Russia’s seaborne crude shipments have plummeted, marking the steepest decline since January 2024, following new US sanctions targeting major exporters and causing key buyers to pause purchases. This has significantly reduced Moscow’s oil revenue, with exports dropping to 3.58 million barrels per day. The sanctions have led to a build-up of Russian oil at sea, as refiners in major importing countries like China and India cancel cargoes and seek alternative suppliers. While some shipments continue, the future of Russian oil exports remains uncertain as buyers navigate the complex sanctions environment.
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Overnight on November 4, a Lukoil oil refinery in Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod Oblast was targeted by Ukrainian drones in a joint operation involving multiple branches of the Ukrainian military. The attack, employing over 50 drones, reportedly struck the refinery during repairs to a critical processing component. Simultaneously, multiple other regions within Russia experienced drone attacks, including sites in Voronezh, Belgorod, Kursk, Lipetsk, Volgograd, Sverdlovsk, and the Republic of Bashkortostan. These attacks align with Ukraine’s strategy of targeting facilities that contribute to Russia’s war effort, including energy infrastructure.
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Overnight drone strikes targeted multiple industrial and energy sites deep within Russia, resulting in fires at refineries and petrochemical plants. One such attack led to a fire at the Frolovskaya electrical substation in the Volgograd region, confirmed by Governor Andrei Bocharov, causing power outages in Frolovo and surrounding districts. The Kursk region also experienced power outages impacting over 16,000 consumers due to what was described as an “enemy strike” on a substation, according to Governor Alexander Khinshtein.
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The UK government has authorized the transfer of more Storm Shadow cruise missiles to Ukraine, bolstering their ability to target Russian territory. This decision aims to ensure Ukraine’s preparedness for potential intensified attacks by Russia over the winter. While the exact quantity of missiles remains undisclosed, the Storm Shadow’s range exceeds 250 kilometers, providing a significant strike capability. This development follows reports of the US loosening restrictions on the use of long-range missiles by Ukraine, although, the Tomahawk missiles are not currently being considered.
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On Sunday, a Ukrainian drone attack targeted the Tuapse oil terminal, a key Russian Black Sea port, causing damage to at least two foreign vessels and the terminal’s infrastructure. This attack is part of Kyiv’s ongoing effort to disrupt Russia’s energy infrastructure and war effort. According to Russian authorities, a fire erupted at the terminal, but there were no reported casualties. The Ukrainian SBU confirmed their involvement, claiming five drone strikes hit an oil tanker, loading infrastructure, and surrounding buildings.
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According to internal U.S. government documents, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has requested military assistance from Russia, including the delivery of missile units and restoration of fighter jets. Maduro’s request, delivered in a letter to President Vladimir Putin, also sought overhauls of equipment and “logistical support,” alongside a three-year financing plan. The Venezuelan leader emphasized the importance of the Su-30 jets for deterring threats. While Venezuela is a close Russian ally, it is uncertain if Moscow will respond due to its involvement in the Ukraine war.
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The Ukrainian Defense Ministry has expanded its defense partnerships by signing 20 contracts with defense ministries and securing agreements with 17 NATO partner states as part of various initiatives. Within the “Danish model,” over EUR 1.4 billion in contracts have been signed, with EUR 427.8 million already paid to Ukrainian producers and a new tranche of EUR 825.9 million arranged. Additionally, the PURL initiative has secured $2.8 billion in contributions from 17 NATO partners for U.S. weapons, and the Capabilities Coalition has delivered substantial quantities of ammunition and defense systems.
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A French court sentenced four Bulgarians to prison terms ranging from two to four years for vandalizing Paris’ Holocaust Memorial with red hand graffiti. The court also issued a lifetime ban from France for each of the individuals. The red hand symbol, which has historical ties to antisemitism, was part of a campaign allegedly orchestrated by Russia to incite social division and spread disinformation, according to French intelligence. The court emphasized the severity of the act and the site’s significance, highlighting the attempt at foreign interference.
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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced advancements in eliminating Russian forces along the Pokrovsk front, specifically highlighting the efforts of various Ukrainian units. The 79th Separate Air Assault Brigade and other special forces were commended for their active and effective actions in the Pokrovsk and Kupiansk areas. Reports indicate that special forces from the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) are involved in stabilization operations in Pokrovsk, as a comprehensive operation is underway to expel Russian forces from the region. The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed that Pokrovsk is not surrounded or blocked.
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Germany has delivered Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, as announced by President Zelensky, strengthening Ukraine’s air defense capabilities. This delivery follows a prior agreement, with Berlin having previously pledged to provide two Patriot systems by the end of 2025. The move is crucial amid escalating Russian aerial attacks, particularly targeting energy infrastructure. The additional batteries supplied by Germany come after an agreement with the U.S. manufacturer.
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John Q. Hosedrinker