Russo-Ukrainian war, day 987: Trump wins US Presidency as EU leaders set to meet Zelenskyy

Exclusives

Yes, Ukraine can join EU while occupied – if it does the work. Just ask Cyprus - the EU knows how to handle divided territories. What it won't handle is half-done reforms.

What makes Russian spies tick? World's largest declassified KGB archive, in Ukraine, tells all. Russian spies don't innovate - they study and update decades-old KGB manuals, says Andriy Kohut, who oversees the world's largest collection of declassified Soviet intelligence files that Moscow mistakenly abandoned in Ukraine.

Military

Ukraine builds new brigades instead of reinforcing old units. Here's why. Russian forces have grown by 100,000 troops along an expanding eastern front, prompting Ukrainian military planners to overhaul their force structure strategy. ISW: Ukrainian forces regain positions south of Chasiv Yar, Donetsk Oblast. Russian forces have seized multiple settlements in eastern Ukraine while Ukrainian forces reclaimed positions near Chasiv Yar, according to geolocated footage and official reports. Drones strike Russian Caspian fleet base Dagestan for the first time. The main base of Russia's Caspian Flotilla, known for launching strikes against Ukraine, came under drone attack on 6 Nov. Ukraine shot down 38 drones in 9 oblasts overnight. Ukrainian forces intercepted 38 Russian drones overnight while tracking 63 aerial targets across nine oblasts, the Air Force reports. Russia's Black Sea Fleet stays outside Crimea due to threat of Ukrainian strikes. The Russian Navy does not plan to return to Crimea since Ukrainian strikes on the fleet and other assets in the occupied peninsula have made harboring there dangerous, according to Ukrainian Naval spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk. Ukraine captures sole survivor of Russian assault – an Egyptian IT student. Ukrainian forces in Donetsk Oblast capture an Egyptian IT student who, after receiving a Russian passport, Russia conscripted and deployed to the front.

As of 6 NOV 2024, the approximate losses of weapons and military equipment of the Russian Armed Forces from the beginning of the invasion to the present day:

• Personnel: 702900 (+1250)
• Tanks: 9214 (+6)
• APV: 18592 (+11)
• Artillery systems: 20170 (+20)
• MLRS: 1245
• Anti-aircraft systems: 996
• Aircraft: 369
• Helicopters: 329
• UAV: 18366 (+57)
• Cruise missiles: 2631
• Warships/boats: 28
• Submarines: 1
• Vehicles and fuel tanks: 28333 (+55)
• Special equipment: 3588 (+1)

Intelligence and Technology

Report: Russia hiding oil sales from OPEC to fund war in Ukraine. Ukrainian researchers allege Russia's systematic deception of OPEC, with hidden oil sales exceeding quotas, reportedly generating $60 billion annually.

International

Zelenskyy to meet all European leaders in Budapest just after Trump's win. More than 40 European leaders gather in Budapest November 7-8 for their first summit since Trump's victory, with Ukraine's Zelenskyy joining. Zelenskyy: First clashes with North Korean troops signal new global instability. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that combat encounters with North Korean troops mark a dangerous new phase in global security challenges. North Korean troops enter Europe in "historic turn," NATO chief warns. NATO needs to do much more for Ukraine in order to shift the war's trajectory, says Mark Rutte. Harris called Trump and congratulated him on his victory. Vice President Harris emphasized the significance of peaceful power transition in her first direct contact with Trump following the election, according to her representatives. French president reaches out to Trump after US election victory. The Élysée Palace reports that Emmanuel Macron and Donald Trump agreed to continue dialogue on Ukraine and Middle East conflicts during their post-election conversation. Bloomberg: Ukraine bonds jump as Trump's victory signals peace push. Those levels were last seen before Russia's full-scale invasion in early 2022. Trump pledges to end Ukraine war, Kremlin holds back congratulations. The Kremlin announced that Vladimir Putin will not congratulate Donald Trump on his election victory, calling it an "internal US matter." Sikorski: Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has called for immediate European action on defense spending and migration policy as US election results emerge. Polish Foreign Minister Sikorski pushes NATO to allow missile interception over Ukraine. As NATO ministers prepare to meet, Polish Foreign Minister Sikorski calls for a policy shift that would permit the interception of Russian missiles over Ukraine, warning of potential consequences if debris reaches Polish soil.

Humanitarian and Social Impact

Captured Russian marine reveals executions of Ukrainian POWs ordered by commander. A former Wagner mercenary, now serving in Russia's 155th Marine Brigade, has disclosed to Ukrainian forces the brutal killing of Ukrainian prisoners in Kursk Oblast, allegedly ordered by Russian command. Ukraine calls on Russia to return body of journalist Victoria Roshchyna who died in captivity. Ukrainian MP reveals that Russia has not handed over the body of journalist Viktoria Roshchyna, who died in Russian captivity, or provided official confirmation of her death. SBU identifies Russian officer behind deportation of 15 children from Mykolaiv. A commander in Russia's 205th Motor Rifle Brigade faces war crimes charges for orchestrating the forced removal of Ukrainian children to Russian territory.

Political and Legal Developments

Trump allegedly wins US 2024 presidential election, Zelenskyy congratulates him. Donald Trump has secured 267 of 270 required electoral votes, according to media projections, as world leaders begin issuing congratulations before official results are announced. Republicans allegedly win control of US Senate. A Republican Senate majority emerged, signaling major changes for Biden's executive and judicial nomination process. EXCLUSIVE: Ukraine to replace US ambassador Markarova amid Trump victory, sources say. A month ago, GOP House Speaker Mike Johnson demanded Ukraine replace its ambassador to Washington after President Zelenskyy's visit to a Pennsylvania ammunition plant. Russia to intensify Moldova destabilization before 2025 parliamentary elections, expert warns. Moldova should prioritize economic growth and social cohesion, as Russia-backed forces exploit internal divisions to push an anti-European agenda, the expert says. Ukrainian-born Republican representative secures decisive win in Indiana. Ukrainian-born Representative Victoria Spartz secured a commanding 57% victory in Indiana's 5th congressional district. Read our earlier review here.