Russo-Ukrainian war, day 1350: Russian forces close to encircling Myrnohrad

Exclusives

Trapped for 33 days in occupied zone, wounded Ukrainian soldier rescued by ground robot in daring op (video). A Ukrainian medic battalion revealed the six-hour mission that finally brought the soldier home after six failed tries.

Ukraine's window closes: Russian forces 3km from trapping Myrnohrad troops. Tthe deadly pattern from Bakhmut and Avdiivka is repeating: commanders delaying withdrawal until escape becomes catastrophic.

Revenue rises, taxes fall: Ukraine's budget twist explained. Government revenue exceeded targets by 3.1% through October—revealing unexpected fiscal resilience.

Military

Ukraine fights to prevent logistics collapse in Pokrovsk as Russian artillery, drones, and guided bombs level city's blocks. Currently, the battle for Pokrovsk remains central to the struggle for the east of Ukraine. Ukrainian special forces establish corridor in burning Pokrovsk after historic parachute-free insertion (VIDEO). Russia seeks to capture Pokrovsk to demonstrate it can seize eastern Ukraine and pressure Kyiv into surrendering occupied territories. Ukrainian FP-2 drone carrying 105kg warhead eliminates Rubicon officers in occupied Avdiivka. The strike eliminated personnel from the unit Russia relies on to hunt Ukrainian reconnaissance drones and their operators Partisans say they set fire to Russian comms truck during attack inside Rostov airbase. The group Atesh released a video showing flames under a Kamaz-based vehicle, stating it was a mobile relay station R-417 Baget used for flight coordination. Russia dropped a record 5,328 guided bombs on Ukraine in October. Ukraine's Ministry of Defense says around 40,000 bombs have hit since January.

Intelligence and technology

AI-powered drones deliver 800% productivity surge in Ukraine demining surveys, new research reveals. Technology cuts survey costs by 50% per hectare. Patriots, artillery, drones: Germany adds €3 billion to Ukraine aid budget as Europe's largest military backer – Reuters. Package to cover artillery, drones, armored vehicles, and two Patriot air-defense system replacements. Intelligence: New Russian turbojet bombs achieve 43% range boost with Western and Chinese parts. The 43% range extension allows Russian aircraft to strike while remaining outside Ukrainian air-defense engagement zones, threatening Kyiv Oblast. UK to bolster Ukraine's sky shield with thousands of new "Octopus" interceptor drones and missiles. New systems aim to counter Russian attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure.

International

Poland still analyzing Russian drones that fell during September airspace breach. Polish Prime Minister Tusk visited a counterintelligence site where teams continue their technical study of the wrecks. Russia's missing army: 144,000 families now turning to Ukraine for answers. October's findings revealed that 159 captured Russian soldiers included foreigners from Egypt to Belarus. North Korea sent 5,000 construction troops to Russia – Seoul. South Korean intelligence says the troop deployments show closer coordination between Moscow and Pyongyang amid the war in Ukraine. Brussels unlocks next €1.8 billion for Kyiv as part of financial support program amid Russia's invasion. The EU has approved the fifth major disbursement under the Ukraine Facility after Ukraine fulfilled key reform steps. Belgian army gives orders to shoot down drones over military bases after 3 consecutive nights of sightings. Belgium takes the step most NATO allies haven't taken on drone response as mystery incursions spread across Europe.

Political and legal developments

Russian "political refugees" caught spying for the FSB in Poland. Couple received state support as anti-Putin dissidents while transmitting encrypted reports on Polish officials and NGOs to FSB handler. He tried to get away with money for army — but Ukraine caught him in Armenia. The organizer of a massive $480,000 fraud scheme is handed over by Armenia to Ukrainian authorities. Read our earlier daily review here.