Belgian intelligence services suspect Russia is behind the recent drone incidents disrupting air traffic and military operations, according to Belga. Sources cited specific drone formations, night flights, and proximity to critical facilities as evidence of foreign involvement that surpasses amateur capabilities. These incidents have heightened concerns amidst discussions of utilizing frozen Russian assets, many held in Brussels, to support Ukraine. Consequently, an emergency meeting of Belgium’s National Security Council was scheduled to address the matter.
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The AfD party is facing accusations of acting as a Russian “sleeper cell” by using parliamentary questions to gather sensitive information. These inquiries have allegedly targeted critical infrastructure, security, and military matters. CDU lawmakers have accused the AfD of pro-Russia alignment. Although the AfD has denied these accusations, they have not offered explanations for their enquiries.
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Norway has pledged $7 billion to Ukraine for its defense sector in 2026, as announced by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during his visit to Norway. During the visit, Shmyhal met with the Norwegian Defense Minister, discussing ongoing support and future cooperation. Key outcomes include Ukraine’s participation in the Joint Expeditionary Force meeting, a memorandum establishing unified quality standards for defense products, and a separate memorandum to launch joint defense production within Ukraine. These developments signal strengthened ties between the two nations, particularly as Ukraine aims to bolster its domestic defense capabilities.
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In a significant move, Germany is poised to increase its financial aid to Ukraine by approximately $3.45 billion in 2026, according to government sources cited by Reuters. This additional funding, supported by the finance and defense ministries and endorsed by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, will bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities with artillery, drones, armored vehicles, and replacements for Patriot air defense systems. The funds will be added during final adjustments to the 2026 federal budget, building upon the existing $9.78 billion already allocated for Ukraine. As Europe’s largest military donor, Germany’s continued commitment aims to provide ongoing support against Russia’s aggression.
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On the night of November 3-4, Ukrainian forces conducted a drone strike on the Lukoil-Nizhegorodnefteorgsintez oil refinery in Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod Oblast using over fifty Ukrainian-made drones. The attack targeted a rectification column undergoing repair, crucial for primary oil processing. Videos from Russian sources documented explosions and a fire at the refinery, a major supplier of fuel, particularly for the Moscow Oblast, and a key producer for the Russian military and defense industry. The refinery’s substantial output includes various fuel types and other products.
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President Volodymyr Zelensky visited troops near Pokrovsk, a key logistics hub, meeting with the 1st Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine ‘Azov’ and discussing defense needs. During the visit, Zelensky received operational updates from commanders and addressed crucial requirements like weapons supplies, drone production expansion, and logistical improvements. He awarded state honors to soldiers and expressed gratitude for their service in defending Ukrainian territory. Zelensky emphasized the importance of maintaining Ukrainian control over the eastern region.
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Since September, North Korea has deployed approximately 5,000 military construction troops and 1,000 engineers to Russia, possibly for infrastructure reconstruction and demining efforts near the Ukrainian border. This deployment, along with reports of over 10,000 North Korean personnel stationed near the border, is part of Pyongyang’s broader support for Russian operations, including the first confirmed instance of North Korean troops directing Russian strikes. Analysts believe this cooperation enables North Korea to offset the effects of international sanctions, potentially in exchange for military technology and resources from Moscow. Furthermore, intelligence agencies are monitoring active recruitment and training efforts in North Korea, with concerns that up to 40,000 additional workers, including IT specialists, may be deployed in violation of UN sanctions.
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The Ukrainian Navy successfully employed a suicide drone to strike an elite Russian special forces unit on the Sivash drilling rig in the Black Sea, which Russia had seized in 2014 and equipped with surveillance systems. Following the strike, Russian propagandists attempted to portray the incident as a victory, while the Ukrainian HUR destroyed Russian air defense facilities in occupied Crimea, including a S-400 Triumph air defense control point and radar systems. Espanyola, a Russian naval detachment formed in 2024 with ties to private military companies, was also operating in the area near the rigs. The Ukrainian military continues to carry out special operations in the area.
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The UK has provided Ukraine with additional Storm Shadow cruise missiles, strengthening its long-range strike capabilities against targets within Russia. These missiles, capable of hitting targets up to 560 kilometers away, have already been used to strike sites in Russian-occupied territories. This transfer follows Ukraine’s requests for U.S.-made Tomahawk missiles, which offer an even greater range, though a decision on supplying these has been postponed. The recent delivery aims to replenish stockpiles before winter, amid expectations of intensified Russian attacks.
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On November 3rd, Russian forces fatally struck two civilians and their dog in Kruhliakivka, Kupiansk district, utilizing a drone strike. The victims were reportedly walking under a white flag, a recognized symbol of truce, when targeted. The 77th Aeromobile Brigade reported the absence of military targets nearby, suggesting the act was intended to falsely accuse Ukraine. This incident highlights the ongoing use of drone strikes, particularly in the Kharkiv region, which have been causing civilian casualties.
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John Q. Hosedrinker