The Washington Post reported that President-elect Donald Trump had a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on November 7th, during which they discussed the ongoing war in Ukraine. The Kremlin has vehemently denied this report, calling it “pure fiction” and “completely untrue.” The alleged conversation occurred shortly after Trump’s election victory and amidst speculation about his foreign policy approach. The Washington Post claimed the call included discussions about de-escalation in Ukraine and the significance of U.S. military presence in Europe, while Trump reportedly expressed interest in resolving the conflict.
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On November 11th, Ukraine reported a record high of 1,770 Russian casualties in a single day, surpassing the previous record of 1,740 set on May 13th. This brings the total number of Russian casualties to 710,660, according to Ukraine’s General Staff. While the Kremlin remains silent on troop losses, Western officials have confirmed October as the deadliest month for Russian forces, with estimates ranging from 1,354 to 1,500 casualties per day. Despite suffering record losses, Russian forces have made significant territorial gains in eastern Ukraine, particularly in Donetsk Oblast, putting pressure on Ukrainian defenses and prompting concerns about a potential escalation.
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Recent estimates from British officials indicate that Russian forces suffered an average of 1,500 casualties per day in October, marking the highest monthly figure since the war began. This surge in losses, which may be contributing to Russia’s deployment of North Korean troops, has resulted in significant territorial gains for Russia, particularly in southern Donetsk Oblast. Despite these setbacks for Ukraine, our unwavering support for Kyiv will continue “as long as it takes,” ensuring their ability to defend their territory and achieve victory.
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Following a recent phone conversation with Vladimir Putin, President-elect Trump expressed his intention to prevent an escalation of the war in Ukraine, emphasizing the substantial US military presence in Europe. Trump, who had previously claimed to be able to end the war within a day, expressed interest in future discussions aimed at achieving a swift resolution to the conflict. This conversation comes amidst ongoing efforts by the Biden administration to ensure a peaceful transfer of power and emphasize the importance of continued US support for Ukraine.
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Mediazona, a Russian independent media outlet, and BBC Russia have identified the names of 77,143 Russian soldiers killed since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, based on publicly available information. This figure is likely a significant undercount, as it only reflects verified data from sources such as obituaries and official reports. The casualties have increased substantially in recent months, with October marking the deadliest month for Russian forces. The deployment of North Korean troops to Russia may be linked to these losses, with President Zelensky confirming their presence and casualties in Kursk Oblast. The average age of volunteer recruits killed in action is increasing, with a plurality falling between 48 and 50 years old. The bloodiest day for Russian forces was May 13th, with an estimated 1,740 casualties.
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On November 10th, Russia reported that its air defenses successfully shot down 70 Ukrainian drones, including 34 in Moscow Oblast, during the largest drone attack on the Russian capital to date. The attack, which began around 7:00 a.m. Moscow time, involved drones entering Russian airspace from multiple locations, including Bryansk, Oryol, Kaluga, Kursk, and Tula oblasts. While unverified footage of drones and resulting damage surfaced on social media, Russia reported at least one person injured in Moscow Oblast, with airport operations temporarily halted due to the threat. Notably, this attack coincided with Russia’s largest drone attack on Ukraine overnight, involving 145 drones, highlighting the escalating use of unmanned aerial vehicles in the ongoing conflict.
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Russia has amassed approximately 50,000 troops, including North Korean soldiers, in the Kursk region, preparing for a potential offensive. While a major offensive has yet to begin, US and Ukrainian officials believe an attack involving North Korean troops is imminent. The North Korean forces, divided into assault and support units, have received training from Russia in artillery fire, infantry tactics, and trench clearing. Although the Ukrainian defense is expected to hold, both Russian and North Korean forces are likely to suffer significant casualties, mirroring the losses experienced in eastern Ukraine.
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Russia has suffered its most severe monthly casualties since the start of the war in Ukraine, with an estimated 1,500 soldiers killed or injured daily in October, resulting in a total of 700,000 casualties. This heavy price, paid for “tiny increments of land,” is a direct consequence of President Putin’s ambitions, according to UK Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin. The war has drained Russia’s resources, with over 40% of public expenditure dedicated to defence and security, and has caused immense suffering for the Russian people. Despite Russia’s recent tactical gains, Western allies remain steadfast in their support of Ukraine, reiterating their commitment to provide assistance “for as long as it takes.”
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North Korean troops have joined the fighting in Ukraine, with President Zelensky confirming their deployment in the Kursk region and their involvement in combat against Ukrainian forces. This deployment follows reports of a limited engagement between Russian and Ukrainian forces with North Korean troops resulting in casualties, as confirmed by both US and Ukrainian officials. Zelensky expressed concern about the potential for increased North Korean involvement in the war, urging for more pressure to be exerted on Russia to deter further escalation. The use of North Korean troops signifies a deepening military partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang, raising concerns about the potential consequences for the war and regional stability.
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As Russia ramps up its drone attacks, Kyiv is facing a new wave of aerial threats. While previously these attacks were more sporadic, drones are now reaching the city center with increasing frequency, bypassing multiple layers of air defense. This is due to the sheer number of drones being launched, and their ability to fly at low altitudes. Although Ukraine is working on improving situational awareness and air defense systems, the country urgently needs more sophisticated air defense equipment from its Western allies to counter the increasing threat posed by Russia’s drone production capabilities. This new phase of the war demonstrates a shift in tactics by Russia, utilizing cheaper, but more numerous, drones to drain Ukrainian air defenses and pave the way for more destructive attacks.
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John Q. Hosedrinker