Facing intensified Russian attacks and dwindling ammunition, the Ukrainian military increasingly relies on its drone units, which are responsible for at least 80% of Russian frontline losses. A shortage of HIMARS rockets further highlights the ammunition crisis, forcing a greater reliance on drone warfare despite these units becoming prime targets for sophisticated Russian countermeasures. Ukraine’s domestic drone production has surged to meet this demand, exceeding its annual production goal in October, though Western arms supplies remain slow to arrive alongside recruitment challenges. This dependence underscores a critical arms race shaping the conflict.
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The United States imposed sanctions on Gazprombank, the last major Russian bank not previously sanctioned, citing its role in facilitating Russia’s military operations, including equipment purchases and soldier payments. These sanctions target Gazprombank and six subsidiaries, significantly limiting its access to global finance. While the US previously avoided sanctioning the bank to maintain European gas supplies, this decision reflects a shift in energy dynamics and aims to further degrade Russia’s war machine. The sanctions also target over 50 other Russian banks and 15 officials, and warn against participation in Russia’s alternative financial messaging system.
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In response to Ukraine using Western-supplied long-range weapons to strike inside Russia, President Putin announced a test launch of a new intermediate-range ballistic missile. This missile, based on the RS-26 Rubezh ICBM design, is capable of carrying conventional or nuclear warheads and was used to strike Ukrainian targets. Putin explicitly warned countries supplying Ukraine with weapons that they could become targets, highlighting the escalation of the conflict. Although the U.S. downplayed the impact of this new weapon, the incident represents a significant escalation and a direct warning to Western nations involved in supporting Ukraine. The Biden administration affirmed continued military aid to Ukraine.
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Unconfirmed reports from Ukrainian intelligence suggest a Russian plan to restructure the global order by 2045, potentially involving the partition of Ukraine into three sections: a Russian-annexed east, a contested west, and a Russian puppet state centered around Kyiv. This plan, whose authenticity remains unverified, outlines four possible global scenarios, two favoring Russia’s victory in Ukraine and two depicting its defeat. The alleged document, purportedly from the Russian Defense Ministry, reflects Russia’s broader aim to dismantle the existing global order and diminish U.S. influence. These claims align with previous reports of Kremlin efforts to reshape the international system.
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Reports alleging the sexual assault of a Russian teacher by North Korean soldiers near the Ukraine conflict zone have been refuted by both the Kursk regional office of Russia’s Internal Affairs Ministry and the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia. The ministry called the reports “false information,” while the university stated that no faculty members were in the area and the alleged victim’s description didn’t match any of their staff. These denials follow reports and video circulating on social media. Despite these denials, separate reports indicate that thousands of North Korean soldiers may be deployed in the region.
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On November 21st, Russia launched a conventional intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at Dnipro, along with other missiles, injuring civilians and damaging infrastructure. This unprecedented use of an ICBM in the Ukraine conflict, originating from Astrakhan Oblast, prompted President Zelensky to declare that Putin is utilizing Ukraine as a testing ground for weaponry. The attack followed recent US authorization of Ukrainian strikes within Russia using Western-supplied missiles and Russia’s updated nuclear policy. Zelensky emphasized Russia’s pursuit of additional missiles internationally, highlighting Putin’s desperation to maintain control over Ukraine.
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Following reports of a Russian ICBM launch targeting Dnipro, Ukraine, EU officials have expressed serious concern. The use of such a weapon, if confirmed, would represent a significant escalation of the conflict and a potential qualitative shift in the war. While Ukraine claims a high degree of certainty, Western officials remain cautious, with some suggesting the missile may have been a conventional ballistic missile. The incident comes amid heightened tensions, following recent U.S. authorization of Ukrainian strikes within Russia and Russia’s updated nuclear policy.
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Russia’s Ministry of Defense forecasts Ukraine’s demise as an independent state by 2045, proposing annexation of occupied territories, the creation of a pro-Russian puppet state around Kyiv, and leaving western regions’ fate to negotiations with neighboring countries. This plan, aimed at a multipolar world or global chaos, anticipates Russian victory in Ukraine to reshape international politics. Conversely, US or Chinese dominance are considered unfavorable outcomes for Russia, contingent on a Russian defeat or a frozen conflict. While President Trump’s election promises a swift end to the war, concrete plans remain unclear.
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During a November 21st attack on Dnipro, Russia used the RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) for the first time, alongside Kh-47M2 Kinzhal and Kh-101 missiles. The Rubezh, capable of carrying nuclear warheads, was launched from Astrakhan Oblast. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted six Kh-101 missiles, with no significant damage reported from the remaining strikes. This ICBM launch marks a significant escalation, violating past treaties and defying previous claims regarding its development status.
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Early this morning, Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile attack on Ukraine. Simultaneously, six Russian Kh-101 cruise missiles were also launched, though Ukrainian forces successfully intercepted all six. The nature of the ICBM attack and its target remain unspecified in reports. Further details regarding the incident are pending.
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John Q. Hosedrinker