Following reports that the US, UK, and France have authorized Ukraine to use long-range missiles—ATACMS, Storm Shadow, and SCALP respectively—against Russian territory, President Zelenskyy confirmed the development. He stated that the efficacy of this authorization will be demonstrated through action rather than announcement. These strikes, potentially targeting Russian and North Korean forces in Kursk Oblast, are planned for the coming days, according to multiple news sources. Zelenskyy emphasized that this long-range capability is a crucial element of his “Victory Plan.”
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On November 17th, Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine, targeting energy infrastructure across multiple regions. Ukrainian air defenses, including F-16 fighter jets, intercepted and destroyed approximately 144 of the roughly 210 incoming projectiles. President Zelenskyy reported that Ukrainian pilots using F-16s shot down nearly 10 aerial targets during the attack. The attack caused widespread power outages and damage to critical infrastructure, highlighting the ongoing conflict’s devastating impact.
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President Biden authorized Ukraine to use U.S.-provided ATACMS long-range missiles, marking a significant policy shift allowing strikes within Russia, specifically targeting areas like Kursk. This decision, following months of Ukrainian requests, enables strikes on Russian weapons stockpiles and logistical hubs to hinder military advances. While the number of ATACMS is limited and the impact may not be decisive, the authorization also potentially opens the door for similar use of British Storm Shadow missiles. The move comes amidst escalating conflict and large-scale Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.
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With US President Biden’s approval, France and Britain have authorized Ukraine to use their SCALP and Storm Shadow missiles for long-range strikes on Russian territory. This decision follows months of Ukrainian requests and ends previous Western hesitancy. The authorization allows Ukraine to employ these weapons alongside US-provided ATACMS missiles. This development potentially marks a significant escalation in the conflict. Ukrainian strikes using these long-range weapons are expected imminently.
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Overnight, a drone attack targeted a Russian military manufacturing plant in Izhevsk, injuring one and causing minor damage, according to both Russian and Ukrainian officials. The facility, identified as the Kupol defense plant, produces components for the Tor air defense system, among other military equipment. This attack comes as Moscow launched a large-scale missile and drone assault on Ukraine, targeting energy infrastructure and military production facilities. Ukraine claims to have intercepted a significant portion of the incoming missiles and drones.
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New U.S. sanctions targeting Gazprombank, Russia’s third-largest bank, are under consideration. The sanctions, expected by the end of November, would prohibit Gazprombank from transactions with American banks, impacting its role in gas settlements with Europe and its management of substantial Russian foreign currency reserves. This action follows previous, less stringent Western sanctions that have allowed Gazprombank to retain access to SWIFT and major currencies, despite its connections to Kremlin insiders. The move has been communicated to G7 partners.
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Returning Russian soldiers from the war in Ukraine are responsible for at least 242 deaths and 227 serious injuries among civilians, according to reports from independent Russian media. Many perpetrators are former convicts recruited to fight, highlighting a significant societal problem exacerbated by the conflict. The wave of violence stems partly from the recruitment of convicts, including those with violent criminal histories, who often feel emboldened by their service. This surge in violence is causing widespread concern and eroding traditional societal norms of morality and justice. The situation is further complicated by the glorification of these individuals upon return, despite their prior criminal offenses.
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In response to a large-scale Russian missile and drone attack on western Ukraine, Polish and allied aircraft were scrambled to patrol Polish airspace. The Polish military deployed fighter jets and activated ground-based air defenses to maintain heightened security along the border. This action follows numerous previous instances of Polish airspace readiness measures prompted by Russian attacks on Ukraine. The ongoing situation is being closely monitored by the Polish Operational Command.
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Ukraine claims to have destroyed its 1,000th Russian anti-aircraft missile system, a BUK-M1, using a domestically produced drone. The strike, filmed and released by Ukraine’s Interior Ministry, targeted the system in a frontline hotspot, significantly degrading Russia’s air defenses. While the footage remains unverified, this milestone highlights Ukraine’s increasing reliance on and success with drone technology in the conflict. The destroyed system, valued at $10 million, represents a notable blow to Russia’s military capabilities.
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Senators Reed and Shaheen expressed serious concerns about Elon Musk’s security clearance and reliability as a government contractor, citing his undisclosed communications with foreign officials, including alleged contacts with a Kremlin official involved in spreading propaganda. Musk’s involvement in Trump’s presidential campaign and diplomatic efforts, alongside his SpaceX’s deep integration into US defense and intelligence, further fueled these concerns. The senators highlighted the potential national security risks posed by these actions, particularly given Russia’s ambitions in space. The letter to the Attorney General and Defense Department Inspector General requests an investigation into these matters.
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John Q. Hosedrinker