Exclusives
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UN traces Kherson’s “human safari” up the chain of command — to Putin himself. Erik Møse, Chair of the UN Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, which has declared Russia’s drone terror a crime against humanity, explains how investigators traced a direct chain of command—from drone operators on the Dnipro’s left bank to the Kremlin itself. |
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The Mindich tapes: anti-graft recordings expose Zelenskyy associate’s $100M nuclear operator protection racket. Money-laundering network operated like bank, spanning Kyiv to Atlanta to Moscow |
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Ukraine mocked Russia’s hairy anti-drone tanks—now builds its own. First "cope cages." Then "turtles." Now the Russians are making "hedgehog" tanks to defeat drones. And the Ukrainians are interested. |
Military
Frontline report: Ukrainian troops reclaim Pokrovsk city center in daring nighttime raid Despite Russian claims of total control, Ukrainian forces from the 425th Assault Regiment infiltrated Pokrovsk under cover of darkness, cleared the municipal building, and raised the national flag in the city center - proving the battle for the strategic town is far from over.
Ukraine retreats from five towns in Zaporizhzhia as Russia pounds positions with 400 artillery strikes daily Southern Defense Forces say fortifications near-totally destroyed, Russian units now pressing to encircle Huliaipole.
Zelenskyy returns to Kherson as city endures relentless drone siege three years after freedom President meets military leaders, drone units to review defense measures as frontline city faces constant threat from Russian strikes.
Ukraine strikes Orsk oil refinery 1,400 km inside Russia in one of the war's deepest attacks Orsk facility produces 6.6 million tons annually, supplies Russian forces as Kyiv intensifies energy infrastructure campaign.
Ukraine shoots down only half of Russian drones as Moscow terror attack targets power facilities in three regions Russia's drones hit infrastructure in Odesa, Donetsk, and Kharkiv oblasts, injuring at least one civilian.
Difficult Pokrovsk–Myrnohrad battles rage as both Ukrainian and Russian forces advance, ISW reports Ukraine's defenders fight to keep supply lines open while Moscow's troops press from east and south.
Ukraine strikes Saratov refinery again — one of Russia's biggest oil plants set ablaze The Rosneft-owned facility erupted in flames overnight after explosions shook the city and sirens sounded.
Frontline report: Europe moves to seize Russian energy assets as US sanctions force Lukoil withdrawal New US sanctions targeting European entities cooperating with Russian oil subsidiaries have triggered a wave of nationalizations across the continent, from Germany's Rosneft refineries to Serbia's Gazprom-owned NIS, marking the end of Moscow's decades-long energy dominance in Europe.
Intelligence and Technology
Ukraine opens drone exports to fund its defense – and Europe is buying Ukrainian companies opening facilities abroad to secure funding while NATO allies seek combat-proven systems, Bloomberg reports.
Russia arms Molniya drones with yellow phosphorus in Ukraine trench attacks A new report describes how Russian troops strip down mortar shells to harvest their flammable phosphorus cores.
International
Denmark commits €188mn through "Danish model" to strengthen Ukraine's hand both militarily and diplomatically Package splits funding between Ukrainian defense industry, NATO initiative securing US weapons, and fuel deliveries as Copenhagen urges allies to contribute.
EU to "frontload" Ukraine's membership reforms in Lviv as Hungary blocks formal talks Western Ukrainian city to host Dec 10-11 summit reviewing reforms, planning next steps while Hungary blocks formal negotiating chapters.
Chinese refiner backs away from Russian oil amid sanctions fallout, Reuters says One of inland China's top oil buyers is sourcing non-Russian oil for winter deliveries.
EU conservatives block Hungary spy probe, fearing Orbán will weaponize investigation EPP refuses parliamentary inquiry as progressives demand immediate action
Trump admin guts UN resolution backing Ukraine's borders White House wants "territorial integrity" stripped from annual measure condemning Russian occupation.
NATO skies breached again: Romania fails to launch jets as Russian drone crashes in county next to Ukraine Residents in Romania's Tulcea County received alerts overnight, while fighter jets remained grounded due to weather conditions.
Europe's tribunal for Russian war crimes runs into Trump problem: who pays? Euronews reports that European donors are wary of funding €75M annual costs amid reduced US engagement under Trump.
Slovakia's MiG-29 gift to Ukraine wasn't illegal — prosecutor rejects pro-Russian Fico's accusations Officials confirmed that the aircraft transfer complied with the country's constitution and did not damage national interests.
Humanitarian and Social Impact
Ukrainian suspect in Nord Stream blast on hunger strike says he's held alongside ISIS in Italian prison Locked down and denied proper food, Kuznetsov says he's being treated as "criminal no.1."
Political and Legal Developments
London orders PrivatBank oligarchs to pay Ukraine $3bn for largest bank fraud in country's history The ruling finalizes an eight-year pursuit of losses equal to 1.5% of Ukraine's GDP, though collecting the money won't be easy
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