ukraine's Storm Shadow strike in Russia.

"Ukraine's action on the battlefield speaks for itself," U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey said in remarks to parliament on Nov. 20.

1:13 AM

Russian attack in Donetsk Oblast kills 11-year-old boy.

The attack, carried out with Russian cluster munitions, also seriously injured a 13-year-old girl and wounded a 63-year-old man, according to regional police.

12:41 AM

Ukraine to pursue 'diplomatic' liberation of Crimea, will not acknowledge occupied territories as Russian, Zelensky says.

"We cannot spend dozens of thousands of our people so that they perish for the sake of Crimea coming back ... We understand that Crimea can be brought back diplomatically," Zelensky told Fox News.

11:54 PM

Biden seeks to cancel over $4.5 billion of Ukraine's debt.

"We have taken the step that was outlined in the law to cancel those loans, provide that economic assistance to Ukraine, and now Congress is welcome to take it up if they wish," U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said on Nov. 20.

11:15 PM

War update

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