According to internal U.S. government documents, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has requested military assistance from Russia, including the delivery of missile units and restoration of fighter jets. Maduro’s request, delivered in a letter to President Vladimir Putin, also sought overhauls of equipment and “logistical support,” alongside a three-year financing plan. The Venezuelan leader emphasized the importance of the Su-30 jets for deterring threats. While Venezuela is a close Russian ally, it is uncertain if Moscow will respond due to its involvement in the Ukraine war.
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The Ukrainian Defense Ministry has expanded its defense partnerships by signing 20 contracts with defense ministries and securing agreements with 17 NATO partner states as part of various initiatives. Within the “Danish model,” over EUR 1.4 billion in contracts have been signed, with EUR 427.8 million already paid to Ukrainian producers and a new tranche of EUR 825.9 million arranged. Additionally, the PURL initiative has secured $2.8 billion in contributions from 17 NATO partners for U.S. weapons, and the Capabilities Coalition has delivered substantial quantities of ammunition and defense systems.
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A French court sentenced four Bulgarians to prison terms ranging from two to four years for vandalizing Paris’ Holocaust Memorial with red hand graffiti. The court also issued a lifetime ban from France for each of the individuals. The red hand symbol, which has historical ties to antisemitism, was part of a campaign allegedly orchestrated by Russia to incite social division and spread disinformation, according to French intelligence. The court emphasized the severity of the act and the site’s significance, highlighting the attempt at foreign interference.
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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced advancements in eliminating Russian forces along the Pokrovsk front, specifically highlighting the efforts of various Ukrainian units. The 79th Separate Air Assault Brigade and other special forces were commended for their active and effective actions in the Pokrovsk and Kupiansk areas. Reports indicate that special forces from the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) are involved in stabilization operations in Pokrovsk, as a comprehensive operation is underway to expel Russian forces from the region. The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed that Pokrovsk is not surrounded or blocked.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Russia denounces “excessive” US military force in the Caribbean, backing Venezuela. This is quite a statement, isn’t it? Especially considering the current global landscape. It’s hard not to chuckle at the irony of it all. You know, Russia, currently embroiled in a very, shall we say, “robust” military operation in Ukraine, is now expressing concern over the US presence in the Caribbean. It’s a bit like the pot calling the kettle black, wouldn’t you say?
Russia’s backing of Venezuela, in this context, feels… well, it feels strategically motivated. Venezuela has considerable oil reserves, and Russian oil companies, like Rosneft, have significant investments there.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood