Exclusive
| Ukrainian pilot: Even if war ends tomorrow, it’s just a waiting period for the next round. Ukrainian pilot “Moonfish,” who rapidly trains to pilot F-16 jets, equates the F-16 to a ‘Swiss Army knife,’ crucial for Ukraine’s multifaceted war effort against Russia. |
 |
Ukraine’s fate will determine future of global democracy, says Nicaraguan freedom champion. If Ukraine falls to Russia, the democratic world order could collapse, warns dissident leader Felix Maradiaga |
Military
Frontline report: Pontoon bridges bolster Ukrainian logistics near Krynky bridgehead. Ukrainian troops in Krynky, Kherson Oblast, utilize drones to outmaneuver Russian artillery, improving their position. President Zelenskyy commends the marines as bridgehead logistics are bolstered by additional pontoon bridges.
Ukrainian Air Force pilots begin F-16 flights in Denmark’s skies. Ukraine Air Force spox says some Ukrainian pilots are already flying with instructors on F-16 jets in Denmark, a precursor to solo flights and combat readiness.
Germany provides new military aid package for Ukraine worth € 1.3 billion. The package will include four additional IRIS-T air defense systems, 155mm shells, and anti-tank mines.
As of 21 Nov 2023, the approximate losses of weapons and military equipment of the Russian Armed Forces from the beginning of the invasion to the present day:
-
-
- Personnel: 319820 (+610)
- Tanks: 5439
- APV: 10174 (+6)
- Artillery systems: 7752 (+4)
- MLRS: 899
- Anti-aircraft systems: 588
- Aircraft: 323
- Helicopters: 324
- UAV: 5771 (+7)
- Cruise missiles : 1564 (+1)
- Warships/boats: 22
- Submarines: 1
- Vehicles and fuel tanks: 10134 (+47)
-
Intelligence and technology
UK intel: Russia likely stockpiling missiles for Ukraine infrastructure attacks. Russia’s halt in missile launches suggests stockpiling for future strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure, following drone attacks to disrupt air defenses, as per UK intelligence.
International
WSJ: Iran mulls supplying ballistic missiles to Russia. The US suspects that Iran is preparing to provide Russia with advanced short-range ballistic missiles for use in its invasion of Ukraine, WSJ reported.
Michel pledges to secure EU green light for Ukraine, Moldova membership talks in December. European Council President Charles Michel stated that this move would bolster Europe’s security and prosperity, while also delivering a powerful message to the Kremlin and any entities challenging global stability.
Russia, Belarus veto Estonia’s OSCE chairmanship bid. “Instead of looking for solutions that would please Moscow, we must isolate Russia in every way on the international arena,” Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna said
US Treasury: Further Ukraine military aid ‘critical’ to US national security. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen says passing legislation to provide further military aid to Ukraine is a “critical priority” for US national security.
Moldovan President joins Zelenskyy to honor victims of Revolution of Dignity and Freedom. On her unannounced visit to Kyiv, Maia Sandu is to discuss with Zelenskyy Ukraine’s and Moldova’s steps toward EU accession, enhancing regional security, and the EU’s support of reforms and development for both countries
German Defense Minister makes his second unannounced visit to Kyiv. After arriving in Ukraine’s capital, Germany’s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius visited a memorial to the Euromaidan revolution and laid flowers, commemorating the 10th anniversary of the start of the revolution in 2014.
Humanitarian and social impact
Over 10,000 civilians killed in Ukraine since start of war, UN says. The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission has confirmed that more than 10,000 civilians, including at least 560 children, have been killed in Ukraine since 24 February 2022, with an additional 18,500 injuries reported.
Russian air attack kills two, injures eight as Ukraine downs 9/10 Russian drones, 1/5 missiles (updated). Russian air attack overnight used drones and missiles; Ukrainian defenses intercepted 9/10 drones and 1/5 missiles, but 4 missiles caused damage hitting Donetsk Oblast hospital and coal mine, killing at least one, injuring six. The morning shelling killed 1 person in Kharkiv Oblast.
Political and legal developments
Slovak parliament confirms government promise to halt military aid to Ukraine. Slovakia’s parliament approved Prime Minister Robert Fico’s newly formed government along with its policy agenda, including a pledge to stop state military assistance to Ukraine.
Euractiv: European Parliament to open office in Ukraine. The European Parliament has agreed to establish an office in Ukraine, aiming to expand its support for Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada.
New developments
Russia eradicates Ukrainian literature in occupied territories, replaces it with russian books. Russia has sent an estimated 2.5 million Russian books to the occupied Ukrainian territories in 2023, Ukraine’s National Resistance Center reported.
Slovak truckers block Ukrainian border checkpoint. Slovak truckers begin a blockade at the Vyšné Nemecké-Uzhhorod checkpoint, mirroring the ongoing Polish truckers’ strikes, both disrupting truck traffic crucial for trade and aid to Ukraine.
Read our earlier daily review here
