Germany and the United Kingdom have issued warnings regarding the increasing threats posed by Russian and Chinese space satellites, which have been observed spying on Western satellites. Both countries have reported instances of Russia stalking, jamming, and interfering with their satellites. Experts note that Russia and China have expanded their space warfare capabilities to include jamming, manipulating, or destroying satellites, with China posing an especially significant threat due to its advanced technology and substantial resources. While European nations are increasing space program funding, analysts emphasize the ongoing nature of the space race and the need for greater investment to counter these escalating threats.
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The Ukrainian Foreign Intelligence Service reports a crisis of confidence in Russia’s banking system, marked by a shift towards short-term deposits and dwindling demand for longer-term investments. Three-month deposits have surged in popularity, while those exceeding a year have plummeted, reflecting widespread distrust in the unstable Russian economy. This trend suggests a deepening economic crisis, as banks struggle to attract clients and key sectors falter. The situation is further compounded by the ongoing war in Ukraine, international sanctions, and predictions of long-term economic stagnation.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy anticipates that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will attempt to negotiate the purchase of Russian energy resources during his meeting with former US President Donald Trump. Zelenskyy believes Orbán will prioritize securing Hungary’s oil dependence on Russia, aiming to maintain its energy supply. The Ukrainian leader emphasized that Ukraine will actively prevent Russia from profiting from its energy sector, particularly in the context of recent reports indicating Orbán’s efforts to obtain exemptions from US sanctions on Russian energy companies. Zelenskyy also expects Orbán to advocate for a meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
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Fighting in the Pokrovsk area of the Donetsk region is intense, with Ukrainian forces repelling numerous Russian attacks throughout the day. Ukrainian troops have engaged in building-by-building combat within Pokrovsk, working to detect and eliminate enemy forces attempting to advance into the city’s outskirts. Despite logistical challenges, Ukrainian forces are holding their positions and preventing the enemy from securing the outskirts of the city. While acknowledging the difficult situation, the Armed Forces are focused on blocking Russian logistics and disrupting reinforcements in an effort to push the invaders out.
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Following a meeting between Hungarian and US officials, a dispute has emerged regarding the scope of a sanctions waiver on Russian oil and gas imports. While Hungarian officials claimed an indefinite exemption, a White House official clarified that the waiver is only valid for one year. The US official also stated the agreement includes requirements for Hungary to diversify its energy sources, including the purchase of US liquefied natural gas. This disagreement arises amidst Hungary’s continued reliance on Russian energy imports, drawing criticism from its allies.
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On November 7th, a Russian Ka-226 helicopter crashed in Dagestan, resulting in five fatalities, including four employees from the sanctioned Kizlyar Electromechanical Plant (KEMZ), a defense company. The helicopter, which crashed near the village of Achi-Su, was carrying passengers, including the plant’s deputy general director. The cause of the crash is currently unknown, with Rosaviatsia investigating the incident, as Western sanctions have created maintenance issues for many Russian aircraft.
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On November 8, Ukrainian attacks in Russia’s Belgorod Oblast resulted in over 20,000 people losing power, impacting Belgorod city and the village of Dubove. Russian reports, citing MLRS attacks, indicate damage to a local thermal power plant and fires in multiple garages. Concurrently, a strike in Russia’s Kursk Oblast caused an electrical substation fire and subsequent power outages. These events followed a Russian mass drone and missile attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which led to widespread damage and emergency power cuts in Kyiv and other cities.
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Following “the largest Russian attack,” all thermal power plants operated by Ukraine’s state-owned energy company Centrenergo were taken offline. The attack targeted plants previously damaged and restored, with multiple drones targeting them. Despite Ukrainian forces downing a significant number of drones and missiles, the strikes destroyed all restored capacity, leaving the plants generating no power. This marks a renewed offensive by Russia to cripple Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and potentially disrupt the upcoming winter season.
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Recent speculation regarding a potential reshuffle in Russian foreign policy has been refuted by Kremlin officials. Despite Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s unexpected absence from a Russian Security Council meeting and his replacement as the head of the G20 delegation, officials have confirmed that Lavrov remains in his position. This news followed the cancellation of a planned summit between Putin and Trump, where Lavrov was the primary point person. The Kremlin appears committed to preserving loyalty and continuity, with any setbacks often resulting in internal adjustments rather than outright dismissals.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asserted that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s attempts to hinder Ukraine’s EU aspirations are futile and mirror Moscow’s messaging. Zelensky stated that while Ukraine is open to ceasefire talks, it won’t support meetings solely for political gain, particularly if energy sanctions against Russian companies are raised for special treatment. Zelensky expressed that the Hungarian Prime Minister’s rhetoric aligns with Russia’s, but that nothing will deter Ukraine’s path towards EU membership, regardless of any opposition.
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John Q. Hosedrinker