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.
Read More
On November 1st, Ukrainian drones targeted an oil terminal and tanker in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai, resulting in five strikes and significant damage to port infrastructure. The attack, confirmed by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, disabled at least four piers and caused a fire on a tanker, impacting a critical hub for Russian oil exports. Ukrainian officials stated the strikes would have long-term consequences, affecting shipping and insurance costs. This marks the second time the Tuapse terminal, operated by Rosneft, has been hit, as Kyiv continues its strategy of targeting Russian oil infrastructure to disrupt its war efforts.
Read More
The article details the experiences of two American families, the Huffmans and the Hares, who relocated to Russia seeking a society that aligns with their conservative values. Driven by concerns over “woke” culture and LGBTQ rights, the Huffmans were the first to move to a planned community near Moscow, with Derek Huffman eventually joining the Russian army. While they initially found support and community, Derek’s military service led to online scrutiny and hardship for the family. The Hares, motivated by similar views, also moved to Russia, enduring challenges such as financial scams and their children’s difficulty adapting to the new environment. Despite facing difficulties, both families maintain their commitment to their new lives in Russia.
Read More
Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has executed approximately 160 successful strikes against Russian oil facilities in 2025, with at least 20 occurring in September and October alone, according to SBU head Vasyl Maliuk. These strikes, primarily using Ukrainian-made drones, have targeted refineries, terminals, and fuel depots, aiming to cripple Russia’s war economy, leading to reported fuel shortages and export bans. The operations, described as targeting legitimate military targets, have significantly impacted Russian refining capacity, causing fuel deficits in numerous regions. Most recently, a key Russian military fuel pipeline in Moscow Oblast was struck by Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR), disrupting a vital supply route for the Russian army.
Read More
Ukrainian forces are reportedly still holding the eastern city of Pokrovsk, with Kyiv increasing assault troops in the area despite Russia claiming to be encircling the city. Recent fighting has included a thwarted attempt by Ukrainian special forces to deploy by helicopter, as well as intensified Russian missile attacks throughout October, targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and causing widespread power outages. Meanwhile, both sides continue to engage in attacks with Russia reporting a Ukrainian drone strike on a major oil terminal in Tuapse, while the city of Pokrovsk continues to be the site of significant casualties. Finally, recent data indicates that Russian gas supplies to Europe through the TurkStream pipeline have increased.
Read More
Overnight on Sunday, drones struck oil facilities at the Tuapse port on Russia’s Black Sea coast, resulting in a major fire on an oil tanker. Multiple sources confirmed the attack, with Russian authorities attributing it to a “drone crash” that damaged port infrastructure. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) later claimed responsibility, stating their Alpha Special Operations Center targeted the tanker and loading infrastructure to limit Russia’s oil income. This strike is part of a larger Ukrainian campaign against Russian oil facilities, which have previously targeted the Tuapse refinery to reduce Moscow’s refining capacity.
Read More
Ukrainian forces have initiated a coordinated operation in Pokrovsk, Donetsk region, with the goal of expelling Russian forces, involving multiple branches of the Defense Forces, including the HUR. Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi confirmed the ongoing operation, emphasizing that Ukrainian troops are holding their positions despite intense enemy pressure. Syrskyi stated there is no encirclement and logistics remain functional, highlighting the roles of assault units, drone operators, and various special forces. Defense efforts will be reinforced with additional resources.
Read More
The Russians are planning to reopen the Mariupol Drama Theatre, which they destroyed with airstrikes in March 2022, by the end of this year. Hundreds of Ukrainians were killed in the attack on the theatre, which was sheltering civilians and had the word “Children” visibly written outside. Despite the tragedy, the occupiers are turning the site of a horrific war crime into a venue for Russian performances, having previously concealed evidence of the crime by clearing away rubble containing bodies. The reconstruction, which only left the front facade, is nearing completion, with the first performance scheduled for December.
Read More
The situation in Pokrovsk is challenging, with Russia deploying 170,000 troops to bolster its forces there. Despite the siege, Ukrainian forces are working to counter Russian advances. Ukraine has been responding by targeting Russian infrastructure, including oil facilities, which has resulted in a 20% drop in oil products on Russia’s domestic market. This year’s war has been deadlier for civilians, and concerns are growing over the impact of Russian attacks on energy infrastructure as winter approaches.
Read More
On October 31st, Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) conducted a special operation that disabled Russia’s “Koltsovoy” fuel pipeline near Moscow. The 400-kilometer network, which supplied gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel to the Russian military, was successfully destroyed in a coordinated explosion. The operation, confirmed by HUR, rendered the infrastructure inoperable, disrupting a critical logistical link for Russian fuel transport. HUR officials noted the attack on the pipeline caused more damage to the Kremlin’s war efforts than international sanctions.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker