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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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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John Q. Hosedrinker