French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot affirmed unwavering French support for Ukraine, stating that aid will continue for as long as necessary to counter the escalating threat to European security. This includes allowing Ukraine to use French long-range missiles for self-defense, even if that means striking Russian territory. Barrot also suggested increased Western defense spending is needed, and hinted at the possibility of Ukraine’s eventual NATO membership. A recent successful Ukrainian missile strike on a Russian command post, utilizing Western weaponry, underscores the escalating conflict.
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Ukraine’s intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, revealed that Russia’s February 2022 invasion was preceded by extensive preparations for genocide, including the creation of kill lists and plans for mass graves and crematoria. This genocidal intent, Budanov argued, stemmed from a deeply ingrained Ukrainophobia within Russian society and was fueled by official rhetoric denying Ukrainian nationhood. Mass atrocities in cities like Bucha and Mariupol serve as evidence of this systematic policy, according to Budanov. Further, the abduction and forced re-education of Ukrainian children underscore Russia’s attempt to erase Ukrainian identity.
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A Norwegian student in his twenties, employed as a security guard at the U.S. Embassy in Oslo, was arrested and charged with espionage for Russia and Iran. The suspect, who also runs a security company, admitted to collecting and sharing information but denies espionage charges, claiming he obtained information potentially harming third-country security. Authorities are investigating the security company’s license and confirmed the man’s intelligence-related activity damaged national security. This marks the second espionage case involving the Arctic University of Norway in recent years, highlighting heightened security concerns given Norway’s proximity to Russia.
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Newly declassified US intelligence documents detail a pattern of assassinations targeting political opponents of Vladimir Putin, primarily in former Soviet republics. These actions range from poisonings, like that of former Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko, to bombings and shootings, implicating both Russian state security services and Chechen operatives under Ramzan Kadyrov. The report cites several high-profile victims, including former FSB officer Alexander Litvinenko and Zelimkhan Yandarbiyev, former leader of Ichkeria. US intelligence expresses high confidence in its findings regarding these Kremlin-linked operations.
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As of November 22nd, an estimated 60,000 Russian troops, augmented by approximately 11,000 North Korean soldiers, are concentrated in Russia’s Kursk Oblast. These forces aim to establish a buffer zone along the Sumy Oblast border, countering Ukraine’s August incursion. Ukrainian forces, having initially gained ground, are holding their positions in Kursk Oblast while Russian forces have retaken approximately half of the initially lost territory. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant Russian casualties, with over 7,900 killed, 12,200 wounded, and 717 captured in the three months since the offensive began.
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Sweden will provide significant financial aid to Ukraine for the mass production of long-range missiles and drones, utilizing the “Danish model” of direct funding to the Ukrainian defense industry. This approach avoids depleting Swedish military stockpiles while simultaneously bolstering Ukraine’s long-term defense capabilities and fostering stronger bilateral economic ties. The funding follows similar initiatives by Denmark and Norway, and allows Ukraine to utilize the weapons as it sees fit, including on Russian territory. This commitment underscores Sweden’s continued support for Ukraine’s self-defense efforts.
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Canada’s long-awaited NASAMS air defense system, purchased for over US$300 million, has been delivered to Ukraine. Minister Blair confirmed its arrival in Parliament, emphasizing its significance in protecting Ukrainian communities, though operational details remain undisclosed. This delivery fulfills a commitment made in January 2023, involving direct US sale to Ukraine following Canadian funding. The system’s deployment follows earlier assurances from Prime Minister Trudeau to President Zelenskyy.
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Following a Russian attack on Dnipro using a new hypersonic missile, NATO and Ukraine will hold emergency talks. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who claimed the strike was retaliation for Ukrainian attacks using Western-supplied missiles, stated the Oreshnik missile is currently unparalleled and will continue to be tested, including in combat. The attack, which prompted Kyiv to cancel a parliament session due to security concerns, is viewed by many as a significant escalation of the conflict, potentially entering a decisive phase. Western officials condemned the action, highlighting the missile’s capabilities and expressing concern over Russia’s escalating rhetoric.
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Satellite imagery confirms Russia’s violation of UN sanctions through the illicit transfer of over a million barrels of oil to North Korea. This exchange, involving at least a dozen North Korean tankers, has occurred 43 times since March at Russia’s Vostochny Port. In return for the oil and supplied air defense missiles, North Korea provides Russia with thousands of troops and artillery shells. This mutually beneficial, yet clandestine, arrangement provides both regimes with crucial resources amid international conflict and sanctions.
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Following a Russian hypersonic missile attack on a Ukrainian military facility in Dnipro, emergency NATO-Ukraine talks are scheduled. The attack, utilizing the experimental Oreshnik missile, represents a significant escalation, prompting heightened security measures in Kyiv and fueling fears of a decisive phase in the conflict. Russian President Putin justified the strike as retaliation for Ukrainian attacks using Western-supplied weapons, while Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán echoed Moscow’s claims of potential US involvement. Concurrent with the Dnipro strike, Iranian-made Shahed drones targeted a Sumy residential area, resulting in casualties.
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John Q. Hosedrinker