Summary of the Day:
In a bold expansion of its strike capabilities, Ukraine conducted its first-ever drone attack on Russia’s naval base in Kaspiysk, Dagestan, reportedly damaging several vessels including the frigates Tatarstan and Dagestan. The strike, occurring 1,500 kilometers from Ukraine, could significantly reduce Russia’s ability to launch Kalibr cruise missiles at Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, forcing a potential redistribution of naval assets or increased air defenses in previously secure areas.
Russian forces made notable advances on multiple fronts, pushing forward in the Kupyansk, Svatove, Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, and Vuhledar directions. The advances come as a senior Russian commander openly admitted to viewing military volunteers as expendable resources, highlighting the Russian military leadership’s disregard for troop casualties across the frontline.
In a stark revelation of ongoing war crimes, Ukrainian authorities reported that Russian forces have executed at least 109 Ukrainian prisoners of war since the invasion began, with executions accelerating in 2024. The latest atrocities occurred near Selydove, Donetsk Oblast, where six Ukrainian POWs were executed in two separate incidents – three on October 23 and three more on November 1. These killings represent flagrant violations of the Geneva Convention and international law, with Russian military leadership neither stopping nor punishing these war crimes.
Picture of the Day:
Consequences of a drone attack on Kyiv in the Pechersk district. (Telegram/DSNS of Kyiv)
Beyond Ukraine – The March Towards World War
The growing military partnership between Belarus and Iran, marked by Deputy Defense Minister Revenko’s visit to Tehran, signals a concerning alliance between two nations closely aligned with Russia. This deepening military cooperation, including planned joint exercises, could further destabilize regional security and complicate international peace efforts, particularly given Iran’s role in supplying weapons to Russia and Belarus’s support of Russian military activities.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has congratulated Donald Trump on his victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in the November 5 U.S. presidential election. Kobakhidze expressed hope for improved U.S.-Georgian relations under Trump’s leadership, noting his confidence that Trump would promote peace globally and in the region. This comes amid strained relations between the U.S. and Georgia, following the Georgian Dream party’s adoption of controversial legislation and disputed October 26 parliamentary elections, which had led to reduced U.S. financial assistance and cooperation. Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban, an ally of both Trump and Georgian Dream, also celebrated Trump’s victory.
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski called for European nations to strengthen their security policies following Donald Trump’s U.S. election victory. Speaking at a press conference, Sikorski emphasized Europe’s need to take greater responsibility for its own defense, particularly as Trump has criticized NATO members’ defense spending and U.S. aid to Ukraine. Poland, which leads NATO in military spending at over 4% of GDP, has provided Ukraine with $3.5 billion in military aid since 2022.
The Path to Peace
Donald Trump’s presidential election victory has defeated Vice President Kamala Harris, who took over the Democratic campaign after President Biden’s withdrawal. In his Mar-a-Lago victory speech, Trump emphasized his commitment to “stop wars” and referenced his previous administration’s record of “no wars” except defeating ISIS, though he notably did not address his earlier claim of ending the Ukraine war within 24 hours. While President Zelensky has congratulated Trump, Ukrainian officials expressed mixed reactions about potential changes in U.S. support, with some leaders emphasizing the need to strengthen domestic defense capabilities. Andriy Yermak, head of Zelensky’s office, stressed that “Peace through strength” is crucial, noting that “aggressors only understand the language of power.”
Russian responses to Trump’s victory have been varied, with former President Dmitry Medvedev suggesting Trump’s business-minded approach could benefit Russia regarding U.S. spending on allies, while acknowledging strong anti-Russian sentiment in Congress. Ultra-nationalist Alexander Dugin celebrated the outcome, but parliament speaker Valentina Matviyenko expressed skepticism about significant policy changes. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Putin has no plans to congratulate Trump and dismissed Trump’s claim of ending the war within 24 hours as impossible. President Zelensky has expressed doubt about Trump’s 24-hour plan, suggesting it might involve conceding Ukrainian territory to Russia.
Florida Senator Marco Rubio, a potential Secretary of State candidate, has characterized the Ukraine war as a “stalemate” that needs to end, acknowledging Ukrainian bravery while arguing against funding an ongoing stalemate. According to the Financial Times, Trump may seek to freeze the conflict and delay Ukraine’s NATO membership until after Putin’s leadership. The transition period until January 2025, while Biden remains in office, provides a window for securing current peace initiatives, though concerns about future U.S. support for Ukraine remain, particularly given running mate JD Vance’s opposition to continued aid.
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced he will attend the European Political Community summit in Hungary on November 7. The summit, hosted in Budapest, will address European security challenges amid Russia’s war and Middle East tensions. Zelensky was invited by European Council President Charles Michel and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, despite Orban’s skepticism of Ukraine’s position. During the summit, Zelensky plans to meet with European leaders and sign several agreements.
Situation On The Land, Sea, and Air in Ukraine
In a grave violation of international laws of war, Russian forces have executed at least 109 Ukrainian prisoners of war since their 2022 invasion, with killings accelerating in 2024. The latest atrocities occurred near Selydove, Donetsk Oblast, where six Ukrainian POWs were executed in two separate incidents – three on October 23 and three more on November 1. These cold-blooded killings of defenseless prisoners demonstrate Russia’s flagrant disregard for the Geneva Convention and basic human rights. Russian military leadership has neither stopped nor punished these war crimes, suggesting tacit approval of systematic POW executions. Such barbarity marks a clear pattern of Russia’s contempt for international law and fundamental human dignity in its conduct of the war.
Ukrainian Operations in the Russian Federation – Initiative None
Fighting in Ukraine’s Kursk Oblast region remained limited with no confirmed territorial gains by either side. Russian forces claim they attacked several settlements southeast of Korenevo, including Darino, Nikolayevo-Daryino, and Novoivanovka, as well as near Plekhovo and Leonidovo. While Russia reports repelling Ukrainian counterattacks near Novoivanovka and Leonidovo, fighting has quieted in the Glushkovsky area. Though one Russian military blogger claimed Russian forces regained control of the border near Novy Put, this remains unconfirmed.
Ukrainian forces executed their first-ever drone strike on Russia’s naval base in Kaspiysk, Dagestan, approximately 1,500 kilometers from Ukraine, reportedly damaging the frigates Tatarstan and Dagestan, and possibly some Buyan-class corvettes. These Caspian Sea-based ships have been key platforms for launching Kalibr cruise missiles at Ukrainian cities and infrastructure throughout the war, and if confirmed, the damage could significantly reduce Russia’s missile strike capabilities against Ukraine and force them to redistribute naval assets or increase air defenses in previously secure areas. The attack follows Ukraine’s pattern of successful naval operations and demonstrates their expanded attack range and ability to threaten Russian assets previously considered safely out of reach.
While Russian officials acknowledged downing a Ukrainian drone over Kaspiysk without specifying damage, the nearby Makhachkala airport was closed following the operation, and local reports indicate one girl was injured in the incident. The Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) conducted the operation, though Ukraine has not officially claimed responsibility for the event, targeting vessels believed to have been involved in missile strikes against Ukraine.
Kharkiv Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces conducted limited attacks near Kharkiv City around Vovchansk and Starytsya but failed to gain ground. According to Ukrainian military spokesperson Lt. Col. Yevhenii Romanov, deteriorating weather has significantly impacted combat operations in northern Kharkiv Oblast. The poor conditions have reduced daily combat engagements by one-third and limited Russian drone operations. Russian forces are reportedly using this slowdown to stockpile supplies for winter operations. This weather-induced reduction in fighting could signal a shift in the conflict’s dynamics as winter approaches.
Luhansk Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces made confirmed advances in key areas along the Kupyansk-Svatove-Kreminna line with verified progress west of Kolisnykivka and into northeastern Pershotravneve. Russian military sources claim additional advances near Kruhlyakivka, Kolisnykivka, and north of Stelmakhivka, though these remain unconfirmed. Russian forces conducted widespread operations across multiple sectors, including near Synkivka, Petropavlivka, Kucherivka, Druzhelyubivka, and several other settlements around Kreminna. This increased Russian activity suggests a focused effort to gain territory in this strategic corridor, potentially aiming to strengthen their position before winter conditions fully set in.
Donetsk Front – Initiative Russia
Siversk
Russian forces attempted but failed to advance near Bilohorivka, northeast of Siversk.
Chasiv Yar
Russian forces attacked near Chasiv Yar targeting areas around Orikhovo-Vasylivka and Klishchiivka but failed to make advances. According to Ukrainian Major Anastasiya Bobovnikova, Russian assault operations in the Chasiv Yar area are less frequent compared to other sectors.
Toretsk
Russian forces increased their offensive operations around Toretsk on November 6, attacking the city itself along with nearby Dyliivka and Shcherbynivka, but failed to gain ground. Ukrainian military spokesperson Bobovnikova reports that Russian forces have intensified their attacks in this area, building up their presence with special forces units, motorized rifle brigades, and military equipment.
Pokrovsk
Russian forces made confirmed advances southeast of Novooleksiivka in the Pokrovsk area with additional unconfirmed claims of progress within Novooleksiivka itself. Russian forces launched attacks across multiple settlements including Promin, Myrolyubivka, Hryhorivka, Krutyi Yar, Novohrodivka, Lysivka, Selydove, and Vyshneve.
Kurakhove
Russian forces achieved a confirmed advance near Kurakhove with video evidence showing the 114th Motorized Rifle Brigade capturing northwestern Stepanivka, a notable Russian gain in the Kurakhove direction. While Russian sources claim additional advances within Kurakhove, Novodmytrivka, and Berestky, these remain unverified. Russian forces launched attacks across multiple settlements including Kreminna Balka, Novoselydivka, Hostre, Maksymilyanivka, Illinka, Vovchenka, and Ostrivske.
Southwest of Donetsk City
Russian forces made multiple confirmed advances near Vuhledar with video evidence showing mechanized assaults within Antonivka and east of Bohoyavlenka, plus an advance southwest of Trudove. The Russian military claims to have captured Yasna Polyana and Antonivka, with additional unverified advances reported near Uspenivka and Yelyzavetivka. Russian forces launched widespread attacks across the region, targeting settlements including Katerynivka, Maksymivka, Kostiantynopolske, Rozdolne, and Velyka Novosilka.
Zaporizhia Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces continued attacks in western Zaporizhia Oblast, though no advances were confirmed. Russian military bloggers claim advances of 1.5-2 kilometers west of Nesteryanka near Robotyne, but these remain unverified. Russian forces attacked near Orikhiv and Novoandriivka.
Kherson (Dnipro River) Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces launched attacks in the Dnipro River area, including operations near the Dnipro River Delta islands, but failed to make any territorial gains.
Ukraine News
Russian forces launched a major aerial assault on Ukraine during the night, deploying 67 weapons including cruise missiles and Shahed drones from multiple launch sites including the Black Sea, Bryansk, Oryol, and Crimea. Ukrainian forces successfully intercepted all four missiles and 38 drones across nine regions including Odesa, Kyiv, and Zaporizhia. Twenty drones were reportedly neutralized by electronic warfare, while two remained in Ukrainian airspace. The attacks resulted in damage to energy infrastructure in Mykolaiv Oblast.
Following Donald Trump’s expected victory over VP Harris in the U.S. presidential election, President Zelensky and Trump held a phone conversation, which Zelensky described as “excellent” while emphasizing the importance of U.S. leadership for global stability and peace. Despite their complicated history, including the controversial 2019 phone call that led to Trump’s first impeachment, Zelensky congratulated Trump and recalled their September meeting in New York where they discussed U.S.-Ukraine partnership, shared Ukraine’s five-point victory plan, and extended an invitation to visit Ukraine. While Zelensky expressed hope for continued bipartisan support and emphasized potential for stronger cooperation in defense, economy, and post-war development, referencing Ronald Reagan’s “peace through strength” policy, Trump’s potential return to the presidency raises questions about future U.S. aid to Ukraine, particularly given his recent criticisms of both Zelensky and Biden for the Russian invasion, while simultaneously praising his relationships with both Zelensky and Putin.
Ukraine’s natural gas production hit its highest level since the February 2022 invasion, reaching 1.663 billion cubic meters in October 2024 – a 2.3% increase from last year. The country has successfully transitioned from Russian gas dependency, managing last winter entirely on domestic supply. Looking ahead, Ukraine plans to end Russian gas transit through its pipelines to the EU when the current agreement expires, choosing instead to transport Azeri gas. Experts project Ukraine’s gas production will rise to 19.1 billion cubic meters in 2024.
Innocent Victims Of War
The casualty count of civilians in the past 24 hours: (Russian War Crimes)
DEATHS: 9 INJURIES: 38
Russia launched overnight drone attacks on Kyiv, damaging residential buildings in multiple districts including Holosiivskyi, Pechersk, Podil, Obolon, and Solomianskyi. The attacks caused fires in apartment buildings and an auto repair shop, with one person hospitalized.
Russian drone strikes in Kharkiv Oblast resulted in multiple casualties. In Kharkiv city, two women (ages 56 and 72) were injured, while three men (ages 40, 47, and 60) were wounded in an attack on a warehouse in Kapytolivka village. In Hlushkivka, Russian attacks killed two 48-year-old residents, a man and a woman.
Russian forces struck multiple targets in Kherson Oblast, including infrastructure facilities, administrative buildings, and residential areas, resulting in five injuries.
A Russian missile strike on Zaporizhzhia resulted in seven deaths and wounded 25 people.
Russian forces attacked the town of Ochakiv in Mykolaiv Oblast, injuring two civilians – a 13-year-old girl and a 39-year-old woman.
The aftermath of a Russian drone attack on Kyiv. (State Emergency Service/Telegram)
The aftermath of Russian attacks against Zaporizhzhia Oblast. (Governor Ivan Fedorov/Telegram)
Ukraine’s Allies
The Biden administration plans to expedite $6 billion in remaining military aid to Ukraine before Trump’s January 2025 inauguration, according to Politico. This urgency stems from concerns that Trump, who has promised to end the war within “24 hours,” might halt weapons shipments to Kyiv. While $425 million in aid was recently announced, officials worry that delivering the larger remaining package could extend beyond Trump’s inauguration. Trump’s advisors have previously suggested withholding military aid unless Ukraine enters peace negotiations with Russia. Following Trump’s election victory, Zelensky has moved to repair relations strained by Trump’s 2019 impeachment trial.
Russian War Losses (Today/Total)
| Troops +1400
704300 |
Tanks +10
9224 |
Artillery +24
20194 |
Arm. VEH +20
18612 |
Aircraft
369 |
Heli
329 |
Ships
28 |
Russian Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
A prominent Russian commander and State Duma deputy, Alexander Borodai, was recorded describing military volunteers as “expendable” personnel of low socioeconomic status, used primarily to “wear out the enemy.” While Borodai acknowledged making these statements but claimed they were taken out of context, his comments reflect the Russian leadership’s approach of using volunteers as “second-class infantry” to sustain high-casualty offensive operations across the front.
A Ukrainian source reported that Russian forces are allegedly using counterfeit radar homing devices (ARGSN U559) in their Kh-59MK cruise missiles, possibly due to equipment shortages. The devices are reportedly installed to maintain proper missile weight balance. This claim has not been independently verified.
Source Material
Institute for the Study of War – understandingwar.org
The Kyiv Independent – kyivindependent.com
Kyiv Post – kyivpost.com