A South Korean national who volunteered to fight for Ukraine has been confirmed dead in combat, according to a foreign ministry official. The individual, identified by the surname Kim and in his 50s, was killed in the Donetsk Oblast in May, with a funeral held in Kyiv on Tuesday. The South Korean government is providing consular assistance to the family. This marks the first confirmed death of a South Korean volunteer in the conflict.
European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas supports a €140 billion reparations loan to Ukraine, funded by frozen Russian assets, to demonstrate the EU’s commitment to supporting Ukraine through 2027. Despite concerns, particularly from Belgium, the loan aims to convert immobilized Russian assets into EU bonds for war efforts. Kallas emphasized the importance of a ceasefire, although Russia shows no indication of readiness, and reiterated that decisions regarding the war must involve EU and NATO members, especially in light of a US-backed peace plan that could directly impact these entities. The US plan is currently being negotiated to address unfavorable conditions.
A cross-border investigation has uncovered the Russian Red Cross’s (RRC) deep involvement in the Kremlin’s war machine, including providing military training to children and expanding operations into occupied Ukrainian territories. Despite these actions, the RRC continues to receive millions of euros from the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The investigation also revealed that the RRC has been collaborating with the Kremlin-backed patriotic youth organization and establishing new entities in occupied regions, violating international rules. Although experts have suggested suspending the RRC, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has chosen to take no disciplinary action.
Ahead of a meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky, Vladimir Putin, at the urging of White House envoy Steve Witkoff, warned President Trump against sending Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine during an October 2025 phone call. Witkoff, in a pre-call conversation with a top Russian foreign policy aide, coached Putin on how to appeal to Trump’s ego to ensure a positive call. Following the call, Trump decided against providing the missiles, despite prior consideration and pressure from Zelensky. This decision came even as the Pentagon had approved the transfer of the missiles, and despite Ukraine’s interest in leveraging the weapons.
High Representative Kaja Kallas has emphasized that any peace agreement should focus on limiting Russia’s military capabilities and budget to prevent future aggression. This contrasts with the initial US-led draft, which imposed restrictions on Ukraine. European leaders are now working to refine the deal to secure more favorable terms for Ukraine, including allowing them to determine the size of their own military. The EU is also prepared to offer substantial security guarantees, but the core issue remains Russia’s willingness to negotiate in good faith.
Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the need to maintain pressure on Russia, as it aims to redraw maps and regain influence, with Ukraine being a first step in its larger goals. She highlighted the escalation of violence coinciding with peace negotiations, revealing Russia’s pattern of behavior. Von der Leyen argued against limiting Ukraine’s armed forces and pushed for strong security guarantees, particularly as Western allies consider deploying a multinational force. Furthermore, she addressed the financial needs of Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of utilizing frozen Russian assets for reparations, despite Belgium’s resistance to such plans.
On November 22nd, DeepState reported that five Ukrainian prisoners of war were executed by Russian soldiers, with video footage allegedly capturing the moment. The organization is still working to determine the exact location and timeline of this alleged war crime. This incident adds to a pattern of Russian forces executing Ukrainian soldiers, with Kyiv already investigating evidence of at least 322 POW executions. These actions violate the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit the execution of prisoners of war without a fair trial.
French authorities recently arrested three individuals suspected of spying for Russia and spreading pro-war propaganda. The arrests were part of an investigation into a French-Russian association, with one detainee allegedly posting pro-Russian posters and reporting to the association’s head. The head, under surveillance since early 2023, is suspected of seeking economic information from French executives, prompting an investigation into potential collusion with a foreign power. A fourth individual was placed under strict supervision.
U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll delivered a pessimistic assessment to Ukrainian officials, warning of imminent defeat due to escalating Russian attacks and a dwindling ability to supply weapons. Driscoll presented a U.S.-backed peace plan, viewed as a capitulation to Moscow, encouraging immediate negotiation. This meeting exposed a rift within the Trump administration, with some officials favoring concessions to Russia and others advocating for continued pressure. While the initial peace proposal faced resistance, it was revised with Ukrainian input and now represents a living document, though its final acceptance is uncertain.
During a parliamentary debate, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared that any peace agreement in Ukraine must have the explicit consent of both Ukraine and European countries to be considered legitimate. He emphasized that Europe is a sovereign player and should not be sidelined in negotiations. Merz stated that Germany will increase its financial support for Ukraine to €11.5 billion by 2026 and endorsed using frozen Russian assets to fund the country’s defense and reconstruction. The Chancellor underscored the importance of ensuring Russia does not achieve a successful outcome, highlighting the country’s commitment to supporting Ukraine for as long as needed.
John Q. Hosedrinker