KYIV, Ukraine — Russian attacks on Ukraine killed at least one person and wounded 31 overnight into Saturday as negotiators from Ukraine, Russia and the United States were to meet in the United Arab Emirates for a second day of talks to end Russia’s nearly four-year full-scale invasion.
One person was killed and four were wounded in Russian drone attacks on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, according to Kyiv City Military Administration head Tymur Tkachenko.
In Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, drone attacks wounded 27 people, Kharkiv regional head Oleh Syniehubov said Saturday.
The attacks came as envoys were expected to meet in Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital, for a second day of talks on Saturday. The talks are the first known instance that officials from the Trump administration have sat down with both countries as part of Washington’s push for progress to end Moscow’s nearly 4-year-old invasion.
The UAE’s foreign ministry said the talks are part of efforts “to promote dialogue and identify political solutions to the crisis.” The White House described Friday’s first day as productive.
Following the latest attacks, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha slammed Russian President Vladimir Putin over the onslaught.
“Cynically, Putin ordered a brutal massive missile strike against Ukraine right while delegations are meeting in Abu Dhabi to advance the America-led peace process,” Sybiha wrote on X. “His missiles hit not only our people, but also the negotiation table.”
There has been a flurry of diplomatic activity in recent days, from Switzerland to the Kremlin, even though serious obstacles remain between both sides.
While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday that a potential peace deal was “nearly ready,” certain sensitive sticking points – most notably those related to territorial issues – remain unresolved.
Just hours before the three-way talks began, Putin discussed a Ukraine settlement with U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner during marathon overnight talks. The Kremlin insists that to reach a peace deal, Kyiv must withdraw its troops from the areas in the east that Russia illegally annexed but has not fully captured.
KYIV, Ukraine — Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack targeting regions across Ukraine early Saturday, killing at least three people and wounding dozens more, Ukrainian officials said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said attacks took place across nine regions, including Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Chernihiv, Zaporizhzhia, Poltava, Kyiv, Odesa, Sumy and Kharkiv.
“The enemy’s target was our infrastructure, residential areas and civilian enterprises,” he said, adding that a missile equipped with cluster munitions struck a multi-story building in the city of Dnipro.
“Each such strike is not a military necessity but a deliberate strategy by Russia to intimidate civilians and destroy our infrastructure,” he said in a statement on his official Telegram.
Zelenskyy said he expected to meet U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly next week. He also said the first ladies of Ukraine and the United States would likely hold separate talks focused on humanitarian issues involving children.
His comments, which he made on Friday, were embargoed until Saturday morning.
At least 30 people were wounded in the attack in Ukraine’s central Dnipropetrovsk region, local governor Serhii Lysak said. Several high-rise buildings and homes were damaged in the eastern city of Dnipro.
In the Kyiv region, local authorities said there were strikes in the areas of Bucha, Boryspil and Obukhiv. A home and cars were damaged. In the western region of Lviv, Gov. Maxim Kozytsky said two cruise missiles were shot down.
Russia launched 619 drones and missiles, Ukraine’s Air Force said in a statement. In total, 579 drones, eight ballistic missiles and 32 cruise missiles were detected. Ukrainian forces shot down and neutralized 552 drones, two ballistic missiles and 29 cruise missiles.
“During the air strike, tactical aviation, in particular F-16 fighters, effectively worked on the enemy’s cruise missiles. Western weapons once again prove their effectiveness on the battlefield,” the Air Force said in a statement.
Russia denies violating Estonia’s airspace
Russia’s Defense Ministry denied its aircraft violated Estonia’s airspace, after Tallinn reported three fighter jets crossed into its territory on Friday without permission and remained there for 12 minutes.
The incident, described by Estonia’s top diplomat as an “unprecedentedly brazen” incursion, happened just over a week after NATO planes downed Russian drones over Poland, heightening fears that Moscow’s war on Ukraine could spill over.
In an online statement published early Saturday, Moscow stressed its fighter jets had kept to neutral Baltic Sea waters more than 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) from Estonia’s Vaindloo Island in the Gulf of Finland.
“On September 19, three MiG-31 fighter jets completed a scheduled flight from Karelia to an airfield in the Kaliningrad region,” it said, referencing the Russian enclave sandwiched between Polish and Lithuanian territory.
“The flight was conducted in strict compliance with international airspace regulations and did not violate the borders of other states, as confirmed through objective monitoring,” the statement said without providing details about the monitoring operation.
On Friday, Estonian officials said Tallinn had summoned a Russian diplomat to protest, and also moved “to start consultations among the allies” under NATO’s Article 4, which states that parties would confer whenever the territorial integrity, political independence or security is threatened.
Zelenskyy hopes to finalize security guarantees in New York meetings
Zelenskyy said that Ukraine and its partners have laid the groundwork for long-term security guarantees and that he hopes to gauge how close they are to finalizing such commitments during next week’s meetings in New York.
He said European nations are prepared to move forward with a framework if the United States remains closely engaged. He noted that discussions have taken place at multiple levels, including among military leadership and general staffs from both Europe and the U.S.
“I would like to receive signals for myself on how close we are to understanding that the security guarantees from all partners will be the kind we need,” Zelenskyy said.
Zelenskyy said sanctions against Russia must remain on the table if peace efforts stall, and that he plans to press the issue in talks with Trump.
“If the war continues and there is no movement toward peace, we expect sanctions,” he said, adding that Trump is looking for strong steps from Europe.
CHICAGO (WLS) — A group rallied in downtown Chicago Saturday afternoon in support of Ukraine to mark two years since Russia’s invasion of the country.
“The war in Ukraine is still going on and its bloody and its horrible, so America can help Ukraine,” said Anastasia Voronovsky with Russian Americans for Democracy in Russia.
The rally, consisting of a coalition of Russian activists and people with ties to Ukraine, started at the Wrigley building on Michigan Avenue.
Dozens of demonstrators in the group then walked to the Consulate General of Ukraine.
Those at the rally said it’s important to support Ukraine and stop Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“Putin is representative of all the Russian population. He represents just a small part. Unfortunately, right now he’s in power, but we need to defeat him,” said Elena Kaspirovich with Voice of Russia Chicago.
They called on the U.S. to continue to provide aid to the country as lawmakers struggle to pass a $60 billion military aid bill that’s blocked in the House of Representatives.
“Russia is a security threat to the world and if you don’t stop Putin in Ukraine, he’ll start another war in Eastern Europe and he will split NATO,” said demonstrator Roman Lifalov.
Right now, Putin’s army is making some gains as Ukraine’s military struggles with diminishing weapons stockpiles.
This comes as Ukrainian President Zelenskyy welcomed world leaders to Kyiv Saturday morning, including the prime ministers from Belgium and Canada, and the European Commission president.
People rallied across Europe also rallied Saturday in support of Ukraine, including in London, Berlin, and Stockholm.
Supporters at Chicago’s rally said they hope Europe will step up even more to help Ukraine hold on until more aid from the U.S. arrives.
After Moscow invaded Ukraine, ‘Russia’s Google’ has decided it can’t stay in Russia.
Moscow-headquartered Yandex, the country’s dominant search engine founded by two Russian entrepreneurs, is hoping to transfer its most promising new technologies overseas and ditch most of its Russian business to avoid the effects of Western sanctions imposed after President Vladimir Putin ordered Russia to Ukraine.
Under the plan, which the Financial Times reported on Thursday, Yandex N.V.—Yandex’s holding company registered in the Netherlands—would sell most of its Russian businesses, like search, e-commerce and ride-hailing, to a local buyer. The New York Times later reported that Yandex N.V. would then shift its most promising technologies to non-Russian markets.
By cutting ties with Russia, Yandex hopes to protect its newer ventures, such as self-driving cars, cloud computing, and education technology, from being connected to the Russian market. Western partners have canceled tie-ups with Yandex after Russia’s war in Ukraine, including food delivery company Grubhub, which ended its robot delivery initiative with Yandex days after Russia’s invasion. New export controls also limit the sale of advanced technology components to Russia.
There are hurdles to Yandex’s plan. It would need to find a local buyer willing to purchase its Russian businesses. It would also need Moscow’s permission to transfer technology licenses outside of the country, and Yandex shareholders would need to agree to the plan.
The plan is reportedly supported by Aleksei Kudrin, Russia’s former finance minister. Kudrin is expected to take a leading position at Yandex once the deal is complete, according to the Financial Times.
Yandex did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Sanctions and a staff exodus
Yandex, founded in 2000, controls about 60% of Russia’s search-engine market, and has invested in ride-hailing, e-commerce and news.
While it is not state-owned, Yandex has built a close relationship with the Russian government. Yandex in 2019 agreed to give the state a greater say in its operational decisions in a bid to ward off legislation limiting foreign ownership of Russian tech companies.
The NASDAQ stock exchange suspended trading of Yandex shares soon after Russia’s invasion due to concerns about U.S. sanctions. Yandex’s shares in Moscow have fallen by 60.3% since the start of the year. The stock plunge comes in spite of Yandex’s strong performance in the Russian market, with revenue increasing by 46% in the third quarter year-on-year.
The Russian tech company has also been hit by the exodus of talented Russians leaving the country after the Ukraine invasion. Over 10% of Yandex’s 19,000 staff have left, reported Bloomberg in August.
The European Union has also targeted Yandex executives with sanctions, accusing the company of promoting pro-war Russian propaganda on its news platform. The EU sanctioned Yandex Deputy CEO Tigran Khudaverdyan, who was responsible for the news division, in March.
The EU sanctioned Yandex founder and then-CEO Arkady Volozh in June, accusing him of “materially or financially” supporting Russia’s invasion. Volozh resigned as CEO the same day. Yandex sold its news division to fellow Russian tech company VK in August.
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People hold a slogan which reads “11/11/2022 – Kherson – Ukraine” as they gather in Maidan square to … [+] celebrate the liberation of Kherson, in Kyiv on November 11, 2022, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. – Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said on November 11 that Kherson was “ours” after Russia announced the completion of its withdrawal from the regional capital, the only one Moscow captured in nearly nine months of fighting. (Photo by Genya SAVILOV / AFP) (Photo by GENYA SAVILOV/AFP via Getty Images)
AFP via Getty Images
Dispatches from Ukraine. Day 261.
As Russia’s attack on Ukraine continues and the war rages on, reliable sources of information are critical. Forbes gathers information and provides updates on the situation.
By Polina Rasskazova
Ukrainian soldiers entered the Russian-occupied city of Kherson. “Kherson is returning under the control of Ukraine. The retreat routes of the Russian invaders are under fire control of the Ukrainian army,” the Ukrainian military intelligence agency announced on November 11. Intelligence officials also added that more than half of Russia’s occupational forces are still on the right bank of the Kherson region. According to a representative of the military intelligence of Ukraine, the Russian army is retreating from the second line of defense, to which they were pushed back by Ukrainian forces in early October. “Today is a historic day. We are returning Kherson. As of now, our defenders are approaching the city. But special units are already in the city,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his evening speech.
41 settlements in southern Ukraine have been liberated and returned under the control of Ukrainian defenders, according to Zelenskyy`s speech. “Dozens of Ukrainian flags have already returned to their rightful place in the framework of the defense operation. 41 settlements were liberated,” said the President. He added that the lives of Ukrainian soldiers stand behind every step of the Ukrainian army on the battlefield. “Everything that is happening now has been achieved by months of brutal struggle. It was achieved through courage, pain, and loss. It’s not the enemy coming — it’s the Ukrainians who are chasing the invaders at great cost.”
In the liberated territory of the Kherson region, law enforcement officers discovered the remains of civilian bodies in a cellar, the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine reports. According to preliminary data, the remains belong to three local residents who died during the occupation of the settlement. The Russian army may have committed physical violence against the locals, because during the initial inspection of the skeletonized corpses, the law enforcement officers found injuries in the form of skull fractures. “The remains of the dead have been sent for a complex of examinations, including DNA examinations. Measures are being taken to establish the circumstances, witnesses and eyewitnesses of the crime,” added the Office of the Prosecutor General.
Mykolayiv. On the night of November 11, the Russian army attacked the city of Mykolaiv, firing shells that hit a five-story residential building. According to information from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, the building was destroyed from the 5th to the 1st floor. The number of dead as a result of the destruction increased to seven, including a married couple. Their 16-year-old child survived because she slept in another room.
Abandoned Russian mines are killing Ukrainian citizens. According to the deputy head of the office of the President of Ukraine, Kyrylo Tymoshenko, in the Kherson region, civilians drove over a landmine left by Russian troops. As a result of the explosion, 4 people were injured, including two children aged 9 and 14. Also today, 2 children were injured by a Russian explosive device in Kharkiv. “Two boys, 15 and 12 years-old, found an explosive object in the bushes near the house, which detonated. Children have shrapnel injuries,” reported Tymoshenko.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, and White House national security adviser Jake … [+] Sullivan shake hands during their meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, Friday, Nov. 4, 2022. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)
Ukrainian Presidential Press Office
Dispatches from Ukraine.Day 256.
As Russia’s attack on Ukraine continues and the war rages on, reliable sources of information are critical. Forbes gathers information and provides updates on the situation.
By Polina Rasskazova
On Friday, November 4th, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office Andriy Yermak in Kyiv, Ukraine. Sullivan attended a news briefing in Kyiv, stating the United States’ support for Ukraine would remain “unwavering and unflinching” following next Tuesday’s midterm congressional elections.
In Ukraine, 20% of nature reserves and 3 million hectares of forests have been affected by the war, according to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) of Ukraine. According to the WWF, 2.9 million hectares of the Emerald network are at risk now. These territories are a significant part of the nature protection network of Europe. To date, 16 Ramsar sites with an area of almost 600,000 hectares are under threat of destruction. They have the status of wetlands of international importance due to their unique biodiversity. Eight nature reserves and 10 national natural parks remain occupied. Three million hectares of Ukrainian forests are affected by the war.
External power has been restored to Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) two days after it lost all access to the national electricity grid as a result of shelling by the Russian Army. “I have repeatedly called for the urgent establishment of a nuclear safety and security protection zone around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant to prevent a nuclear accident. We can’t afford to lose any more time. We must act before it is too late,” said Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in a statement released November 5. The agency’s message also states that, in recent weeks, Grossi has engaged in high-level talks with both Ukraine and Russia aimed at agreeing to implement such a zone around the ZNPP as soon as possible.
Kherson. Kherson and about 10 other towns in the Kherson region were left without water and electricity due to damage to high-voltage power transmission lines. This was reported by the first deputy chairman of the Kherson Regional Council, Yuriy Sobolevsky. “The terror and cynicism of the occupiers continues and has not disappeared. Fear of the Ukrainian Armed Forces pushes them to do crazy things,” said Sobolevsky.
Zaporizhzhia. At night, Russian troops launched 2 missile strikes on the regional center. The result of the attack was the destruction of a two-story building housing a commercial enterprise. A fire broke out in an area of 800 square meters. According to the head of Zaporizhzhіa Regional State Administration, Oleksandr Starukh, one person died. Another missile hit the private sector. “Windows of private buildings and two cars were damaged by the blast wave and debris,” said Starukh.
Sumy Region. According to the head of the Sumy Regional Military Administration, Dmytro Zhivytskyi, 72 Russian projectiles landed in one of the communities of the region during the day. “At noon, the enemy fired from barrel artillery. There were direct hits in the building. Later, the same community was also shelled with the rocket salvo system,” reported Zhivytskyi. As a result of the Russian attack, shrapnel killed a local 62-year-old woman who was in a garden during the shelling, and another person was injured.
A medic holds a newborn baby in a city hospital in Mykolaiv, the site of heavy battles with Russian … [+] forces, Ukraine, Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022. (AP Photo/LIBKOS)
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Dispatches from Ukraine. Day 255.
As Russia’s attack on Ukraine continues and the war rages on, reliable sources of information are critical. Forbes gathers information and provides updates on the situation.
By Polina Rasskazova
Recently, American businessman Howard Buffett— son of billionaire investor Warren Buffett— met with the head ofthe Kharkiv Regional State Administration, Oleh Synyehubov. Howard Buffett discussed the financing of funds participating in the de-mining of the region, the restoration of critical infrastructure, and crisis assistance in case of emergency situations during the winter period.
Synyehubov noted that the main task is to speed up the de-mining process, because the Kharkiv region was heavily mined by Russian troops, and local residents of the de-occupied territories suffer from detonations almost every day. “The United States of America and the Buffett Foundation are reliable partners of Ukraine and the Kharkiv region in particular. Howard believes in our victory and constantly supports projects to restore our country. Appreciate this help,” said Synyehubov.
Iran’s foreign minister acknowledged that his country has supplied Russia with drones before Moscow’s war on Ukraine, the Associated Press reports. “We gave a limited number of drones to Russia months before the Ukraine war,” Iranian Foreign Minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, told reporters after a meeting in Tehran on Saturday. As he acknowledged the shipment, Amirabdollahian claimed that Iran was oblivious to the use of its drones in Ukraine. He added that the Iranian side agreed with the Ukrainian foreign minister that Ukraine would provide any evidence about Russia’s use of Iranian drones in Ukraine. There has been direct evidence in recent weeks of Iranian drone technology being used by Russian forces against Ukrainian military and civilian targets.
Russia has already lost twice as many planes in Ukraine than in it did during its 10-year war in Afghanistan. “During the full-scale aggression, defenders of Ukraine destroyed twice as many Russian aircraft as the Soviet Union lost during the 10-year war in Afghanistan — 278 russian aircraft in Ukraine against 118 Soviet aircraft in Afghanistan,” reported the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Valerii Zaluzhnyi. “This war is the same shame for the Russian Federation and will cause its destruction!” he added.
Residents of the temporarily occupied city of Mariupol, in eastern Ukraine, put up posters to draw attention to the fact that they are freezing in their homes. “The children are frozen! Where are the windows?” “We are frozen. Help!”
Such banners and signs appear in occupied Mariupol. Mariupol City Council reports that people are driven to despair and forced to cry for help. Mariupol’s occupied authorities have not started the heating season despite the fact that at night the temperature outside is below freezing. People are waiting for action from the authorities with dying batteries and broken windows, although the Russian media talk about the distribution of new apartments and the beginning of the heating season in Mariupol.
Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, held a briefing with the US President’s National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan. At the briefing, they discussed the issue of providing Ukraine with air defense equipment as soon as possible and about the exchange of prisoners and the involvement of international organizations in this process.
Ukraine received confirmation of unwavering support from the United States until it gains victory over the aggressor. “The United States is a very important partner of ours, which provides tremendous support. And today, once again, we received confirmation of unwavering support for Ukraine. Our friends and partners are with us until our victory,” said Yermak.
On The Culture Front.
Evgeniy Maloletka, a Ukrainian photographer, and his colleague,Mstyslav Chernov, will show photos and videos from Mariupol, Ukraine—the southern city destroyed by Russian forces, currently occupied by Russia — from November 9th through the 20th, at Howl! Arts!, 250 Bowery Street, New York. Maloletka and Chernov were the two journalists in Mariupol whose photos were on news pages all over the world and they received numerous awards. One of the most noticeable photos is the image of a women in labor during Russian bombing in a maternity ward in March, 2022.
New York’s Ukrainian Institute of America celebrates Solomea Krushelnytska, one of the greatest opera singers from Ukraine, who sang lead roles for early 20th century operas (such as Puccini’s Madame Butterfly) and toured in the most famous venues all over the world. Krushelnytska suffered directly from the Nazi and Soviet regimes which greatly affected her life in Ukraine. A music concert, including songs from Krushelnytska’s repertoire, and an art show will be held on November 18th.
Star Wars actor Mark Hamill, known for his role as Luke Skywalker, sent 500 drones to Ukraine to combat Russian aggression earlier this fall. He serves as an ambassador for Ukraine’s “Army of Drones” project.
KYIV REGION, UKRAINE – NOVEMBER 04: Workers repair infrastructure in a power plant that was damaged … [+] by a Russian air attack in October, on November 04, 2022 in Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine. Electricity and heating outages across Ukraine caused by missile and drone strikes to energy infrastructure have added urgency preparations for winter. (Photo by Ed Ram/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Dispatches from Ukraine. Day 254.
As Russia’s attack on Ukraine continues and the war rages on, reliable sources of information are critical. Forbes gathers information and provides updates on the situation.
By Polina Rasskazova
Ukraine conducted a prisoner exchange with Russia, freeing 107 soldiers, the Head of the President’s Office, Andriy Yermak, reported. As a result of the exchange, six officers and 101 privates and sergeants, including 74 defenders of Azovstal, were returned home. “We managed to exchange seriously injured and bedridden from Mariupol, from “Azovstal,” boys with shrapnel wounds of arms and legs, gunshot wounds of various parts of the body,” said Yermak. Since March 16, 1,138 civilians and military personnel have been freed from Russian captivity by the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War.
Inspectors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) did not find the so-called “dirty bomb” in Ukraine that was alleged by Russia. The IAEA Inspectorshave completed their in-field verification activities at three locations in Ukraine at the request of the Government of Ukraine, reported the website of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Inspectors visited the Institute for Nuclear Research in Kyiv, Eastern Mining and Processing Plant in Zhovti Vody, and Production Association Pivdennyi Machine-Building Plant in Dnipro. “Our technical and scientific evaluation of the results we have so far did not show any sign of undeclared nuclear activities and materials at these three locations. Additionally, we will report on the results of the environmental sampling as soon as possible,” said the Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. Russian accusations of creating a “dirty bomb” in Ukraine have been denied by the most authoritative organization in the field of nuclear security.
After the International Atomic Energy Agency’s confirmed that the Ukrainian authorities are not misusing nuclear materials, the Kremlin regime may try to transfer the temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant into the Russian energy system, the Institute for the Study of War (IWS IWS ) reports. “ Russian authorities seek to force the transfer of the ZNPP to the Russian power grid by painting Russian control as the only viable option to provide electricity to the ZNPP and heat to Enerhodar and the surrounding area,” said IWS. At this time, the IAEA stated that backup generators are powering the ZNPP and have enough fuel for 15 days. According to the IWS, Russian occupation authorities may transfer the ZNPP to the Russian power grid within this 15-day timeline.
Kyiv residents continue to have power outages. According to the mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, on the morning of November 4, 450,000 homes of Kyiv residents remained without electricity. “This is one and a half times more than in previous days,” said Klitschko. Stabilizing shutdowns occur due to overloading of the central node of the country’s power system.
Donetsk Region. According to the head of the Donetsk Regional State Administration, Pavlo Kyrylenko, on November 3 Russian forces killed 8 civilians in the Donetsk region. Another 14 people were injured during the day. On November 4, the city of Pokrovsk was the most affected by the Russian army’s attacks. “A school and at least 22 houses were damaged by rocket attacks. One civilian was killed, six others were injured,” said Kyrylenko. “In the city of Bakhmut, the Russians killed at least three people and wounded five more. Nine private houses and one high-rise building were damaged.” Kyrylenko called on all residents of the region to evacuate.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will appear on the Netflix NFLX show hosted by American David Letterman. “David Letterman recently traveled to Kyiv, Ukraine to interview President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for an upcoming episode of My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman,” as reported on Netflix’s Twitter page. According to Netflix, the standalone special will premiere later this year.
November 3. Day 253.
Dnepropetrovsk Region.
The head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional State Administration, Valentyn Reznichenko, informed the media about a night of Russian attacks in the region. Units of the “East” air command destroyed 4 drones––kamikaze “Shahed-136″––over the Nikopol district. The Russians also attacked energy and water infrastructure facilities in Kryvyi Rih. “There is serious destruction,” said Reznichenko. “All services are working.” Russian shells left more than 1,000 families without electricity in the Marhanets community.
Microsoft MSFT Corporation extends support to Ukraine until the end of 2023 and will provide $100 million in technological assistance. Vice Chair and President of the company, Brad Smith, announced the commitment during a meeting with Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s Minister of Digital Transformation. Thanks to the promised technological assistance; government institutions, critical infrastructure and other sectors in Ukraine will continue to use digital infrastructure and work in the Microsoft cloud free of charge.
The company will also help with the curation and implementation of Ukraine’s digital sectors, such as cyber, justice, customs, medicine and education. “Microsoft is a great friend of Ukraine said Fedorov. “It is their cloud technologies that have played a decisive role in the protection of our digital infrastructure and data security of Ukrainians since the beginning of the full-scale war.” The company became one of the first to suspend all new sales of products and services in Russia at the beginning of March. Since then, Ukraine has received more than 400 million dollars of support.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with US Senators Christopher Coons and Rob Portman. The President of Ukraine informed American senators about the situation at the front: Russian missile and drone terror, and also discussed defense and economic assistance to Ukraine. Zelenskyy also expressed gratitude to U.S. President Joe Biden, the White House and its team for the powerful assistance to the Ukrainian army. American senators noted that after the meeting they are going to the International Criminal Court in The Hague to work on accountability for Russian crimes against Ukraine
It will take at least 2 to 3 months to form a strike group to attack Ukraine from Belarus, reports the General Staff of Ukraine. “Currently, the transfer (of military personnel of the Russian Federation to Belarus) is carried out at the expense of the mobilized. For this strike group, it is necessary to train military personnel. This is not expected in the coming weeks. We think it can be no earlier than in 2 to 3 months,” said Deputy Chief of the Main Operational Department of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Oleksiy Gromov at a briefing. Gromov added that Russia is trying to divert Ukraine’s attention and force it to withdraw Ukrainian troops from the east and south and send them to the border with Belarus in the North.
Cars pass in Independence Square at twilight in Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, Oct. 31, 2022. Rolling … [+] blackouts are increasing across Ukraine as the government rushes to stabilise the energy grid and repair the system ahead of winter. (AP Photo/Andrew Kravchenko)
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Dispatches from Ukraine.
As Russia’s attack on Ukraine continues and the war rages on, reliable sources of information are critical. Forbes gathers information and provides updates on the situation.
By Polina Rasskazova
Tuesday, November 1. Day 251. According to the President of Ukraine, 40% of all Ukrainian energy infrastructure has been seriously damaged as a result of Russian attacks. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a meeting with the European Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, during which he disclosed the consequences of Russia’s energy terrorism, as well as the measures Ukraine is taking to stabilize its energy grid. “Unfortunately, due to the strikes of missiles and kamikaze drones by the Russian Federation on our energy system, we have suspended the export of electricity to Europe. But I am sure that we will restore everything, and in a calmer time, when the situation in our energy system will be stabilized,” said Zelenskyy.
Iran plans to send more than 200 drones to the Russian Federation starting in November. According to the main intelligence department of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Shahed-136, Mohajer-6 and Arash-2 drones will be delivered via the Caspian Sea to the port of Astrakhan, in Russia. Drones will arrive in a disassembled state, then, on the territory of the Russian Federation, they will be assembled, repainted and applied with Russian markings, in particular “Geran-2”.
Starting November 1, in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, the Russian regime intends to start its fall draft to fill the ranks of the Russian armed forces, reported the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. Under the guise of conscription, mobilization is also underway in Crimea, the nature and methods of which testify to the desire of the Russian military-political leadership to reduce the number of Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars on the peninsula as they are the most resistant to Russian occupation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine strongly condemns Russia’s intention to start conscription. “Under international humanitarian law, an occupying power is prohibited from forcing protected persons to serve in its armed forces, as well as from pressuring and promoting voluntary military service,” written in the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Mykolayiv. Around midnight, the Russian army attacked the city with S-300 type missiles, as a result of which a number of civilian objects were damaged. The mayor of Mykolaiv, Oleksandr Senkevich, reported that a two-story residential building was completely destroyed and a woman was killed. A fire broke out in another house due to the impact of ammunition and shrapnel.
Monday, October 31. Day 250. Russian forces unleash massive missile attack on the entire territory of Ukraine. In the morning, air raid alarms sounded throughout Ukraine. Out of more than 50 cruise missiles, air defense forces managed to shoot down 44. According to the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal, 10 regions were affected by missiles and drones, where 18 objects were damaged, and most of them energy-related. Hundreds of settlements in seven regions of Ukraine were cut off from power. “Local emergency shutdowns continue in the Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kharkiv regions. Today, as in previous weeks, it is important that all Ukrainians consciously consume energy and reduce the load on the network,” said Shmyhal.
Kyiv Region. Due to massive Russian shelling, part of the Kyiv region was left without electricity. According to the mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, 80% of the consumers of the capital of Ukraine remained without water supply, 350,000 apartments in Kyiv remain without electricity. As a result of the attack, two people were injured in the Kyivregion. One of them is in serious condition. There was also damage to private buildings.
Kharkiv. According to Oleh Synyehubov, the head of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration, about 50,000 consumers were cut off from power in Kharkiv due to the morning missile strikes launched by the Russian army, which damaged critical infrastructure. In the Kharkiv region, about 90,000 local residents were disconnected from electricity. As a result of problems with electricity, “water was supplied with reduced pressure to some districts of Kharkiv and to some large settlements of the region, because there was not enough power in the power grids for the pumps to create the proper pressure,” said Synyehubov.
Cherkasy Region. Two-thirds of the region was cut off from power supply as a result of a Russian attack on a critical infrastructure facility. The head of the Cherkasy Regional Military Administration, Ihor Taburets, reported other four victims of shelling are currently in the hospital. Work to restore electricity supply in the region continues.
Dnipropetrovsk Region. According to the head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional State Administration, Valentyn Reznichenko, the Marhanets community came under Russian fire. 40 shells from BM-21 Grad missile launchers were fired into the community. As a result of the attack, a 31-year-old woman died. Another woman is injured. “Almost 30 high-rise and private buildings were damaged in the city. The local lyceum, administrative building, cars and power lines were mutilated,” reported Reznichenko. In the morning, the Russians caused serious damage to energy infrastructure facilities in Dnipro and Pavlohrad. As a result, the system could not cope with the electrical load causing blackouts.
Sunday, October 30. Day 249.The Russian Federation suspends its participation in a formal agreement to allow the movement of grain out of Ukrainian ports, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported. The grain deal was signed by Ukraine and Russia with Turkey and the UN at the end of August in Istanbul, and provides for the unblocking of Ukrainian ports for the export of food and farmed goods. The Russian Federation refused the agreement “in view of the terrorist act carried out by the Kyiv regime on October 29 of this year with the participation of UK specialists against ships of the Black Sea Fleet and civil courts involved in the security of the grain corridor.”
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, emphasized Russia began deliberately aggravating the food crisis back in September, when it blocked the movement of ships with Ukrainian food. From September to today, 176 vessels have already accumulated in the grain corridor as they’ve been blocked from navigating their routes. “Some grain carriers have been waiting for more than three weeks. Algeria, Egypt, Yemen, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and other countries can all be equally destabilized by this Russian decision to block exports,” Zelenskyy added.
NATO called on Moscow to urgently renew the U.N.-brokered deal that enabled Ukraine to resume grain exports via the Black Sea amid a global food crisis, Reuters reported. “President Putin must stop weaponising food and end his illegal war on Ukraine,” NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu said. “We call on Russia to reconsider its decision and renew the deal urgently, enabling food to reach those who need it most.” According to the Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine, Oleksandr Kubrakov, the ship Ikaria Angel, carrying 40,000 tons of grain, was supposed to leave the Ukrainian port today. “These foodstuffs were intended for Ethiopians that are on the verge of famine. But due to the blockage of the “grain corridor” by Russia, export is impossible,” Lungescu said.
Russian launch nuclear provocations in the city of Enerhodar, in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Region. Most of the occupied city of Enerhodar (where Europe’s largest nuclear power plant is located) was left without electricity due to Russian shelling. According to the mayor of Enerhodar, Dmytro Orlov, the Russian troops hit one of the substations. “We are waiting for updates on the extent of damage and restoration of power supply,” he added.
Donetsk region. During the day, the Russian military forces launched 24 attacks on the civilian population in Donetsk, Ukraine. The police of the Donetsk region recorded more than 30 destroyed buildings as a result of Russian shelling. In all, the attack caused fires in 16 settlements, 31 civilian objects were destroyed and damaged, including residential buildings, the city council building, utility buildings, garages and cars. According to Pavlo Kyrylenko, the head of the Donetsk Regional State Administration, as a result of Russian shelling on October 29, 5 civilians of the Donetsk region were killed and another 8 people were injured: in Antonivka, Pervomaiskyi, Druzhba, Klishchiivka, and Yelyzavetivka. In addition, law enforcement officers discovered the bodies of 5 civilians who died during the occupation.
Kharkiv Region. According to the head of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration, Oleh Synyehubov, during the past day, the Russian army shelled the city of Kupyansk, as well as settlements and villages in various districts of the region. “In Kupyansk, as a result of shelling, a civilian industrial facility was damaged, and a large-scale fire broke out. Rescuers are working on the spot, the fire has been contained. Previously, no one was injured,” he reported. According to the regional Center of Emergency Medical Assistance, a 58-year-old resident of the Kupyansk district was hospitalized with an injury during the day. Also, Synyehubov emphasized that hostilities continue on the contact line with the Russian border.
As Russia’s attack on Ukraine continues and the war rages on, reliable sources of information are critical. Forbes gathers information and provides updates on the situation.
By Polina Rasskazova
During the day, the Russian Federation lost more than 500 military personnel, 19 tanks and 23 armored vehicles, 1 plane and 1 helicopter, and 5 drones in the war against Ukraine, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported. According to the general staff, since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine, the Russian army has lost more than 70,000 personnel, 2,659 tanks, 273 aircraft, 252 helicopters and 351 cruise missiles. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine is preparing for the notion that the current Russian leadership will look for any new opportunities to continue the war. “Although Russia is trying to increase the pressure on our positions by using mobilized people, they are so poorly prepared and equipped, so ruthlessly used by the command that it allows us to suggest that Russia may soon need a new wave of sending people to war,” he mentioned.
During the 7 months of the full-scale war against Ukraine, more than 65,000 tons of ammunition were exported from Belarus to Russia. According to data published by the community of railway workers of Belarus, the maximum amount of ammunition was exported in April, at 22,534 tons (689 wagons) per month. Since July, the growth of supplies has been recorded again. In September 2022, they exported 14,479 tons (442 wagons). In addition to this, Belarussian president Aleksandr Lukashenko transferred tanks and other equipment to Russia. Only in the last few weeks, at least 94 T-72A tanks and 36-44 “Urals” have arrived in the Russian Federation,” reported the Telegram channel that monitors military activity in the territory of Belarus, Belarusian Hajun.
52 Ukrainian defenders returned from Russian captivity. The defenders of Azovstal and Mariupol, those who were captured by the Russians in Kharkiv, Donetsk, Kyiv regions, Snake Island (also known as Zmiinyi Island) and the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, are returning home, reports the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War. As a result of the exchange, the Ukrainian side managed to return soldiers and officers, sailors, and medics. The youngest released recently turned 19, the oldest, 56. “The large exchange of ‘all for all’ doesn’t suit the aggressor country Russia yet, but the Ukrainian authorities are working on this issue,” said Dmytro Lubinets, the human rights commissioner of Ukraine.
Donetsk Region. According to Pavlo Kyrylenko, the head of the Donetsk Regional State Administration, on October 28 the Russians killed 3 civilians of the Donetsk region. Another 8 people were injured. The Ukrainian police also documented 29 artillery or missile strikes in the region. During the day, the Russian army attacked 15 settlements with artillery, BM-21 Grad, BM-27 Uragan, and mortars. Infrastructural objects and private houses were damaged.
Dnipropetrovsk Region. Russian troops shelled three communities — Nikopolska, Marhanetska and Myrivska. According to Valentyn Reznichenko, the head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional State Administration, the city of Nikopol was the most affected. “A 39-year-old man was injured there, currently he is in a moderate condition,” said Reznichenko. Eight high-rise and private buildings, several shops, a furniture factory, a hotel, a gas pipeline and electricity networks were damaged in Nikopol.
As Russia’s attack on Ukraine continues and the war rages on, reliable sources of information are critical. Forbes gathers information and provides updates on the situation.
By Polina Rasskazova
Russia lost its status as a key exporter of fossil fuels due to the invasion of Ukraine.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has released its World Energy Outlook, which highlighted a number of Russia’s main losses due to its invasion on February 24. The IEA Outlook reports that until February 24 of this year, Russia was the world’s largest exporter of fossil fuels. But after the start of the war, it lost its status and its main customer—Europe. “Russian fossil fuel exports never return––in any of the scenarios in this year’s WEO––to the levels seen in 2021, with Russia’s reorientation to Asian markets particularly challenging in the case of natural gas,” the report says. According to the IEA, Russia’s share of internationally traded energy, which stood at close to 20% in 2021, will likely fall to 13% in 2030, while market shares of both the United States and the Middle East should rise.
U.S. astronaut Scott Kelly became the ambassador of the Ukrainian fundraising platform UNITED24. UNITED24 was launched by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as the main platform for collecting charitable donations in support of Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia’s invasion. According to Zelenskyy, Scott Kelly has been supporting Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion. Currently, Kelly will focus on developing medical aid. His first project will be fundraising for Type C ambulance vehicles. “Pleased to announce my joint mission with @ZelenskyyUa to raise funds for ambulances in support of Ukraine. At liftoff, I’ve pledged to purchase the 1st vehicle. Join us!” Kelly said on Twitter.
Donetsk Region. According to the head of the Donetsk State Administration, Pavlo Kyrylenko, on October 27 Russian attacks took the lives of four civilians in the region: three in Bakhmut, and one in Sviatohirsk. In addition, law enforcement officers discovered the bodies of five civilians who died during the occupation in the village of Shandryholovo. “Another 9 people were injured yesterday. Currently, it is impossible to establish the exact number of victims in Mariupol and Volnovakha,” said Kyrylenko. A total of 1,112 people have died and 2,483 people have been injured in the occupied territories of the Donetsk region since the beginning of the Russian invasion, not including the victims in the cities of Mariupol and Volnovakha.
Kharkiv Region. The National Police of Ukraine documented large-scale damage caused by the Russian Army to one of the world’s largest radio telescopes, which is located in the Chuhuiv district. According to Olga Naumenko, deputy head of the investigation department, the institution’s building is completely destroyed and most likely cannot be restored. “The occupiers were on the territory of the station for several months, before the settlement was de-occupied. They dug trenches and left behind a lot of ammunition and their remains,” she said.
Mykolayiv. At night, the city came under fire from a Russian S-300 anti-aircraft missile complex. Disregarding the norms of international humanitarian law, the army of the Russian Federation carried out the attack on one of the civilian districts of Mykolaiv. According to the head of the Mykolaiv Regional State Administration, Vitaliy Kim, a three-story administrative building was destroyed as a result of the rocket attack and a multi-story new building located nearby was damaged. One person was injured.
BAKHMUT, UKRAINE – OCTOBER 27: Ukrainian civilians ride their bikes near partially collapsed … [+] buildings in Bakhmut city, where the most violent conflicts take place in Ukraine on October 27, 2022. Massive explosions can be heard in the city center of Bakhmut, where warplanes fly low and armies of Ukraine and Russia use artillery systems, tanks and other weapons. (Photo by Metin Aktas/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Dispatches from Ukraine. Day 246.
As Russia’s attack on Ukraine continues and the war rages on, reliable sources of information are critical. Forbes gathers information and provides updates on the situation.
By Polina Rasskazova
Ukraine’s energy infrastructure is under Russian attack. At night, Russian forces damaged energy infrastructure facilities in the central regions, disabling a number of essential facilities. The attacks were carried out by so-called kamikaze drones. According to information from the head of the Kyiv Regional Military Administration, Oleksiy Kuleba, there were no deaths or injuries. The office of the President of Ukraine warned that in order to overcome the consequences of the night attacks on Kyiv city, Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Chernihiv and the Cherkasy regions, from today onwards, “energy companies are forced to introduce tighter restrictions” on their supplies of electricity.
Kharkiv region.
Last night, the Russian army shelled areas of the Ukrainian regions located on the border with the Russian Federation with mortars, barrel and rocket artillery. According to the head of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration, Oleg Synehubov, there were no injuries as a result of the attacks. However, Sineрubov reported a high number of mines in the region. “Yesterday, in the Izium district, an anti-tank mine blew up a car of pyrotechnicians of the State Emergency Service. 1 person died, 6 were injured,” he said. A 62-year-old man was also injured by a mine today.
Russian invaders conduct military censorship in the temporarily occupied territories. According to the mayor of Melitopol, Ivan Fedorov, as of today, Russian forces may check the mobile phones of any resident in any occupied town of the Zaporizhzhia region. “They will check who a person communicates with, what they watch on the Internet. And if they find a subscription to Ukrainian Telegram channels there, the person will be fined or even thrown into a basement,” he said.
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has conducted 28 exchanges and freed 978 people from Russian captivity, including 99 civilians,announced the Deputy Minister of Defense, Hanna Malyar, at a briefing. “The past few weeks have been a landmark in the issue of prisoner of war exchanges. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, 28 exchanges have already been carried out and 978 people have been released, including 99 civilians,” the deputy minister said. “Negotiations regarding the release and exchange of our prisoners of war are ongoing.”
The National Police of Ukraine documented the mass burial of citizens in the Kharkiv region. The grave was found in the Boriv district and, according to preliminary police data, at least 17 people—civilians and soldiers of the Ukrainian Armed Forces—were buried there.
Residents of the village of Kopanky told the police that the Russians collected the bodies of the dead throughout the district. “On April 13, they brought in two trucks, dug a hole up to 3 meters deep with an excavator, and dumped all the bodies there. Then the burial place was leveled with tanks,” said eyewitnesses. It is reported that the Russians didn’t mark the grave and did not allow the villagers to do so.
Taisiia Kovaliova, 15, stands amongst the rubble of a playground in front of her house hit by a … [+] Russian missile in Mykolaiv, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022. “I spent all my childhood and life at this courtyard, I already feel nostalgic. I went to this swing that stood it all” Taisiia said. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Dispatches from Ukraine. Day 242.
As Russia’s attack on Ukraine continues and the war rages on, reliable sources of information are critical. Forbes gathers information and provides updates on the situation.
By Polina Rasskazova
On the night of October 23, the Russian army again attacked the south of Ukraine with kamikaze drones. Eleven Russian drones were destroyed by the forces of Ukraine’s Operational Command “South” in the Mykolaiv region, three more Shahed-136s were shot down by other units of the Defense Forces of the South of Ukraine. The Ukrainian parliament informed about cooperating with the companies supplying drone components to Iran in order to stop that. “At the same time, we are working with Iran’s neighbors to stop or delay the supply of drones to Russia,” the member of the parliament said.
Mykolaiv Region. At night, the Russian military fired S-300 missiles at one of the districts of the city. As a result of shelling, three civilians were injured. According to the Head of the Mykolaiv Regional State Administration, Vitaliy Kim, one of the rockets hit a five-story residential building, completely destroying an apartment on the fifth floor.
Zaporizhzhia. Tonight, the Russian military launched an attack on the city of Zaporizhia with “Shahed-136” kamikaze drones, as well as surrounding towns, using S-300 missiles. “One of the drones hit an administrative building in the regional center. According to preliminary information, there are no victims,” reported the head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional State Administration. As a result of rocket fire in one of the villages of the Zaporizhzhia district, private houses and a school were damaged.
Dnipropetrovsk Region. In the morning, the Russians again attacked the city of Nikopol with artillery or missiles. Six people were injured: four men and two women. According to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, as a result of the attack, residential houses, a kindergarten and three private enterprises were damaged in the city.
Donetsk Region. 20 strikes were carried out by Russian troops on the cities of the Donetsk region in Eastern Ukraine. The Russian army fired with the BM-27 Uragan, the BM-21 Grad, and artillery, the National Police of Ukraine reports. As a result of the attack, 14 civilian objects were destroyed and damaged—10 residential buildings, a kindergarten, and a store. Three people were killed as a result of night shelling of Kurdyumivka in the Toretsk community. “Artillery shells destroyed two houses. A couple died under the debris of the house, and a man died as a result of the fire,” the head of Donetsk, Ova Pavlo Kyrylenko, wrote in the Telegram channel. Also, Kyrylenko called on the residents of the region to evacuate immediately so as not to “turn themselves into a target for the Russians.”
Destroyed domes lie next to a damaged church in the retaken village of Bohorodychne, eastern … [+] Ukraine, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022. (AP Photo/Andriy Andriyenko)
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Dispatches from Ukraine. Day 241.
As Russia’s attack on Ukraine continues and the war rages on, reliable sources of information are critical. Forbes gathers information and provides updates on the situation.
By Polina Rasskazova
At night, the armed forces of the Russian Federation launched a massive attack: 36 rockets, most of which were shot down. As a result of the destruction, almost 15,000 million Ukrainians were left without electricity. According to the deputy head of the president’s office, 672,000 subscribers were disconnected in the Khmelnytskyi region; 188,400 in the Mykolaiv region; 102,000 in the Volyn region; 242,000 in the Cherkasy region; 174,790 in the Rivne region; 61,913 in the Kirovohrad region; and 10,500 in the Odesa region. The scale of damage from today’s missile attack by Russian troops on energy facilities of main networks in the western and central regions of Ukraine may exceed the consequences of the attack on October 10-12, Ukrenergo reported.
The National Power Company has currently forced restrictions on energy supply in many cities and regions of Ukraine:“The consumer restrictions are necessary to reduce the load on the networks and avoid repeated accidents after the power grids were damaged by terrorist missile attacks.”
Odesa Region. Two cruise missiles hit a critical infrastructure object, reported Odesa District Military Administration. During the attack, three locals were injured.
Lutsk, Volyn Region. An energy facility in Lutsk, which was hit by Russian missiles in the morning, is completely destroyed and cannot be restored, Lutsk Mayor Ihor Polishchuk said in a comment to Suspilne. According to preliminary information, the object was hit by Kh-101 cruise missiles. In the regional center, a private home was damaged by the shock wave and fragments of the rocket. One person was injured.
Mykolaiv Region. According to the information of Ukraine’s Operational Command “South,” at night, over the Mykolaiv region, air defense forces shot down 10 “Shahed-136” kamikaze drones. Also, as a result of a Russian attack with high-precision Kalibr missiles, two objects of critical infrastructure were hit.
Donetsk Region. During the day, the Russian army launched 22 strikes on the civilian population. 13 settlements were under the fire, the National Police of Ukraine reports. As a result of the attack, 45 civilian objects were destroyed and damaged and civilians were killed and injured. “The city of Bakhmut again suffered the heaviest shelling. The occupiers opened fire on the city 4 times. High-rise buildings and private houses were damaged,” said the police.
Vladimir Semenets, 84, stands in front of his damaged house in the retaken village of Bohorodychne, … [+] eastern Ukraine, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022. (AP Photo/Andriy Andriyenko)
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Firefighters stand next to a building that was damaged after a Russian attack in Zaporizhzhia, … [+] Ukraine, Friday, Oct. 21, 2022. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Dispatches from Ukraine. Day 240.
As Russia’s attack on Ukraine continues and the war rages on, reliable sources of information are critical. Forbes gathers information and provides updates on the situation.
By Polina Rasskazova
Since the beginning of Russia’s the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the amount of damage caused to the infrastructure of Ukraine has reached more than $127 billion, according to a report from the “Russia Will Pay” project of the KSE Institute. In the period from February 24 to September 1, 2022, the largest share in the total amount of losses belongs to residential buildings at $50.5 billion. In second place in terms of the amount of losses is the sphere of infrastructure at $35.3 billion.
Cumulative direct losses from destruction and damage to public sector objects (social objects and institutions, educational, scientific and health care institutions, cultural buildings, sports facilities, administrative buildings, etc.) amounts to about $11.6 billion. Losses of business assets are minimal at $9.9 billion and growing rapidly.
The armed forces of Ukraine continue to liberate territories captured earlier this year by Russia. The Deputy Head of the Office of the President, Kyrylo Tymoshenko, reported that as of today, 551 settlements have been de-occupied in the Kharkiv region. “Since the beginning of de-occupation measures, 1,685 war crimes have been registered in the region.”
There is still no power supply in the liberated territories, but a reserve of equipment and fuel for alternative energy sources will be developed, Tymoshenko added. The head of the Department of Emergency Services in the Kharkiv region reported that since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the bodies of 265 people were recovered from the rubble of destroyed buildings, and 302 people were rescued.
Also, 88 settlements with 11,827 civilians have been liberated in the Kherson region. Work on de-mining the area continues. “A total of 156 war crimes have been documented since the beginning of the de-occupation of the Kherson region.”z
Zaporizhzhia. On the morning of October 21, the Russian military attacked the regional center of the city with S-300 missiles. Six explosions were heard in different areas of the city. According to the head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional State Administration, five people were injured, including policemen, “who were returning from an assignment.” A residential building and infrastructure facilities were destroyed.
As a result of the attack, a fire broke out in a residential high-rise building and the gas system was damaged. According to the Zaporizhia Regional Military Administration, the Russians also fired shells at a school in one of the districts of Zaporizhia, damaging the roof and breaking the windows.
Kharkiv Region. In the morning, Kharkiv was shelled with S-300 missiles. As a result of the Russian attack, six people were injured. The missiles struck industrial infrastructure in one of the city districts. One of the Kharkiv large enterprises was attacked, according to the mayor of the city, Ihor Terekhov.
Donetsk Region. Attacks on the eastern part of Ukraine are ongoing. At night, Russian troops shelled several communities in the region along the front lines. Residential buildings, power lines and civilian sectors of were damaged by artillery shelling. In the city of Bakhmut, as a result of an attack on the civilian sector, two people died, one was injured and seven houses were damaged, according to the information of the head of the Donetsk Regional State Administration. At least one person died, one more was injured in the Lysychansk direction.
Investigators inspect a site after shelling near an administrative building, in Donetsk, Ukrainian … [+] territory occupied by Russia. Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022. (AP Photo/Alexei Alexandrov)
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Dispatches from Ukraine. Day 235.
As Russia’s attack on Ukraine continues and the war rages on, reliable sources of information are critical. Forbes gathers information and provides updates on the situation.
Breaking: several countries called on their citizens to leave the territory of Ukraine.
Egypt. On October 14, Egypt reported that The Egyptian Embassy in Kyiv, without a clear explanation of the reason, urged members of the Egyptian community to depart Ukraine via available land routes with the neighboring countries.
China. On October 15, Consul General of China Zhang Meifang urged Chinese citizens to leave Ukraine “with the current grim security situation.” She added that the Embassy will assist in organizing the evacuation of people in need.
Serbia. Today, the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Kyiv announced its temporary closure “in order to protect the safety of its personnel.” Recalling that on February 13, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia recommended to its citizens to consider the possibility of temporarily leaving the territory of Ukraine, and to those citizens who were planning a trip to Ukraine, to postpone their trip. Russian mass media reported on several other countries that have called on their citizens to leave Ukraine immediately, but there is no official confirmation of this information yet.
About 9,000 Russian troops are currently arriving in the Republic of Belarus. “The first troop trains with Russian servicemen who are part of the RGF began to arrive in Belarus,” Valery Revenko, Assistant Minister of Defense of Belarus, wrote on Twitter. “The relocation will take several days. The total number will be a little less than 9 thousand people.” On October 10, the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, said that Russia and Belarus had agreed to deploy a joint regional grouping of troops due to the “escalation” on the western borders of Belarus. “If the threat level reaches the current level, as it is now, we begin to activate the grouping of the Union state.”
More than 11,200 houses, 479 industrial enterprises, 167 educational institutions and 64 hospitals were damaged or completely destroyed by Russia in the Luhansk region, stated the head of the Luhansk Regional State Administration. According to preliminary data, at least 18 sports facilities, 6 social welfare facilities, 64 health care facilities, 115 cultural facilities, 37 administrative buildings, 7 railway stations, and 48 livelihood facilities were damaged due to constant shelling and bombing of the region in eastern Ukraine. “The enemy purposefully destroyed the economy of the region. Today, it is impossible to carry out economic activities on the territory of the Luhansk region. Thousands of individual entrepreneurs, 3,408 enterprises, including 479 industrial enterprises, cannot work.”
Dnipropetrovsk Region. At night, the city was shelled 30 times from barrel artillery, almost fifty strikes from a BM-21 Grad multiple launch rocket system were recorded, as reported by the Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine. During the attack, 6 people were injured, 2 were hospitalized. Russian Forces shelled 3 nine-story buildings, 21 private houses, damaged 5 power lines and many other objects. The shelling caused several fires and more than 1,500 families were left without electricity.
Kharkiv Region. The head of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration, Oleh Synyehubov, reported that yesterday the Russian army shelled several settlements near the contact line and the border with the Russian Federation. According to the regional Center of Emergency Medical Assistance, 3 people were hospitalized with injuries in the Kupyansk district: 2 men aged 36 and 48, and a 69-year-old woman. Synyehubov also added that 555 explosive objects in the Kharkiv region were defused during the day by the pyrotechnic units of Ukraine’s State Emergency Service.
On The Cultural Front
The American streaming service of films and series, Netflix NFLX , has acquired the rights to show seven Ukrainian films. These are the first of a large package of films on Ukraine, the rights to which Netflix has purchased, the distributor Film.ua Distribution confirmed in a comment to The Village Ukraine. “…our full meters are actually needed by the viewer, create interest and admiration. All this inspires us to continue working on the local and global distribution of Ukrainian films and series.”
Among the films that are already available on the service: “My Thoughts Are Silent” by Antonio Lukich, “The Rising Hawk” by Akhtem Seitablaev and John Wynn, “Stars Exchange” by Oleksiy Daruga, “Devoted” by Khrystyna Syvolap, “Foxter & Max” by Anatoliy Mateshko, “The Stronghold” by Yuriy Kovalyov, “The Guide” by Oles Sanin.
The Russian authorities, under the pretext of “evacuation,” are going to expropriate artifacts from Crimean museums and institutions as well as those in other temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories, according to the website of the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine. “Such mass removal of cultural values from the territory of Ukraine by the Russian occupiers will be comparable to the looting of museums during the Second World War and should be qualified accordingly.” The Ministry of Culture said.
The ministry appealed to UNESCO and all international partners to prevent another violation of international law by Russia and to refuse cooperation with Russian museums and other institutions. The Russian plan for “external evacuation” from the museums of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea to the territory of the Russian Federation provides for the priority removal of the most valuable objects. In particular, archaeological finds made of precious metals.
KYIV, UKRAINE – OCTOBER 14: A view of Scientific Library Maksymovych inside Taras Schevchenko … [+] University, was the most affected as it is in the corner of the building next to the explosion, aftermath of Russian missile attacks on last Monday morning during Defenders Day in Kyiv, Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine on October 14, 2022. (Photo by Andre Luis Alves/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Dispatches from Ukraine. Day 234.
As Russia’s attack on Ukraine continues and the war rages on, reliable sources of information are critical. Forbes gathers information and provides updates on the situation.
By Polina Rasskazova
The Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine announced serious consequences the morning after Russia launched a missile attack on the Kyiv region. As a result of the Russian attack, an energy infrastructure facility was severely damaged. There were no deaths or injuries. Residents were urged to use electricity rationally, limiting use from 5 to 11 p.m. “But, if this advice is not followed, we will have complications and will have to take out the candles again and suffer all the consequences associated with the lack of electricity.”
Dnipropetrovsk Region. The Russian army once again struck the city of Nikopol. The attack was carried out with an BM-21 Grad multiple launch rocket system, the BM-27 Uragan and heavy artillery on three communities — Nikopolska, Marganetska and Chervonogrigorivska. “More than 50 Russian shells were fired at Nikopol at night. Two people were injured — a 35-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman. Both are in hospital, in serious condition,” wrote the head of the Dnipropetrovsk State Administration, Valentin Reznichenko. More than 10 high-rise and private buildings, a transport company, several shops, a garage cooperative, cars and several offices were destroyed in the city. Reznichenko later announced that 3 more people had been injured.
Zaporizhzhia Region. At night, Russian forces bombarded Zaporizhzia during four airstrikes by drones, and in the morning another 10 S-300 missiles were aimed at the regional center. “The enemy continues the systematic terror of our region,” reported the head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional State Administration. As a result of the Shahed-136 UAV attack, infrastructure in the city of Zaporizhia was destroyed. “Fires broke out, which were contained in time by rescuers.” There no information about the victims at this time.
Kharkiv Region. As a result of Russian shelling of the region over the past day, a 66-year-old civilian was killed and a 74-year-old man was hospitalized with injuries in the Kupyansk district, reported Oleh Synyehubov, the head of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration. “Pyrotechnic units of the State Emergency Service continue demining the territory of the region. During the day, 558 explosive objects were neutralized.” Synyehubov added that mine danger in the Kharkiv region remains very high. In the Chuhuiv district, a 65-year-old man was seriously injured when his car drove over a Russian mine.
Joe Biden announced the allocation of a package of military aid for Ukraine in the amount of $725 million,stated a memorandum on the website of the White House. This decision was made following the meeting of US Defense Minister Lloyd Austin with Defense Ministers of 50 countries within the framework of the Contact Group on Defense of Ukraine in Brussels. The aid package includes: additional ammunition for HIMARS; high-precision artillery shells and shells for remote anti-tank mine (RAAM) systems; 5 thousand units of anti-tank weapons; high-speed anti-radar missiles (HARM); more than 200 high-mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicles (HMMWV) and others.
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine thanked the Allies for the powerful military assistance. “This weapon in the hands of the Armed Forces is the best and most effective contribution to establishing peace in Ukraine, restoring the territorial integrity of our state within internationally recognized borders, and protecting the civilian population from attacks by terrorist Russia.”
A man reacts near the body of his cousin, killed in a Russian rocket attack in Mykolaiv, Ukraine, … [+] Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022. (AP Photo/LIBKOS)
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Dispatches from Ukraine. Day 232.
As Russia’s attack on Ukraine continues and the war rages on, reliable sources of information are critical. Forbes gathers information and provides updates on the situation.
By Polina Rasskazova
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) unanimously adopted a resolution that recognizes Russia as a terrorist regime and called for providing Ukraine with air defense systems. Key points of the document include recognition that the Russian regime is terrorist one; for the first time in history, the Council of Europe declared that weapons — air defense systems — should be given to a nation; it is noted that Russia’s presence in the UN Security Council is not legal; a call to establish an international tribunal as soon as possible.
Mykolaiv.
At night, the Russian army attacked the city of Mykolaiv with eight S-300 missiles. As a result of the shelling, a five-story building was damaged. “…the two upper floors were completely destroyed, the rest were under rubble. Previously, two people were injured,” reported the head of the Mykolaiv Regional State Administration. Among the wounded was an 11-year-old boy who spent 6 hours under the rubble. According to preliminary information, there may be 7 residents of the five-story building under the ruins of the building. Rescuers are searching for them and analyzing the destroyed structures.
Donetsk Region.
During the day, Russian forces shelled 13 towns, damaging residential buildings in the area and killing and wounding local residents, reported the National Police of Ukraine. The Russian troops fired from artillery batteries, tanks, a rocket salvo system and mortars. According to police, “24 civilian objects were destroyed and damaged — 13 residential buildings, a school, a boiler house, trade pavilions, a shop, and farm buildings.”
Dnipropetrovsk Region.
During the night, Russian troops attacked the city of Nikopol with 60 rocket salvo system missiles, 15 bursts of barrel artillery were also recorded, according to thehead of the Dnipropetrovsk State Administration, Valentin Reznichenko. As a result of the shelling, one person was injured––a 59-year-old man, listed as in serious condition. The attack damaged more than 30 high-rise and private buildings, gas pipelines and power lines, and around 2,000 families were left without electricity.
The Russian occupation authorities of the city of Melitopol treat wounded Russian soldiers with fraudulently obtained blood donated by local residents. Advertisements are posted around the city about the need to donate blood, allegedly for the needs of women in labor and cancer patients. “However, taking into account that refrigerators are constantly brought to Melitopol with the bodies of Russian soldiers eliminated in the Kherson direction and wounded from the entire region of hostilities, we understand for which ‘patients’ blood is needed,” wrote the mayor of Melitopol, Ivan Fedorov, on his Telegram channel.
Moreover, in the Melitopol district, hospitals are mostly closed. More than 50% of doctors have left Melitopol. Russian occupation forces did not deliver medicines to hospitals for 7 months. A month ago, they blocked the delivery of medicines from Zaporizhzhia. In a few weeks, Melitopol will run out of rare medicines. “People will start to die or leave,” Fedorov said, “and unfortunately there is no way to leave the city today.”
Flame and smoke rise from the Crimean Bridge connecting Russian mainland and the Crimean peninsula … [+] over the Kerch Strait, in Kerch, Crimea, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. (AP Photo)
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Dispatches from Ukraine: Day 227.
As Russia’s attack on Ukraine continues and the war rages on, reliable sources of information are critical. Forbes gathers information and provides updates on the situation.
By Polina Rasskazova
A fire broke out on the Crimean Bridge, which connects occupied Crimea with Russia, on the morning of October 8. The bridge across the Kerch Strait was illegally built by the occupying Russian authorities and is part of the Kerch – Novorossiysk road. The automobile section of the bridge was opened in 2018, the railway part in 2019.
Russian news reported that the partial destruction of the bridge occurred due to the detonation of a truck, which ignited a fire that caught on to 7 fuel tanks of a railway train on the rail portion of the bridge, heading to Crimea. The advisor to the office of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy published a post on Twitter saying: “Crimea, the bridge, the beginning. Everything illegal must be destroyed, everything stolen must be returned to Ukraine, everything occupied by Russia must be expelled.”
As a result of another shelling by Russian troops, the last line connecting the Zaporizhzhia NPP (nuclear power plant) with the energy system of Ukraine was damaged. The Minister of Energy of Ukraine, German Galushchenko,saysthat currently the operation of the ZNPP is provided by diesel generators, which have enough fuel for 10 days. “Perhaps this is another rate hike by the Russians on the occasion of Rafael Grossi’s visit to Moscow. After all, the Director General of the IAEA, after meeting with the President of Ukraine, made a statement that the ZNPP is a Ukrainian plant.” He also added that now, only the professionalism of Ukrainian nuclear workers is a safeguard against a possible nuclear accident.
During this week, the Armed Forces of Ukraine liberated 776 square kilometers of territory in the east and 29 settlements, including six in Luhansk Oblast, from the area claimed in Russia’s pseudo-referendum, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyi said in a video message. In total, since the beginning of the Russian war, 2,434 square kilometers of Ukrainian territories and 96 settlements have already been liberated. “And each of the Russian attacks, all manifestations of Russian terror – against Zaporizhzhia, against Kharkiv, against Mykolaiv, against Donbas and all our other territories – only prove that the liberation of our entire land is the only foundation of peace and security for all Ukrainians.”
Donetsk Region. During the day, the Russian army launched rocket attacks on several communities in the region. The Donetsk regional military administration reported one dead person in the city of Bakhmut, seven more were injured. Six private houses and three high-rise buildings, kindergartens, a sports complex, an entertainment facility and an administrative building were damaged.
A rocket attack also took place in the city of Kurakhove. As a result of the attack, three people were injured, and six high-rise buildings were damaged. “The Russians are hitting civilians every day and every night – it is unwise and dangerous to stay in the Donetsk region!” The head of the Donetsk regional military administration called on local residents to evacuate.
Kharkiv. At night, Russian forces launched several strikes with S-300 missiles in two Kharkiv districts. A 45-year-old man received shrapnel injuries, and his condition is pronounced average. The head of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration announced the rockets originated in the Russian city of Belgorod. “The sports complex, non-residential premises, farm buildings, cars, garages were damaged, and there were hits in open areas.”
In the Kharkiv region, Russian troops attacked several towns. According to the regional Center of Emergency Medical Assistance, six people were hospitalized during the day: one man in Kharkiv, one injured in Kharkiv district, four in Izium as a result of mine explosions.
On The Culture Front
Due to the continuation of military operations in Ukraine, the winners of Eurovision 2022 — Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra — have agreed to give Britain the opportunity to host the Eurovision Song Contest. The 67th Eurovision Song Contest, set to kick off May 2023, will be hosted by Britain, in the city of Liverpool. The Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 will take place at the Liverpool Arena by the River Mersey on Saturday May 13, with the semi-finals taking place on the 9th and 11th. Eurovision Song Contest Executive Supervisor, Martin Österdahl, welcomed the news: “This will be the first Eurovision Song Contest to be held in the UK in 25 years and, as we work with our host broadcaster, the BBC, to celebrate Ukraine’s victory, this unique production promises to be a very special one indeed.”
The number of destroyed cultural sitesin Ukraine by the Russian forces continues to grow. Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine announced the damage and destruction of 161 objects of cultural heritage. “Among them: 23 monuments of national importance, 129 monuments of local importance, 9 newly discovered objects of cultural heritage and 143 objects of valuable historical buildings.” A total of 540 objects of cultural heritage, cultural institutions and religious buildings have been officially damaged in Ukraine.
